University of Kentucky College of Nursing Receives Scholarship Funding Aimed at Improving Rural Health

WellCare of Kentucky has decided to fund two new scholarship programs at the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Nursing aimed at increasing the number of nurses and doctors working in primary medicine and psychiatry in Eastern Kentucky. With a ned for primary care in rural areas of the state, the funding will go toward up to 30 scholarships valued at a total of $180,000 for nursing students at various stages of their studies.[et_bloom_inline optin_id=optin_39]

Bill Jones, president of WellCare of Kentucky, tells UKnow.UKY.edu, “We know that access to doctors, nurses and other health care providers directly affects health outcomes. When health care is in short supply or located far away, people are less likely to get routine screenings, tests and vaccinations – the type of care that can catch problems early or prevent illness altogether. Anything we can do to encourage more providers to locate in underserved areas will be a direct benefit to the health of our state.”

The scholarship funding from WellCare will be awarded to students who exhibit an interest in caring for medically underserved Kentuckians. Faculty in the UK College of Nursing are pleased to see a financial incentive that will encourage nursing students to think about the impact they can make on a community that needs them. The scholarships are expected to improve lives in rural areas of Eastern Kentucky and to improve the regional economy.

WellCare is also providing $80,000 in scholarship funding to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students in the UK College of Nursing. To learn more about the UK College of Nursing and their new scholarship funding to improve rural health, visit here.