Northeast IL AHEC at NIU

❤️ We’re Live — Blood Drive Happening NOW! ❤️

Today is the day! We are hosting our first blood drive, and it’s not too late to make a difference. Every donation has the power to save lives and support patients in our community who need it most.

📍 HSC Regency Room
⏰ 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM

If you have a little time in your day, stop by, roll up your sleeve, and be part of something meaningful. Whether it’s your first time donating or you’re a regular, we welcome you!

Let’s show up for our community — one donation at a time.

AHEC Scholar Spotlight 🌟

Meet Ameesh Shah!

📍 Hometown: Naperville, IL
🎓 Institution: Northern Illinois University
📚 Program: M.S. with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy (Fall 2025 – Spring 2027)

Ameesh is passionate about supporting diverse communities and is actively involved in spaces that promote inclusion and well-being. His commitment to service is reflected through his engagement with the CFTC, the Asian American community, and his work as an LGBTQ+ Ally (2026).

Through his journey in Marriage and Family Therapy, Ameesh is dedicated to fostering safe, affirming spaces and improving mental health outcomes for individuals and families from all backgrounds.

👏 Join us in celebrating Ameesh and the impactful work he is doing to uplift communities!

🚨 Reminder: Tomorrow is the Day! ❤️🩸

Join us in making a real impact at our Blood Drive tomorrow, May 5! Your donation could help save up to THREE lives—that’s the power of showing up for your community.

📅 Tuesday, May 5
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Regency Room
340 Carroll Avenue, DeKalb, IL

Northeast IL AHEC at NIU is proud to co-host this event with HSNA and SNO—come out and support this collective effort to give back.

✅ Appointments encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome!
📲 Schedule: www.versiti.org/IL or call (800) 7TO-GIVE
🪪 Don’t forget your photo ID

💡 Tip: Eat well and hydrate before donating!

Let’s show up for one another—because every drop truly counts. ❤️

Today, AHEC is excited to be tabling at the CEET Senior Design Showcase at the Convocation Center from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.!

Stop by our table to learn more about AHEC programs, connect with our team, and explore opportunities available to students interested in healthcare careers and community engagement. We look forward to seeing you there!

🌟 AHEC Scholar Spotlight: Jack McGraw 🌟

Meet Jack McGraw, one of our newest AHEC Scholars! We are excited to welcome Jack to the program and look forward to supporting his journey in healthcare and community engagement.

💬 What have you learned from being an AHEC Scholar?
“To be honest, I just got accepted to the AHEC Scholars Program a few weeks ago. So, I have not done any of the AHEC activities yet, but I hope to learn a lot!”

💬 What advice might you give incoming students?
“I believe there is always value in engaging in extra learning opportunities. So, please try to get the most out of this program as you can!”

We are excited to see all that Jack will accomplish through the AHEC Scholars Program and appreciate his enthusiasm for continued learning and growth. Welcome to AHEC, Jack! 👏

❤️ Give the Gift of Life – Join Our Blood Drive! ❤️

This May, your kindness can truly save a life. We invite you to be part of something meaningful by donating blood and supporting our community.

📅 Tuesday, May 5
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Regency Room
340 Carroll Avenue, DeKalb, IL 60115

Northeast IL AHEC at NIU is proud to co-host this blood drive alongside the Hispanic Student Nurses Alianza (HSNA) and Student Nurses Organization (SNO).

🩸 Why donate?
Every single donation can help impact up to three lives. That’s powerful.

✅ Appointments are appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome!
📲 Schedule at www.versiti.org/IL or call (800) 7TO-GIVE
🪪 Photo ID required

💡 Helpful tip: Eat a healthy meal and stay hydrated before donating!

Let’s come together and make a difference—one donation at a time.

SaveLives

🌟 AHEC Scholar Spotlight: Jack McGraw 🌟

“Ever since I studied psychology during my undergraduate degree, I’ve known I wanted to become a mental health therapist. What really drew me in was the systemic perspective—understanding human behavior through relationships, families, and broader dynamics. That’s what led me to pursue marriage and family therapy, and I haven’t looked back since.

I chose NIU because it offered everything I was looking for—the affordability compared to other graduate programs, the opportunity to gain hands-on clinical experience through the on-campus therapy clinic, and the fact that it’s close to home. Being able to learn and grow in a program that supports both my professional and personal goals has been incredibly important to me.”

✨ AHEC Scholars Spotlight ✨

Meet Jack McGraw!

📍 Hometown: South Elgin, IL
🎓 Program: School of Family and Consumer Sciences
📚 Year & Major: 1st Year, M.S. in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences
💡 Specialization: Marriage and Family Therapy

Jack is already making an impact on campus as a Graduate Student Therapist at The Couple and Family Therapy Clinic and is actively involved with the Newman Catholic Student Center.

We’re excited to highlight Jack’s journey as he continues to grow in the field of family and human development and works toward supporting individuals and families through meaningful, compassionate care.

Stay tuned for more from Jack in our AHEC Scholars Spotlight series! 🌟