AHEC Advocacy

Help Secure AHEC's Future

The Problem: National Healthcare Needs Are Growing

America faces a growing shortage of healthcare professionals—especially in rural and disadvantaged regions.

A Proven Solution

The Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program is a community-based solution that for more than 50 years has addressed this challenge through healthcare workforce recruitment, training, and retention.

The Urgency
Funding for AHEC is not included in a proposed reorganization of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The AHEC Mission is Simple, Yet Powerful:
To enhance access to quality healthcare-particularly primary and preventative care-by improving the supply and distribution of healthcare professionals.

Why Advocate for AHEC? Because AHEC Works!

Today, more than 300 AHEC centers across nearly every state and U.S. territory are making a measurable difference. From 2023-2024:

685,000 individuals participated in AHEC programs.
More than 270,000 students engaged in health career pathways programming.
More than 300,000 clinical training experiences were facilitated in rural communities.
7,738 health professions students received advanced training through the AHEC Scholars program.

From mentorship and shadowing opportunities to immersive clinical experiences, AHEC prepares the next generation of healthcare professionals to serve communities that need them most. Learn more about the AHEC impact HERE.

Be the Voice for Healthier, More Connected Communities

Contact your U.S. House Representative and your two Senators to urge continued federal funding for the AHEC Program.
Share your story about how AHEC has impacted you or your community.

"Service is at the heart of AHEC...When communities'
healthcare needs are met, our society is
stronger and more resilient."

-Dr. Wanda Thomas
President, National AHEC Organization
Program Director, LSU Health Shreveport