National AHEC Organization

Meet Dr. Lana Sherr, nominee for the 2024 Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Alumni-Advocate of the Year Award! As an associate professor and assistant dean for professional affairs at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), Dr. Sherr has been a trailblazer in healthcare education and a staunch advocate for the AHEC mission. Dr. Sherr has enriched interprofessional education and inspired countless students through her work with the Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center (ESAHEC) and the AHEC Scholars Program. Her leadership was pivotal in launching the A.C.T. Immersion pilot program in 2020, focusing on social justice, COVID-19 training, and implicit bias. Dr. Sherr’s dedication also extends to increasing pharmacy career interest, addressing workforce shortages, and engaging with local communities through high school tours and health events. Thank you, Dr. Sherr, for your efforts to strengthen healthcare education! You have made and continue to make a lasting impact on students and communities alike! #AHEC #HealthcareEducation #Leadership #CommunityImpact

We’re celebrating another AHEC Alumni Advocate of the Year nominee, Nicole (Nicky) Sekelsky, CCHW! Nominated by Northeast PA Area Health Education Center AHEC, Nicky's journey exemplifies commitment to service and growth. Nicky joined Northeast PA AHEC as a participant in the RISE program in 2021 and became a dedicated Community Health Worker (CHW) within just a few years. She has volunteered with AmeriCorps, joined the National Health Corps, and worked with the Commonwealth Civilian Coronavirus Corps. Now, as Director of Needs Responsive Outreach at The Wright Center for Community Health, Nicky helps patients navigate health insurance and access vital social services. Nicky continues to inspire by pursuing her associate's degree in Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State while serving as a student board member of Northeast PA AHEC. Thank you, Nicky, for your dedication to making a difference in your community. #AHECAlumni #CommunityHealth #HealthEquity?

As we prepare for National AHEC Week (March 24-28, 2025), we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible work of Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) and their impact on our healthcare system! ?? In this engaging episode of our Let’s Talk Podcast, we are joined by Dwain Harris, CEO of the National AHEC Organization, and Nicole LaPointe, Executive Director of Northern Vermont Area Health Education Center AHEC, as they share insights on how AHECs have been growing and sustaining the health workforce for over 50 years, particularly in rural and underserved communities. ???? As the demands of healthcare continue to evolve, AHECs are leading the charge with innovative programs that are making a lasting difference in the field. ??? This is a conversation you don’t want to miss! Tune in now to hear more. ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/e5anRUeg We’d love to hear your thoughts—join the conversation and share your insights! ???? #AHEC #NationalAHECWeek #HealthWorkforce #RuralHealth #VermontHealthCareers The Governor's Institutes of Vermont Rutland Regional Medical Center Community Health North Star Health The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Vermont Department of Health

Continuing our celebration of outstanding healthcare leaders, we’re pleased to highlight Dr. Sandra Rabat, a nominee for the 2024 Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Alumni Advocate of the Year award! A graduate of the AHEC Scholars program at Northeast PA AHEC, Dr. Rabat has demonstrated outstanding leadership in healthcare education, community health, and policy advocacy. Currently an internal medicine resident at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, she leads impactful projects like "Defeating Barriers to Executing Screening Mammography for Women with Mobile Mammogram Awareness," which won first place in The Wright Center’s Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) competition, tackling critical gaps in preventative care. Dr. Rabat’s advocacy extends beyond clinical work. She has worked with the National Association of Community Health Centers and participated in the American Association of Teaching Health Centers' Fall Fly-In, advocating for reforms on Capitol Hill. In addition, Dr. Rabat mentors AHEC Scholars, guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals and sharing her expertise. Her commitment to improving access to care and advocating for vulnerable populations makes her a true leader in healthcare. Thank you, Dr. Rabat! #AHEC #HealthcareLeadership #HealthEquity #PolicyAdvocacy #Mentorship #PreventativeCare

Through our AHEC Alumni/Advocate network, NAO celebrates and recognizes individuals who have been positively impacted by the AHEC program and continue to contribute to their communities. Today, we proudly spotlight Dr. Raquel Manley, DMD, a nominee for the 2024 Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Alumni Advocate of the Year award. Dr. Manley, a graduate of the University of Connecticut’s UST/AHEC Scholars program, has been an unwavering advocate for underserved communities since her first year in dental school. As a core faculty member for the UST program, she leads retreats, clinical boot camps, and inter-professional training, shaping the next generation of healthcare providers. In her work as a general dentist at the Center for Dental Excellence and Great New Smile, Dr. Manley provides comprehensive care, including pediatric treatments, restorative dentistry, and endodontics. She also mentors students at UConn Health and the CT Mission of Mercy free dental clinics, embodying the spirit of service and compassion. Thank you, Dr. Manley, for your dedication to education, mentorship, and community service! ?#AHEC #AHECScholars #CommunityHealthcare #DentalCare

Through our AHEC Alumni/Advocate community, NAO connects with and honors those who have been touched by the AHEC program and continue to make a difference for their communities. Today, we honor a candidate for 2024’s Alumni Advocate of the Year, Rubby Koomson, RN, APRN. ? Nominated by Connecticut Area Health Education Center, Rubby Koomson is a leader in healthcare, education, and mentorship. A University of Connecticut graduate, she began as a Scholar in the CT AHEC Urban Service Track (UST) in 2018 and has since contributed as a graduate assistant, faculty member, and consultant. ? During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped transition the UST curriculum to virtual formats and co-developed a virtual interview simulation for residency and employment, demonstrating her resilience and dedication. ? Now an Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Virginia Internal Medicine, Rubby continues to mentor UST Scholars, guiding them in interprofessional collaboration to improve patient care. ? Thank you, Rubby, for your ongoing commitment to underserved communities and healthcare excellence. #AHECAlumni #HealthcareLeadership #AdvocateOfTheYear #InspiringClinicians

Were you previously involved in an #AHEC program? Would you like to stay connected with the AHEC network, which works to transform healthcare for rural and medically underserved communities? If so, we’re excited to offer a free AHEC Alumni/Advocate membership for those who want to continue supporting the AHEC mission. Why Join? Advocacy Training: Gain skills to advocate for patient and community health. Mission-Centered CE: Access virtual programs designed to improve care for underserved communities. National Networking: Connect with passionate health professionals nationwide. Exclusive Resources: Receive the AHEC Edge bi-monthly newsletter and stay informed on news and action alerts. Annual Awards: Be eligible for the AHEC Alumni/Advocate distinguished service recognition. Whether you want to reconnect or continue advocating for change, this membership is for you! ??to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gmuVx6X2 #AHECAlumni #HealthcareAdvocacy #NAO

We’re excited to announce a special evening excursion for attendees at our Biennial Conference in Lexington, KY (June 17-20, 2025).... A night at the Kentucky Horse Park! This must-see destination celebrates the incredible bond between humans and horses, and we can’t wait to experience it. Participants will sample Kentucky’s finest cuisine, watch the captivating Parade of Breeds, and get up close with stunning horses from around the world. It’s the perfect place to network while learning about the diversity and beauty of these amazing animals. Conference attendees: be sure to join us on June 19th from 6-9 pm – transportation is provided! ??: https://kyhorsepark.com/ #AHEC #2025NAOBiennialConference #HealthCareSolutions #TheRaceIsOnNAO2025 #AHECScholars

This week, we’re pleased to introduce Ian E. McFadden, D.Sc., LFACHE, executive director at Wiregrass Alabama AHEC at Troy University-Dothan, part of the Alabama AHEC Network. With over 40 years of experience in health administration, including serving as a hospital CEO, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. After retiring from hospital operational leadership, Ian returned to Alabama to support the healthcare profession pathways. He says, "I am excited to be a part of this process to help deliver needed healthcare manpower to the medically underserved areas in rural Alabama." We're thrilled to have Ian's leadership at Wiregrass Alabama AHEC and look forward to the difference he will make in healthcare workforce development across the state! #AHEC #RuralHealth #HealthcareLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment

The AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) program, created by Congress in 1971, recruits, trains, and retains healthcare workers for rural and medically underserved areas throughout the United States. Through community-academic partnerships, AHECs provide education and training to current and future health professionals, ensuring high-quality, team-based care. With more than 300 locations nationwide, the AHEC program enhances healthcare access in more than 85% of U.S. counties. ??Learn more about us: https://lnkd.in/gwvHNWx6