Project Description:
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) announced on November 10, 2021 a new funding
opportunity to expand the public health workforce within the disability networks. Public health
promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work, and play.
The disability networks funded by ACL play an essential role in that work. As the nation's visible and
trusted network of programs, these organizations provide a variety of services, including those related
to public health such as health and wellness education and information, counseling, case management
and guidance related to health and social needs, as well as how to access those supports in every local
community in the country. These networks have over 50 years of community experience and possess
intimate knowledge of the public health and other resources available and the needs of people
disabilities in their direct area.
As part of its ongoing COVID-19 response efforts, the Biden-Harris Administration is investing federal
funds through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to recruit, hire, and train public health
workers to respond to the pandemic and prepare for future public health challenges. Specifically, the
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will "carry out activities related to
establishing, expanding, and sustaining a public health workforce...," ARPA § 2501(a), and funds may be
used to support costs, including wages and benefits, of a range of public health professionals including
but not limited to social support professionals, community health workers, communication and policy
experts and "...other positions as may be required to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19...,"
ARPA § 2501(b)(1).
To help advance these efforts, ACL has created the Expanding the Public Health Workforce within the
Disability Network Program: University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education,
Research, and Service (UCEDDs). This program aims to increase the number of public health
professionals within the disability networks to address the unique needs of people with disabilities
through the support of wages and benefits for these professionals. Professionals supported through this
program may provide a wide range of public health services and supports, including provision of
culturally affirmative and linguistically accessible information, access assistance for vaccines and
boosters, transition and diversion from high-risk congregate settings to community living, provision and
connections to health and wellness programs, activities that address social isolation and social
determinants of health, and other activities that support the public health and wellbeing of people with
disabilities.
Core Function(s):
Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Other
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
