The Finger Lakes Performing Provider System (FLPPS) has been selected to lead the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program in 18 counties across New York’s Finger Lakes, Western New York, and Southern Tier regions. This initiative, part of the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) 1115 Waiver, seeks to address the pressing shortages in the healthcare workforce by providing education and career advancement opportunities, particularly in allied health roles. Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the initiative’s dual focus on expanding the healthcare workforce and ensuring diverse professionals are trained, thereby promoting equitable access to healthcare services.
Participants of the CPT Program are committed to dedicating three years of service with Medicaid providers upon completion of their training. This requirement not only guarantees that the workforce is bolstered where it is most critically needed, but also ensures a more stable and long-term solution to workforce shortages in the healthcare sector. Carol Tegas, FLPPS CEO, emphasized the program’s importance in cultivating a resilient, well-trained, and diverse healthcare workforce through strategic regional partnerships. This collaborative approach is expected to bring about sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery across the multiple counties involved.
Ultimately, the initiative underscores New York State’s commitment to closing the gaps in healthcare workforce supply and promoting health equity. With FLPPS at the helm, managing the CPT Program, it represents a strategic and forward-thinking effort to address healthcare workforce challenges in the state. This leadership not only fosters career growth for individuals in the healthcare field but also significantly enhances the quality of healthcare services available to communities across these regions.
