--- title: NHA News and Media Information | Kurt Burkum Ph.D., Senior Director Government Relations description: News, releases and media contact information for National Healthcareer Association. --- [![NHA Logo](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/brand-resources/logos/nha-logo-abbreviated.png)](http://www.nhanow.com/) [![nha media center header](https://info.nhanow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing_Page_Headers/media_center_header.png?width=1280&name=media_center_header.png "nha media center header")](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter) # NHA News Center ## Kurt Burkum Ph.D., Senior Director Government Relations ### Recent Posts ## [How the Federal Government’s Budget Impacts Access to Allied Health Education](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/how-the-federal-governments-budget-impacts-access-to-allied-health-education) Posted by [Kurt Burkum Ph.D., Senior Director Government Relations](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/author/kurt-burkum-ph-d-senior-director-government-relations) on April 2026 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### **Congressional Budget Process** The federal budget process directly shapes which resources are available to support students, classrooms, and schools. Federal funding streams, including Workforce Pell Grants and Title VII grant programs, are all determined through annual budget decisions made by Congress. Funding increases can expand services and access, while cuts can force programs to make tough trade-offs or lead to program elimination altogether. [Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/how-the-federal-governments-budget-impacts-access-to-allied-health-education) ## [Workforce Pell Updates from NHA](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/workforce-pell-updates-from-nha) Posted by [Kurt Burkum Ph.D., Senior Director Government Relations](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/author/kurt-burkum-ph-d-senior-director-government-relations) on March 2026 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Our nation is facing critical shortages in the healthcare workforce. While you, your teams, and your students are doing their part to fill those gaps, policymakers must do their part in addressing this crisis as well. [Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/workforce-pell-updates-from-nha) ## [New in 2026: News and Policy Updates from NHA](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/new-in-2026-news-and-policy-updates-from-nha) Posted by [Kurt Burkum Ph.D., Senior Director Government Relations](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/author/kurt-burkum-ph-d-senior-director-government-relations) on February 2026 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) If you work in healthcare today, you know what the data shows: allied health professionals are the backbone of our system. They make up [60% of the U.S. healthcare workforce](https://www.td.org/content/td-magazine/racing-to-stem-healthcare-staff-shortages)—over five million people—and directly shape patient access, care quality, and operational efficiency. [Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/new-in-2026-news-and-policy-updates-from-nha) ## [What is Workforce Pell and Why Does it Matter?](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/what-is-workforce-pell-and-why-does-it-matter) Posted by [Kurt Burkum Ph.D., Senior Director Government Relations](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/author/kurt-burkum-ph-d-senior-director-government-relations) on December 2025 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/OR-10832059449-what-is-workforce-pell.webp)](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/what-is-workforce-pell-and-why-does-it-matter) In a recent LinkedIn post, Kurt Burkum, Senior Director of Government Relations at Ascend Learning, shares his insights on the upcoming new Workforce Pell program. His post covers who this program will benefit, and what implementation will likely involve. This includes highlighting how Workforce Pell can support short-term, career-focused training for learners aiming to join the healthcare workforce.  [Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/what-is-workforce-pell-and-why-does-it-matter) [All posts](https://info.nhanow.com/mediacenter/all) ##### Subscribe to our Blog ## Contact For media inquiries, please contact Bret Silverberg at [bret.silverberg@ascendlearning.com](mailto:bret.silverberg@ascendlearning.com) ## NHA Mission Statement Empowering people to access a better future. ## NHA Vision Statement As the industry leader, we are passionately committed to develop, advance and advocate for the frontline healthcare worker, resulting in improved patient care. ## The NHA Approach NHA’s proven results elevate and impact the lives of individuals, schools and businesses in allied health. Our comprehensive certification and preparation resources provide our clients with access to the professional success they desire. NHA provides continuity for educators and employers seeking a partner with multiple certification options, giving students and employers a trusted path to skills growth and career advancement. - [Terms of Use](http://www.nhanow.com/terms-of-use) - [Privacy Policy](http://www.nhanow.com/privacy-policy) - [Careers](http://www.ascendlearning.com/careers/) - [Accreditation](http://www.nhanow.com/accreditation) - [Help Center](http://www.nhanow.com/help-center) Copyright© 2026 Assessment Technologies Institute®, LLC. All rights reserved. ### Did you miss the "Finding Opportunity: The New Administration, Legislation and You" webinar? By clicking the button below, I agree to the [Privacy Policy](http://www.nhanow.com/privacy-policy). X