Not Enough Nurses: Confronting the North Coast’s Staffing Shortage

If you live on the North Coast, you’ve likely experienced how challenging it can be to access healthcare services. The state designates our region as a “health professional shortage area,” meaning there simply aren’t enough providers to meet the needs of our population.

Across the Redwood Region — Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake and Mendocino counties — state workforce data confirms what many residents already feel: we need more healthcare professionals and support services.

Nursing shortages are one of the most pressing concerns. All four counties are experiencing moderate to high shortages of nurses, including registered nurses, vocational nurses and nurse anesthetists. Today, the region is short approximately 1,075 nurses, with about 290 needed in Humboldt County alone.

The problem is expected to grow. By 2032, the regional shortfall could reach 1,625 nurses, with Lake County projected to face a particularly severe shortage.

The need extends beyond nursing. Demand for home health and personal care aides is rising rapidly, with more than 17,000 job openings projected across the region by 2032. These roles are essential for helping older adults remain safely in their homes — something many seniors prefer as they age.

So, what does this mean for the North Coast’s aging population if we aren’t able to address the impending workforce shortages? It may become more difficult to access timely medical care or find the support needed to live independently. Without enough providers and caregivers, seniors could face delays in care, more travel for services or less ability to remain in the area as healthcare needs intensify. These challenges can ultimately result in poorer overall health and well-being of those living in our community.

There is good news, however. Regional healthcare providers, academic institutions and community partners are working together to build solutions. The College of the Redwoods is expanding its Registered Nursing program in both Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Beginning in Fall 2026, Cal Poly Humboldt will offer new bachelor’s degree programs in Community Health and Health & Medical Sciences, helping to train the next generation of local providers.

To support hands-on learning for the new and growing programs, simulation centers are also being built across Del Norte, Humboldt, and Lake counties to give students real-world training experiences.

In addition, the state’s CalRural Health Transformation initiative is investing in new “Hub and Spoke” networks, which include use of telehealth and eConsult technology. This approach will make it easier for patients to access specialty care virtually, improving access for residents in remote areas of the region and reducing the need for long-distance travel.

While these efforts are promising, community support plays a vital role to make them successful. Here are a few simple ways you can help:

•Welcome new healthcare providers and their families and help them feel at home in our community.

• Learn to use digital tools like patient portals, video visits and remote monitoring devices.

• Support programs to train and retain healthcare workers, such as residency programs and simulation centers.

By working together, we can help ensure that the North Coast is a place where people of all ages — especially seniors — can access the care they need and continue to thrive.

Tina Tvedt Schaible, MHA, CMPE is sector investment coordinator for Redwood Region RISE (Resilient Inclusive Sustainable Economy) at Cal Poly Humboldt and director of grants and project implementation for the North Coast Health Improvement and Information Network.