California is currently experiencing a shortage of health workers that has reached crisis levels, leading to difficulties for Californians in accessing necessary healthcare. In response, state policymakers have taken action over the past five years to expand and diversify the health workforce. This has been done through funding various programs and services aimed at recruiting, educating, training, and retaining health workers. As the state faces significant budget challenges in fiscal year 2024-25, it is crucial to sustain these investments in the health workforce.
This Q&A publication offers a brief overview of the importance of investing in California’s health workforce. It covers recent actions by state leaders, the current range of health workforce development programs, and the necessity of continuing and building upon the progress that has been made so far.
The publication addresses key questions such as why it is essential for California to keep investing in the health workforce. It also examines the collaborative efforts of state and philanthropic leaders in creating the necessary health workforce for California, as well as the programs available in the state to expand and diversify the health workforce. Additionally, insights into the investments made by California policymakers in the health workforce over the past five years are provided, along with potential actions that policymakers could take to further strengthen the health workforce.
This publication marks the beginning of a series that will delve into the efforts by state, federal, and philanthropic entities to expand and diversify California’s health workforce.