USDA offers Grants for veterinarians in designated areas of Virginia
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)—The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has nominated five veterinary service shortage areas across the Commonwealth that need veterinarians practicing food supply veterinary medicine.
This nomination provides opportunities for qualified veterinarians and veterinary practices to apply for financial assistance to help food animal medicine shortage situation.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides loan repayment programs and a grant program to help mitigate veterinary shortage areas. The Veterinary Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) helps qualified veterinarians repay up to $75,000 in student loans for at least three years of service in shortage areas. Another grant, the Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP) supports education and extension activities, and practice enhancements within these areas with grant awards ranging from $75,000 to $250,000.
“I highly encourage anyone eligible for these opportunities to apply. Virginia is allocated five shortage areas each year to highlight the need for food supply veterinarians in rural areas of the state, and we want to do everything we can to encourage and support them,” said Virginia State Veterinarian Dr. Charlie Broaddus. “The funds received through the federal programs can help repay educational loan debt, offer more competitive salaries, provide compensation for overhead costs, and/or purchase new equipment to expand a practice.”
Locally, the VDACS and USDA designated Bedford, Campbell, and Amherst Counties as a shortage area. Other areas include:
Lee, Scott, or Washington Counties
Augusta, Rockingham, Page, or Shenandoah Counties
Russell, Tazwell, or Smyth Counties
Louisa, Fluvanna, or Goochland Counties
The VSGP application closes on Thursday, March 21 and the VMLRP application period closes on Friday, April 12.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
