States are getting $100M boost to retain primary care workforce in underserved communities
The loans help improve health equity by ensuring that clinicians working in high-need communities remain in them.
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is making available $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding for state-run programs that support, recruit and retain primary care clinicians who live and work in underserved communities.
The Health Resources and Service Administration estimates that it will make up to 50 awards of up to $1 million per year over the program's four-year project period. HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce is accepting grant applications from all 50 states, D.C. and U.S. territories.
This funding represents a five-fold increase to HRSA's State Loan Repayment Program.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The money is meant to improve health equity by ensuring that clinicians working in high-need communities remain in them.
The American Rescue Plan funds include no cost-sharing requirement. States will not be required to demonstrate a specific matching amount for the federal funding, though HRSA encourages states to secure some level of funding match through public or private entities.
States can use up to 10% of their award for administrative costs.
The disciplines, practice sites, length of required service commitment and the award amount for each state's loan repayment program can vary by state/territory.
"With these funds, states can design programs that optimize the selection of disciplines and service locations, and tailor the length of service commitments to address the areas of greatest need in their communities," said Acting HRSA Administrator Diana Espinosa. "This investment will make a tremendous impact on access to primary care and addressing health disparities at a critical time."
Applicants can begin the application process on grants.gov and apply by Friday, April 8, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Notices of Awards will be announced prior to the project start date of September 1, 2022.
THE LARGER TREND
The nation's providers are dealing with clinician and other workforce shortages as staff leave due to burnout.
The spread of the Delta variant has prolonged the shortages, driven up wages and hampered recruitment.
The American Nurses Association in September asked HHS to declare the ongoing nursing shortage a national crisis.
ON THE RECORD
"Our healthcare workers have worked tirelessly to save lives throughout this pandemic and now it's our turn to invest in them," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "This investment is critical to ensuring state public health officials can continue supporting specific needs across their communities. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to invest in building a strong health workforce as we build our country back healthier."
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com
