SHC announces loan assistance

The State Health Council in conjunction with the North Dakota Department of Health has announced that two physicians and three veterinarians have been approved for student loan repayment assistance through the Physician and Veterinarian Loan Repayment programs.

The loan repayment programs are awarded to health professionals and veterinarians who have agreed to work in areas of the state that do not have a sufficient number of health-care workers or veterinarians to meet the needs of the area. The awards are given to help pay for the educational loans the recipient has incurred.

“It is recognized that a lot of North Dakota students leave the state in order to obtain graduate college degrees, but many do not return,” said Marlene Kouba, chair of the State Health Council. “The Loan Repayment Program was set up in an effort to attract students back to North Dakota after obtaining their professional degrees and training. In exchange, we can help place professionals in areas of the state that are seeing a workforce shortage.”

During its February meeting, the State Health Council awarded loan repayments to two physicians who will be working in Linton and Valley City. In exchange for the financial award, the physicians have agreed to work at least two years in the communities.

The State Health Council, in consultation with the State Board of Animal Health, also approved loan repayments for three veterinarians who work or will work in underserved areas. One recipient will serve the New Salem area, one in the Cooperstown area and one will be working in the Oakes area. All three veterinarians have agreed to work in these areas for at least four years.

The State Health Council awards the loan repayments based on consultation with stakeholders and the criteria set by the Legislature. The council’s 11 members are appointed by the governor for three-year terms. Four members are appointed from the health-care provider community, five from the public sector, one from the energy industry and one from the manufacturing and processing industry.

For more information, contact Marlene Kouba, State Health Council, at 701-563-4560.

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