News & Updates from the Collaborative

Collaborative Report Garners Attention from Baltimore Mayor's Office

We are proud to have been mentioned during the launch of a recent initiative in Baltimore City last week. On Sept. 27, the Mayor's office announced, in conjunction with 1199SEIU, a $2 million grant that puts much-need cash grants in the hands of direct care workers who lived in Baltimore City during the pandemic.

A recent article published by WYPR (linked below) refers to the Collaborative's Abell Foundation-funded report on Baltimore direct care and services workers. The press release (also linked below) issued by Mayor Scott's office to announce the initiative cites the Collaborative report as well.

Click on the link below for more details about eligibility details.

Baltimore pledges $2 million to direct care health workers

"In April, the Maryland Direct Services Collaborative surveyed individuals known as direct-care workers, such as nursing assistants, medicine assistants, home care aides and found that the median salary ranged between $23,000 and $27,000. ...There are about 55,000 workers across Maryland who care directly for patients. The job is filled overwhelmingly by Black women, according to the study."

Mayor Scott Announces $2 Million "Direct Care Worker Relief" Grant Alongside 1199SEIU

"The Maryland Regional Direct Services Collaborative study states, “Inadequate compensation is the single biggest factor driving the workforce crisis.” The same study cites Maryland’s direct care and services workers are overwhelmingly Black women. Women make up 84 percent of home care workers, 85 percent of workers at assisted living facilities, and 95 percent of workers in nursing homes, while Black workers make up 68 percent of home care workers, 80 percent of workers at assisted living facilities, and 76 percent of workers in nursing homes."

Collaborative Webinar Recordings Available

In follow up to the Collaborative's report, titled "Long-Term Services and Supports in Baltimore: A Framework for Improving Job Quality and Creating a Highly Trained Direct Care and Services Workforce," we have produced a series of webinars in follow up to the recommendations made in the report as a way to obtain additional feedback, input, and information from other stakeholders across the Maryland region.

Thus far, three webinars have been produced. Below are their titles along with links to their recordings.

"Medicaid Funding for Direct Care & Services in Maryland" – April 27

Watch Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/KoF3Etx0_y-r3o0R0CEUKjpWz77IRFS2ZTX_g2qhH-_dMubByI32J1tTzPpHEaIc.GjmmuLHN2jr1aL8l?startTime=1682611411000

Passcode: 9v@Q@FAa

"The Importance of Data in Better Understanding Maryland's Direct Care & Services Staffing Shortage" – July 28

Watch Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/aQHveOso7DP_LudxdPxl-9zLrhOVT6F_y9RRGX3ql1AMAa9OwrVmyjCK10Ux0A8P.31JzwEjNcu0mKtXZ?startTime=1690560079000

Passcode: iWG64h+n

"The Role of Workforce Supports in Recruiting and Retaining Direct Care and Services Staff" – Sept. 22

Watch Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/jm2rGcb9ec3qqSrpyvblIxBpQ2ghlwevdfi6S7rzsO8rAGN8m43Sueze7hZsVZnu.eflQa9jxMC-PBifO

Passcode: M+kf0?vz

Celebrating Women's Small Business Month

October is National Women's Small Business Month, and the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs, along with the Baltimore-Metro Women's Business Center at Morgan State University, will honor the achievements of women-owned businesses at a special event on Tuesday, October 10 at the Governor's Coordinating Offices in Crownsville.

Join them as they celebrate with a panel discussion focused on building healthy small business financial practices and establishing a solid foundation for financial success. Panelists include a successful small business owner, a banker, a financial literacy expert, and a small business resource expert. They will also share insights into the state's socioeconomic procurement programs along with resources available from Maryland's three women business centers.

There is no cost to attend, and advance registration is required.