Rochester, NY
Healthcare training program in Rochester, New York quickly adapts to COVID-19.
The Rochester Health Profession Opportunity Grants (ROC-HPOG) staff at Action for a Better Community (ABC) engages Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and low-income participants in training that will lead to sustainable healthcare careers. ROC-HPOG also partners with local employers, educational institutions, adult learning and training centers, and community-based organizations to provide participants with the services and support to succeed.
Soon after the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, ROC-HPOG staff realized virtual work with partners and participants would continue for much longer than originally anticipated. They jumped into action to make the necessary changes to continue case management when it was needed most.
Once the ROC-HPOG staff were set up in their home offices, they started reaching out to every enrolled HPOG participant to see if they needed assistance with any basic living or technology needs. They transitioned all intake materials to documents that could be completed and signed electronically and created a virtual intake process so participants could continue enrolling.
As participants were contacted, it became apparent that ROC-HPOG’s barriered population needed assistance with many necessities. ROC-HPOG staff shared resources and opportunities for help with food, housing, and toiletries. As healthcare training programs started again virtually, participants received laptops or tablets. Many HPOG participants connected to Project Uplift, a community organization that provided funds to help with bills or other basic needs. ROC-HPOG staff also took turns delivering food baskets directly to participants’ front doors.
The pandemic did not keep the ROC-HPOG team from continuing their program progress. They began offering weekly virtual HPOG information sessions, allowing program recruitment to continue. These virtual sessions allowed over 55 participants to enroll in HPOG from the safety of their own homes.
During Fall 2020, ROC-HPOG had 130 participants complete their healthcare training courses and 76 participants obtained first-time employment in healthcare. Through the hard work and dedication of the ROC-HPOG team, participants continued working towards and achieving their healthcare goals.
This Promising Practice was self-identified by the grantee and information contained in this document was provided by the grantee.