Office of Primary Care and Rural Health Development

The Office of Primary Care and Rural Health Development works to improve access to health care services for underserved and rural populations who experience barriers to primary care due to geographic isolation, lack of health insurance, and/or language or cultural differences. 

The Office supports and enhances health workforce development and health systems programming to optimize effectiveness, eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes in Oklahoma.

• Local community technical assistance
• Primary care access analysis and intervention planning
• Shortage area designation submission
• Project development and grant application assistance
• Consultation and technical assistance in health care reform and public health redesign
  

• Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) & Medically Underserved Area/Population (MUA/P) Designation & Analysis
• Community Health Needs Assessments & Access to Care Policy Development
• J-1 Visa Waivers
• National Interest Waivers
• National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
• Local recruitment and retention strategic planning & policy development
  
• Assistance in student recruitment into primary care service-oriented careers

Primary care is the provision of integrated, accessible health care services by clinicians who are accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community. (IOM 1996).

Jana Castleberry
Director, Office of Primary Care & Rural Health Development
(405) 426-8624
JanaC@health.ok.gov

Melanie Reese, MSW
Office or Primary Care Project Manager
(405) 426-8656
Melanie.Reese@Health.ok.gov

Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Office of Primary Care and Rural Health Development
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406

Physical Address: (appointment required)
Oklahoma State Department of Health
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73102