For many healthcare professionals, measles feels like a disease of the past. Yet recent outbreaks and declining vaccination rates in some communities have brought this highly contagious disease back into the spotlight. As cases continue to emerge across the United States, pediatric and primary care teams must be ready to recognize symptoms early, respond appropriately, and help protect vulnerable patients.

To support healthcare professionals on the front lines, Northwest AHEC is offering Pediatric Pulse: Measles Resurgence—Recognizing, Responding, and Protecting Your Patients on August 5, 2026, as a live, two-hour webinar. This timely program provides practical, evidence-based guidance for recognizing and managing measles in today's evolving healthcare environment. 

Why This Topic Matters Now

Measles remains one of the most contagious infectious diseases known. Early identification and rapid response can significantly reduce transmission, protect vulnerable populations, and support public health efforts. Healthcare professionals play a critical role not only in clinical management but also in patient education and vaccine confidence conversations.

As outbreaks occur, providers may encounter patients with symptoms they have never personally seen in practice. This makes ongoing education particularly important for pediatric clinicians, nurses, vaccine coordinators, and public health professionals.

What Participants Will Learn

This webinar is designed to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and clinical tools needed to effectively recognize, respond to, and prevent measles. Participants will review current epidemiologic trends, identify early clinical signs and symptoms, and explore evidence-based approaches to diagnosis, isolation, and treatment.

Key learning objectives include:

• Recognizing the clinical presentation of measles, including prodromal symptoms, rash progression, and diagnostic indicators. 
• Applying evidence-based management strategies for suspected or confirmed measles cases, including isolation precautions, reporting requirements, and collaboration with public health agencies.
• Discussing prevention strategies, including vaccination recommendations and effective approaches for addressing vaccine hesitancy among patients and caregivers. 

Who Should Attend?

This program is especially relevant for:

• Registered Nurses
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Healthcare professionals involved in vaccine administration
• Patient educators
• Public health professionals
• Pediatric healthcare providers and clinical staff who may encounter suspected measles cases 

Whether you work in pediatrics, family medicine, urgent care, school health, public health, or community-based settings, this webinar offers valuable information that can be immediately applied in practice.

Practical Education You Can Use Right Away

One of the greatest benefits of this program is its focus on real-world application. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to identify measles quickly, implement appropriate infection-control measures, and confidently communicate with patients and families about vaccination and disease prevention.

In an environment where misinformation can spread as quickly as disease, healthcare professionals need both clinical expertise and effective communication strategies. This webinar addresses both.

Register Today

Pediatric Pulse: Measles Resurgence—Recognizing, Responding, and Protecting Your Patients will be held as a live webinar on August 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDT. Participants may earn 2 Contact Hours / 2 Nursing Contact Hours.

As measles continues to reemerge as a public health concern, now is the time to ensure your team is prepared.

Register today: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78399

Each activity has continuing education credits available and registration fee is $25.

• The 4Ms in Practice: Aligning Care for the Aging Well
• LGBTQ+ Aging: Aging Well Through Inclusion, Resilience, & Equity
• Deprescribing to Prevent Harm: Safer Medication Use Across the Lifespan
• Promoting Brain Health and Preventing Cognitive Decline
• Women's Health, Intimacy, and Sexual Wellness
• Polypharmacy, Pain, and Adherence
• Addressing Behavioral Health and Loneliness through Autobiography and Storytelling
• Aging with Intention: Integrating What Matters Most
• Updates in Dementia and Caring for the Caregiver
• Planning for Longevity
• Managing Complex Medications in Primary Care
• Advanced Care Planning and Family Conversations
• New Therapies in Alzheimer’s and Chronic Disease
• Technology and Movement – Using Wearables for Independence

👉 Browse and register here: Aging Well Enduring Materials

Maternal and infant health outcomes are shaped by more than clinical care alone—they reflect the complex interplay of medical, social, and emotional factors that affect patients every day. That’s why the 44th Annual Gravidas at Risk Conference, hosted by Northwest AHEC, is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge, tools, and compassion needed to care for pregnant individuals facing increased risk.

Taking place November 4–5, 2026 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center, this two-day, statewide conference continues a long-standing tradition of advancing perinatal care through interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based learning. 

Why Gravidas at Risk Matters

As the landscape of maternal-child health continues to evolve, providers are encountering increasingly complex challenges—from rising rates of high-risk pregnancies to the growing impact of social determinants of health. Gravidas at Risk brings together experts and professionals across disciplines to address these critical issues head-on.

This year’s conference focuses on delivering practical, real-world strategies that can be applied in both inpatient and outpatient settings, helping providers improve outcomes for mothers, infants, and families alike.

What You’ll Learn

The 2026 program offers a dynamic mix of clinical insights and holistic approaches to care. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on topics including:

• Alcohol use during pregnancy and evidence-informed intervention strategies
• Cardiac conditions in pregnancy and early identification of risk factors
• The impact of social determinants of health on perinatal outcomes
• Recognizing and responding to intimate partner violence
• Emerging applications of artificial intelligence in obstetrics

In addition to clinical content, the conference emphasizes whole-person care, with sessions on mindfulness, resilience, and even therapeutic bedrest yoga to support both patients and providers. 

Designed for Interdisciplinary Care Teams

Gravidas at Risk is built for a wide range of professionals dedicated to maternal and child health, including:

• Nurses and nurse practitioners
• Nurse midwives
• Social workers
• Educators
• Other healthcare professionals working with childbearing families

By bringing these perspectives together, the conference fosters collaboration and shared learning across care settings. 

Earn Continuing Education Credits

Participants can earn valuable continuing education credits while expanding their expertise:

• Up to 10 contact hours for the full conference
• 5 contact hours for single-day attendance

Northwest AHEC is an approved provider of nursing continuing professional development through the North Carolina Nurses Association.

Register Today

Whether you’re looking to deepen your clinical expertise or expand your approach to whole-person care, Gravidas at Risk offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow alongside fellow professionals.

👉 View the agenda and register

Reaching more than four decades of service is a rare and meaningful milestone—one that reflects not only longevity, but deep commitment, adaptability, and lasting impact. Leigh’s journey with Northwest AHEC is a powerful example of all three.

 At Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education and Northwest AHEC, one of the things that sets us apart is the dedication and longevity of our team. The relationships we build—with each other, our partners, and the communities we serve—are strengthened by years of commitment and shared purpose.

We’re proud to continue our Quarterly Milestone Recognition, celebrating teammates whose years of service reflect meaningful contributions to our mission and impact across the region.

Celebrating 40+ Years: Leigh Watkins

Leigh’s 40+ years with Northwest AHEC reflect a remarkable journey defined by adaptability, dedication, and a deep commitment to both her work and her colleagues.

Beginning the career journey as a temporary program assistant, Leigh has grown alongside Northwest AHEC—transitioning into roles supporting leadership and now serving as an integral member of the finance team. Across each role, a willingness to learn new systems, programs, and processes has been a defining factor in long-term success.

Throughout the years, Leigh has embraced change with resilience—adapting to evolving responsibilities, advancing technologies, and shifting workplace environments. A strong sense of curiosity and determination has fueled the ability to master new applications and navigate complex systems with confidence.

Beyond technical expertise, what stands out most is the lasting impact of relationships. Leigh takes great pride in working collaboratively across teams and consistently highlights the supportive, family-oriented culture at Northwest AHEC. Colleagues have been present through both professional milestones and personal life moments—from early career days, to raising a family, and now enjoying time as a grandparent.

Leigh values the variety each day brings, appreciating that no two days are the same. Offering advice to newer team members, Leigh encourages others to “go with the flow,” recognizing the importance of flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Outside of work, Leigh enjoys spending time with family, relaxing with her husband, and staying mentally sharp through games and activities—bringing balance, perspective, and joy that extend into the workplace.

A Valued Member of the Team

“For the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Leigh, and the dedication to Northwest AHEC is truly unmatched. Leigh’s ability to adapt to evolving roles, systems, and organizational changes over four decades speaks volumes about resilience and commitment. A trusted team player who consistently supports those around them, Leigh’s historical knowledge of the organization is invaluable—providing context, perspective, and continuity that simply cannot be replaced. Leigh exemplifies professionalism, reliability, and a genuine care for both the work and the people served. We are incredibly fortunate to have Leigh as part of our team.”

We are honored to celebrate Leigh’s 40+ year milestone and grateful for the lasting contributions that continue to shape Northwest AHEC. This journey is a testament to the power of dedication, adaptability, and the relationships that make our work meaningful.

Providing safe, high-quality care for mothers and babies begins with strong clinical foundations—and fetal monitoring is a critical component of that care.

Northwest AHEC is excited to offer the Basic Fetal Monitoring – Fall 2026 course, a one-day, in-person learning experience designed to help healthcare professionals strengthen their skills, build confidence, and improve patient outcomes.

Reaching a career milestone is more than marking time - it’s an opportunity to reflect on growth, purpose, and the impact made along the way. For Cherelle Blakely, her 10-year journey with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (AHWFB) highlights a commitment to learning, dedication to healthcare, and passion for supporting others.

At Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education and Northwest AHEC, one of the things that sets us apart is the dedication and longevity of our team. The relationships we build—with each other, our partners, and the communities we serve—are strengthened by years of commitment and shared purpose.

We’re proud to introduce our Quarterly Milestone Recognition, a new initiative celebrating teammates reaching 5, 10, 15, 20 (and beyond!) years of service. These milestones reflect not only time, but the meaningful contributions our team members make in advancing our mission and improving healthcare across the region.

As we launch this initiative, we’re honored to highlight one of our team members celebrating a significant milestone:

Celebrating 10 Years: Cherelle Blakely, MHS

Continuing Medical Education Coordinator
Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME)

This past May marked Cherelle Blakely’s 10-year anniversary with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (AHWFB) - a milestone that reflects a decade of growth, dedication, and impact in healthcare.

Cherelle began her career in May 2016 as a Patient Scheduling Coordinator in the Cardiology Department, where she also supported multiple physicians as a secretary. In a fast-paced clinical environment, she managed schedules and helped ensure seamless patient care operations. During this time, she developed a strong foundation in organization, communication, and attention to detail—all essential skills that continue to serve her today.

While working full time, Cherelle also pursued her master’s degree in healthcare management. Balancing professional responsibilities with graduate studies required determination and resilience, further strengthening her commitment to a career in healthcare.

After earning her degree, Cherelle transitioned into the role of Education Coordinator in the Life Support/Nursing Education Department, where she expanded her skill set and discovered a passion for supporting clinical education and training.

Today, Cherelle serves as a Continuing Medical Education (CME) Coordinator, where she coordinates accredited education programs for physicians. In this role, she combines her administrative expertise with her passion for healthcare education - helping ensure clinicians have access to high-quality learning opportunities that support their professional development and enhance patient care.

Reflecting on her journey, Cherelle shares gratitude for the opportunities and support she has received along the way - and a continued commitment to growing her impact.

A Valued Member of the Team

“It has been a pleasure having Cherelle as part of the continuing professional development team with the OCME and Northwest Area Health Education Center. Her willingness to be a team player, proactive initiative in ensuring departments have high-quality programs, and eagerness to ask thoughtful questions and offer solutions make her an invaluable teammate.”
— Nedra Edwards Hines, MHA, CDP
Assistant Director, Continuing Education Services