As ACA Rolls Out in Maryland, New Grant Will Help 1199ers Fill Workforce Needs

March 31, 2013

Thanks to the tireless 1199SEIU members, the union’s Maryland/DC Training and Upgrading Fund will receive $309,000 in new state funds to train union members to meet future workforce needs.Under the Affordable Care Act, Maryland will need more healthcare workers skilled in medical records and coding, geriatric care, and advanced nursing. The state grant will go to training existing healthcare workers to fill new roles and gain the skills they need to improve patient outcomes.“In Maryland, we’re dedicated to creating jobs and expanding opportunity. Through the Training and Upgrading Fund, we’re ensuring that our workforce has the innovative tools and cutting edge skills required in today’s health care arena,” said Governor Martin O’Malley.“This is a big deal,” explained Linda Bock (pictured), an RN who has lobbied for additional state funding for training and other priorities. “I’m proud to be part of a union that strongly promotes education so healthcare workers can provide the best care to our patients and the community at large. We worked hard to make this much-needed funding a reality, and we’ll continue to find practical solutions to ensure healthcare reform works for all Marylanders!”Through the Affordable Care Act, nearly all 700,000 uninsured Marylanders will soon have access to affordable healthcare coverage.The regional Training and Upgrading Fund, established in 2007, has since grown to work with 30 local healthcare institutions and offer a wide variety of classes to 1199SEIU members throughout Maryland and Washington, DC. Hundreds of front-line healthcare workers have received training and completed certificate and diploma programs though the fund.- See more at: http://www.1199seiu.org/as_aca_rolls_out_in_maryland_new_grant_will_help_1199ers_fill_workforce_needs#sthash.9Dawobgx.dpuf