Every year on October 10, World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder that mental health is an essential part of overall health and well-being. It is also an opportunity to recognize the dedicated professionals who provide care, support, and advocacy for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Psychologists, counselors, social workers, psychiatrists, therapists, substance use professionals, and other behavioral health providers play a critical role in improving the lives of people in our communities. As mental health needs continue to grow, ongoing professional development is more important than ever to ensure providers have access to current evidence-based practices, emerging research, and practical strategies to better serve their patients and clients.

At Northwest Area Health Education Center (AHEC), we are committed to supporting the behavioral health workforce through high-quality continuing education opportunities designed to enhance knowledge, strengthen skills, and foster professional growth. Through live conferences, webinars, workshops, and online learning opportunities, we help mental health professionals stay informed about evolving best practices while earning the continuing education credits they need to maintain licensure and certification. 

Supporting the Behavioral Health Workforce

Behavioral health professionals face unique challenges, including increasing patient demand, workforce shortages, compassion fatigue, and rapidly changing treatment approaches. Continuing education offers an important pathway for providers to:

• Stay current on emerging mental health research and treatment interventions
• Enhance clinical skills and cultural responsiveness
• Improve patient outcomes through evidence-based care
• Address complex behavioral health and substance use concerns
• Meet professional licensure and certification requirements

Most importantly, professional development helps ensure that those caring for others have access to the resources and support they need to continue delivering high-quality care.

Explore Upcoming Mental Health Continuing Education Opportunities

Northwest AHEC offers a variety of educational programs focused on mental health and behavioral health topics throughout the year. Whether you are a psychologist, counselor, social worker, psychiatrist, marriage and family therapist, substance use professional, or another member of the behavioral health team, our programs are designed to provide practical, relevant information you can apply in your daily practice.

View the complete list of upcoming mental health and behavioral health continuing education programs on the Northwest AHEC website. 

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

World Mental Health Day reminds us that building healthier communities requires investment not only in mental health services but also in the professionals who provide them. By supporting lifelong learning and professional development, we strengthen the behavioral health workforce and improve access to quality care throughout our region.

This October, we invite mental health professionals to take time to invest in themselves, explore new learning opportunities, and connect with colleagues who share a commitment to advancing mental health care.

Browse upcoming mental health continuing education programs:
https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events?disciplines=11%7CMental+Health

 

Looking for free health screenings and wellness resources? The annual Share the Health Fair, organized by students from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, provides no-cost health screenings, vaccinations, health education, and connections to community resources for individuals and families across our community.

Participants can access services including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, vision, dental, mental health, and other preventive screenings, along with opportunities to speak with healthcare professionals and receive referrals for follow-up care when needed. Families can also take advantage of child safety resources and car seat checks.

Since 1998, the fair has helped reduce barriers to care by connecting community members with valuable health services, education, and support. Whether you're looking to check in on your health, learn about available resources, or connect with local organizations, Share the Health Fair offers something for everyone.

The free health fair offers a wide range of screenings and services designed to help participants better understand and manage their health. Available services include:

• Blood pressure, weight, and BMI screenings
• Blood glucose and cholesterol testing
• Vision and glaucoma screenings
• Dental screenings
• Bone density testing
• Lung function testing (spirometry)
• Mental health screenings
• Dermatological screenings
• Sexually transmitted infection testing
• Information about Pap smears and mammograms
• Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations
• Strength and balance testing
• Child safety education and injury prevention resources

 Share the Health Fair is a free health screening fair open to all members of the local community, especially for those who do not have health insurance or access to health care. To help us better staff the fair, please fill out this interest form if you plan on attending. This is not required to attend the fair. 

Professionals working in domestic violence intervention programs play a critical role in promoting accountability, supporting behavior change, and helping create safer outcomes for families. This fall, join colleagues from across the field for an opportunity to explore practical tools and evidence-informed approaches for engaging fathers in meaningful and accountable ways.

Northwest AHEC and the NCPAT Conference - Tools and Strategies to Work with Fathers in DV Offender Programs invite professionals to participate in a live webinar on October 30, 2026, featuring nationally recognized expert Juan Carlos Areán, Ph.D.

Why Attend?

For many men who use intimate partner violence, fatherhood can be a powerful motivator for seeking help and making lasting changes. This workshop will examine how intervention programs can thoughtfully integrate parenting and fatherhood into their work while maintaining a strong focus on survivor safety, child well-being, and offender accountability.

Participants will gain practical strategies to:

• Describe the effects of domestic violence on children, parenting, co-parenting relationships, and fathers' ability to provide safe, nurturing care.             
• Explain how fatherhood can serve as a meaningful motivator for accountability and behavior change while maintaining a clear focus on survivor and child safety.              
• Identify opportunities to integrate parenting and fatherhood throughout DVIP’s curricula without minimizing abusive behavior or shifting responsibility onto survivors.        
• Apply practical engagement and facilitation strategies that help fathers examine the impact of their behavior on their children, strengthen empathy, and increase accountability.            
• Use child-centered and survivor-informed tools to support behavior change, including strategies that promote healthy parenting, emotional regulation, and repair where appropriate.     
• Develop approaches for collaborating with child welfare agencies, fatherhood programs, victim advocates, and other community partners to support coordinated, family-centered responses to domestic violence.

Learn from a National Leader

The conference presenter, Juan Carlos Areán, Ph.D., serves as Program Director with the Children and Youth Team at Futures Without Violence. For more than three decades, he has worked nationally and internationally to engage men in becoming better fathers, partners, and allies in efforts to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

His expertise brings a unique perspective on how fatherhood can be leveraged as a pathway to positive change without minimizing abuse or shifting responsibility away from those who have caused harm. 

Event Details

NCPAT Conference - Tools and Strategies to Work with Fathers in DV Offender Programs
📅 October 30, 2026
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
💻 Live Webinar - REGISTER HERE

Whether you are a domestic violence intervention provider, counselor, social worker, advocate, or other professional working with individuals and families impacted by abuse, this workshop offers practical, actionable tools you can apply in your work immediately. 

Register Today

Join professionals from across North Carolina and beyond for this important learning opportunity and leave with new strategies to strengthen accountability, support safer families, and improve outcomes for children.

Register now: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/courses-and-events/78973

 

September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to recognize the importance of helping older adults maintain their health, independence, and quality of life. As North Carolina's population continues to age, healthcare professionals play a critical role in ensuring older adults receive the specialized care and support they need to thrive.

At Northwest AHEC, we're committed to equipping healthcare providers with the education, resources, and tools necessary to support healthy aging in our region.

Save the Date: 2027 Aging Well Conference

Mark your calendars for the 2027 Aging Well Conference, taking place May 13-14, 2027, in person at the Appalachian State University Boone Campus.

This conference will focus on promoting healthy aging and advancing geriatric care knowledge among healthcare professionals. As the needs of older adults continue to evolve, it is essential that providers stay informed about best practices and emerging approaches to care.

The conference is designed to help healthcare professionals, particularly those serving rural western North Carolina, strengthen their skills in:

• Geriatric care and assessment
• Managing chronic conditions and comorbidities
• Supporting cognitive and mental health
• Addressing the unique healthcare needs of older adults
• Promoting healthy aging and independence

More information is available on the Northwest AHEC website, and registration will open soon: 👉 https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/79174

 

Featured Healthy Aging Resources

To celebrate Healthy Aging Month, NC AHEC is highlighting valuable geriatric care resources throughout September.

Our first featured resource is the NC Center for Aging & Geriatric Excellence (NC-AGE) E-Mail Subscription Service (CGEC).

This free subscription service delivers a weekly email featuring current, peer-reviewed, open-access, and evidence-based geriatric research directly to your inbox.

Each week, subscribers receive 4 to 8 carefully selected citations covering important topics such as:

• Elder abuse prevention
• Dementia and mental health
• Comorbidities and fall prevention
• Health literacy and rehabilitation
• Respite care, long-term care, and veterans' health
• Wellness and end-of-life care

Whether you are a physician, nurse, pharmacist, social worker, therapist, or other healthcare professional, these research updates can help you stay informed and enhance the care you provide to older adults.

👉 Sign up today

 

NC AHEC's Commitment to Healthy Aging

NC AHEC supports healthy aging across North Carolina through professional education, continuing education opportunities, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to improving the lives of older adults.

Working alongside partners such as Healthy Aging NC, NC AHEC promotes evidence-based programs and resources that help older adults remain active, engaged, and healthy in their communities.

Healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge in geriatric care can explore a variety of educational offerings tailored to the needs of older adult populations:

👉 https://www.ncahec.net/courses-and-events?search=geriatric

 

Join Us in Supporting Healthy Aging

Healthy aging is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, caregivers, and older adults themselves. During Healthy Aging Month, we encourage healthcare professionals to take advantage of educational opportunities, stay current with emerging research, and continue building the skills needed to provide exceptional care for aging populations.

Together, we can help ensure that North Carolinians age with health, dignity, and independence.

 

Breastfeeding Basics and Problem-Solving

October 16, 2026 | Live Webinar | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 
REGISTER NOW!

 

Breastfeeding challenges can arise even when families are highly motivated to succeed. Questions about latch, milk supply, feeding effectiveness, and breast pain often leave parents searching for trusted guidance. That's where knowledgeable healthcare professionals make a lasting difference.

 

Breastfeeding Basics and Problem-Solving is designed for nurses, nutritionists, social workers, doulas, and other healthcare professionals who support families during their infant feeding journey. Grounded in Baby-Friendly principles, this webinar explores practical, evidence-based strategies for addressing common breastfeeding concerns while helping families build confidence and achieve their feeding goals.

 

Participants will strengthen their ability to assess feeding effectiveness, support positioning and latch, address breast pain, identify factors that impact milk supply, and recognize when additional support or referral is needed. The result? More confident conversations, stronger patient support, and tools that can be applied immediately in practice.

 

Cardiogenic shock remains one of the most challenging conditions faced by cardiovascular care teams. Despite advances in research and treatment options, mortality rates remain high, making ongoing education and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for improving patient outcomes. The 2026 Southeastern Shock Symposium offers healthcare professionals an opportunity to explore current evidence, emerging approaches, and practical management strategies for this complex condition. 

Advancing Care Through Education

Designed for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, residents, and fellows, the symposium will provide a comprehensive review of cardiogenic shock, including its background, pathophysiology, staging, and the implementation of timely and effective treatment strategies. Participants will learn about both mechanical and pharmacologic support options and gain insights into best practices that can be applied in clinical settings.

Pre-Conference Dinner

Friday, October 9, 2026
NASCAR Hall of Fame
400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Charlotte, NC

Main Conference

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute
1237 Harding Place
Charlotte, NC

Participants may attend the main conference either in person or via livestream. In-person attendance is limited to 150 participants, and continuing education credit is available only for those attending in person. Pre-registration is required for both the dinner and the conference.

Continuing Education Credit Available

Attendees participating in person may earn up to:

• 7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
• 7.5 Northwest AHEC Contact Hours for Nurses
• 7.5 CME Hours for Physician Assistants
• 7.5 ABS Continuous Certification and Self-Assessment Hours
• 7.5 ABTS MOC Hours

These continuing education opportunities provide valuable professional development while supporting high-quality patient care.

Registration Information

There is no registration fee for the conference. The pre-conference dinner is complimentary for healthcare professionals attending the symposium, with a $25 fee for guests.

Reserve Your Spot Today

As the management of cardiogenic shock continues to evolve, staying current on evidence-based approaches is critical. The 2026 Southeastern Shock Symposium brings together experts and healthcare professionals committed to improving outcomes for patients experiencing cardiogenic shock. Whether you attend in person or virtually, this educational event offers valuable knowledge, networking opportunities, and practical clinical insights.

Register today: https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/shock

 

Healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing cancer care are invited to join us for the Charles L. Spurr Piedmont Oncology Symposium on October 16, 2026, at the M.C. Benton Jr. Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC. This annual educational event brings together physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, navigators, and other oncology professionals for a day of evidence-based learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Register Today!

Designed for professionals working across the continuum of hematology and oncology care, the symposium offers an interactive learning environment featuring nationally recognized faculty and expert-led discussions on emerging trends, innovative therapies, and practical approaches to improving patient outcomes. Attendees will engage in didactic presentations and case-based learning that can be applied immediately in clinical practice.

Participants will explore timely topics, including:

• The expanding role of interventional radiology in cancer care
• Antibody-drug conjugates in the neoadjuvant breast cancer setting
• The impact of the microbiome on cancer development, treatment response, and treatment-related toxicities
• Multidisciplinary management of complex oncology cases
• Emerging strategies for targeting RAS pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
• Evidence-based sequencing of therapies for metastatic breast cancer
• Future microbiome-based approaches to personalized cancer care 

Upon completion of the symposium, participants will be better equipped to evaluate new therapeutic and diagnostic options, integrate emerging evidence into patient care decisions, and navigate the rapidly evolving oncology landscape.

Event Details

Charles L. Spurr Piedmont Oncology Symposium
Date: October 16, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Location: M.C. Benton Jr. Convention Center, 301 W. 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 

Register here: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78585/charles-l-spurr-piedmont-oncology-symposium

Continuing Education Credit

Participants can earn:

• 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for physicians
• 5.0 Nursing Contact Hours for nurses

These educational credits support continuing professional development while helping clinicians stay current with advances in oncology care.

Registration Fees

• $200 - Industry Clinical Educators and Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs)
• $150 - MD/DO
• $100 - All Other Healthcare Professionals

Whether you provide direct patient care, support care coordination, or contribute to oncology services as part of a multidisciplinary team, this symposium offers a valuable opportunity to learn from experts, connect with colleagues, and enhance the care you provide to patients living with cancer.

Register today and join us in Winston-Salem for a day of oncology education, collaboration, and innovation.

 

Medina Wilson, MBA, CPC, CPPM, CFD
TeamSTEPPS® Master Trainer | Senior Quality Improvement Specialist

For the past 15 years, Medina Wilson has helped healthcare practices across the region navigate change, improve quality, and strengthen the care they provide to patients. As a Senior Quality Improvement Specialist at Northwest AHEC, she has partnered with practices through quality improvement initiatives, MIPS reporting, PCMH recognition, electronic health record (EHR) implementations, and coding and billing improvements, serving as a trusted resource during some of healthcare's most challenging transitions. 

Medina's Supervisor; Christopher Jones, DrPH, MHA; recalls "Medina joined our team with so much knowledge from working as a practice manager and Certified Professional Coder she began transforming practices into more efficient and effective care centers right away. Medina has maintained her certifications and added a Master's degree in Business Administration, NCQA's Patient Centered Medical home certifications, Team STEPPS Master Trainer Credentials and Results Based Accountability trainer.  Medina is curious and resourceful and builds lasting relationships with the practices she assists. She is always early to the meeting and offers great advice.  I have enjoyed getting to know Medina over the years.  She has a great sense of humor and an adventuresome spirit!"

Reflecting on her career at Northwest AHEC, Medina says her proudest accomplishment is seeing the lasting impact those efforts have had on practices and the patients they serve.

"Seeing practices achieve their goals, improve patient outcomes, and become more efficient because of the support and guidance our team provided has been incredibly rewarding," she said. "I'm especially proud of being a trusted resource for practices and contributing to Northwest AHEC's mission of strengthening healthcare delivery in our communities."

That mission is what attracted Medina to Northwest AHEC in the first place. The opportunity to support healthcare providers and help improve access to quality care across the region aligned with her passion for making a meaningful difference. Fifteen years later, that purpose continues to motivate her.

"What has kept me here is knowing that the work we do truly makes a difference," she said. "Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn and help others succeed."

Among the many projects she has supported, helping practices transition to new EHR systems stands out as one of the most impactful experiences of her career. These conversions often bring uncertainty and disruption, but Medina found fulfillment in guiding teams through the process, helping optimize workflows, train staff, and maintain quality patient care along the way.

"Seeing a practice move from frustration and uncertainty to confidence and success reinforced the importance of the work we do and the support Northwest AHEC provides," she shared.

Those successes have also created some of her favorite memories. Whether helping a practice achieve PCMH recognition, complete a major EHR transition, or improve quality performance measures, Medina values celebrating the milestones that come after months of hard work and collaboration.

That collaborative spirit is something she appreciates not only in the practices she serves, but also among her Northwest AHEC colleagues. She describes her team as one that willingly shares knowledge, supports one another, and brings diverse strengths and experiences to every challenge.

Throughout her career, Medina credits her success to adaptability, relationship-building, and a commitment to lifelong learning. In an industry that is constantly evolving, she believes staying informed, communicating clearly, and focusing on practical solutions are essential to helping others succeed.

In fact, while many people associate her work with quality metrics, regulations, coding, billing, and technology, Medina says the most rewarding aspect of her role is much simpler.

"What I enjoy most is building relationships," she said. "The part I value most is connecting with people and helping practices overcome challenges and succeed."

As she celebrates 15 years with Northwest AHEC, Medina's dedication to supporting healthcare professionals, improving patient care, and building meaningful relationships continues to make a lasting impact throughout the region.

Congratulations, Medina, and thank you for 15 years of service, expertise, and commitment to Northwest AHEC's mission.