Alaska’s SHARP program seeks to recruit and retain selected healthcare professionals to serve in designated healthcare shortage areas in exchange for the repayment of qualifying education loans. Selected healthcare practitioners sign a three year contract stating their commitment to serve in identified high need areas and facilities.
In Alaska, SHARP-I now in its fourth year offers loan repayment for primary care clinicians working in federal HRSA health professional shortage areas largely located where there is underserved populations. To date, 74 clinicians have been admitted to the program under SHARP-I which is funded 50 percent by HRSA and 50 percent by the State General Fund and Alaska’s Mental Health Trust Authority.
SHARP II is now going to help the worsening shortage of certain healthcare professionals in Alaska by increasing the number and distribution of healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care. As of August 2013, DHHS released the SHARP II Round 2 solicitation that opened August 9 and will close September 30, 2013. SHARP II expects to fill 45 clinician opportunities.
SHARP II provides loan repayments and direct incentives with both full-time and half-time contract options available. After an initial three years of service, clinicians in good standing may be able to renew another three year contract.
For more information on the SHARP II program, contact Robert Sewell Program Manager by email robert.sewell@alaska.gov or call 907-465-4065. Six statewide teleconferences will be held for interested parties to learn more about SHARP II. The teleconference call in number is 800-944-8766.