AHECs to receive $47 Million in Federal Funding for FY24

April 23, 2024 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AHECs to receive $47 million in federal funding for FY24

Congress recently appropriated $47 million to the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) program for the current fiscal year, the same level as last year.

“We are pleased that the AHEC program has been funded at $47 million and are grateful for Congress’s ongoing bipartisan support,” said Dwain Harris, chief executive officer of the National AHEC Organization.

AHEC federal funding has risen 17 percent since 2019, when the appropriation was $39.25 million.

Through academic and community partnerships, AHECs develop and train a diverse healthcare workforce prepared to deliver culturally appropriate, high-quality, team-based care, with an emphasis on primary care for rural and underserved populations.

Last academic year, AHECs across the nation and U.S. territories reached more than 718,000 students and health professionals with programming such as health career education, clinical rotation support, and continuing education for healthcare professionals.

The need to strengthen the healthcare workforce, particularly for the underserved, continues.

According to new projections published today by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges,) the U.S. will face a physician shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Additionally, the American Hospital Association reported earlier this year that the U.S. could need over 190,000 registered nurses each year over the next decade.

Leaders of the National Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Organization shared the AHEC message on a recent visit to Capitol Hill and recommended funding at $67 million in FY 25 and beyond.

Congress established the AHEC program in 1971 to strengthen and diversify the healthcare workforce in rural and medically underserved communities.

Today, the 300 AHECs in the United States serve 44 states and six U.S. territories.

Visit nationalahec.org or email info@nationalahec.org to learn more about AHEC.