In response to a Senate hearing on healthcare workforce shortages, the Western Governors’ Association provided recommendations to help grow the workforce and expand access to services. The letter of February 17, signed by WGA Executive Director Jack Waldorf, urged the federal government to implement programs that ensure states have an adequately staffed and diverse workforce that can serve urban, suburban, and rural communities. “Population growth, aging residents, and challenges involving Tribal health care and services for veterans require a renewed focus on developing our nation’s health care workforce,” the letter read. “The federal government should consider funding new types of personnel, such as community health workers or promotores, in order to further extend the health care team and ensure that patients are connected to resources.” Download the letter for more details.