NYC Health + Hospitals distributed $580,000 to 16 people as part of its behavioral health loan repayment program, the health system said in an April 12 news release shared with Becker's.
"This debt relief program doesn’t just change the lives of individual staff, it sends a powerful message to everyone: frontline mental health professionals are essential, and their commitment to NYC Health + Hospitals makes a critical difference to New York City," NYC Health + Hospitals Co-Deputy Chief Medical Officer and System Chief of Behavioral Health Omar Fattal, MD, said in the news release. "We are grateful to the anonymous donor for their generosity, for their bold commitment to our system, and for this innovative opportunity to attract and retain exceptional staff."
The student debt relief is contingent on a three-year commitment with the health system. It was funded by an anonymous $1 million donation.
"The loan forgiveness program has taken a sizable burden off me and has enabled me to truly pivot all of my mental energy towards providing diligent services to those within the vulnerable population struggling with mental illness," NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County psychiatric nurse practitioner Elizabeth Sewell, NP, said, according to the news release.
The remaining $420,000 will be distributed this year, with applications open until May 1, the system said.