Strengthening Healthcare Access Recruitment Program

Alaska's Strengthening Healthcare Access Recruitment Program (SHARP) is our statewide support-for-service effort to improve the recruitment, retention, and distribution of healthcare professionals through student loan repayment and direct incentives. SHARP is a public-private partnership working to support healthcare practitioners in medical, dental, and behavioral health disciplines. For more information

 

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SHARP-1

Contracts in this category provide education loan repayment for licensed practitioners providing 80% direct patient care services at a primary care setting located in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). Qualifying organizations consist of non-profit and governmental organizations.

SHARP-1 is funded partially by a Federal State Loan Repayment Grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA H56HP46808 9/1/22-8/31/25) and required matching organization funds. Contracts require a 2-year service obligation.

To learn more about SHARP-1 read the and the .

SHARP-3

Contracts in this category provide both education loan repayment and direct incentive payments for licensed practitioners and other healthcare disciplines. Tier-1 and Tier-2 contracts require 50% direct patient care services at a primary care setting located in a Healthcare Services Shortage Area. Tier-3 option provides a broader range of practitioner occupations and does not require direct patient care services. Qualifying organizations consist of non-profit, for-profit, governmental agencies, public universities, and Alaska School Districts.

SHARP-3 is 100% funded by the employer, but the employer payment may come from any available source, including a philanthropic institution, health foundation, government agency, community organization, or private individual. Employers are utilizing grant funding, personnel vacancy savings from their existing budgets, contributions, and any available resources. Contracts require a 3-year service obligation.

To learn more about SHARP-3 read the Health Care Professionals Workforce Enhancement Program in and companion regulations .

 

Contact

SHARP Program staff: sharp.inquiry@alaska.gov