Oregon Rural Health Services Loan Repayment Program

Important for Rural Communities

One of the most difficult challenges facing rural Oregon is the recruitment and retention of health care providers.  The Oregon Rural Health Services Loan Repayment Program is one of the few tools communities have to attract providers to rural communities.  This program offers loan repayment to physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who practice in rural areas with unmet health care needs.

Success in attracting providers

The RHS Loan Repayment program successfully brings providers to communities in need and, in most cases, keeps those providers longer than they are required to stay.  Sixty percent of MD/DO & NP/PA awardees, between 1994-2007, completed their maximum obligated service time, plus 3 or more years. Another 10% completed the maximum, plus 1-2 years.

Providers are necessary to solve access issues

The Legislature has been working on health care reform all session.  But it takes more than just coverage to provide care.  People in rural Oregon cannot get access to providers who are not there.  Now is not the time to cut a program that has a proven record of helping rural communities recruit and retain health care providers. 

Please support restoration of $400,000 for the

Oregon Rural Health Services Loan Repayment Program.