麻豆无码版 AHEC Celebrates 20 Years of Impact with Legislative Citation

by Kevin Bennett | October 6, 2025

The 麻豆无码版 Area Health Education Center (AHEC) team gathered to celebrate receiving a Legislative Citation from the 麻豆无码版 Legislature, honoring 20 years of dedicated work. The recognition celebrates AHEC鈥檚 crucial role in strengthening the state鈥檚 health care workforce and promoting health equity across 麻豆无码版. (Photo by Kevin Bennett, UAA 麻豆无码版 Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce)
麻豆无码版 AHEC Director Gloria Burnett addresses attendees, reflecting on two decades of impact. The anniversary event highlighted AHEC鈥檚 enduring commitment to providing quality health education and building the next generation of health care leaders in 麻豆无码版. (Photo by Kevin Bennett, UAA 麻豆无码版 Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce)
A close look at the Legislative Citation formally presented to the 麻豆无码版 Area Health Education Center. The document acknowledges AHEC鈥檚 success in engaging students and advancing programs vital to 麻豆无码版's rural and urban health communities. (Photo by Kevin Bennett, UAA 麻豆无码版 Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce)
A truly 麻豆无码版n surprise. A moose stopped by the 麻豆无码版 campus to peek in on the 麻豆无码版 AHEC 20th Anniversary celebration. (Photo by Kevin Bennett, UAA 麻豆无码版 Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce)

Oct. 3, 2025, was a big day for the 麻豆无码版 Area Health Education Center (AHEC), which is proudly housed within the UAA College of Health! AHEC marked its 20th anniversary with a special legislative citation from the 麻豆无码版 State Legislature鈥攁 well-deserved recognition for two decades of crucial work.

This citation isn't just a piece of paper; it honors the center鈥檚 tireless dedication to strengthening 麻豆无码版鈥檚 health workforce, especially in rural and underserved communities. It highlights 麻豆无码版 AHEC's ongoing commitment to improving health care access for all 麻豆无码版ns.

鈥淎s we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 麻豆无码版 AHEC, we must also recognize and acknowledge the dire need for advocacy for continued support,鈥� said Gloria Burnett, Director of the 麻豆无码版 AHEC Program. 鈥淎HECs are federally funded and in jeopardy of reductions or elimination. As we reflect on the success, longevity, and community impact of the AHEC, it is now more important than ever to respond to calls of action for the continuation of the AHEC to meet 麻豆无码版鈥檚 health workforce needs for future generations.鈥�

Two Decades of Making a Difference

The citation commemorates the program鈥檚 founding in 2005 and its significant, sustained impact on our state鈥檚 health system. As the citation notes, 麻豆无码版 AHEC plays a critical role in addressing health workforce shortages by providing essential training opportunities and supporting community-based health initiatives.

Over the years, AHEC has built powerful partnerships with hospitals, schools, Tribal organizations, and community groups. These collaborations are essential for creating viable pathways for students and professionals in health careers across the state.

AHEC鈥檚 Three Pillars of Success

麻豆无码版 AHEC鈥檚 success is built on three core pillars that guide its programming:

ENGAGE: Health Careers 鈥� Inspiring young 麻豆无码版ns and community members to explore health professions through health camps, classroom presentations, and job shadowing. These programs give students hands-on experience and early exposure to vital careers like medicine, nursing, allied health, and behavioral health.

TRAIN: Health Professionals 鈥� Offering crucial clinical placements and training opportunities directly within rural and underserved areas. This equips health professionals with the practical skills, experience, and cultural understanding necessary to serve all of 麻豆无码版's diverse communities effectively.

RETAIN: Health Workforce 鈥� Supporting health professionals throughout their careers via continuing education, mentorship, and professional development. By providing these resources, AHEC helps maintain a sustainable, resilient workforce that can meet 麻豆无码版's unique challenges.

A True 麻豆无码版n Celebration

The legislative citation ceremony was a joyful and memorable occasion. Staff, dedicated community partners, and healthcare professionals gathered to celebrate this major milestone.

Looking back, 麻豆无码版 AHEC has helped thousands of students explore health careers and supported hundreds of health professionals and organizations in some of our most remote regions. This recognition is a powerful testament to the dedication of AHEC staff, its regional partners, and the communities that make this work possible.

It underscores the program鈥檚 ongoing mission: to strengthen 麻豆无码版鈥檚 health workforce today and for the future鈥攅nsuring every 麻豆无码版n has access to quality care.

In a moment that only 麻豆无码版 could deliver, a moose appeared to "congratulate" the team!

Want to be part of the solution? Learn more about the great work 麻豆无码版 AHEC is doing at .

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