ABOUT PA AHEC
Our Mission & Vision
Improve health and wellness by collaboratively developing and providing education programs to enhance community health and broaden the distribution of a diverse health workforce, particularly for rural and underserved Pennsylvanians.
To fulfill this mission, Pennsylvania AHEC provides information, inspiration, assistance, and support to:
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High school and college students interested in and pursuing health and dental careers
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Health professional students exploring primary care and the care of vulnerable populations
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Health and dental professionals seeking opportunities in rural and urban underserved Pennsylvania
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Primary care providers and other health professionals needing continuing education
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Community health workers requiring training and continuing education for state certification
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Individuals pursuing second careers in health care
We collaborate with teachers, faculty, guidance counselors, and advisors. We educate patients, professionals, and students about managing diseases like diabetes, addressing mental health concerns, stopping tobacco use, and tackling the challenges facing those living in poverty. We connect health systems, rural health clinics, and community health centers with students and professionals prepared to meet the needs of all Pennsylvanians.
Vision
Quality, equitable health and wellness for all Pennsylvanians.
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Strengthen collaborative relationships across the regional AHECs to enhance our ability to plan and coordinate creative activities, share quality information and leverage resources.
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Create health promotion initiatives and continuing professional education programs that fully engage the interdisciplinary health care community - students, educators, researchers and providers - in the planning, implementation and evaluation. Gain the trust and active participation of a cross-section of health care consumers, especially from underserved areas of the state in this effort.
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Develop and maintain fully functioning partnerships with governmental agencies, educational institutions and community organizations in order to secure fiscal resources and political support for the AHEC agenda.
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Disseminate what we have learned widely, using both community-based and professional forum, measure the results of our programs through the use of clear objectives, sound methodology and reliable data.
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Promote the design, implementation and evaluation of technology that can foster the connectivity among consumer, academician and health care practitioners.
Program Office
Pennsylvania AHEC is led by a Program Office based in the Penn State College of Medicine’s Department of Family and Community Medicine. The Program Office coordinates statewide funding, program development, program evaluation, grant reporting, and networking.
Regional AHEC Centers
Seven regional AHEC Centers provide “boots on the ground” across Pennsylvania. The centers work closely with regional partners, implement the programs and services provided by Pennsylvania AHEC, and understand the needs and culture of the counties and communities in their area.
NORTHWEST
NORTHCENTRAL
SOUTHWEST
SOUTHCENTRAL
SOUTHEAST
PROGRAM OFFICE • HERSHEY, PA
EASTCENTRAL PA AHEC
BERKS
CARBON
LEHIGH
NORTHHAMPTON
SCHUYKLL
NORTHCENTRAL PA AHEC
CENTRE
CLINTON
COLUMBIA
LYCOMING
MIFFLIN
MONTOUR
NOTHUMBERLAND
SNYDER
TIOGA
UNION
NORTHEAST PA AHEC
BRADFORD
LACKAWANA
LUZERNE
MONROE
PIKE
SULLIVAN
SUSQUEHANNA
WAYNE
WYOMING
NORTHWEST PA AHEC
BUTLER
CAMERON
CLARION
CLEARFIELD
CRAWFORD
ELK
ERIE
FOREST
JEFFERSON
LAWRENCE
MCKEAN
MERCER
POTTER
VENANGO
WARREN
SOUTHCENTRAL PA AHEC
SOUTHEAST PA AHEC
BUCKS
CHESTER
DELAWARE
MONTGOMERY
PHILADELPHIA
SOUTHWEST PA AHEC
ALLEGHENY
ARMSTRONG
BEAVER
FAYETTE
GREENE
WASHINGTON
WESTMORELAND
ADAMS
BEDFORD
BLAIR
CAMBRIA
CUMBERLAND
DAUPHIN
FRANKLIN
FULTON
HUNTINGDON
INDIANA
JUNIATA
LANCASTER
LABANON
PERRY
SOMERSET
YORK
Center Leadership
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Executive Director
Southcentral PA AHEC
Executive Director
Southeast PA AHEC
Statewide Advisory Board
Seven regional AHEC Centers provide “boots on the ground” across Pennsylvania. The centers work closely with regional partners, implement the programs and services provided by Pennsylvania AHEC, and understand the needs and culture of the counties and communities in their area.
Our program office and regional affiliates:
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AHEC serves as a bridge between academic training programs and community partners.
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AHEC facilitates regional and statewide continuing education programs.
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AHEC provides opportunities for students in clinical training programs to experience working in rural and urban medically underserved communities.
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AHEC assists in providing a more robust pipeline of future health care professionals through a variety of medical, college, and high school student programs.
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AHEC partners with community organizations to improve community health and wellness.