Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) is proud to support and partner in advancing global research in interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP). We are excited to invite health professionals, educators, researchers, and graduate students to apply for the 2026 InterprofessionalResearch.Global Summer Research Institute (IPR.Global SRI)—a dynamic opportunity to strengthen research skills and expand professional networks.

🚀 About the Summer Research Institute

The IPR.Global SRI is a highly interactive, fully virtual program designed to support the next generation of scholars in IPECP. The institute brings together participants from around the world to build capacity in collaborative research and drive innovation in health professions education and practice.

This year’s program combines:

• A 4-day intensive online institute
• Two months of structured mentorship

Together, these components provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to develop and advance high-quality research projects.

🌐 Why This Matters

At Northwest AHEC, we are committed to strengthening the healthcare workforce and improving health outcomes through education, collaboration, and innovation. Our involvement in the Summer Research Institute reflects our dedication to:

• Promoting interprofessional collaboration across disciplines
• Building research capacity in healthcare education and practice
• Connecting our region’s professionals to global networks and opportunities

We are honored to collaborate with InterprofessionalResearch.Global and contribute to the success of this impactful initiative.

🎓 What Participants Gain

Participants in the SRI will have the opportunity to:

• Engage with internationally recognized IPECP scholars and mentors
• Develop or refine their own research projects
• Connect with a global network of collaborators and emerging leaders
• Compete for seed funding of up to $2,000 for high-potential projects
• Applicants from North Carolina may be eligible for a stipend of up to $1,000!

This is more than a training program—it’s a launchpad for meaningful, publishable, and fundable research.

📅 Program Details

• Virtual sessions (via Zoom):
  July 8 and July 22–24, 2026
• Cost: FREE!
• Application Deadline:
  May 25, 2026

✅ Who Should Apply

We encourage applications from:

• Health professionals
• Faculty and educators
• Researchers
• Graduate students

Across all disciplines who are passionate about advancing interprofessional collaboration and improving healthcare outcomes.

✨ Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to grow as a scholar, expand your network, and contribute to the future of collaborative healthcare research, we encourage you to apply.

👉 Learn more and apply:
https://interprofessionalresearch.global/sri/

Northwest AHEC is proud to support initiatives that elevate research, foster collaboration, and strengthen the healthcare workforce in North Carolina.

Every May, Stroke Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that strokes can happen to anyone, at any age—and that knowing the warning signs can save lives. A stroke is a medical emergency, and recognizing the symptoms early and acting fast can mean the difference between recovery, long-term disability, or even death. 

According to the American Stroke Association, learning and sharing the signs of stroke is one of the most powerful ways we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. 

Learn to B.E. F.A.S.T.

The American Stroke Association promotes the B.E. F.A.S.T. method to help people quickly identify stroke warning signs and take immediate action. Each letter represents a key symptom to watch for: 

• B – Balance
  Sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or trouble walking may signal a stroke.
• E – Eyes (Vision Changes)
  Blurred vision, double vision, or sudden loss of sight in one or both eyes are common signs of stroke. 
• F – Face Drooping
  Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile—an uneven smile can be a warning sign. 
• A – Arm Weakness
  Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm is another key symptom. Ask the person to raise both arms—does one drift downward?.
• S – Speech Difficulty
  Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or trouble understanding speech can indicate a stroke. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
• T – Time to Call 911
  If you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Do not wait—every minute matters. 

Why Acting Fast Matters

When a stroke occurs, blood flow to the brain is disrupted, and brain cells begin to die within minutes. Calling 911 right away ensures emergency responders can begin life‑saving treatment as quickly as possible, which can significantly reduce brain damage and improve recovery outcomes. 

Waiting to “see if symptoms go away” can be dangerous. The American Stroke Association emphasizes that quick recognition and rapid response are critical to survival.

Most Strokes Are Preventable

Stroke Awareness Month is also about prevention. The American Stroke Association reports that approximately 80% of strokes are preventable, through managing risk factors like high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, and following medical advice. 

Understanding personal risk factors—and encouraging loved ones to do the same—can help reduce the likelihood of a first or second stroke. 

How You Can Help This May

• Learn the B.E. F.A.S.T. signs and share them with family, friends, and coworkers.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about stroke risk factors and prevention strategies.
• Explore free educational tools and resources from the American Stroke Association.
• Use your voice on social media to help spread awareness during Stroke Awareness Month. 

This May, let’s come together to save lives by learning the signs of stroke and being ready to act—because when it comes to stroke, every second counts.

Caring for high-risk maternity patients requires more than clinical expertise and adherence to medical protocols—it calls for compassionate, whole-person support that addresses physical, emotional, and psychological needs. Rest & Renewal: Supporting Maternity Patients on Bedrest through Non-Pharmacological Clinical Approaches is an evidence-informed, in-person continuing education training designed to empower frontline healthcare professionals with practical, non-pharmacological tools that can be used right at the bedside.

This interactive program is ideal for nurses, doulas, CNAs, social workers, and allied health professionals who support pregnant and birthing individuals facing complex medical or psychosocial challenges. Participants will gain hands-on strategies to enhance patient comfort, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of safety and connection during some of the most vulnerable moments of care.

What Participants Will Learn

Through guided instruction and experiential learning, participants will explore bedside-appropriate techniques such as:

• Gentle movement techniques to support comfort, circulation, and body awareness for patients with limited mobility
• Breathwork and relaxation strategies that help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and support coping during prolonged hospitalization
• Practical approaches to enhance comfort and emotional safety, particularly for patients experiencing fear and uncertainty. 
• Strategies for integrating mind-body techniques into interdisciplinary care, supporting consistent, patient-centered approaches across the care team

All content is grounded in clinical experience and evidence-informed practice.

Event Details

Rest & Renewal: Supporting Maternity Patients on Bedrest through Non-Pharmacological Clinical Approaches
Register here: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/77918

• Date: June 26, 2026
• Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
• Location: Novant Health – Forsyth Medical Center
  3333 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC
• Credits:
  7 Northwest AHEC Contact Hours / 7 Nursing Contact Hours
• Speaker: Angela Gallagher, MHL

Learn from expert speaker Angela Gallagher, MHL, as she shares practical, evidence‑informed strategies to support maternity patients on bedrest. Earn 7 Nursing Contact Hours while gaining tools you can use right away. Space is limited—register now!

Support Healing at the Bedside

By integrating gentle movement, breathwork, and mind-body awareness into everyday care, healthcare professionals can make a meaningful difference in the experience of high-risk maternity patients. Rest & Renewal: Supporting Maternity Patients on Bedrest through Non-Pharmacological Clinical Approaches offers practical tools to support healing, resilience, and emotional well-being—right where it matters most.