Iowa College Aid announced that 16 health care professionals will receive loan repayment benefits totaling $705,000 as part of a state program to attract health care professionals to high-need Iowa communities. The Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program assists professionals who practice in designated communities for up to four years and whose communities agree to provide a dollar-for-dollar match. This year’s recipients include osteopathic doctors, physician assistants, podiatrists and physical therapists. With the addition of these 16 recipients, a total of 45 health care providers have been recruited to rural communities through the program.