NY grants get docs into needy areas

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The state Health Department is awarding $2 million to 21 hospitals, health centers, medical practices, and physicians to address the need for qualified health care providers in underserved communities.

The grants announced Thursday were awarded under the Doctors Across New York program. The program aims to get doctors into rural and inner-city areas where a shortage of health care providers has been identified.

Under the Physician Practice Support program, applicants are eligible for grants of up to $100,000 over a two-year period. The grants will help hospitals and health care facilities recruit new physicians. Awards also were made to doctors practicing in needy areas to help repay their educational loans.

Awards require a two-year service commitment from physicians to practice in the underserved community.