Availability of Funds for the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program and Grants for State Loan Repayment Programs

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces that approximately $42.4 million will be available in fiscal year (FY) 1995 for: (1) Awards for educational loan repayment under the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program (LRP) (Section 338B of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act) and (2) grants to States to operate loan repayment programs (Section 338I of the PHS Act). The HRSA, through this notice, invites health professionals to apply for participation in the NHSC LRP and invites States to apply for grants to operate State Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs). The HRSA estimates that approximately 550 NHSC Loan Repayment awards totaling $35.4 million will be made to health professionals providing primary health services. Approximately $7 million in discretionary grants will be available to States to operate LRPs. Approximately $3 million will be available to support 10 competing continuation grants and 3 to 5 new starts. The range for these grants is approximately $20,000 to $1 million. Approximately $4 million is available for 19 noncompeting continuation grants. Awards will be made for a 1-year budget period and for up to a 5-year project period. The PHS is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 2000, a PHS-led national activity for setting health priority areas. These programs will contribute to the Healthy People 2000 objectives by improving access to primary health care services through coordinated systems of care for medically underserved populations in both rural and urban areas. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of Healthy People 2000 (Full Report, Stock No. 017-001-00474-01) or Healthy People 2000 (Summary Report; Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-783-3238). The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people. Part A of this notice contains specific information concerning the NHSC LRP, and Part B contains specific information concerning grants for State LRPs.