Foundation Annual Report 2008-10 - Office of Statewide Health ...

The last two years have marked an
increased interest by policy makers to
reform the country and state’s healthcare
system. The debate continues about program
expansions; financing options; costs to individuals,
employers and other stakeholders;
individual mandates; and eligibility. These
issues resonate in California where almost
7 million Californians are presently uninsured
and residents in 56 of California’s
58 counties live in a medically underserved
area.
One issue that receives bi-partisan support
from policy makers, researchers, academia,
employers, patients and other stakeholders
is the incongruence between supply and
demand for healthcare providers. California
is facing a serious shortage of allied health
workers, nurses and primary care doctors
and the demand will continue to outpace
supply as our state becomes more diverse
both in racial and ethnic composition, age
and geographic location.
The Health Professions Education Foundation’s
mission of expanding access to care for California’s
medically underserved communities
by providing scholarships and loan repayments
is making significant strides. Since the Foundation’s
inception, it has awarded more than
$39 million to 4,025 students and healthcare
providers practicing direct patient care in 56
of California’s 58 counties.
As the nation debates healthcare reform, I
encourage you to support one tried and tested
solution: the Foundation’s programs which
encourage health professionals to practice in
medically underserved communities thereby
increasing access to care, healthcare quality
and outcomes.
A message from the
Director
David M. Carlisle M.D., Ph.D.
Director
Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development
Health Professions Education Foundation Report 2008-2010 3