National AHEC Organization

Our mission at the National AHEC Organization is to improve healthcare access, particularly for people in rural and underserved areas. We achieve this by supporting the efforts of over 300 member Area Health Education Centers (AHECs). AHECs strive to recruit, train, and retain a diverse healthcare workforce committed to helping these underserved communities. By strengthening the healthcare professionals pipeline, our AHECs are creating better healthcare access for all Americans. 🔗 to learn more about our mission, history, and impact: https://lnkd.in/gwvHNWx6

From all of us at NAO, best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season!

Congratulations to the 2024 Alumni/Advocate of the Year Award Winners!  We're thrilled to announce that Sarah McKendry and Natasha Salmen are this year’s recipients. Sarah, an AHEC Scholar alumni of Southwest Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center, has greatly impacted occupational therapy and community health, founding Empowered Self Occupational Therapy and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals through SW PA AHEC. Sarah said becoming an AHEC Scholar transformed her career as a healthcare provider. “This award is an incredible honor. I'm eager to continue contributing to current Scholars' experiences in the program and increasing awareness of all that AHECs have to offer,” she said. Natasha, a proud Scholar alumna of EASTERN OHIO AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER INC is transforming the healthcare pathway by creating innovative programs like AHEC Scholars: A Day in the Life of a Healthcare Provider and introducing rural high school students to healthcare careers. Now a medical student at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Natasha is passionate about strengthening Ohio's healthcare workforce. Natasha described her AHEC experience as an incredible journey that has allowed her to engage with underserved communities and gain valuable insights into healthcare topics often overlooked in traditional medical education. “Receiving this award is both humbling and inspiring, made possible through the unwavering support and guidance of (Eastern Ohio AHEC Center Director) Maureen Drummond,” she said. Sarah and Natasha have gone above and beyond to support underserved populations and create lasting change in their communities. Join us in celebrating their inspiring leadership and advocacy! #AHEC #AHECScholars #AlumniAdvocate #HealthcareLeaders #CommunityImpact 

Join our partners American Dental Education Association (ADEA) for their 2025 Recruitment Event! This FREE in-person event offers pre-dental students a chance to engage with dental school admissions officers and current dental students while allowing them to gain insight into the dental school application process. 🔗to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gVmshZ46

Spotlight on Area Health Education Center - Mid Rio Grande Border! Dr. Julie B.ázan, Director of the Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC (MRGB AHEC), was featured on KGNS Laredo’s “Mind Your Business” segment, where she discussed the center’s vital work to improve healthcare across South Texas. In the interview, Dr. Bazán shared how MRGB AHEC is actively working to close healthcare gaps and expand access to care in underserved communities. Watch the full 30-minute conversation:  https://lnkd.in/gq2mi_yv #AHEC #HealthcareAccess #MRGBAHEC #PublicHealth #Communitypartnerships

We look forward to visiting the Horse Capital of the World at our Biennial Conference in June 2025! #AHEC #TheRaceIsOnNAO2025 #AHECScholars #HealthCareSolutions #2025NAOBiennialConference

Last week, we witnessed some incredible presentations by emerging AHEC Scholars tackling critical healthcare and social issues. Thought-provoking topics shared: Alexandra Ziepke (NEWAHEC: Northeastern Wisconsin Area Health Education Center): “Change Your Pain: Addressing Unseen Struggles in Community Shelters” Isabelle Parker (Oregon Pacific AHEC): “Severity of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus After the COVID-19 Pandemic” Mason Tuttle (West Central Missouri AHEC): “Kansas City University Medical Students Develop the Refugee Health Navigator Program” Raven King (Panhandle AHEC): “Foster Care Youth Transitioning into Adulthood and Higher Education” Trina Lion (@Maryland AHEC): “Stoic Yet Vulnerable: Veteran-Focused Care” Urmila Palla (West Central Illinois AHEC): “Effective Sexual Health Behaviors of Multiethnic, Multicultural Educated Individuals Towards Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections” We’re proud of these future leaders tackling real-world healthcare and social services challenges with innovative solutions. To view the presentations: https://lnkd.in/ga74EDxz #AHECScholars #HealthcareInnovation #FutureLeaders #AHEC #PublicHealth #CommunityCare #HealthcareEducation

Please join us in welcoming the new Executive Director of Delta-Alabama AHEC, Shernita Taylor! Shernita is also the Director of Workforce Development for the Mobile Area Education Foundation. Before joining the Alabama AHEC Network, she led workforce development at Infirmary Health, Alabama’s largest non-governmental healthcare system. When asked what excites her most about AHEC, Shernita said, "AHEC’s mission aligns with my passion for workforce development—empowering individuals with skills to pursue rewarding careers while improving healthcare access in underserved communities.” Welcome to the AHEC network, Shernita! We're glad to have you on board.

The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. is offering funding to support groundbreaking research to find a cure for lupus and improve patient care. If you're a medical or graduate student, postdoc fellow, or researcher focused on pediatric lupus, this is for you! Grant amounts range from $4,000 to $140,000. Open to researchers in the U.S. & Canada. The LFA is funding established and emerging scientists focusing on high-impact, reproducible work. To learn more about eligibility, focus areas, and how to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/gsZsy89v Application Deadline: February 28, 2025. #LupusResearch #LupusFoundation #Grants #ScienceFunding

Many students wonder how they can afford dental school. Our partners at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) provide valuable information through their hub GoDental, a go-to financial resource for students navigating their future oral health careers. GoDental offers information on financing possibilities, educational debt, and loan repayment options. Link: https://lnkd.in/gZE2dqKc