Getting access to primary care providers is critical to disease prevention.  The problem is that there aren’t enough primary care providers nationwide.  Arizona is short by about 300 primary care physicians, 250 dentists and about 70 psychiatrists.

That’s why Arizona has been aggressive in their efforts to recruit providers to work in Arizona, specifically in rural underserved areas.  Programs like the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program and the State Loan Repayment Program help alleviate some of the primary health care needs of Arizona residents by recruiting and retaining health care professionals in areas where they’re most needed.  Our Bureau of Health Systems Development oversees these two programs in addition to other programs that provide incentives to foreign physicians such as the J1 Visa Waiver Program and the Arizona National Interest Waiver Program.

The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program application cycle is now accepting applications through  March 20.  Providers can also apply for the State Loan Repayment Program at any time.  Please help spread the word about this wonderful opportunity for providers to give back to the community while receiving loan repayment benefit.