US Department of Labor provides additional assistance to former Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital workers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded a $502,569 National Emergency Grant increment to continue re-employment services for workers affected by the closure of the Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital in Rome, Ga. The facility, a state-run mental health hospital for developmentally disabled and mentally ill patients, closed in 2011.

"We will continue to provide much-needed assistance to help these workers upgrade their skills," said acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Gerri Fiala. "The Department of Labor's funding provides support and opportunities for these workers to compete for the jobs of the future."

On July 29, 2011, a grant was approved for up to $3,750,000, with $1,120,427 released initially. The grant increment is being awarded to the Georgia Department of Labor to provide the workers with the training and support services needed to successfully find re-employment. This latest funding brings the total funds awarded for this project to $1,622,996. 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. More information is available at http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.