I am writing on behalf of the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (VHWDA) to officially submit the final report of the Health Workforce Study as mandated by the Appropriations Act, (Chapter 2, Item 292, H1-2).

Over the past year, the VHWDA with our partners at RAND Corporation have dedicated significant time, resources, and expertise to rigorously investigate and analyze the state of Virginia's health workforce. The study engaged multiple stakeholders, reviewed extensive data, and conducted comprehensive assessments to fulfill the directives of the Appropriations Act.

Key Findings:

• Current trends indicate increasing shortages in nursing, primary care, and behavioral health workforces in Virginia with current workforce interventions.

• Reducing barriers like workplace violence, trauma, and stress by half can lead to a quick increase in nurse retention.

• Over 15 years, increased recruitment will have a larger positive impact than reducing barriers.

• Boosting nurse wage growth from 2% to 3% annually helps in retention and recruitment but not as effectively as the other interventions.

• Combining all interventions (recruitment, retention, and wage increase) will result in more than 10,000 additional full-time nurses by 2038 but may still not meet demand.

• Forecasts show a decline in primary care workers, with the greatest immediate remedy being a reduction in retention barriers.

• Without intervention, the number of behavioral health workers will decline. However, combining all three proposed interventions can lead to a sustainable increase, but a decline may still occur within 10 years.

• VHWDA should act as the central coordinating entity, facilitating collaborations, gathering data and funds, and leveraging political and social resources in Virginia.

Based on these findings RAND recommended VHWDA convene and lead a coalition of key stakeholders to implement recommendations from the report to retain and expand the nursing, primary care, and behavioral health workforces in Virginia. Implementation of many of the proposed interventions will require cross-sector, including public-private, collaboration. An appropriation request was submitted to Secretary Littel in early September to implement recommendations. Additional legislative recommendations will be determined based on from the VHWDA Board and stakeholder involved in the study.

These findings and recommendations reflect our commitment to ensuring a robust and responsive health workforce for the citizens of Virginia. We believe that by addressing the highlighted challenges and acting upon the suggested recommendations, we can ensure a brighter future for all Virginians.

We are grateful for the opportunity to have undertaken this study and are ready to provide any additional information or answer questions that may arise. The full report, complete with comprehensive data and detailed recommendations, is attached for your perusal. We eagerly anticipate your feedback and guidance on our next steps.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the supporting a strong health workforce of Virginia.

Sincerely,

Harrison L. Hayes
Executive Director
Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (VHWDA)