Health Resources and Access

Within the Division of Public Health Statistics and Performance Management, the Health Resources and Access Unit (HRA) administers various programs and services that improve access to health care services and health care professionals in medically underserved communities throughout Florida. 

These HRA offices leverage local, state, and federal resources to improve access to health care services and health care professionals in medically underserved communities throughout Florida. 

Cinotti Grant Program

The Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program (Cinotti Grant Program) funds no-cost health care screenings or services for the public by nonprofit entities.

A non-profit entity may apply for grant funding to implement a new health care screening or service program or to provide the same or similar screening that it is currently providing in new locations, through a mobile health clinic, or mobile unit, to expand the program’s delivery capabilities. 

Primary Care Office (PCO) 

The PCO administers activities that improve access to primary care and preventive health services in areas of the state lacking health care professionals or including populations lacking access to primary care. 

• Foreign Physician Waiver Programs (CONRAD 30) - The CONRAD 30 program allows J-1 foreign medical graduates (FMGs) to apply for a waiver of the two-year foreign residence requirement upon completion of the J-1 exchange visitor program. 

• Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Designations - A HPS is a geographic area, population group, or health care facility that has been designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration as having a shortage of health professionals in the areas of Primary Care, Dental Health, and Mental Health. 

• National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Program - The NHSC connects primary health care clinicians to people with limited access to healthcare by providing a loan repayment program for clinicians who provide services through an enrolled NHSC site. NHSC-approved sites provide outpatient, primary health services in HPSAs. 

• Physician Workforce Advisory Council (PWAC) - Established in section 381.4018, Florida Statute, the PWAC serves in an advisory capacity to the Department assisting with the identification of the state’s current and future physician workforce needs. 

• Florida Reimbursement for Medical Education (FRAME) Program - The FRAME program encourages qualified medical professionals to practice in underserved locations of the state by providing annual payments intended to offset the loans and educational expenses.

Volunteer Health Services (VHS)

VHS administers two volunteer programs authorized by Chapters 110 and 766, Florida Statutes, that encourage maximum volunteer participation to increase access to quality health care for Florida's medically underserved and uninsured residents.

• Chapter 110 Volunteer Program - The Chapter 110 Volunteer Program provides opportunities for anyone who wants to donate goods and/or their services to those in need. Many volunteer opportunities are available in DOH facilities to individuals with clerical, administrative, technical, and professional skills.

• Volunteer Health Care Provider Program - The Volunteer Health Care Provider Program, section 766.1115, Florida Statutes, allows private licensed health care providers to volunteer their services to the medically indigent residents of Florida with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and be under the state's sovereign immunity.

• The Volunteer Healthcare Provider Program Online Listing of Participating Providers - clinics and organizations participating in the Volunteer Health Care Provider Program.