Federal Grant Award Summary

The State of Alaska Department of Health received a $754,990 Project Grant award, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Health Professionals under the Grants to States for Loan Repayment program (CFDA 93.165). This award funds Alaska's educational loan repayment program designed to increase the availability of primary healthcare clinicians in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) across the state. The grant enables the State of Alaska Department of Health to establish and operate a loan repayment assistance program that offers educational debt relief to physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, mental health professionals, registered nurses, pharmacists, and other licensed healthcare providers in exchange for service commitments in designated underserved areas.

The program directly supports healthcare workforce development and retention in Alaska's medically underserved communities by reducing the financial barriers that prevent qualified healthcare professionals from practicing in rural and frontier regions. Grant funds are allocated to repay eligible educational loans for healthcare providers who commit to serving in federally designated HPSAs, thereby expanding access to primary care services for vulnerable and underserved populations throughout Alaska. The award operates under a three-year project period and requires the state to maintain comprehensive accounting records and comply with all applicable HRSA administrative and reporting requirements.