Apr 1, 2020
In 2018 Congress passed the “Support for Patients and Communities Act.” It contained a number of items supported and promoted by the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers.
Included on that list was a program to encourage the Substance Use Disorder workforce to locate in underserved and rural areas. That idea came from several NAATP Board members who had at one time served as Chairs of the Board. It’s always gratifying when ideas become policy and make a real difference for our members.
Recently released are the 2020 guidelines for two programs through the National Health Services Corps. The first program provides that Substance Use Disorder clinicians may receive up to $75,000 in student loan repayment in exchange for a three-year commitment to provide services in specific underserved locations.
The second program provides for $100,000 for clinicians who agree to serve three years in NHSC designated rural areas full time and $50,000 if they serve part time for three years.
We appreciate the federal agencies who have worked to implement these programs and the Office of National Drug Control Policy for helping to coordinate these efforts.
NAATP Members who operate in these areas should consider taking advantage of these programs. More information can be found here: 2020 NHSC Rural Community LRP Application and Program Guidance
