Southwest Missouri Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 🧠💚
At AHEC, we are proud to stand alongside communities, students, and healthcare professionals in promoting mental wellness, education, and early intervention.

Mental health affects every aspect of our lives — from our relationships and productivity to how we cope with stress, trauma, and change. As future healthcare leaders, it’s essential we recognize the signs, prioritize self-care, and support those around us.

This month, AHEC encourages everyone to:
✔️ Talk openly about mental health
✔️ Seek help early — it’s a strength, not a weakness
✔️ Reduce stigma in your community
✔️ Practice gratitude, healthy habits, and rest
✔️ Be a supportive friend, colleague, or classmate

Let’s continue building a healthcare workforce that is mentally resilient, empathetic, and informed. Together, we can create a healthier future for all.

Your mind matters. Your story matters. You are not alone.

Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to lead pig dissection workshops at Fordland High School!

Through hands-on learning, students explored anatomy and were introduced to real examples of pathology, connecting science to real-world healthcare applications.

We’re proud to support the next generation of future scientists and healthcare professionals.

Thank you to the amazing students and staff at both schools for your enthusiasm and engagement!

Last week, we hosted a pig dissection workshop at Nevada High School!

Students learned about anatomy and pathology through hands-on experience, sparking curiosity and inspiring future careers in healthcare and science.

Thank you to all the amazing students and staff who participated and made this event a success!

We had a successful Suturing Workshop last week at Dallas High School, Missouri!
Students got hands-on experience learning basic suturing techniques and explored career opportunities in healthcare.
Thanks to everyone who participated and made it a great event!

This Tuesday, we had the incredible opportunity to visit Fordland High School and host a hands-on healthcare workshop for the students and it was nothing short of inspiring.

During the session, students were introduced to two fundamental clinical skills: phlebotomy and intramuscular injection techniques. Using simulation tools and practice models m. They got a feel for what it’s like to perform these procedures in a safe, controlled, and fun environment.

It was amazing to see how engaged and curious the students were. Many of them had never held a syringe or explored the basics of clinical care before, yet they jumped right in with enthusiasm and confidence. The joy on their faces as they practiced, asked questions, and supported each other reminded us of how powerful early exposure to healthcare can be.

Our goal wasn’t just to teach technique, it was to spark passion. To show these students that a career in healthcare is not just possible, but within reach. And from what we saw, there’s no doubt that some future nurses, medics, and physicians were in that room.

A big thank you to Fordland High School for hosting us and to the students for their energy and openness. We’re excited to keep sharing knowledge and lighting that spark wherever we go!

Exciting News!
Join us for our Sports Medicine Workshop starting today from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM!

Get ready to explore injury prevention, treatment strategies, and performance optimization with hands-on sessions and expert insights. Whether you’re an athlete, healthcare student, or just curious about sports health, this is for you!

Don’t miss out — see you there!

Today’s Nursing Workshop was a success!

We welcomed high school and college students who have a heart for nursing — and they got hands-on with some real-world skills!

Participants explored:
• CPR training models
• Diabetic wound care
• Newborn simulation models
• Care techniques for immobile patients
• Proper use of gloves and PPE

It was inspiring to see future nurses in action, learning and growing with enthusiasm and compassion!

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make today impactful. The future of healthcare looks bright!

Today’s Nursing Workshop was a success!

We welcomed high school and college students who have a heart for nursing — and they got hands-on with some real-world skills!

Participants explored:
• CPR training models
• Diabetic wound care
• Newborn simulation models
• Care techniques for immobile patients
• Proper use of gloves and PPE

It was inspiring to see future nurses in action, learning and growing with enthusiasm and compassion!

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make today impactful. The future of healthcare looks bright!

Explore Health Science Majors & Career Paths This Spring!

Join the MCHHS Health Science Exploratory Spring Series — a free, hands-on opportunity to dive into exciting healthcare fields alongside students and faculty!

Whether you’re declared, undecided, or just exploring, this series is for YOU.

Spring 2025 Sessions:
• 3/27: Nursing (4:00–5:30 PM)
• 4/01: Sports Medicine (3:30–5:00 PM)
• 4/03: Dietetics (3:00–4:00 PM)
• 4/15: Occupational Therapy (3:30–5:00 PM)
• 4/17: Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology (3:30–5:00 PM)
• 4/22: Biomedical Sciences (3:30–5:00 PM)
• 4/24: Exercise Science (3:30–5:00 PM)

Learn. Explore. Connect.
Tap into your passion for health and find your path.

Register now using the QR code on the flyer or contact [email protected] for more info.

🌿 March is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month! 💜

MS is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. Symptoms vary widely, from fatigue and numbness to mobility challenges. While there’s no cure yet, advancements in treatment and research continue to bring hope.

This month, let’s spread awareness, support those affected, and advocate for better care and research. 💪💙

🔹 Learn more about MS
🔹 Show support by wearing 🟣 purple
🔹 Share this to help raise awareness!

🟦 March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! 🟦

Did you know? Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., but it’s also one of the most preventable! Early detection through screening can save lives.

✅ Get screened starting at age 45 (or earlier if at high risk).
✅ Know the symptoms: Changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss.
✅ Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Eat fiber-rich foods, exercise, limit red/processed meats, and avoid smoking.

Don’t wait—take charge of your health today! 💙

❗Workshop Postponed Due to Weather ❗

We regret to inform you that our suturing workshop with Dallas high school has been postponed due to bad weather conditions. ❄️⛈️ The safety of students and participants is our top priority.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We are working on rescheduling the workshop and will provide updates soon!

Stay safe and warm, and we look forward to seeing you all soon! 🩺✨