Mississippi State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)- Healthcare Professional

The Mississippi State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP), administered by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), is designed to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, specifically MDs and DOs, to serve in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) across the state. Eligible participants can receive up to $150,000 toward the repayment of qualifying educational loans in exchange for a minimum two-year service commitment at an approved public or private healthcare organization. The program aims to increase primary care access for underserved populations and reduce healthcare disparities. The initial period of performance for the current solicitation is from October 1, 2026, to October 1, 2028, with a total project budget of $1,309,980, including a 1:1 cost-sharing match. To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals with an active, unrestricted Mississippi professional license and verifiable student loans that are not in default. Participants are required to provide direct patient care, utilize a sliding fee scale, and serve at least 45 weeks per year. Compliance is monitored through quarterly verification requests and semi-annual employment verification forms. Applications are accepted year-round on a quarterly cycle through the OpenGov Procurement portal, with a final deadline of June 1, 2029. Selection is based on a scoring process that evaluates professional discipline and loan verification, with awards granted to top-scoring applicants as funding allows.