AHEC’s Corporate Responsibility in Action: A Legacy of Service

Corporate Responsibility: More Than a Buzzword?

If you pay attention to corporate buzzwords, you know they come and go. Phrases like "it's a win-win" or "think outside the box" often get thrown around, and in my opinion, some really need to go! However, one term that's been gaining traction over the past few years is Corporate Responsibility, and I hope this one is here to stay.?

Corporate Responsibility means different things to different people, but I like the way Harvard Business School Online simplifies it: they define it as the idea that a business has a responsibility to the society wherein it exists. I like that. The blog went on to define four types of corporate responsibility as Environmental, Ethical, Philanthropic, and Economic.??

Doing the Right Thing for the Right Reasons?

In my opinion, it simply means that a business should strive to do the right thing - not for glory, likes, shares, or clicks, but because it is a part of their culture. Who they are, and how they want to do business. I’m lucky, AHEC and MEDRelief Staffing were founded on these principles, long before the “cool kids” were talking about it.???

This month, we celebrate our birthday—our journey began in Houston way back in October of 1988. From the start, giving back to the healthcare community, especially the radiology field, was a cornerstone of our mission. We've consistently worked to bring the latest industry knowledge through classes, webinars, blogs, and newsletters.?

Supporting Healthcare Professionals for Over 30 Years?

Over the years, we’ve focused on helping those entering the field through our annual student forums. Since the 1990s, we've sponsored training for technologists in CT, Interventional Radiology/Cardiac Cath Lab, and Mammography, with the intent to improve patient care in areas where these specialty skills are needed.?

At MEDRelief Staffing, a division of AHEC, we’ve created a unique benefit for both our team members and clients. For every hour worked, both the professional and the facility earn tuition credits that can be used at AHEC for continuing education or advanced skills training. The intent of positively affecting the field and enhancing patient care is always the basis of curriculum. This program has been making a difference for more than 25 years.?

Legislative Advocacy and Industry Support?

Our company has sponsored and worked with numerous legislative efforts affecting our industry. We have a long history of being a first call to support local, state, national and student organizations and their various programs, scholarships, or charity campaigns. We believe that supporting organizations is crucial because, as healthcare professionals, they represent all of us.?

Our founder and President established the Marilyn Sackett Leadership Scholarship through the ASRT Foundation to help develop future leaders in imaging through educational opportunities that may not otherwise be accessible. In addition, she was the co-founder of the Emerging Researcher Scholarship through the ASRT. In 2023, she also sponsored the AHEC GROW! Scholarship, designed to train mammographers in areas where access to training is limited. Each cohort, two technologists are selected: one seasoned professional looking to advance their career and one recent graduate representing the future of mammography. The fellowship covers both training and associated travel. To date, we have trained mammographers who are making a difference in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana.?

Giving Back to Our Community?

We also support our local community in many ways. I’ve lost count of the number of children’s sports teams we’ve sponsored, or the coat, toy, and school supply drives we’ve organized over the years. Last year, our employees donated clothes and care packages for victims of assault. This year, we’ve participated in the Socks for a Cause drive. We donated to the ASRT Foundation for every badge scanned at the ASRT annual meeting.??

For the remainder of this year, we chose three amazing charities to support for the holiday season. This month, we’re supporting Pets for Patriots, an organization whose mission is “Unleashing hope for military veterans and shelter animals so that each may face a more promising future.” They place shelter animals in the homes of veterans. You can participate by attending our Birthday Mini Conference on Saturday, October 17th, or by enrolling in our class, Broken Bones and Breaking Barriers on October 25th. You can also call AHEC at 800/239.1361 to make a donation. In November and December, we’ll be supporting two other charities as well.?

Looking Forward to the Future?

As we reflect on our 36th anniversary, it’s fun to look back, but it’s the future that truly excites us. In 2025, we’ll be launching the Advanced Health Education Center Foundation. There will be more information released soon, but this is the next chapter in our commitment to corporate responsibility, and we couldn’t be more excited about the possibilities.?

Author - Jence Garza , MHA, RT(R)?? CEO of Advanced Health Education Center and MEDRelief Staffing