April 2026 Work Force Newsletter

Health Care

Workforce Updates

April 2026

Help Strengthen NY’s Healthcare Workforce: Become a CPT Qualified Service Commitment Site

FLPPS continues to actively seek qualified service commitment sites to support Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program graduates as they fulfill their required three-year service commitment. NYS Medicaid-enrolled providers serving 30% or more Medicaid and/or uninsured individuals may be eligible.

Reach out to the CPT Partner Team to learn more.

Introduction to Native American cultural competency examines historical trauma, Thursday, Apr. 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET

For more information and/or to inquire about specific training requests, please contact Pete Hill, NACS’ Special Initiatives Coordinator at phill@nacswny.org.

Register in advance for this virtual session.

Common Ground Health holding mental health training for those working with youth, Apr. 14, 12-1:00 p.m. ET

Youth Mental Health First Aid introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care. April 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Learn more and register. 

Understanding interprofessional collaborations' role in diabetes prevention, Apr. 23, 12 to 1 p.m. ET

The final webinar in the AHEC Building Better Health Series will focus on understanding the roles of healthcare and community partners in diabetes prevention and care. CEs are available for Social Work, OT, PT, LMHC. Email Jason Fulkerson at jfulkerson@r-ahec.org for more information.

Register here.  

Clarity in the Chaos: Scenario Planning for Nonprofit Leaders, Friday, Apr. 24, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET

This hands-on workshop from the Center for Non-Profit Leadership at St. John Fisher is designed for nonprofit executive directors and their board leaders who are navigating the "Era of Extreme Unpredictability."

This in-person session will equip participants with a practical approach to assess the environment, make strategic decisions, build organizational resilience, and lead with confidence, even when the path ahead is unclear. This isn't just a strategic exercise; it's a vital leadership function for survival and impact in an era of rapid change.

Geared for nonprofit leaders, teams of the executive director and board chair, senior leadership team members and board committee chairs (strategic planning committee, finance committee.

Todd Butler, President and CEO of Causewave Community Partners in Rochester, NY will lead this event.

For questions, contact Melanie Phillips at mphillips@sjf.edu or 585-899-3769.

Registration is required.

Greater Rochester Quality Council offering course in Quality for Leaders, May 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2026, 12:30-4:30 pm.

Delivered in partnership with Monroe Community College, this acclaimed program is intended for decision makers and leaders, and the content is in response to direct feedback we heard from leaders across the community: This workshop will enable leaders to embed quality thinking throughout their organization, no matter the starting point. Walk away with strategies to build a culture of continuous improvement, navigate change and drive process improvement results, even with limited resources.

Registration is required.

Powerful documentary subject of virtual training from Native American Community Services, Thursday, May 9, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET

This session from NACS’s Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Promotion Program will include a screening and discussion of “Unseen Tears: The Impact of Native American Boarding Schools in Western New York.” A discussion and debrief of the film and its provocative content will follow, examining how past and present dynamics continue to affect current service delivery.

Registration is required.

Lifespan virtual rural health conference to focus on caring for older adults, Fri. May 8, 8:30 a.m. ET

Older adults in rural areas face a variety of health care access barriers; a topic not often covered in health professions' education. The goal of this conference is to increase your knowledge of population health data, treatment strategies, and support and services in order to encourage and build resilience in rural caregivers and health care providers. Contact organizer, Katy Allen, (585) 287-6369, katy.allen@lifespan-roch.org, with any questions.

Register here.

WNY AHEC Training Center and Pri-Med Institute offering free, online and self-paced training on pain management, through Oct. 31, 2026

Healthcare providers: strengthen your approach to pain management with this comprehensive, evidence-based training offered by Pri-Med Institute. You will learn how to:

• Recognize and classify pain
• Explore non-opioid and pharmacologic treatment options
• Learn strategies to reduce risk and individualize care

This four-hour session offers CMEs. When registering, please indicate Western New York Rural AHEC as the referring agency.

Register here.

Apply for the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, deadline April 9, 7:30 p.m. ET

The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program application is open now. It provides funding to future nurses to help cover tuition, fees, a monthly stipend, and other costs. Current and accepted nursing students at eligible accredited schools of nursing can apply.

Interested in applying? Watch the application assistance webinar and join the online application assistance Q&A session on April 8, anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET.

National Health Service Corps scholarship program application now open, deadline Apr. 16, 7:30 p.m. ET

Students pursuing a career in primary health care can apply to the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program now through April 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The scholarship includes tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend. In return, scholars commit to providing primary care health services in health professional shortage areas. 

The Sylvia Lask Scholarship in mental health open to college juniors and seniors and graduate students, deadline Jun. 30

This scholarship is awarded annually by the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS) and is open to applicants who are college level juniors and seniors, and matriculated graduate students attending school in New York State, majoring in a mental health related field, to prepare for a career in mental health. Applicants must also be legal resident of NYS and be able to demonstrate financial need. 

This scholarship encourages the education of individuals to support in the prevention and treatment of mental health challenges, the promotion of mental health and the empowerment of adults, children, and families whose lives have been affected by mental health challenges. 

Apply now.

Rochester Regional Health launches student loan support program

A new student-loan support initiative is aimed at helping finance students’ education and transition as they pursue high-demand clinical careers roles within Rochester Regional Health upon graduation for certified registered nurse anesthetists, surgical technologists and radiologic technologists

• Eligible CRNAs may receive up to $180,000 in student loan repayment support.
• Surgical technologists and radiologic technologists may qualify for up to $30,000 and $25,000, respectively.

Students can apply while still enrolled in programs, secure employment commitments prior to graduation, and begin receiving structured financial support once they join the organization. 

Contact Rochester Regional Health Huma Resources department to determine eligibility: (585) 922-1100.

Safe Staffing Through New Models of Care

Workforce shortages, digital health innovations, artificial intelligence, and telehealth are reshaping how care is delivered, as advances in medical science are extending lifespans and increasing the prevalence of chronic conditions that require long-term management. At the same time, mental health challenges are escalating, climate change is influencing health outcomes, and health systems worldwide are grappling with severe staffing shortages.

The Taskforce on Safe Staffing through New Models of Care was established to develop a framework of innovative care models that optimize workforce capabilities, harness technology, and improve patient outcomes—while maintaining cost effectiveness. The framework is uniquely informed by the maldistribution of the health workforce and health worker migration.

This report amplifies existing research and analysis of care models, with a particular focus on care delivery across the continuum—especially in primary care, community health, and public health, where needs are most acute. It champions the effective deployment of multidisciplinary teams, ensuring all professionals work to the full extent of their capabilities in partnership with patients and families. It also emphasizes workplace safety and supportive environments to strengthen workforce retention, elevate respect for health workers, and promote healing spaces for those receiving care.

Read the framework. 

Please share your health care workforce updates

If you have workforce updates to share, or any feedback or ideas for this newsletter, please contact Melissa Wendland at melissa.wendland@commongroundhealth.org.

Please share this newsletter with others in your organization who might benefit and encourage them to sign up to receive it. 
https://www.commongroundhealth.org/newsletter-sign-up