Our Recommendation

For FY 2026, HPNEC urges Congress to provide $1.51 billion for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Title VII and Title VIII workforce development programs.

The HRSA Title VII and Title VIII programs play an essential role in recruiting and retaining a health workforce equipped to serve the nation's ever-growing health needs and prepared for the health care demands of tomorrow through education, training, and mentorship opportunities. Establishing a health workforce with providers from varied backgrounds improves patients’ access to care, increases patient satisfaction, and enhances learning environments for health professions students.

Additionally, the HRSA programs play a crucial role in training health providers to meet patients’ changing public health needs. Through developing new curricula to address emerging public health crises, collaborating with community leaders, or utilizing telehealth to connect with rural and other communities lacking access to care, the Title VII and Title VIII programs have helped to ensure the U.S. health workforce is at the forefront of new health care delivery systems and models of care.

Finally, the Title VII and Title VIII programs emphasize interprofessional education and training, bringing together knowledge and skills across all health disciplines providing effective, efficient, and coordinated care. Interprofessional training across all health professions helps fill the gaps in the workforce and increases health care access for patients.

To help ensure a strong and robust health workforce prepared to meet the public health needs of patients across the United States, HPNEC urges Congress to provide $1.51 billion for Title VII and Title VIII in FY 2026.