Over the past five years, California has been grappling with a severe shortage of health workers, making it difficult for residents to access the care they need to stay healthy. In response, state policymakers have taken action to expand and diversify the health workforce. Various programs and services have been funded to recruit, educate, train, and retain health workers.
However, as California prepares to address a significant budget shortfall in fiscal year 2024–25, it is crucial to continue investing in these efforts. This Q&A publication offers a brief overview of the importance of investing in California’s health workforce. It highlights recent actions taken by state leaders, the current programs available to develop the health workforce, and the need to maintain and build upon the progress that has been made so far.
Readers can find answers to key questions such as why California should continue investing in the health workforce, what state and philanthropic leaders are doing to address the shortage, and what programs are available to expand and diversify the health workforce. Insights into past investments by California policymakers and potential future actions to strengthen the health workforce are also included.
This publication is just one part of a series that will explore state, federal, and philanthropic efforts to address the shortage and diversify the health workforce in California. The next issue will delve deeper into these efforts and provide more information on how they can be effective in improving healthcare outcomes for all Californians.
