MADISON – The Wisconsin Health Care Association (WHCA) and LeadingAge Wisconsin would like to thank Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) for investing $6 million in WisCaregiver Careers, a workforce development program designed to address the CNA shortage in Wisconsin nursing homes by providing free training, free certification testing, and $500 caregiver bonuses.

“WisCaregiver Careers is a great example of an effective public-private partnership. The associations are deeply appreciative of Governor Evers and Secretary Timberlake for investing

$6 million in WisCaregiver Careers to address the workforce crisis in long-term care,” said Kate

Battiato, WHCA Director of Workforce Development and WisCaregiver Careers Program Manager. “On behalf of Wisconsin’s long-term care community, thank you for supporting our employers and expanding access to CNA training across the state.”

“The number one issue facing the long-term care provider community is the unprecedented workforce challenge, and the intent of the WisCaregiver Careers program is to take this challenge head-on, “ said John Sauer, President & CEO of LeadingAge Wisconsin. “By offering certified nursing assistant scholarships, training, mentoring, and support, this important program offers life-changing opportunities to persons wanting to join the mission of caregiving.” According to Sauer, “WisCaregiver Careers, coupled with efforts to further improve caregiver wages and benefits, will make a true difference in the lives of our caregivers and those entrusted to their care.”

WisCaregiver Careers started in 2018 as a successful DHS pilot policy initiative. In 2020, DHS forged its private-public partnership with WHCA and LeadingAge Wisconsin. Under this partnership, which is currently operating under a $400,000 DWD Fast Forward grant, WHCA and LeadingAge Wisconsin work together to administer the program, while DHS provides technical guidance and support. Now in 2022, the program partners are seeking to build on the program’s successes and lessons learned with new funding that opens 3,000 additional training slots statewide.

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