Hundreds gathered on Monday to honor the latest group of direct care workers to graduate from Training and Education Fund Partner PA Frontline Healthcare Training’s program.
Family, friends, elected and state officials, and fellow caregivers were among the hundreds of supporters who turned out on Monday evening, June 9, at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel in Harrisburg to celebrate the latest class of frontline caregivers to graduate from PA Frontline Healthcare Training’s program.
Close to 480 home care workers have completed the program this year, participating in 32 hours of enhanced training in areas like CPR, Care Team Integration, Medication Safety and Adherence, and more. Some have even participated in advanced courses in topics like Aging & Physical Disabilities, Cognitive & Behavioral Impairment, Diabetes Care, and Sensory Disabilities.
These crucial training modules provide direct care workers with the tools and confidence they need to provide the most impactful and safest care and support possible. The program also helps caregivers learn new skills while strengthening the skills they already have and provides an opportunity for career advancement – a key component in solving Pennsylvania’s healthcare staffing crisis.
“Every caregiver should have access to this important training — not just once, but continuously,” said Angela Engram, a home care aide from Pittsburgh.”Whether we’re learning about diabetes care, helping someone with glaucoma, or understanding the legal responsibilities we have, proper training strengthens our hands and sharpens our minds. It turns natural caregivers into professional ones. And it reminds us that we are never alone — even when our job happens behind closed doors, in quiet rooms, or in the homes of people who are too often forgotten.”
Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor & Industry also sees the program as extremely valuable for both PA’s caregivers and consumers. L&I are currently funding Frontline’s advanced track training program through a $560,000 state-funded grant.
“This is more than a piece of paper. It represents the unwavering commitment and the heart it takes to care for others,” said Amanda Lapina, Director of Home Care Programs. “This year, we’ve had the pleasure of training thousands of direct care workers in an effort to improve the quality of care delivered in PA. Each of our graduates has earned this moment and we couldn’t be more proud to recognize their achievement.”
“The Department of Human Services, which I’m so proud to lead, believes that direct care workers should receive the support and the professional training that will enable you to take the best possible care of those who need you the most,” PA Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh told the caregivers in attendance. “And Frontline shares that vision.”
Participant-directed home care workers are a crucial part of our healthcare system, providing essential, skilled care that allows seniors and people with disabilities to live independently at home and participate fully in society. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is suffering from a home care staffing crisis – one that Frontline is striving to help solve with support and training for participant-directed home care workers across the Commonwealth.
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PA Frontline Healthcare Training is Pennsylvania’s premier provider of participant-directed direct home care worker orientation and training since 2018. We engage thousands of direct care workers through online sessions and in-person training at dozens of locations throughout PA.
