Project Grant H5655588

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health received a $201,248 Project Grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration's Bureau of Health Professionals under the Grants to States for Loan Repayment program (CFDA 93.165). The award, dated July 1, 2026, with completion scheduled for June 30, 2029, supports Delaware's educational loan repayment program designed to increase the availability of primary health care clinicians in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Under this three-year project period, the state will administer loan repayment assistance to eligible healthcare professionals, including physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, mental health professionals, registered nurses, and pharmacists, who commit to practice in designated underserved communities throughout Delaware.

The grant enables the Division to offer educational loan repayment assistance in exchange for service commitments in HPSAs, thereby addressing workforce shortages and improving access to primary care services in medically underserved populations. As the single state authority for substance abuse and mental health services, the Division will leverage this funding to support healthcare workforce retention and development while coordinating with local governments, community organizations, and healthcare providers across the state to implement the loan repayment program effectively.