On December 3, 2024, the NYS Department of Health (DOH) released the Request for Applications #20422 (RFA) direct caregiver flexibility grant from DOH. The intent of this RFA is to fund up to $19,000,000 per year for five (5) years for Direct Caregiver Training Centers along with the Direct Caregiver Support Hub component to support the training program. The grant seeks to create a more uniform and centralized “training and support system” for direct care workers—Personal Care Aides (“PCAs”), Home Health Aides (“HHAs”), and Certified Nursing Assistants (“CNAs”). Training Centers are intended to serve as a regional hub for direct caregiver training opportunities that develops a pipeline of individuals trained and able to work in direct care jobs. Per the RFA, the DOH is seeking the establishment of at least one (1) Direct Care Training Center in each of the 10 Economic Development Regions of New York State.
