The Value of AHEC

The Texas AHEC East program was initiated September 30, 1991, with a basic/core grant award as a program of the School of Medicine of The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. The program was founded on the premise that communities of East Texas were in need of health professions education outreach and support services, and an AHEC infrastructure could help address those needs.  

It was recognized that the AHEC would build partnerships with both community and academic partners throughout the region to most effectively combine resources in a collaborative design to address mutual needs. Additional guiding principles included orienting activities to communities and their needs, placing high priority on primary health care education, seeking to improve diverse representation in the health professions, addressing the needs of high-needs populations, designing education activities with an interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary component, and encouraging health promotion and disease prevention concepts and processes in activities. 

Bridging the Gap in Rural Healthcare Access 

 
The Challenge 

Nearly 60 million Americans—or 1 in 5—lack adequate access to primary care due to a national shortage of primary care providers, especially in rural and high-needs communities. 

Rural populations face significant healthcare challenges caused by: 

  • Geographic isolation 

  • Economic and educational factors

  • Cultural and social differences 

  • Limited legislative focus 

These obstacles make it harder for individuals in remote areas to access consistent, quality care and to live healthy, productive lives. 

Contributing Workforce Issues 

  • Too few students are choosing careers in healthcare 

  • Many professionals do not practice in limited access or rural areas 

  • Underrepresentation of racial, ethnic minorities, and individuals from various backgrounds in the health workforce 

  • A disconnect between healthcare education programs and real community health needs 

  • Misuse or underuse of available healthcare services due to lack of access or awareness 

The AHEC Solution 

Empowering the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals 

Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) are transforming healthcare access by: 

  • Training and inspiring future healthcare professionals 

  • Supporting workforce placement in high-needs and rural communities 

  • Building stronger ties between medical education and community health priorities 

Through education, outreach, and partnerships, AHECs are creating long-term solutions to the healthcare challenges facing our communities. 

making communities healthier

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