Federal Grant Award Summary

The Tennessee Department of Health received a $754,990 Project Grant award 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 Tennessee's educational loan repayment program designed to increase the availability of primary healthcare clinicians in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Through this three-year project period, the Department of Health will administer loan repayment assistance to eligible healthcare providers—including physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, mental health professionals, and other licensed practitioners—who commit to practicing in designated underserved communities throughout Tennessee's 95 counties.

The program enables the Tennessee Department of Health to repay eligible educational loans for qualified healthcare professionals in exchange for service commitments in federally designated HPSAs, thereby strengthening healthcare workforce availability and improving access to primary care services in medically underserved populations. As the prime grantee, TDH will manage all loan repayment awards, maintain comprehensive accounting records, and ensure compliance with HRSA administrative and reporting requirements throughout the project period and three years thereafter.