Impact Stories
AHECs in Action
See how AHEC organizations across the country are strengthening local healthcare infrastructure, driving positive health outcomes, and training tomorrow's workforce.
Study Highlights Oregon AHEC Scholars Program Impact
A recent comprehensive evaluation examining four cohorts of Oregon AHEC Scholars (2018–2022) revealed the program’s massive impact on preparing future health professionals for practice in rural and underserved areas.
Scholars reported significant increases in knowledge and self-efficacy across core clinical modules, including interprofessional care, behavioral health integration, and cultural humility.
Notably, participants expressed a much stronger intention to serve in rural clinics, critical access hospitals, and community-based health centers upon graduation, demonstrating the power of the AHEC Scholars model in addressing workforce distribution disparities.
Regional AHEC Stories From Around the Nation
AHEC programs adapt national resources to support community health needs, emergency responder training, and peer recovery.
Montana Frontier EMS Leadership Academy
MORH/AHEC supports rural emergency responders
The Montana Office of Rural Health and AHEC, in partnership with the Montana DPHHS, has launched the Montana Frontier EMS Leadership Academy. Funded by a federal HRSA award, this program offers flexible, self-paced modules to help rural and frontier EMS teams build stronger leadership, recruitment, and mentorship pipelines, combatting workforce shortages and volunteer burnout.
RAMP Recovery Initiative in Maryland
$1.6M initiative to expand peer recovery workforce
AHEC West and Eastern Shore AHEC are partnering in Maryland’s Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP) program. Using $1.6M in opioid settlement funding, RAMP expands peer-led recovery services by supporting training, certification, and career pathways for Certified Peer Recovery Specialists to help communities navigate substance use and mental health challenges.
Desert Mountain AHEC Medventure
Supporting the 15th annual El Paso Medventure
Desert Mountain AHEC joined forces with Texas Tech Health El Paso to host the 15th annual Medventure for Your Future, engaging over 850 middle school students in hands-on clinical simulations, anatomy labs, and emergency response training. The program continues to inspire young students toward healthcare career pathways in the region.
Urge Your Members of Congress to Support AHEC Funding
Reach out to your House Representative and two Senators to urge them to support $67 million for the AHEC Program in FY2027. Advocacy from local centers, scholars, and medical staff makes a vital difference.