The following article was featured on 10 WJAR on April 30, 2025. It is posted on its website. Photo: Gov. Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health recognized the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program recipients. (WJAR)
State leaders recognize Health Professional Loan Repayment Program awardees
Gov. Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health recognized the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program recipients for 2024.
According to state leaders, the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program supports the recruitment and retention of high-quality and community-centered healthcare professionals.
This year, 58 clinicians received awards and the program provided over $1.6 million in loan repayment relief.
One of the recipients was Alexa Allard, a family nurse practitioner at Wood River Health Center.
Allard said she qualified for the loan repayment program because she works at a designated healthcare provider shortage area.
"The award was very helpful for me because it allowed me to focus on solely on my patients rather than the loans I had," she said. "The steep cost of education can be really difficult when it comes time to find an environment to work in. I knew I wanted to work in community health, so now because my student loans are paid off, I can focus solely on my patients rather than making sure that I’m financially secure at my job."
State officials said other awardees include physicians, dentists, nurses, and behavioral healthcare providers. They all will serve in medically underserved communities for a minimum of two years.
“Programs like the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program are a critical part of the solution—helping us attract and retain providers in the communities that need them most,” said McKee. “This is about making smart, long-term investments in our healthcare workforce so that every Rhode Islander can receive timely, quality care.”
The event, which was held at the Rhode Island State House, also recognized donors and partners, officials said.
