Federal Grant Award Summary

The Department of Community Health Georgia, operating as the State Office of Rural Health, received a $491,243 Project Grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Health Professionals under the Grants to States for Loan Repayment program (CFDA 93.165). The award, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, supports Georgia's establishment and operation of an educational loan repayment program designed to increase the availability of primary care healthcare providers in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Through this funding, the State Office of Rural Health will provide loan repayment assistance to eligible healthcare professionals, including physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, mental health professionals, and other licensed providers, in exchange for their commitment to practice in designated underserved communities throughout Georgia.

The program directly addresses healthcare workforce retention and recruitment challenges in rural and medically underserved areas by offering financial incentives for loan repayment to healthcare professionals who commit to service in HPSAs. The three-year grant period enables the state agency to manage comprehensive loan repayment operations, maintain required accounting records, and report on program outcomes through the Federal Financial Report submission process. This investment aligns with the broader federal strategy to enhance healthcare access and workforce availability in Georgia's underserved populations.