Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce
Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Center for Rural Health and Health Workforce
The Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce (ACRH-HW) is dedicated to strengthening
Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æâ€™s health workforce, with a focus on rural communities and addressing workforce
shortages. The Center oversees various programs, including the Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Area Health
Education Centers (AHEC), which operate through six regional community-based centers
across the state. As part of the Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ's role as the state's
health campus, the Center supports health program planning, community partnerships,
and intercampus collaboration. It provides a statewide framework to support health
workforce development, from career exploration and training to continuing education.
Division of Population Health Sciences Associate Professor Dr. Britteny Howell recently published two new studies that investigates the relationship between aging and mental health. Her research seeks to explore gaps in existing literature about how the experience of aging is shape by factors like social context, culture, activities, beliefs, environment, and more.
In January 2026, students from the College of Health showcased their public health research at the Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Public Health Association Summit’s annual poster session. Their projects spanned topics ranging from food security to environmental contamination, contributing valuable insights that help shape the evolving conversation around Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æâ€™s public health landscape.
Almost half of UAA students have experienced food insecurity. UAA offers several resources to combat hunger and food insecurity, including the Seawolf Food Pantry, which supplies non-perishable foods, as well as three-day emergency food support.
Dr. Corrie Whitmore, an associate professor in the Division of Population Health Sciences, and her team at UAA’s Center for Behavioral Health Research and Services are celebrating the recent publication of a new article. The paper, which was published in the Dec. 2025 issue of Nursing for Women’s Health, offers a framework and actionable strategies for nurses to improve communication and patient experience in discussions around substance use and contraception.
Philippe Amstislavski, a scientist with a passion for sustainable innovation, is pioneering the use of mycelium insulation to help Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æâ€™s remote communities combat extreme cold and climate change.