PROVIDENCE, KY — Health First Community Health Center is pleased to announce that David Higgins, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC, CMHIMP, was selected by the Kentucky Office of Rural Health as an awardee for the Kentucky State Loan Repayment Program (KSLRP). For the 2018-2019 funding cycle, the KSLRP will competitively award a total of nearly $400,000 to be allocated to approximately 18 participants. Higgins was one of the elite individuals selected this year. Michael McGill, Rural Project Manager with the Kentucky Office of Rural Health stated that Higgins was one of the first behavioral health professionals to receive this award through the program.
Since 2003, the KSLRP has served as a recruitment and retention tool to reduce health workforce shortages in rural and underserved locations throughout the state. It is a 50/50 matching program, offered through the KSLRP and a matching sponsor source, which increases availability of primary health care services through repayment of education loans to eligible health professionals practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA). Applicants selected to participate in the competitive program are required to commit to working full-time for two years, at an eligible site in the state. They also must demonstrate a commitment to providing health care services to rural and/or underserved populations through documented experience and statement of intent. Total loan repayment awards range from $10,000-$40,000 a year, based on provider type, level of loan indebtedness, and sponsor commitment level.
Higgins joined Health First Community Health Center in 2013 as a Therapist/Behavior Specialist. He earned his doctorate degree with a specialization in counselor education from the University of the Cumberlands and earned his Master’s degree in mental health counseling from Western Kentucky University. He is a Kentucky Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and an approved clinical supervisor. He is also recognized as a National Certified Counselor and a Mental Health Integrative Medicine Certified Provider. In addition to his services at Health First, he is a faculty member at the University of the Cumberlands.
A contract signing was held on Wednesday, December 19th at the Health First located at 121 E. Main St. in Providence. KORH representative Michael McGill was on site, along with Higgins and Health First CEO Shelley Gobin.
For additional questions contact:
Jenna Jerger
Chief Administrative Officer & Marketing Director
E-mail: jchandler@hfchc.net
Telephone: (270) 667-2396
Michael McGill
Rural Project Manager
Kentucky Office of Rural Health
E-mail: Michael.mcgill@uky.edu
Telephone: (606) 439-3557 ext. 83518
