Health-care leaders help psychologists and students tap into government programs

APA recently honored two health-care officials who have helped psychology benefit from federally sponsored education and training opportunities and funding programs: Neil Sampson and Donald L. Weaver, MD, of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)--the arm of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that advances the health-care professions workforce.

Sampson is deputy associate administrator of the Bureau of Health Professions (BHPr), the section of HRSA that strengthens the health professions. Weaver is director of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), which provides financial aid to health professionals in exchange for service in underserved areas. At an April 21 reception at APA headquarters, Sampson and Weaver received awards for recognizing psychology's vital role in interdisciplinary health care.

Both Sampson and Weaver have collaborated with APA's Education Directorate to promote the inclusion of psychologists in federally funded programs. Sampson's support has helped minority and disadvantaged psychology students at all training levels become eligible for educational support programs sponsored by the BHPr. Examples include the Centers of Excellence--university-based centers that provide tutoring for minority students--and the Health Career Opportunity Program, which helps minority students launch health careers. In addition, disadvantaged psychology students can compete for scholarships provided by the bureau.

Weaver has helped psychologists reap the benefits of the NHSC Loan Repayment Program, which provides health care to underserved populations. Before Weaver began working with APA, no psychologists were participating in the program, says Nina Levitt, EdD, director of education policy at APA. Now 36 psychologists have participated in the program, she says, and Weaver recently allocated $60,000 to support psychologists to work in six underserved states.

In addition, both Sampson and Weaver have assigned a member of their staff to focus on mental health professionals.

--J. Chamberlin



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