Robbins' Hails PHEAA Decision to Provide Loan Forgiveness for Nurses at Veterans' Homes

Harrisburg – State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) commended the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Board of Directors for their unanimous decision today to establish a loan forgiveness program for nurses hired at state veterans' homes.

"Hospitals and care facilities across the state are having trouble attracting and retaining nurses," said Robbins, a Vietnam veteran. "This problem is being particularly felt by our state veterans' homes, who are unable to compete for nurses. This leads to positions being unfilled and less than ideal care for those who so ably served our nation. To address this situation, I introduced Senate Bill 262, which would establish a loan forgiveness program for nurses at state veterans' homes. I am pleased that PHEAA recognized this need, worked with me, and created this program."

Similar to Robbins' bill, the PHEAA program would provide for fifty percent reimbursement, with a maximum of $10,000 loan forgiveness, for recently graduated nurses that agree to work for three years in one of Pennsylvania's six veterans' homes. For program applications and complete eligibility requirements, visit www.pheaa.org or call 1-800-233-0557 ext 5473.

"PHEAA recognizes the sacrifice our members of the Armed Forces have done for our country and has established a way to make sure that those veterans in Pennsylvania's state veterans' homes get the care they deserve," said Richard E. Willey, President and Chief Executive Officer of the PHEAA Board of Directors.

With the establishment of the PHEAA program, Pennsylvania will now be eligible for funding under the federal "Veterans Health Programs Improvement Act of 2004," which created a funding stream to states that have recruitment/retention programs for nurses at veterans' facilities.

"This program sends another strong message that Pennsylvania cares about our veterans' -- as well as a commitment to nurses who stay in Pennsylvania," said Robbins.

Pennsylvania's six state veterans homes are:

Delaware Valley Veterans Home (Philadelphia County)
Gino J. Merli Northeastern Veterans Center (Lackawanna County)
Hollidaysburg Veterans Home (Blair County)
Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home (Erie County)
Southeastern Veterans Center (Chester County)
Southwestern Veterans Center (Allegheny County)

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322