Policy Watch: NIH Research Grants, NHSC Loan Repayment, and HHS Initiatives

NIH Announces Grants to Support Early Career Investigators

On October 8, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that 1,648 early-stage investigators are receiving extramural research grant awards in fiscal year 2026. NIH also launched Generation Discovery, an initiative to recruit 100 early-career principal investigators to its Intramural Research Program. These announcements are part of NIH's goals to strengthen U.S. biomedical research. Click here to read the announcement.

Apply for the NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program

Applications are now open for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program. Eligible applicants, including nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives, can receive up to $120,000 in loan repayment and an additional $40,000 for those who qualify for the Maternity Care Target Area Supplemental Award. The application deadline is November 19, at 7:30 p.m. (ET). Click here to learn more and apply.

HHS Launches Healthy Lifestyle Commitment

On October 14, the Department of Health and Human Services announced its Health Center Healthy Lifestyle Commitment, an initiative that encourages health centers around the U.S. to put nutrition, prevention, and healthy living at the forefront of patient care. Patients and providers can access HRSA’s Health Centers and Nutrition webpage, where they can find nutrition education materials and other resources.

Become an AACN Advocate TODAY!

At the upcoming Academic Nursing Leadership Conference, attendees will be invited to participate in a virtual advocacy day, which will involve sending messages to federal lawmakers urging them to take action on our top federal priorities. To receive more information, click here and become an AACN Advocate today.

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