Capitol News

Armed with a recent $25 million grant, Michigan State University is spearheading an initiative to address the severe shortage of direct care workers who provide health care support for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.

Four million dollars has been allocated to 26 agencies statewide to support innovative projects designed to strengthen the workforce. The remaining $21 million of the grant supports initiatives such as establishing a comprehensive training and credentialing center and implementing new strategies and career success models to improve recruitment and retention.

The federal grant was awarded to MSU’s IMPART Alliance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services using American Rescue Plan Act/Home and Community Based Services Spending Plan project funds.

Eric Paad, founder and president of the Caregiver Incentive Project based in Marquette, plans to use mini-grant funding to create a success fund to help direct care workers overcome barriers to success. For example, the fund will assist a care worker with auto repairs or childcare so they can cover their shifts.

“Receiving this mini-grant from IMPART Alliance will ensure we can continue our work toward our mission to end the shortage of in-home caregivers across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,” Paad said.

By addressing the critical shortage of direct care workers, MSU and IMPART Alliance are not only supporting the state’s vulnerable populations but also paving the way for sustainable, long-term solutions. This initiative promises a brighter future for Michigan’s direct care workers and those who depend on their care.

“Our awardees are launching groundbreaking projects that promise the change we all seek. This initiative will address the underlying issues leading to the lack of economic security and respect that plague the profession,” said Clare Luz, executive director of IMPART Alliance and leading faculty researcher in the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Direct care workers provide support to individuals with disabilities and older adults, assisting with essential hands-on care necessary for maintaining independence. Paid direct care assistance is often crucial for families, yet there is a dire shortage of trained professionals. Employers face significant challenges in hiring, training, and retaining staff. Currently, approximately 190,000 direct care workers serve Michigan residents, but at least 36,000 more are urgently needed.

IMPART Alliance, housed within MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, is dedicated to expanding and supporting the direct care workforce through comprehensive training, credentialing, career pathways, and state-level advocacy. Serving as the grant convener, IMPART Alliance collaborates with a robust network of statewide partners. Initiatives such as mini-grants aim to increase qualified caregivers' numbers and improve recruitment and retention rates.

Mini-grant projects will be awarded to agencies from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula focusing on four key areas:

- Widening the pipeline: Developing new recruitment methods within nontraditional populations.

- Removing barriers: Identifying obstacles such as lack of tuition assistance or transportation.

- Integrating remote technology: Enhancing digital literacy for virtual training.

- Expanding training opportunities: Creating accessible training programs.

Priority was given to projects targeting nontraditional or underrepresented groups including immigrants, veterans, tribal communities, persons with disabilities, high school seniors, and residents in rural areas. These initiatives aim to build a diverse workforce.

“We’ve implemented a wide range of strategies including inviting employers to become partners in this unprecedented opportunity by receiving mini-grants,” Luz said.

A request for mini-grant proposals published in early April drew an overwhelming response from nearly 900 applicants.

“This incredible response highlights the untapped potential and creativity of direct care employers across Michigan,” Luz added.