“Harry A. Merlo Foundation support is the catalyst for the University of Portland School of Nursing to have a significant impact on the state of health and healthcare for rural, underserved, and vulnerable populations throughout the state of Oregon. Grant funding from the Foundation will support the launch of the Oregon Nurse Corps Fellowship to improve access to health care that is culturally appropriate for historically marginalized populations in rural areas. The Foundation’s mission to improve access to health care to increase the quality of life for future generations across the state will be enacted through support of the School of Nursing’s goal to serve the primary care needs of the entire state of Oregon.”