Some rural Arkansas counties get federal funds to recruit medical professionals after new designation

Three Arkansas counties are now designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas for primary care by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The Arkansas Department of Health said this designation will allow healthcare organizations to recruit medical professionals in rural communities.

MONROE COUNTY, Ark. – Three Arkansas counties are now designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas for primary care by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The Arkansas Department of Health said this designation will allow healthcare organizations to recruit medical professionals in rural communities.

The department added this new designation allows qualifying healthcare organizations to use federal funds to recruit medical professionals, like doctors, nurses, dentists, and behavioral healthcare professionals to rural areas in need by offering student loan repayment.

ADH officials said the designation can be based on several criteria, including geography, facilities, population, and medically underserved areas and populations.

Monroe pharmacist Marco Middleton said working in a rural community is like being on call 24/7. He said he hopes a new designation by the state will recruit more help.

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