WEEKLY UPDATE: 05/23/24
On Monday, May 20 Governor Ned Lamont, joined by Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani announced his administration is launching a new state program to address the healthcare workforce shortage in Connecticut’s health professional shortage areas. The Connecticut Student Loan Repayment Program will offer up to $50,000 in student loan repayments to eligible healthcare providers who commit to practicing full-time in underserved communities in the state for at least two years.
The program is overseen by the Department of Public Health (DPH) and administered by the Connecticut Area Health Education Center.
The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) released the following statement in response to the announcement:
“We thank Governor Ned Lamont and Commissioner Juthani for their continued commitment and actions to grow, support, and retain the healthcare workforce. Workforce shortages, which come in the wake of pandemic-related demands and as the workforce ages to retirement, are felt across the entire continuum of care. The breadth of need requires collaboration across sectors, industries, and state partnership. Hospitals are creating new ways to support employee mental health, recruitment, and resiliency; and Governor Lamont, state officials, and lawmakers have been steadfast partners in this work. This program is another important step to invest in the healthcare workforce and attract and retain talent in all communities.”
Building a robust healthcare workforce, in addition to enhancing physical protections in hospital settings, remains a top priority of CHA’s advocacy efforts. Connecticut is not training or attracting enough individuals interested in healthcare careers, but efforts to offset educational debt help break down barriers to employment, especially in underserved communities. CHA continues to advocate for additional assistance to support the entire healthcare workforce.
Eligible providers include:
- MDs and DOs in Family Practice, General Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN
- APRNs, including Certified Nurse Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, and Psychiatric Nurse Specialists
- Physician Assistants
- Registered Nurses
- Dentists and Dental Hygienists
- Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Core Behavioral Health Providers, including Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Substance Use Disorder Counselors
- Pharmacists
Applications will be accepted beginning May 22, 2024. Click here for application information.
