A shortage of primary health care providers in the District leaves nearly 300,000 residents living in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas and/or Medically Underserved Areas.  These areas are most severe on the eastern half of the District – a region with the most need and the greatest health problems.  The inadequate access to community-based primary care leads to poor health, high costs, and overcrowded emergency rooms.

In February 2006, the “District of Columbia Health Professional Recruitment Program Act of 2005” (L16-0071) was signed into law.  This law created a health professional recruitment program to recruit and retain qualified health professionals to work in underserved areas of the District.  Unfortunately, the District is currently ineligible to receive the 50 percent federal matching funds that are available to any of the 50 states who administer a similar program.  DCPCA is actively working with members of Congress to rectify this omission.

DC Loan Repayment Program