The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is pleased to announce the five states selected to receive individualized intensive technical assistance (TA) from the National Direct Service Workforce Resource Center in 2006. The five states are Arizona, Louisiana, New York, South Carolina, and Texas.

State Medicaid Agencies or their partners can apply for intensive TA on an annual basis. The application process for 2007 intensive TA will be available this fall.

CMS created the Resource Center to respond to the large and growing shortage of workers who provide direct care and personal assistance to people with disabilities and older adults in the community. In addition to the in-depth technical assistance awarded through an annual application process to Medicaid Agencies or their partners, the Resource Center offers:

* A comprehensive on-line searchable database (www.dswresourcecenter.org ) of resources, current research, best practices and policy briefs related to improving recruitment and retention of direct support professionals, and
* Access to information, resources and advice from a diverse and experienced team of direct service workforce policy professional through a national toll-free telephone number (1-877-822-2647).


For questions about the Resource Center or this announcement, please contact the Resource Center staff at one of the following:

info@dswresourcecenter.org
1-877-822-2647
www.dswresourcecenter.org