November 18, 2025 LDH opens application period for second round of H.E.R.O. FundGrants aim to grow Louisiana’s healthcare workforce

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Nov 18, 2025 - The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announces the application period for the second round of the H.E.R.O. Fund. Approximately $6 million will be distributed among recipients. 

The H.E.R.O. Fund, which provides matching two-year grants to healthcare training and education programs, helps grow the healthcare workforce pipeline in Louisiana. 

The application period will close on January 16, 2026. 

Earlier this year, the Department awarded funds to 21 programs across the state. Collectively, the winning programs are expected to result in the addition of 885 high-demand healthcare professionals to Louisiana’s workforce. According to data from the Louisiana Workforce Commission, these positions will contribute an annual workforce impact of nearly $33 million to the state.

The focus of the H.E.R.O. program is to increase capacity and student enrollment in identified healthcare credentials, provide incentives that financially support students upon employment in Louisiana healthcare facilities or training programs, support dual enrollment, and reduce barriers to healthcare programs that create pipelines into high-demand health careers, including internships and apprenticeship programs.

“Nationwide, and especially here in Louisiana, we are facing serious healthcare workforce shortages in primary care, dental care, and mental healthcare,” said LDH Undersecretary Drew Maranto. “Our team has worked hard on this project, and we’re excited about the success we’ve already seen from this program. The H.E.R.O. Fund helps us grow our healthcare workforce pipeline at a critical time — and keep talent here in Louisiana.”

LDH is also pleased to announce that it is requesting additional funding to support opportunities for partnerships between healthcare training and education programs and rural facilities in Louisiana’s Rural Health Transformation Program grant. This will allow LDH to expand on this established program with a focus on rural health.

H.E.R.O.’s history

Louisiana Sen. Brach Myers (R-Lafayette) spearheaded legislative updates in 2024 that shifted authority over the $15 million H.E.R.O. Fund to LDH. This change empowers LDH to leverage the existing funds to expand educational and training pathways for in-demand jobs within the state.

"The H.E.R.O. program serves as an essential pathway to meet the critical healthcare needs in our state. I am thrilled to see the program moving forward as we envisioned. The people of Louisiana will soon feel the positive impact that bringing 800-plus individuals into our workforce will have on our state," said Senator Myers.

A grant process invited collaborations between healthcare industry partners and educational institutions to submit proposals addressing the increasing need for professionals in nursing, allied health, and other critical healthcare areas.

LDH’s H.E.R.O. program launched in October 2024, with outreach and engagement efforts targeting state agencies, health industry partners, and healthcare education and training programs. Outreach focused on raising awareness of the H.E.R.O. program and the initial grant-funding process facilitated by LDH. 

“The Louisiana Hospital Association thanks the Landry Administration, Sen. Brach Myers, and the entire Legislature for investing in healthcare workforce development,” said LHA President and CEO Paul Salles. “This program expands public-private partnerships, helping more students launch and grow careers in nursing and allied health. With more than 9,000 healthcare jobs available statewide, the H.E.R.O. Fund is a win for students, healthcare professionals, employers, and patients.”

For more information about the H.E.R.O. Fund, email HERO@la.gov with “HERO Questions” in the subject line. To learn more about the fund and the application process, visit ldh.la.gov/HERO.