By Pamela Murphy, MSW, AACOM Senior Vice President of Government Relations

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program plays a crucial role in incentivizing careers in public service by assisting qualified health professionals as they work to give back to their communities, as well as aims to improve health care access for rural and medically underserved areas across the United States. Federal financial aid programs such as PSLF also promote diversity in the health professions workforce. Considering the shortage of health care providers our country currently faces, we must work to ensure that all students—no matter their financial status—who wish to assist others, have a place in public service.

From the medical students committed to becoming primary care physicians to the health professions students dedicated to caring for patients in rural towns throughout the nation, the PSLF Program is vital for patients and providers alike. PSLF aids passionate professionals in pursuing these important careers, but the PSLF Program is facing the threat of elimination. ED to MED and our 17 national partner organizations need you to help #SavePSLF and protect this program.

This is how you can help:

Write Your Member of Congress: Let your federal legislators know that you want to #SavePSLF. Share Your Story: Members of Congress need to hear from you! They need to hear how the PSLF Program has encouraged or will help enable you to pursue a career as a health professional working in public service. Spread the Word About ED to MED: Ask your friends to help #SavePSLF by staying informed and following the campaign on Facebook @edtomed and on Twitter @ed2med.

We must amplify our collective voice, and we need your help to do that. Our voices are stronger together. Now is the time to help save this crucial program.