Congressman Gonzalez Announces Grant of Over $1.7 Million to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for Healthcare Workforce Resiliency 

McAllen, Texas – On Friday, February 18, 2022, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced that the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) will receive a grant of over $1.7 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for healthcare workforce resiliency.

"COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on everyone, but especially our frontline health care workers. UTRGV continues to be a model for implementing programs and offering resources to reduce burnout and promote mental health and wellness among the health care workforce," stated Congressman Gonzalez. "I applaud HHS and UTRGV for their dedication to our health care workforce that has continuously gone above and beyond to meet patient needs, before and throughout the pandemic to now. I am proud to announce this investment their wellbeing."

"UTRGV is honored to receive this grant and to partake in this important research," said UTRGV President Guy Bailey. "I think we can all agree that our health care providers have played a vital role during the pandemic. We are grateful for their service, and we look forward to developing additional evidence-informed practices and training to improve the retention of providers in underserved and rural communities."

"I have traveled to many health centers across the country and know that the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified issues that have long been a source of stress for frontline health care workers — from increased patient volumes to long working hours," said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. "This funding reflects the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to ensuring we have enough critical frontline workers by supporting health care providers now and beyond as they face burnout and mental health challenges. We will continue to promote the well-being of those who have made so many sacrifices to keep others well."

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, this grant, in the amount of $1,755,714, will allow UTRGV to reduce burnout, improve mental health and wellness among healthcare workers, and strengthen the healthcare workforce. The grant will further evidence-based practices and training that aim to improve the retention of providers in underserved and rural communities.

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