Cooperative Agreements to States/Territories for the Coordination and Development of Primary Care Offices

The State Primary Care Offices (PCO) cooperative agreement aims to improve access to primary, dental, and mental health services for uninsured, isolated, and medically vulnerable populations by coordinating statewide primary care initiatives and health workforce strategies. Through statewide needs assessment, shortage designation coordination, and targeted technical assistance, the PCO identifies unmet health needs, monitors provider availability, and supports the development and expansion of community-based primary care delivery systems. The program further advances recruitment and retention efforts—including support for National Health Service Corps initiatives—and works collaboratively with state agencies, health centers, and community partners to strengthen the primary care safety net. Collectively, these activities position the PCO to lead long-term, data-driven strategies that address health workforce shortages and expand access to care across the state.