Celebrating National AHEC Week
Northeast Ohio Area Health Education Center (Northeast Ohio AHEC) joins programs across the country in celebrating National AHEC Week, March 23–27, recognizing the important role Area Health Education Centers play in strengthening the healthcare workforce and improving access to care in communities that need it most.
For more than five decades, Northeast Ohio AHEC has worked to develop and support a strong healthcare workforce through innovative educational programs, student engagement initiatives and partnerships with healthcare providers and academic institutions throughout the region.
“Northeast Ohio AHEC is committed to building the future healthcare workforce by connecting students with meaningful educational opportunities and real-world experiences,” said Maureen A. Drummond, M.S.M., SLM, VCM, regional AHEC director. “National AHEC Week provides an opportunity to highlight the incredible work being done across our region to prepare students for careers in healthcare while addressing critical workforce needs.”
In conjunction with the four regional AHEC Centers in Northeast Ohio, including Akron Regional Interprofessional AHEC (hosted by the University of Akron), Canton Regional AHEC (housed in Kent State University Stark Campus), Cleveland Regional Interprofessional AHEC (hosted by Cleveland State University) and Eastern Ohio AHEC (housed at Youngstown State University Bitonte College), AHEC focuses on three primary program areas:
Health Careers Pipeline Programs – Engaging middle school, high school and undergraduate students in hands-on healthcare career exploration, mentorship and educational opportunities designed to inspire the next generation of health professionals
AHEC Scholars Program – A nationally recognized two-year interprofessional training program of distinction that prepares health profession students to work in rural and disadvantaged communities. Scholars receive additional training in behavioral health integration, cultural competency, social determinants of health and team-based care.
Continuing Professional Education – Providing training and professional development opportunities for current healthcare providers to enhance skills and improve patient care across Northeast Ohio. Through these initiatives, Northeast Ohio AHEC collaborates with universities, healthcare organizations, community partners and students to address workforce shortages and improve health outcomes across the region.
During National AHEC Week, and throughout the year, the organization encourages community members, students and healthcare partners to learn more about how AHEC programs support healthcare education and workforce development.
“Programs like AHEC are essential to ensuring communities have access to well-trained healthcare professionals,” Drummond said. “By investing in students and professionals today, we are strengthening the healthcare workforce of tomorrow.”
-Submitted by Maureen Drummond