Alaska SHARP
SHARP supports health care workforce recruitment and retention of healthcare practitioners in medical, dental, and behavioral health disciplines through student loan repayment and direct financial incentives. The goal of SHARP is to increase the availability of health care services throughout the state, especially to rural and underserved populations. Participants in SHARP work at health care facilities throughout the state. Eligible Employers and Participants apply to the program and enter a contract with the State of Alaska Department of Health. SHARP incentives follow a quarterly payment cycle and requires submission of a quarterly work report and employer match payment.
SHARP-1
SHARP1 SLRP is funded partially by a Federal State Loan Repayment Grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA H56HP46808 9/1/22-8/31/25) and required matching organization funds. Contracts require a 2-year commitment to work at the eligible facility.
Participants in this program are licensed practitioners providing minimum 80% direct patient care services at a primary care outpatient setting located in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).
Qualifying organizations consist of public and non-profit organizations such as Federally Qualified Health Centers, IHS Facilities, Community Mental Health Centers, Rural Community Clinics, and federal and state prisons with a facility HPSA.
Please review
HRSA State Loan Repayment Program Service Requirements for Clinician Awardees.
For more regarding Clinician and Loan eligibility review
HRSA Clinician Eligibility and Application Requirements.
SHARP-3
SHARP3 is 100% funded by the employer, but the employer payment may come from any available source, including a philanthropic institution, health foundation, government agency, community organization, or private individual. Employers are utilizing grant funding, personnel vacancy savings from their existing budgets, contributions, and any available resources. Contracts require a 3-year commitment to work at the eligible facility.
Participants in this program can receive education loan repayment and/or direct incentive payments. The program consists of three tiers of eligibility depending on qualifications; facilities must be located in a state designated Healthcare Services Shortage Area. Tier1 and Tier2 are licensed practitioners and requires 50% direct patient care services at a primary care setting. Tier3 option provides a broader range of practitioner occupations and does not require direct patient care services; participants at this tier are other health care professionals and social service professionals supporting access to health care services for underserved individuals.
Qualifying organizations consist of non-profit and for-profit clinics and hospitals, public universities and colleges, and school districts.
To learn more about SHARP3 read the Health Care Professionals Workforce Enhancement Program in
Alaska Statute 18.29 and companion regulations
7 ACC 24.
SHARP JotForm Links
SHARP Advisory Council
The Alaska SHARP Advisory Council provides guidance to the Alaska Department of Health. The Council consists of member organizations within the health care and workforce industry. If you or your organization would be interested in sitting on the SHARP Advisory Council, please reach out to SHARP staff. The SHARP Council has two standing sub-committees: Admissions Committee and Partnership Funding Committee. Meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public, information can be found at Alaska’s
Online Public Notices website.
SHARP Engagement Flyers