California has the largest number of older adults in the country, and it is projected an additional 275,000 direct care workers will be needed by 2026 to meet the growing population. Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs) are a critical part of this workforce. In California, over 50% of CNAs work in nursing care facilities or community care facilities serving older adults. CNAs and HHAs play an essential role in these facilities and in home and community-based settings, often serving as the principal caregivers and having the most personal contact with residents than any other staff member or family member.

LeadingAge California was awarded over $25 million by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) to implement The Gateway-In Project© which will add 2,700 Certified Nurse Assistants and Home Health Aides to the workforce pipeline through training and job placement.

By providing training, wrap-around supports and incentives for career development for those entering or already in the field, the program will make significant headway in turning the tides on the ongoing workforce shortage crisis pervading the health care workforce that supports older adults across the state.

Read the press release here.