The Fund supports networks of state health policy decision makers to help identify, inspire, and inform policy leaders.
A bipartisan group of state health policymakers from both the executive and legislative branches who are focused on improving population health.
Supporting networks of state officials, advocates, and others aiming to invest in and transform primary care.
Advancing state-based efforts to make health care more affordable for residents, employers, and states.
The Milbank Memorial Fund supports two state leadership programs for legislative and executive branch state government officials committed to improving population health.
A leadership development program for early and mid-career state government officials who are committed to improving the health of all people in their communities.
A leadership program for senior state government officials who are committed to improving population health.
The Fund focuses on creating an affordable health care system built on strong primary care and partnerships that improve health outcomes for all.
Improving state leaders ability to enact and implement evidence-based health policies.
Advancing policies that create a more prevention- and primary care-oriented health system.
Improving population health through policies that contain health care cost growth.
Our state health policy resources provide relevant data analysis and best practices.
The Fund publishes reports, issues briefs, and case studies on state health policy issues.
Short takes on health policy issues from Milbank staff and guest authors.
Insights from Milbank President Debra Lubar on state health policymaking.
Reported articles and Q&As on timely health policy issues, as well as foundation updates.
Upcoming and past Milbank Memorial Fund and Milbank Quarterly webinars featuring state health policymakers and researchers.
Updates and expert contact information for reporters.
The Milbank Memorial Fund is a private foundation that works to improve population health and health equity.
May 18, 2022
Toolkit
Courtney Roman
Clare Luz
Carrie Graham
Nida Joseph
Kate McEvoy
Roman C., Luz, C., Graham C., Joseph N., and McEvoy K. Direct Care Workforce Policy and Action Guide. The Milbank Memorial Fund, May 18, 2022.
Publication
Jul 23, 2026
Jul 15, 2026
Jul 14, 2026
The Direct Care Workforce Policy and Action Guide examines the challenges direct care workers (DCWs) face and outlines administrative, funding, policy, and regulatory levers that states can use to offer them better support. This Guide is designed to help states understand the complexity of the issues regarding the current direct care workforce shortage, and the role states can play in strengthening and improving this critical workforce. In particular, the Guide offers concrete examples of thoughtful and innovative ways states are working to overcome the challenges that have long plagued the workforce.
The Guide provides:
States understand the importance of meaningfully supporting DCWs but struggle to identify how to tackle the problem in a systematic, effective way. There is significant variance, for example, among states in availability of data on the direct care workforce, mechanisms for consistently engaging stakeholders, wage scales, and the use of collective bargaining. Thus, states vary widely in their levels of capacity and readiness for taking on this issue. This Guide is intentionally meant to meet states wherever they are on the continuum of readiness to strengthen DCW opportunities.
Read the Guide
Watch a recording of the May 20 webinar
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