The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) reached out to U.S. Digital Response for help. Within two weeks, LDH and USDR volunteers launched Louisiana Health Work Connect. This pilot program helps facilities with acute healthcare staffing shortages fill vacancies with qualified, out-of-work candidates. USDR volunteers built the technology and helped the LDH team with set-up and implementation. The volunteers conducted user research and testing with healthcare providers, and connected the LDH team with states that are working on similar programs. Within two weeks, over 100 nursing homes and hospitals had posted hundreds of job openings on the site. In that same time, over 230 candidates signed up looking for work, many of whom are in in-demand practice areas such as intensive care unit registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants.
Louisiana Health Work Connect initially launched in Baton Rouge and a statewide rollout is imminent. Similar programs can be adapted for other locations by completing this request form.
U.S. Digital Response connects governments with volunteers skilled in technology, data, design, communications and operations for COVID-19 rapid response.