Direct Care Workforce 2020 tried to solve the issue of worker retention in the health care industry today.

It hosted an event at Eastern Iowa Community College focused on high demand for community-based care and support of disabled people.
    
It also highlighted the need for professionals in the mental health field.

“We’re here to learn how we can improve our direct care workforce, get more employees to fill our vacancies,” said Vera French human resources  administrator Shelly Chapman. “There is a huge increase in the care needed for the mental health population in our community. The access level is huge in order to get the employees that we need. “

Part of the increased need involves a growing aging population and demand for home-based care.

Health care providers are looking for workers that can be counted on in the long term.