In a news release from ND HHS, Interim Commissioner Dirk Wilke said: “Recruiting and retaining a trained, qualified health care workforce, including in rural and underserved areas, is vital to reaching our goal of being the healthiest state in the nation.”

The Primary Care Office in HHS is accepting applications now through March 31 for three support for service programs: North Dakota Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment Program, ND Federal Loan Repayment Program, and Dental Loan Repayment Program. Healthcare students graduating this year, new healthcare graduates, and established health professionals with student loan debt are encouraged to apply.