The Northern Border Regional Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development have awarded $300,000 to the Visiting Nurses Association of Central New York for an economic development project.
Funds will allow the VNA to expand their existing home care nurse residency program into Oneida County, while also improving recruitment, retention and preparation of novice nurses. The program will accept new applicants every two months with a goal of graduating 80% of participants and decreasing the turnover rate of novice nurses while creating a homecare nursing staff dedicated to addressing the social determinants of health that play a critical role in the well-being of patients.
“When we invest in economic development initiatives that are a priority for rural communities, we strengthen the entire region. This collaboration brings together two federal agencies, whose sole focus is on improving the day-to-day lives of people who live in rural America. With this focus and knowledge of the region we are thrilled to announce this slate of projects that will create economic opportunity, increase access to health care, and collectively position the region for a strong future,” said Chris Saunders, Federal Co-Chair of the NBRC.
