Advocate Aurora Health is awarding grants to local community organizations through its Better Together Fund to develop a more diverse health care force.
The grants are part of a $2 million commitment to Milwaukee projects that address social and economic needs during the coronavirus pandemic.
“COVID-19 has amplified the disproportionate impact illness can have on people simply because of the zip code in which they live," said Better Together Fund Chief External Affairs Officer Cristy Garcia-Thomas. "These programs will not only help remove barriers to a career in health care, but also create a workforce more reflective of the communities they serve, encouraging more individuals to seek care when it’s needed."
As the pandemic strains the health care system, it has also aimed a spotlight on health care inequities in the system.
The projects of the four grant recipients are focused on creating diversity and inclusivity among caregivers.
- Milwaukee Jobs Work – Pathways to Healthcare Careers Program will be awarded $200,000 to expand job skills development and tutoring programs for central Milwaukee city residents with limited work histories and significant barriers to long-term, successful employment.
- Cream City Medical Society/Milwaukee Health Services – Pipeline to Practice will be awarded $200,000 to provide seed funding for the Physician Recruitment Scholarship Fund, a key component of the Pathways to Practice program for African American physician development.
- Wisconsin Area Health Education Center – Community Health Workers Training Program Expansion will be awarded 200,000 to develop a virtual community health workers training program and provide one-on-one coaching/mentoring for an additional six months to further hone skills and provide career support services.
- And the Hispanic Collaborative - Rapid Cohort Upskilling Model will be awarded $75,000 to recruit Latinos into a bilingual certified nursing assistant training program.
