Alabama AHEC Network

Celebrate National Rural Health Day with us as we honor the dedication and resilience of rural communities and healthcare providers across the country. This day serves as a reminder of the vital role that rural health plays in creating healthier communities, despite the unique challenges these areas face. In recognition of the occasion, NOSORH is hosting a special webinar at 1 PM CST today, focusing on key issues and initiatives in rural healthcare. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about rural health challenges, connect with others dedicated to improving care, and celebrate the #PowerOfRural. Register for the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/gqPgVHWq #RuralHealthDay #PowerOfRural #AlabamaAHEC #RuralHealthcare

Join on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST for an important webinar hosted by the National Library of Medicine on the critical role of social connectedness in rural health. This session will explore how social isolation and loneliness are significant risk factors for poor health and mortality, especially among rural populations who face unique barriers to connection. Learn more about how fostering social ties can positively impact health and quality of life in rural areas. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eBiDWyig #RuralHealth #SocialConnectedness #CommunityHealth #AlabamaAHEC

Join us on November 21 as we recognize National Rural Health Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the contributions and resilience of rural communities and their healthcare providers. Rural health professionals play an essential role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to underserved areas, often overcoming unique challenges like limited resources, provider shortages, and geographic barriers. At Alabama AHEC, we’re proud to support initiatives that strengthen healthcare access in rural areas, ensuring that all Alabamians receive the care they need. This Rural Health Day, we encourage everyone to show appreciation for these dedicated professionals who make a lasting impact every day! Join the National Rural Health Day webinar on Thursday, November 21 at 1 pm CST: https://lnkd.in/gqPgVHWq #RuralHealthDay #PowerofRural #AlabamaAHEC #HealthcareHeroes

Calling all infection prevention and control professionals in Central Alabama! Join the Mini Infection Prevention Bootcamp, a hands-on training event designed specifically for those working in long-term care facilities. When: Monday, November 18, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:15 PM Where: Parnell Memorial Library, 227 Park Dr., Montevallo, AL 35115 Hosted by the Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety, this bootcamp is tailored to equip LTCF professionals with essential skills to strengthen infection prevention measures in their facilities. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical knowledge, learn best practices, and collaborate with colleagues from Shelby County and beyond. For more information and to register, visit: https://lnkd.in/eSvTbggB #InfectionPrevention #LongTermCare #HealthcareSafety #AlabamaAHECNetwork

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play a vital role in rural healthcare, often serving as the primary healthcare providers in areas with limited access to medical services. In rural communities, NPs offer essential services—everything from preventive care and chronic disease management to mental health support and urgent care. This accessibility is crucial for residents who might otherwise need to travel hours to the nearest hospital or clinic. With their holistic, patient-centered approach, NPs in rural areas also address social factors that impact health, working closely with patients to navigate challenges like transportation, food security, and mental health. Their role isn’t just medical—it’s about community connection and resilience. At the Alabama AHEC Network, we support programs and initiatives that help nurse practitioners thrive in rural areas, ensuring all Alabamians have access to the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve. Join us in recognizing and celebrating NPs for their dedication to rural healthcare! #NursePractitioners #RuralHealthcare #HealthcareHeroes #AlabamaAHEC

Are you interested in becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) in Alabama? Here’s an overview of the steps to get there: Earn a Registered Nursing (RN) License Start by completing an accredited nursing program (typically an Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed RN in Alabama. Gain Nursing Experience Some NP programs prefer applicants with clinical experience, so working as an RN for a few years can be beneficial. This experience will help you develop critical hands-on skills. Complete an NP Graduate Program Enroll in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Choose a specialty area, such as Family Practice, Pediatrics, or Mental Health. Earn National Certification After completing your graduate program, pursue certification in your chosen specialty through a recognized certification board, like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Apply for NP Licensure in Alabama Submit your application to the Alabama Board of Nursing, including proof of certification, transcripts, and any other required documentation. Once approved, you’ll be licensed as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) in Alabama. Consider Additional Steps for Prescriptive Authority Alabama NPs can apply for prescriptive authority, allowing them to prescribe medications, including controlled substances, within their practice scope. Completing an additional pharmacology course and securing a collaborative agreement with a physician are part of this process. Ready to make a difference in healthcare? Becoming an NP is a rewarding path that allows you to provide patient-centered care, promote wellness, and make a lasting impact on your community. #NursePractitioner #HealthcareCareer #AlabamaNurses #AlabamaAHEC #NursePractitionerWeek

This week, we celebrate the dedication, expertise, and compassion of nurse practitioners across Alabama and beyond! NPs play a crucial role in our healthcare system, offering high-quality, patient-centered care, often as primary care providers in underserved communities. Did you know? Nurse practitioners have advanced education and clinical training that enables them to diagnose, treat, and manage patient care. They are licensed to provide a wide range of services, from preventive care to managing complex health conditions. Over 355,000 nurse practitioners are currently serving across the U.S., and they’re continuing to expand access to healthcare for millions. We are grateful for the tireless work NPs do to support the health and well-being of individuals and families. Thank you, NPs, for your commitment to a healthier Alabama! #NursePractitionerWeek #AlabamaAHEC #ThankYouNursePractitioners

Advancing Rural Health: Utilizing the Rural Health Framework as a New Tool When: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM CST Where: Online Webinar In celebration of National Rural Health Day, join the National AHEC Organization (NAO) for a special webinar exploring the innovative Rural Health Framework—a powerful new tool designed to enhance health outcomes in rural communities. During this session, experts will delve into the expanded application of this framework, highlighting how it addresses the unique challenges rural health organizations face. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more! Register here: https://lnkd.in/egyhqGjG #AlabamaAHECNetwork #AlabamaAHEC #NAO #NationalAHECOrganization #RuralHealthDay #RuralHealth #NationalRuralHealthDay #NRHD #RuralHealthwebinar

At the Alabama AHEC Network, we’re committed to raising awareness about diabetes and its effects on our health. Here are some important facts to consider: Global Impact: Diabetes affects over 422 million people worldwide, making it a significant public health challenge. Cost of Care: The total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. is $327 billion annually, including medical expenses and lost productivity. Prevalence Among Youth: Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents, with a 30% increase in diagnoses among youth over the past decade. Myth-Busting: Contrary to popular belief, not everyone with diabetes is overweight. Thin people can also develop diabetes, especially if they have a family history of the disease. Management and Support: Managing diabetes involves more than just monitoring blood sugar levels. Comprehensive care can include nutrition education, mental health support, and regular check-ups with healthcare providers. #AmericanDiabetesMonth #AlabamaAHEC #FightDiabetes

Upcoming Webinar: Addressing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Substance Use in Maternal Health Care – On Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM CST, HRSA’s Office of Women’s Health will host a virtual session discussing the National Strategy to Improve Maternal Mental Health. This one-hour webinar will cover key initiatives integrating prevention and care for IPV, substance use, and maternal health, highlighting recent findings on perinatal IPV. Studies show rural residents experience higher rates of perinatal IPV than urban counterparts, and IPV has been identified as a leading cause of maternal mortality. Join to learn about crucial strategies to enhance maternal health care. Register: https://lnkd.in/es8Q6e9H #MaternalHealth #IPV #SubstanceUse #HRSA #AlabamaAHEC