AHEC of Northwest Illinois

08/27/2025

Northwest Illinois AHEC would like to thank all the students and partners for their support over the past 14 years. The Center in Dixon will be closing, but Northwest AHEC will open in another location. I encourage you to like the Illinois AHEC page.
Blessings and best wishes to all!

06/23/2025

This week our Six Week Rural Interprofessional Preceptorship students had the opportunity to join the Pre-med Immersion students at the OSF Jump Simulation Center to do some hands-on activities in the cadaver lab! Luca, Hannah, Carina, and Alyssa had a great time learning to suture. Thank you OSF!

05/29/2025

Congratulations to Becky Shoemaker on graduating from the AHEC Scholars Program! Best wishes in your Nursing career!

05/19/2025

Northwest AHEC would like to recognize Dr. Sara Kubick as an AHEC Scholars graduate! Dr. Kubick is a Podiatrist, completing the Podiatric surgical residency program at OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center. Congratulations Dr. Kubick!

05/12/2025

Ermira Ramadani receives her AHEC Scholars graduation cords and National Certificate! Below is her testimonial.

As a nursing graduate of Sauk Valley Community College, completing the two-year AHEC Scholars Program has been one of the most rewarding and impactful parts of my educational journey. This program gave me the opportunity to go beyond the traditional classroom setting and gain real-world experience in rural and underserved communities-something that truly deepened my understanding of healthcare disparities and strengthened my commitment to making a difference.
Throughout the program, I had access to invaluable training in interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural competency, behavioral health integration, and other vital topics that are not always emphasized in standard nursing curricula. These learning experiences have not only enhanced my clinical skills but also helped me grow personally and professionally. I now feel more confident, compassionate, and prepared to serve diverse populations with empathy and competence.
The AHEC Scholars Program has helped me shape the kind of nurse I want to be- one who advocates for equity in healthcare and works collaboratively to improve patient outcomes in all communities. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any health professions student seeking to expand their perspective and make a meaningful impact.

04/22/2025

Great opportunity for high school students that may be interested in Pharmacy!

Our High School Pharmacy Camp application is now live! If you are a high school student, check this out: http://ow.ly/nXY930gTLxU

03/27/2025

Check out the VR Goggles! Northwest AHEC can bring these to your classroom or event!

The National Training Center (NTC) serves as a central hub for the AHEC network, fostering partnerships with national organizations to enhance workforce development, outreach, technical assistance, and data collection.

The NTC collaborates with strategically selected AHECs to implement projects that align with the AHEC mission, such as providing continuing education for healthcare professionals and supporting priority populations.

After securing a $2M, 3-year grant from the Department of Labor, the NTC partnered with 7 AHECs to provide opportunities for youth ages 14-21 in underserved communities.

This program will enhance and expand health career exploration programs, postsecondary education/training, and health profession workforce training using virtual reality technology.

🔗to learn more about the National Training Center:

https://www.nationalahec.org/page/NationalTrainingCenter2022

03/26/2025

Our AHEC Scholars are the best! Check out our website to learn more about the opportunity!

Meet Dr. Aubrey Dawson, an inspiring AHEC Scholar Alumni from Oregon AHEC, who recently presented her impactful research at the Oregon Rural Health Conference!

A recent MD graduate from Oregon Health & Science University, Aubrey’s presentation focused on the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, a vital primary care medical home supporting patients with diabetes in the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

“Working at Yellowhawk was such a privilege, and learning more about the tribes we were serving was not only moving but also opened my eyes to some of the health disparities facing American Indian and Alaska Native populations,” Dr. Dawson said.

Aubrey's passion for rural health was sparked while serving as a missionary in Iowa, where she experienced the barriers faced by rural and immigrant populations.

This experience, combined with the opportunities provided by the AHEC program, led her to focus on underserved populations throughout her medical journey.

Reflecting on her AHEC experience, Dr. Dawson said: “I would highly recommend other students look seriously at AHEC who have any interest in rural health, beautiful geographical locations, and underserved populations.”

Thank you, Dr. Dawson, for your dedication to rural health!

🔗to learn more about the impact of AHEC Scholars and other AHEC programs:
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nationalahec.org/resource/resmgr/core_data_flyers/nao_annual_data_flyer_2024fi.pdf

03/25/2025

Check out the High School camps available throughout Illinois!

How do Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) encourage young people to pursue healthcare professions?

One way is by hosting camps designed to expose high school students to careers in healthcare.

Each year, Northern Area Health Education Center, Inc. in Canton, New York partners with SUNY Canton to host a series of Medical Academy of Science and Health (MASH) camps exposing local students to multiple health professions, from entry-level to those requiring advanced college degrees.

These day camps, typically hosted over traditional school vacation times, show students the skills and abilities needed for each career path.

At a recent MASH camp held over winter break, ten local students explored a variety of healthcare careers including nursing, health & fitness, and applied psychology, while gaining hands-on experience using equipment and technologies used by medical professionals.

NAHEC hosts 4-6 such camps annually.

“MASH Camps in Northern, NY provide students with hands-on healthcare experience, increasing their confidence and awareness of career options in the medical field,” said NAHEC Center Director Whitney Callaghan. “By connecting students with local healthcare professionals and addressing geographic and resource barriers, MASH Camps empower students to pursue healthcare careers and strengthen the future workforce in their own communities.”



🔗to learn more about MASH Camps offered at NAHEC:
https://northernahec.org/programs/

03/24/2025

National Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Week 2025 is here!

To celebrate, we’ll be sharing inspiring stories and notable achievements from AHECs across the country.

AHECs play a vital role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals and improving care in rural and underserved areas, working to make healthcare more accessible and equitable for everyone.

How?

AHECs recruit, train, and support a diverse healthcare workforce to address national shortages and meet the needs of at-risk communities.

Here are some facts about the AHEC impact from 2023-2024:

270,088 students participated in AHEC health career pipeline/pathway programming.

30,947 clinical rotations were facilitated through AHEC, with 85% of those rotations taking place in disadvantaged communities.

7,738 health professions students completed the AHEC Scholars program, an interprofessional cohort designed to prepare Scholars with the leadership skills necessary to better serve vulnerable populations.

376,322 health professionals participated in continuing education programming to improve the quality of care for those living in medically underserved communities.

“When communities’ healthcare needs are met, our society is stronger and more resilient,” said Wanda Thomas, M.D., National AHEC Organization President and LSU Health Shreveport AHEC program director. “AHEC training, recruitment, and retention of a culturally competent healthcare workforce make us an impactful organization throughout the country.”

🔗 To learn about the AHEC impact, visit:
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nationalahec.org/resource/resmgr/core_data_flyers/nao_annual_data_flyer_2024fi.pdf

03/24/2025

It is National AHEC week! Stay tuned for more information about how AHEC can help you and your community.

02/24/2025

The National Center for Rural Health Professions (NCRHP) is recruiting Camp Counselors for the 2025 Rural Health Careers Camp. This is an excellent opportunity for those who enjoy working with youth to mentor rural high school students into healthcare professions.

2025 Rural Health Careers Camp (RHCC)
• Camp counselors will be required to attend camp from 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 22, 2025 through 5:00 pm on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
• It is scheduled to be held at Northern Illinois University (NIU).
• Camper check-in is at 9:00 am on Monday, June 23, 2025.
• Camper check-out is at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
• The RHCC is an introduction to healthcare careers for high school students.
• This three-day overnight camp includes hands-on activities and labs to help students explore options in the field of healthcare. For more details on the camp, please visit this webpage: Rural Health Careers Camp.
• Meals and lodging (counselors will be staying in the residence halls with the campers) will be provided to all camp counselors along with a stipend for your time as a counselor.

Applications are being accepted through 11:59 pm, CT on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Click this link to apply: