Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel announced the awarding of a $5 million grant to train and place an estimated 1,000 people in jobs in the medical field in the Bronx. The grant is part of a $225 million U.S. Department of Labor program in 30 states that will train 15,000 people nationwide for jobs in health care.

Rep. Engel said, “The health care field is one of the few that has a growing demand for workers in this dire economic time. This program allows unemployed, underemployed and relatively unskilled workers to train for the health care field. This will not only help those individuals but will help the economy as a whole.

“The Department of Labor has identified some 10,000 jobs nationwide that will likely become available in the next two years. These grants, ranging from $2 million to $5 million for 55 separate training programs, will train people for these jobs and others as they become available.”

Under the grant, authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Obama almost exactly a year ago, Universal Behavioral Associates will partner with Montefiore Medical Center, Montefiore Home Care, Allen Health Care Services, Bestcare, Inc., Family Aides, Inc., Gotham Per Diem, Inc., People Care, Premier, VIP Health Care Services, Bronx and Hunts Point Workforce 1 Career Centers (W1CC), 1199 SEIU, and Local 1707 for the training program.

Universal Behavioral Associates will train the workers for careers as Certified Home Health Aides (HHA). Upon completion of training, 1,350 graduates will become provisional HHAs, eligible to receive a certificate recognized by the New York State Department of Health, and work in the home care field. Working with the New York City Workforce Investment Board and its training partners, Universal will help place more than 1,000 participants with jobs in the healthcare sector.

As many industries experience lay-offs and job losses, the health care industry remains a key component in regional economies across the nation. Employment growth in the health care sector is driven by significant increases in demand for health care because of an aging population and longer life expectancies. In addition, projected retirements for current health care workers will necessitate a pipeline of skilled individuals ready to enter health care occupations.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009 to create jobs, promote economic growth, and assist those most impacted by the recession. The Recovery Act further provided that projects preparing workers for careers in the health care sector and other high growth and emerging industries would receive priority.

“The Recovery Act’s investments are making a positive difference in the lives of America’s working families,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The Recovery Act funded grants announced today will ensure thousands of workers across the nation can receive high-quality training and employment services, which will lead to good jobs in healthcare and other industries offering career-track employment and good pay and benefits.”

“Grants which invest in health care will strengthen our economy and create jobs at the local level,” said Rep. Engel. “It will lay the groundwork needed for an America which has a health care system that is both accessible and sustainable.”