Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that the Loma Linda University School of Nursing received a grant of $684,848 from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Advanced Education Nursing Grant Program. The funding will be used to increase the number of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in medically-underserved communities throughout the Inland Empire by providing tuition assistance and enhancing training for School of Nursing students.

 

“By increasing the number of highly-qualified nurses in our region, we can help ensure better health outcomes for our communities while creating good jobs in a growing field in our region. I’m proud to announce this funding, and I look forward to a continued partnership with Loma Linda University in order to increase access to quality health care throughout San Bernardino County,” said Rep. Aguilar.

 

“Receiving the funding for this grant is an honor. From easing the costs of tuition and fees, to enhancing training within the school of nursing, this funding will allow the School of Nursing to continue providing the highest quality education to health care professionals throughout our region,” said Gloria Mattson Huerta, Nurse Practitioner Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor at the Loma Linda University School of Nursing.

 

The $684,848 grant is the first of four rounds of funding over a four-year period. As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Aguilar has successfully advocated for increased HHS funding for community health programs and physician training in order to provide high-quality affordable health care to Inland Empire families. In addition to serving as the committee’s Vice Chair, Aguilar serves as a Chief Deputy Whip in the House Democratic Caucus.