ARRA: Unliquidated Obligations: Kentucky State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP), ARRA 2010 Funding

The goal of the Kentucky State Loan Repayment Program (KSLRP) is to increase access to primary and preventive care in medically underserved areas. The KSLRP was implemented in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2001 but the program was unable to enroll any participants. In 2003 the KSLRP was placed under the auspice of the Kentucky Office of Rural Health, as a result, marketing efforts were launched that included an informational webpage, brochures and educational presentations at statewide meetings. Initially both healthcare professionals and possible sites were apprehensive of entering into a two-year contractual agreement for the required provision of service. After a few successful placements and the use of personal testimonies the program slowly began to attract interest and grow. Healthy Kentuckians 2010 defines primary care as the provision of integrated, accessible health care services by clinicians that are accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, developing sustained partnerships with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community. People who receive adequate primary care tend to be healthier and require less use of expensive medical treatments. Conversely, those who cannot obtain adequate primary care, or those who decline to follow healthful lifestyle practices, generally exhibit higher rates of preventable illness and disease.