Enacted more than 20 years ago. the purpose of this program is not only to encourage the training of top quality health care professionals but also to improve access to health care for Americans living in medically underserved areas. This program encourages the training of primary care providers. focuses on preventive care. and targets medical manpower shortage areas. The graduates of this program work in our migrant health centers and in both rural and inner city community health centers. such as the community health center in my hometown of New Britain. Program recipients are given a scholarship award. covering the costs of tuition and fees. together with a monthly stipend covering living expenses. In response to this award. the National Health Service Corps scholars are obligated upon completion of their training to provide a year of fulltime primary health care in a designated shortage area for each year of scholarship funding.