Nevada is opening a new grant program aimed at expanding health care access across the state, with nearly $58 million available for projects designed to address provider shortages and service gaps.
State officials with the Nevada Health Authority announced the first application cycle for the Statewide Health Care Access and Recruitment Program, known as SHARP. The program will award up to $57.9 million in competitive grants to expand Nevada’s health care workforce, strengthen clinical capacity and improve patient access in certified areas of need.
SHARP was created in response to provider shortages and service gaps identified in NVHA’s Nevada Health Workforce Needs Assessment for 2026. The program was one of several priorities passed during the state’s 2025 special session as a must-have initiative for Nevada’s health care system, which struggles to attract and retain a health care workforce.
“Expanding access to quality health care across every community in Nevada has been a key priority for my administration—and that starts with addressing statewide workforce shortages,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “These funds are about commonsense, bipartisan solutions that reflect the real needs Nevada families and patients face every day. By strengthening providers, expanding training and recruitment, and investing in the infrastructure that helps care be delivered, we’re working to ensure all Nevadans can get the care they need when they need it.”
“SHARP is a major step forward in Nevada’s efforts to address provider shortages and improve access to care where it’s needed most,” said Stacie Weeks, Director, Nevada Health Authority. “NVHA encourages eligible partners across the state to apply and bring forward innovative, workforce-focused projects that expand capacity, strengthen clinical services, and produce measurable long-term improvements for Nevadans.”
Officials said SHARP-funded projects are intended to help communities increase access to care, grow provider capacity and support long-term improvements in clinical outcomes through expanded services, innovative care models and infrastructure investments.
Applications are due Sept. 9 by 11:59 p.m. Funding decisions are expected no later than Jan. 10.
Eligible applicants include health care facilities, clinics, higher education programs, behavioral health and substance use providers, oncology organizations, governmental entities, and nonprofits.
Proposed projects may focus on workforce recruitment, training pipelines, telehealth and infrastructure expansion, facility construction or modernization, deployment of new medical technologies, and other strategies designed to improve access to care in certified areas of need across Nevada.
