Oklahoma Office of Primary Care and Rural Health Development

**Office of Primary Care and Rural Health Development** The Office of Primary Care and Rural Health Development (OKPCO) works to improve access to healthcare services for underserved and rural populations who experience barriers to primary care due to geographic isolation, lack of health insurance, and/or language or cultural differences.?Strategic priorities are increasing access to primary care, maternity care, mental health and substance use disorder services in Oklahoma. The OKPCO works in collaboration with the Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) within the U.S. Health Resources Administration and Services to assess primary care needs and support health workforce efforts. OKPCO is responsible for coordinating the process for federal designation of health professional shortage areas (HPSA) and works with communities to gather supporting data. The OKPCO also provides technical assistance and support for [National Health Service Corps](https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/) and [Nurse Corps](https://bhw.hrsa.gov/nursing-programs) loan repayment and scholarship programs. These programs aim to strengthen the health workforce and connect skilled healthcare providers to communities. The OKPCO offers the following technical assistance: - Primary care access analysis - Shortage area designation submission - Project development and grant application assistance - National Health Service Corps site certification