Congress approves $47 million for AHEC program in FY26 funding package
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Posted by: Caitlin Renwald
Feb. 11, 2026 Congress approves $47 million for AHEC program in FY26 funding package Congress approved $47 million for the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) program in fiscal year 2026, ensuring continued support for the national network that strengthens the healthcare workforce amid significant need. The renewed federal investment comes at a critical time. Across the United States, communities continue to face persistent healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in primary care and in rural areas. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, including tens of thousands of primary care physicians. Rural communities are disproportionately affected, with fewer providers per capita, higher rates of chronic disease, and increased reliance on emergency departments for routine care. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), 92 million Americans live in federally designated primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). AHECs address these shortages by expanding pathways into health professions careers, facilitating clinical training experiences most often in primary care settings, and supporting practicing professionals through continuing education. The impact is significant. In 2024–2025, AHECs reached 621,290 participants nationwide, including 272,082 students in health career pathway programs designed to spark interest in primary care professions. AHECs also facilitated 29,604 clinical training rotations, many in rural areas, primary care settings, and medically underserved communities, helping prepare trainees for practice in HPSAs.
AHEC Scholars, a two-year interprofessional training experience focused on primary care and community-based practice, delivers measurable workforce outcomes. Since 2019, 6,673 Scholars have completed the program, representing disciplines ranging from medicine and nursing to pharmacy and public health. Of those for whom practice location is known, 48% are working or training in a medically underserved community one year after graduation, and 85% are confident in their ability to apply the skills gained through the program to serve these communities. Finally, over the past year, AHECs strengthened the existing workforce by engaging 312,931 health professionals in continuing education to improve care quality and address emerging health challenges. “For more than 50 years, AHECs have been providing much-needed support that prepares health professionals to serve high-need communities,” said Dwain Harris, CEO of the National AHEC Organization. “We appreciate that Congress recognizes this need and the value of AHEC. The bi-partisan support of the program is vital to the communities we serve.” As Congress begins work on the FY27 appropriations cycle, the AHEC network will continue to share its impact and advocate for sustained investment in the nation’s healthcare workforce. Established by Congress in 1971, the AHEC program works to improve the supply, distribution, and quality of healthcare professionals, with an emphasis on primary care and rural communities. Today, the national AHEC network includes more than 300 centers and program offices, serving more than 85% of U.S. counties. Through academic and community partnerships, AHECs build sustainable workforce pathways that prepare health professionals to practice where they are needed most. For more information about the AHEC program and its impact, visit www.nationalahec.org.
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