For Immediate Release                                       Contact: Amanda Molk, 202-225-5256
February 25, 2003

Napolitano Secures Funding from Johnson & Johnson for Local Nurse Training

Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA38) yesterday secured $10,000 from Johnson & Johnson for the 38th District Consortium’s Proposal to Address the Nursing Health Care Worker Shortage. “I am delighted that Johnson & Johnson is going to help support our program to train 1,600 health care workers for jobs in our communities and region,” stated Napolitano.

The Consortium, which includes 22 local health care providers, 15 training/education institutions, the local Workforce Investment Board (SELACO) and the Regional Health Occupations Resource Center (RHORC) hosted by Mt. San Antonio College, has been meeting with the Congresswoman and her staff for several months to develop this detailed proposal. “I am so impressed with the dedication and ingenuity of our consortium members,” noted the Congresswoman. SELACO will manage the funding and oversee this project, and the RHORC will coordinate the education and training with the other Consortium members.

The proposal would provide basic skills and professional training over a four-year period for 1,600 health care workers, mostly Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA's) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN’s). “California is experiencing one of the worst nursing shortages in the nation. By training people to enter and progress up the nursing career ladder, we can help address this shortage. Nurse educators in my district have told me that they receive many applications from people who want to enter this profession, but they simply do not have the funds to train all of them,” the Congresswoman said.

In addition to addressing the severe nursing shortage, this proposal will provide needed job opportunities to the local area. “Unemployment in many of the cities I represent is much higher than the national average. This program will help many people enter a profession that provides secure, well-paying jobs with a future,” Napolitano commented.

The Consortium will need to raise $10 million to implement the project. In addition to the $10 million, the training program’s participants will provide 50% matching funds. “The contribution from Johnson & Johnson is an excellent start, and I am working to secure funds from a number of other private entities and the federal government,” concluded Napolitano.

Representative Grace F. Napolitano, 38th District of California
1609 Longworth Building          Washington, DC 20515          Phone 202-225-5256          Fax 202-225-0027		11627 East Telegraph Road, #100       Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670       Phone 562-801-2134       Fax 562-949-9144
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