W.E.I.
WORKFORCE EXPANSION INITIATIVE
W.E.I.
WORKFORCE EXPANSION INITIATIVE
MSRHTP
Building the people who power rural healthcare
more providers, stronger teams, and better access to care across rural Mississippi.
The Workforce Expansion Initiative (WEI) is Mississippi’s effort to grow, support, and sustain the rural healthcare workforce—so communities have the providers and support staff they need, when they need them.
WEI focuses on the full pipeline:
Recruiting new providers into rural communities
Training and developing the next generation of healthcare workers
Supporting and retaining the workforce already serving these communities
This includes not just physicians and nurses, but the full care team—EMS, behavioral health, dental, pharmacists, technicians, community health workers, and critical support roles like IT and billing.
Who should be paying attention?
WEI is designed for organizations involved in training, employing, or supporting the healthcare workforce.
If your organization is involved in building, training, or supporting healthcare workers, there may be opportunities for you to participate.
Rural hospitals and health systems
Clinics (RHCs, FQHCs, and primary care providers)
Nursing homes and long-term care providers
EMS providers
Behavioral health providers
Medical, dental, and nursing schools
Residency and training programs
Community colleges and vocational programs
K–12 school systems
Workforce and community-based organizations
What success looks like
Through WEI, Mississippi is working toward:
- More healthcare professionals practicing in rural areas
- Stronger pipelines from schools to healthcare careers
- Expanded residency and training opportunities
- Higher retention rates among providers and staff
- More complete care teams supporting patients
- Shorter wait times and improved access to services
- Better continuity and quality of care
- Long-term, sustainable workforce solutions
What WEI will fund and support
WEI includes a set of coordinated programs designed to strengthen the workforce at every stage—from student to practicing provider.
Workforce Recruitment & Retention
Mississippi will support efforts to bring healthcare professionals into rural communities—and keep them there.
Funding may support:
- Signing bonuses, relocation support, and retention incentives
- Long-term service agreements (minimum 5-year commitment)
- Partnerships with schools and training programs
- Marketing and outreach to attract providers
Community-based workforce development efforts
Residency Program Expansion
Mississippi will expand medical and dental training opportunities in rural areas.
Funding may support:
- New or expanded residency and training slots
- Stipends and salaries for residents and fellows
- Recruitment of faculty, preceptors, and program staff
Infrastructure to support training programs
Preceptor Expansion
Strong training requires strong mentors.
Funding may support:
- Stipends or support for preceptors across disciplines
- Training and professional development for mentors
- Travel or telehealth tools for supervision
Administrative support for program coordination
High School Healthcare Career Pathways
WEI invests early—introducing students to healthcare careers before they graduate.
Funding may support:
- Career exploration programs and job shadowing
- Summer and hands-on learning opportunities
- Mentorship programs
- Partnerships with schools and educators
- Training resources and lab equipment
Earn While You Learn
This program allows individuals to work, train, and earn at the same time, with a focus on roles like Community Health Workers and other support staff.
Funding may support:
- Wages or stipends for participants
- Training and certification programs
- Supervision and mentorship
- Equipment, uniforms, and tools
What’s Next?
Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) will be released soon.
These will outline:
- Who can apply
- Eligible activities
- Funding levels
- Application requirements
Important to Know Before Applying:
All WEI funding must:
- Align with Mississippi’s approved Rural Health Transformation Plan
- Support workforce development at a system level—not isolated efforts
- Include a minimum 5-year service commitment for funded workforce incentives
- Comply with federal funding rules and limitations
Funding is intended to build long-term workforce capacity, not short-term staffing fixes.