Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will send over $400,000 in federal grants to Rutgers University and Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM).

Rutgers University will receive $68,518 through HHS’s Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) to provide aspiring nurses with subsidized student loans. RowanSOM will receive $398,895 to expand youth support services through its CARES Institute.

“Supporting public health means building our health care workforce and providing world-class care to the people who need it,” said Congressman Norcross. “South Jersey educators are leading the way in medical research. They are developing innovative treatments and providing learning opportunities for medical students. I will continue fighting for legislation in Congress that equips health care professionals with the training and resources they need to keep our communities healthy.”

“Increasing nurse faculty shortages pose a major threat to the nursing pipeline,” said Marie O’Toole, the interim dean and professor at the Rutgers University School of Nursing—Camden. “The Nurse Faculty Loan Program will help us attract qualified, clinically experienced educators to prepare the next generation of nurses, ensuring the workforce continues to meet the needs of hospitals, health care agencies, and the community. We are thrilled to have received this funding and to do our part addressing the nationwide nursing shortage.”

“This five-year grant to our CARES Institute will help us better serve children who have experienced trauma and, also, the professionals who work with them,” said Dr. Thomas Cavalieri, the dean of Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. “The ultimate goal of Project CARES is increasing accessibility of evidence-based treatment for trauma-exposed youth. Mental health professionals in the program will help nearly 440 youths in South Jersey better manage post-traumatic stress and behavioral problems related to their trauma. Additionally, the program will implement an innovative self-care intervention for mental health professionals working with youth and caregivers impacted by trauma.

“These services—for children and their families and for our mental health professionals—are critically important as we help to heal every child and family experiencing child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect and violence,” Dr. Cavalieri added.

As a member of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, Congressman Norcross has fought to expand access to mental health and substance abuse treatments. In December 2021, he introduced the Opioid Treatment Access Act, which was partially included in the House-passed Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022.

About RowanSOM

The RowanSOM has long been a leader in addressing substance abuse disorders and keeping our communities safe. In May 2022, they developed the Crisis Outreach during Police Encounters Response System (Project COPE) to build lasting trust between law enforcement and the substance abuse patients they encounter. By receiving this grant from HHS, they will increase their capacity to implement treatments for substance abuse disorder and chronic pain.

About Rutgers School of Nursing

The Rutgers School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the country. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rutgers students helped staff neighboring hospitals with crucial administrative support. This NFLP will allow them to offer loans to students who committed to becoming nurses full-time after graduation. Upon completion of their nursing degree, the program authorizes cancelation of up to 85% of any such loan.