UNE awarded $5M for geriatrics workforce training
New England Council member, University of New England has been granted $5M for workforce education and training to multiply and better equip physicians who specialize in geriatric care.
Maine’s Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, AgingME, will be funded by a five-year federal grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration. AgingME has been managed by the University of New England since 2019. The United States has less than 7,300 board-certified geriatricians, while The American Geriatrics Society estimates 20,000 geriatricians are necessary to meet the urgent needs of the elderly. By 2030, the Society estimates that 30,000 geriatricians will be needed. Maine’s elderly population, consisting of over a quarter million civilians over 65, has less than 40 practicing geriatricians.
“We are thrilled and honored to receive this vital funding from HRSA to tackle workforce needs and better support Maine’s rural, older adults,” said geriatric psychiatrist and AgingMe’s director Dr. Susan Wehry.
The New England Council congratulates UNE for its significant efforts to improve geriatric care.
Read more in Mainebiz.