Workforce Initiatives
Having a sufficient number of doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners, licensed clinical social workers and other health and professionals in all corners of the Commonwealth is critical to provide health services to Virginians. VHCF has a special focus on uninsured and those living in medically-underserved communities.
VHCF uses a multi-pronged approach to help increase the number of providers in Virginia’s medically underserved areas. VHCF has:
- Awarded over $61 million in grant funding to health safety net organizations to hire medical, dental and behavioral health providers.
- Awarded 41 scholarships for nurse practitioners to become behavioral health providers by completing a post-Master’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate.
- Provided the financial wherewithal to attract more behavioral health providers to rural areas of Virginia, including a partnership with the Virginia Department of Health’s Student Loan Repayment Program (VA-SLRP).
Health safety net practices receiving VHCF grants often serve as training sites for health professions students. More than 7,900 students have participated in clinical experiences as a result of VHCF funding.
The Foundation also helps Virginia colleges and universities initiate innovative approaches to training health and behavioral health professionals – from underwriting dental preceptorships at free clinics to funding a program that pairs psychology doctoral students with medical residents to provide behavioral health care integrated in a primary care clinic.
Last Updated on October 25, 2023
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