FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2023

ARPA funding awarded to Finger Lakes Performing Provider Systems and Monroe Community College Workforce Programs

ROCHESTER, NY — Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced $11 million in American Rescue Plan funding (ARPA) to expand two of Finger Lakes Performing Provider Systems’ (FLPPS) nursing workforce development programs to address nursing shortages throughout the county.

“The COVID-19 pandemic shined a light on the shortage of skilled healthcare workers in our county. With this $11 million ARPA investment, we are creating a long-term solution to this problem by breaking down barriers and creating pathways to career advancement in nursing,” said County Executive Bello. “Thank you to FLPPS and Monroe Community College for working together on this important initiative to bring more skilled workers into the medical workforce.”

$5.5 million dollars of ARPA funding is allocated to the FLPPS Long-Term Care Workforce Program to establish career pathways systems with Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) that will cover training costs, tuition and other employee related expenses for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs). The program’s goal is to expand service capacity with participating SNFs and home health care agencies.

An additional $5.5 million of ARPA funding is awarded to FLPPS for a workforce development partnership with Monroe Community College (MCC) for their Transforming Lives Through Nursing Pathways Program. The funding expands and strengthens clinical programming at MCC to serve more students and offers Academic Success Coaches to nursing students and wraparound support services such as childcare and transportation.

“I am excited that FLPPS is partnering with MCC, skilled nursing facilities, and local training organizations and workforce experts to develop stronger, equitable, and high-performing workforce development systems. These innovative programs will provide educational and training opportunities to individuals that are pursuing a career in healthcare and include wraparound support to ensure achievement of academic and career goals. Working together, we are providing opportunities for individuals to achieve economic mobility,” said Carol Tegas, CEO of FLPPS.

“MCC is committed to creating a stronger nursing workforce pipeline to fill current and future employment needs for local health care organizations, opening doors of opportunity for job seekers who want family-sustaining careers, and providing professional development training for more entry-level certified nurse assistants to move up the health care career ladder. Investing in their education benefits our students, patients and the Greater Rochester community. The Transforming Lives Through Nursing Pathways initiative is a shining example of the profound, positive impact achieved through collaborations among industry, academia and government, including with Monroe County, the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System and University of Rochester Medical Center. Together, we are uplifting the lives of students – especially underserved Rochesterians – across all ZIP codes in the region and strengthening the area’s economy.” — Robin Cole Jr., D.Sc., vice president of economic and workforce development and career technical education at MCC

“This program will be a very powerful tool for our community to address its severe health care staffing shortage,” said Steven I. Goldstein, President and CEO of Strong Memorial and Highland Hospitals and President of Long-Term Care for the University of Rochester Medical Center. “It will help improve access to care for people who rely on hospitals, nursing homes and home care services in their time of need, and it will expand access to education and career resources for people in our community to build fulfilling careers in health care.”

“At Rochester Regional Health, we are excited to join with Monroe County, FLPPS, University of Rochester Medicine, Monroe Community College and others to bring solutions on the nursing shortage in long term care. These grant funds will allow us to innovatively recruit, hire and train high quality nurses while providing us with the flexibility to support their childcare, transportation and housing needs,” said Jill Graziano, Senior Vice President of Extended Care at Rochester Regional.

 “Our partnership with FLPPS and MCC enables Friendly Senior Living to provide and support meaningful career paths for our employees. We have already experienced several success stories, and are very grateful to be part of this vital initiative. Friendly Senior Living looks forward to continuing to help individuals in our community who are interested in pursuing careers in senior healthcare to achieve their professional goals,” said Mary Anne Detmer, VP of Human Resources for Friendly Senior Living, a non-profit provider of housing, services and care for older adults.

This project was selected as part of Bring Monroe Back, Monroe County’s plan that will utilize federal funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Through the efforts of Congressman Joseph D. Morelle, and Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Monroe County is the recipient of $144,080,127 in local fiscal recovery funds.

“Workforce development is paramount in order to create a thriving local healthcare infrastructure,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Monroe Community College’s nursing program has become a major success by providing wraparound support services such as childcare and transportation allowing more individuals the opportunity to succeed in nursing. I’m grateful to County Executive Bello for his initiative and leadership by directing this ARPA funding to enhance this transformative educational program.”

“I applaud County Executive Bello for using the funds I secured in the American Rescue Plan Act to provide a shot in the arm to Monroe County’s nursing workforce,” said US Senator Charles Schumer. “From the work they did during the pandemic to the countless people they serve every day, our nurses are true heroes in the community. By addressing the nursing shortage and providing career advancement opportunities, Monroe County is ensuring these healthcare heroes have the resources they need to continue serving patients across the county with the utmost level of care.”

“Finger Lakes Performing Provider System is a leader in our community that provides valuable and innovative tools to improve healthcare outcomes. This initiative to expand their Nursing Pathways program will have significant impact across our community. Developing the workforce and providing much needed wraparound support to individuals entering the healthcare field is critical to meeting the demand for services. I’m proud to support this ARPA funding that has the potential to be truly transformational,” said Monroe County Legislator Howard Maffucci.

Katherine Rogala
585.239.9362
[email protected]