US Department of Labor provides training and support services to workers affected by closure of Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $3.75 million National Emergency Grant to provide training and support services to approximately 375 workers affected by the closure of Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital in Rome, Ga. The facility, a state-run mental health hospital for developmentally disabled and mentally ill patients, will be closing on Sept. 30.

"Today's grant will assist these workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The training and support they receive will help them to obtain new employment in the area's high-growth industries."

Awarded to the Georgia Department of Labor, the funds will be used to help the affected workers prepare for and find new employment in the state. Of the total award, $1,120,427 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.