Ravens and Stephen & Renee Bisciotti Foundation Provide $20 Million Nursing Workforce Grant

In a major move to strengthen Baltimore’s healthcare system, the Baltimore Ravens and The Stephen and Renee Bisciotti Foundation have committed USD$20 million to address the nursing workforce shortage in the region.

Announced on National Nurses Day, the initiative aims to enhance nurse recruitment, training, and retention efforts across four local hospital systems in Baltimore.

Commenting on this institution, Steve Bisciotti, Ravens owner, said: “The Baltimore region is fortunate to have world-class medical institutions.”

“Nurses are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system, and investing in them ensures we have skilled, dependable professionals who keep it running smoothly,” Bisciotti said.

The funding will be allocated through four USD$5 million grants to MedStar Health, the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), Johns Hopkins Health System, and Mercy Medical Center, all of which play critical roles in the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

Maryland is expected to face a 20% nursing shortfall, which translates to approximately 14,700 nurses, by 2036, which highlights the urgency of investing in the nursing workforce to ensure long-term healthcare stability.

The grant will allow recipient institutions to experiment with and implement strategic solutions to combat these challenges, particularly focusing on both nurse recruitment and nurse retention strategies.

Hospitals will also have the flexibility to explore various initiatives aimed at enhancing nursing education, job satisfaction, and professional development.

Potential Uses of the Funding Include:

• Expanding nursing education programs and increasing clinical placements
• Offering financial support to aspiring nurses through scholarships and loan repayment options
• Developing flexible scheduling alternatives and career advancement pathways
• Establishing mentorship programs to connect experienced nurses with new entrants to the profession
  
• Improving salaries and benefits to attract and retain skilled professionals
• Launching targeted campaigns to recruit new nursing talent
  

Leaders from the four recipient organisations have expressed deep appreciation for this critical investment in the future of nursing.

Kenneth A. Samet, FACHE, president and CEO of MedStar Health, described the grant as an “extraordinary $5 million gift,” affirming that it underscores their commitment to preparing the next generation of nurses.

LynnMarie Verzino, DNP, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at MedStar Health, said the funding provides a vital opportunity to deeply support the nursing workforce.

While, Kevin W. Sowers, MSN, RN, FAAN, president of Johns Hopkins Health System, shared that the grant would help expand a virtual nursing platform to improve inpatient safety and enhance mentorship opportunities for new nurses.

This USD$20 million investment marks a crucial step in addressing the nursing workforce crisis in Baltimore, providing sustainable support to the skilled nursing community that is essential for quality healthcare delivery across the region.

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