Cooperative Agreements to States/Territories for the Coordination and Development of Primary Care Offices

Objective

The State Primary Care Offices (PCO) cooperative agreement aims to improve access to primary, dental, and mental health services for uninsured, isolated, and medically vulnerable populations by coordinating statewide primary care initiatives and health workforce strategies. Through statewide needs assessment, shortage designation coordination, and targeted technical assistance, the PCO identifies unmet health needs, monitors provider availability, and supports the development and expansion of community-based primary care delivery systems. The program further advances recruitment and retention efforts—including support for National Health Service Corps initiatives—and works collaboratively with state agencies, health centers, and community partners to strengthen the primary care safety net. Collectively, these activities position the PCO to lead long-term, data-driven strategies that address health workforce shortages and expand access to care across the state.

Who Can Apply

• State
• U.S. Territory (or Possession) Government (including freely-associated states)

States or territories, political subdivisions of States, agencies of States, or other public entities that operate solely within one State or represent multiple territories where appropriate. These entities must provide statewide coverage for primary health care issues and represent or have relationships with the broad range of primary health care delivery systems and programs in the State.

Who Benefits

• Health Professional
• Veteran (including dependents)

Health Professional Shortage Areas and Medically Underserved Areas/Populations within States and Territories will benefit from this program. Primary Care Offices (PCO) submit applications for designation status, which are reviewed and processed by the Division of Policy and Shortage Designation.

Assistance Types

• Cooperative Agreement

Program Contact

abah@hrsa.gov
(301) 945-9653