Maryland Apprenticeship Connector (MAC) announces a new partnership with the Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association (MNCHA) to launch a Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) pilot program. This initiative aims to address critical workforce challenges faced by homecare providers across the region, particularly in rural settings where access to healthcare services is limited.
“Workforce issues have been identified as the top concern among MNCHA members,” shared Caitlin Houck, Executive Director at MNCHA. “Many agencies are unable to accept new patients, and caregiver burnout is a significant issue. This partnership with MAC is an exciting step toward addressing these challenges.”
MAC’s healthcare division, led by Health Tech Alley, will spearhead the new initiative with MNCHA, the state’s trade association representing the home care industry. By implementing the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s TPM framework, participating employers will be empowered to understand the critical feeder roles necessary in their business, approach talent development as a supply chain management issue, build robust education and workforce partnerships, and collaborate on developing success metrics and incentives for recruitment partners.
Greg Miller, co-founder and Health Care Lead at MAC, shared, “By applying the TPM framework, we aim to build high-performing partnerships that will not only address current workforce challenges but also create sustainable career pathways for caregivers. This initiative provides an opportunity to explore innovative solutions and support the healthcare workforce effectively.”
The TPM pilot program will enable homecare and direct care employers to explore creative funding sources, integrate tech-related services, and introduce apprenticeship programming. This holistic approach is designed to improve retention rates and foster economic mobility for caregivers, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to patients.
According to the Interim Report from the Maryland Commission to Study the Healthcare Workforce Crisis (January 31, 2023), nursing across all levels is a priority occupation experiencing significant shortages in healthcare settings. The Maryland Nursing Workforce Study by the Maryland Hospital Association and GlobalData projects a 38%, 50%, and 57% increase in demand for Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in home health, nursing homes, and residential care, respectively, by 2035.
“The lack of access to healthcare services across Maryland, let alone rural areas, is particularly acute,” said LaToya Staten, Director of Community Health Programs at MAC. “This data underscores the urgent need for innovative workforce solutions like the TPM pilot.”
Homecare and direct care employers are encouraged to inquire about joining the next TPM pilot cohort. Training providers interested in becoming preferred partners and workforce development agencies looking to collaborate are also invited to reach out. Please contact us at gmiller@healthtechalley.org.
About Maryland Apprenticeship Connector
The Maryland Apprenticeship Connector (MAC) is a collaborative effort of its founding partners, the Maryland Center for Construction Education & Innovation (MCCEI), Health Tech Alley (HTA), and Carroll Technology & Innovation Council (CTIC), to build an apprenticeship ecosystem for Maryland. MAC exists to illuminate the undeniable value of apprenticeships, championing them as an essential pathway across all industries to achieve immediate operational benefits while also future-proofing employers’ workforces. Visit macworkforce.org to learn more.
About Health Tech Alley
Health Tech Alley (HTA) is a nonprofit intermediary focused on innovative workforce programming and technology solutions that advance community health and community impact, helping ensure access and economic mobility for all. Learn more at healthtechalley.org.
About Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association
The Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association (MNCHA) is the recognized leader, educator, and advocate for the homecare sector in the state of Maryland and Washington, D.C. MNCHA represents both non-profit and for-profit healthcare providers in Maryland and D.C., including Medicare-certified home health agencies, personal care agencies, private duty nursing agencies, durable medical equipment businesses, and businesses that offer supportive services to homecare patients and providers. Visit mncha.org to learn more.
