The state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs visited WellSpan Health's START (Specialized Treatment and Recovery Team) Clinic to highlight a program that can help some addiction professionals repay student loans.

Through the program, $10 million is available to qualified individuals who provide substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and Single County Authority (SCA) funded case management professionals. The goal is to retain these important practitioners.

"We know our friends and neighbors are struggling with addiction, and importantly, we know that treatment works," said Dr. Mitchell Crawford, director of Addiction Services, WellSpan Health. "The support from the SUD loan repayment program will help improve access to that needed treatment by keeping our talented colleagues engaged in this work, and this will save lives." 

Applications must be submitted via the online application portal by May 26, 2022. Eligible practitioners must currently provide SUD treatment or SCA-funded case management services at approved practice site(s) and meet certain requirements. Selected candidates must demonstrate a minimum of two years of experience in the SUD field as well as agree to a service commitment of two additional years.

Practitioners can apply for an amount up to $100,000, contingent on occupation and work experience. Award amounts and number of awards will depend upon the number of applications received meeting the criteria, the amount of grant assistance being requested, and the amount of available grant assistance to be awarded.

Watch the full conference here.