Strengthening Healthcare Access Recruitment Program (SHARP) State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) Application Cycle for Calendar Year 2024 is open until July 31, 2024.  

Alaska SHARP1 SLRP Program supports healthcare workforce recruitment, retention, and distribution of healthcare professionals statewide through student loan repayment incentives.  SHARP incentive payments follow a quarterly cycle and require submission of a quarterly work report and employer match payment. 

SHARP1 participants are licensed practitioners providing direct patient care for a minimum of 80% of their time at a primary care outpatient setting located in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).  SHARP1 contracts require a 2-year commitment to work at the eligible facility.

Employer eligible practice sites include:

• Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHCs) and FQHC Look-a-Likes
• Community Health Centers and CMS Certified Rural Health Clinics
• Critical Access Hospitals affiliated with a qualified outpatient clinic
• Community Outpatient Facilities and Community Mental Health Facilities
• Indian Health Services Facilities
• Correctional or Detention Facilities (Must have a facility HPSA)

Eligible Participant Disciplines with approved Primary Care Specialty

SHARP1 has two tiers of participation with differing level of loan repayment incentive. See attachment SHARP1 Engagement flyer. Participation can be Full-time at 40 hours per week in no less than 4 days, or Half-time at 20-39 hours per week in no less than 2 days. Additional Clinician Eligibility and Requirements for SLRP can be reviewed here.

Costs to Employers: 

SHARP1 participation costs are off-set by a Federal HRSA SLRP Grant.  Employers are required to match 50-80% of the incentive amount for each contract.

Application Open Period Details:

The application period opens June 1, 2024 and will close July 31, 2024.  All applicants will be reviewed for eligibility after the application period closes.  Acceptance into the program is dependent on employer approval and prioritization of eligible applicants to ensure the employer can meet the financial obligations of required match payment.

SHARP estimates 25-35 applicants will receive contracts in this application period depending on applicant tier and available grant funding.

Please submit your questions sharp.inquiry@alaska.gov

Additional information about SHARP can be found on the SHARP website HERE