Connecticut is set to expand access to vital healthcare training thanks to a $1 million federal investment secured by Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01). The funding will bolster the Harriott Community Healthcare Academy, a program rapidly becoming a national model for addressing the critical shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and other healthcare professionals. The expansion will bring training opportunities to Bloomfield and rural areas of Northwestern Connecticut, increasing the number of qualified healthcare workers across the state.
The investment, secured through the Community Project Funding (CPF) process, will enable the Academy to secure additional locations and hire certified teachers, significantly increasing its capacity. This comes as Connecticut, like much of the nation, grapples with a severe healthcare workforce crisis, putting strain on hospitals and long-term care facilities. The Harriott Community Healthcare Academy has quickly emerged as a key player in bridging this gap, offering a fast-track pathway to a rewarding career in healthcare.
“We are facing a nationwide nursing shortage and should be doing everything we can to support health care providers and the next generation of nursing assistants,” said Larson. “Sasa Harriott has created a model for the nation, equipping students with the skills they need to enter the nursing field and provide the care patients deserve. This new federal funding will broaden the program’s reach into our rural communities, ensuring individuals have the job training opportunities and access to care they need. I have been proud to support this groundbreaking work and will work with Sasa and our state and local partners to deliver federal funding and continue to expand this amazing program across the state.”
The Harriott Community Healthcare Academy offers a STEM simulation lab and educational facility providing CNA training and certification. Students can become licensed CNAs in less than five weeks, with the program as well offering mentorship, career counseling, and wrap-around support services. In August 2025, Larson attended the graduation ceremony for 72 new CNAs who completed their training at the Academy, highlighting the program’s immediate impact. Details of the graduation ceremony were previously reported.
Expanding Access to Healthcare Training
With this new funding, the Academy will extend its reach beyond its current location, establishing a presence in Bloomfield and bringing training opportunities to underserved rural communities in Northwestern Connecticut. This expansion is designed to address geographic disparities in access to healthcare training and ensure that individuals throughout the state have the opportunity to pursue a career in the healthcare field. The funding will also support the hiring of additional certified teachers, allowing the Academy to accommodate a larger number of students.
“This investment is about people, opportunity, and healthier communities,” said Sasa Harriott, President of the Harriott Community Health Initiative. “We are grateful to Congressman John Larson for making it possible to expand access to care and create meaningful pathways into the healthcare workforce.”
Larson’s Broader Efforts to Address Healthcare Workforce Shortages
This funding is part of a larger effort by Rep. Larson to address the nationwide healthcare worker shortage. He has introduced the Pathways to Health Careers Act, a comprehensive plan to increase funding for programs like the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG), including his HOPE Act, with his Democratic colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee. These initiatives aim to create more pathways into healthcare careers and support the development of a skilled and diverse healthcare workforce.
Larson also secured initial seed money of $150,000 for the Harriott Community Healthcare Academy, which helped 112 students move through the program in just over a year, with 72 already licensed CNAs and 40 more finalizing their studies. A recent announcement detailed the $1 million in new federal funding.
The need for increased healthcare training programs is underscored by the ongoing shortage of qualified professionals. According to the National Association of Community Health Centers, access to care remains a significant challenge in many communities across the country.
Looking ahead, the expansion of the Harriott Community Healthcare Academy represents a significant step towards addressing the healthcare workforce shortage in Connecticut. The program’s success will likely serve as a model for other states seeking to expand access to healthcare training and create a more robust and resilient healthcare workforce. The continued collaboration between federal, state, and local partners will be crucial to ensuring the long-term success of this initiative.
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