May 17, 2021
HRSA Expanding Community-Based Workforce for COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach
As part of the large federal investment in local-level response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will make approximately 10 awards with total funding of $125 million. The funding will support outreach, education and assistance related to the COVID-19 vaccine and go to public and/or private nonprofit organizations with demonstrated experience in public health programs across a broad geographic area. Applicants are expected to have partnerships with health and social service organizations that can directly hire community outreach workers from vulnerable, medically-underserved communities. This is the first of two funding opportunities for community-based vaccine outreach. The second funding opportunity will be released in mid-May and will focus on smaller community-based organizations. Applications due May 18.
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
This program provides financial support to students enrolled in nursing degree programs in exchange for a commitment to serve in high-need areas across the country. HRSA has received a historic increase in funding this year under the American Rescue Plan. With this additional funding, Nurse Corps anticipates making significantly more awards to including:
Up to 20 percent of total awards to nurse practitioners (NP) specializing in psychiatric mental health
- Up to $5 million to women’s health NPs and certified nurse midwife advanced practice nurses and registered nurses (RNs) who wish to pursue a career in women’s health
- Up to $2 million dollars to support unlicensed assistive personnel such as Certified Nursing Assistants, Home Health Aides, Medical Assistants, as well as those in entry level nursing careers, such as Licensed Practical (Vocational) Nurses to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing.
Application cycle has now been extended through May 26.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Programs
HRSA extended the deadline for each of three loan repayment programs: the NHSC Loan Repayment Program, the NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program, and the NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program. A record number of new awards for eligible clinicians is being supported by an $800 million increase in funding. Extended to May 27 (from May 6).
Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) Program
HRSA will make three awards, each $1 million per year for a four-year project. Recipients will be networks that have already been established by three or more separately-owned entities and include at least two rural hospitals, among other requirements. The goal of the program is to test models for improved access to care in areas that are underserved. Applications due June 4.