As we age, maintaining good health goes beyond just doctor visits—it’s about nurturing our minds, bodies, and overall well-being. That’s why Northwest AHEC is proud to offer the 2025 Aging Well Conference , a program designed to empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to support aging individuals in leading healthier, more fulfilling lives. Learn all about the program on our website.

This activity focuses on advancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers in rural western North Carolina, particularly in geriatric care, addressing the unique healthcare needs of older adults. With a blend of individual and group presentations, panel discussions, and demonstrations, the activity brings together diverse perspectives of healthcare experts, researchers, government officials, social service providers, as well as older adults and family caregivers.

Two options for Basic Fetal Monitoring - In Person in the Fall or Live Webinar in the Spring. These programs will introduce basic fetal monitoring principles to the new perinatal nurse.

Northwest AHEC invites you to our upcoming Spring Behavioral Health Webinars! Whether you're looking to enhance your clinical practice, support recovery, or deepen your understanding of trauma-informed care, we have valuable sessions for you. Click below for more information on each.

• Appetite Awareness Training for Binge and Overeating - March 25, 2025 from 9AM-11AM - This program will examine the factors (e.g., trauma, stress, depression) that may increase binge and overeating in our clients, with particular emphasis on clients who are low income, and identify as a member from a racial/ethnic minority group. Register Here
  
  
• Microaggression as an Ethical Issue in Clinical Practice - April 1, 2025 from 9AM- 12:15PM - Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional exchanges that convey negative messages based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. While clinicians aim to provide culturally sensitive care, unknowingly committing microaggressions can harm communication, erode trust, and disrupt the therapeutic process. Ethical guidelines call for minimizing these occurrences to support effective client relationships. This program explores the impact of microaggressions, their role in clinical practice, and strategies for reducing them. Note: This course may count toward ethics requirements for license renewal. Register Here
  
  
• Practical Suggestions for Facilitating SUD Recovery - April 9, 2025 from 1PM - 3PM - Health professionals often encounter clients or patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). Understanding how to effectively address these complex challenges is critical for providing optimal care. This workshop is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of practical approaches and evidence-based interventions for working with individuals affected by SUDs. Register Here
  
  
• Safety First: Trauma-Informed Care with People Experiencing Substance Use Disorders - May 16, 2025 from 9AM - 12:15PM - Widely demonstrated in the literature on substance use disorders, trauma experienced by the person is a common and primary part of the sequelae leading to addiction. Traumatic life experiences can unfortunately also be a part of a person’s time as a substance user.
  This training will present a brief overview of what constitutes single incident or developmental traumas; what it means to be a trauma-informed practitioner; awareness of vicarious or secondary traumatization and related social worker self-care. Participants will learn how to consider trauma in their approach to working with clients and in their ability to thrive as a practitioner. Register Here
  
  
• Race-Based Traumatic Stress: Broadening Your Toolkit to Support Diverse Individuals - June 20, 2025 from 9AM - 12:15PM - This session explores race-based traumatic stress and its impact on clients of color. We’ll review the theoretical framework, trauma responses, and resilience strategies while identifying risk and protective factors. Clinicians will enhance cultural competence through interactive learning, self-reflection, and practical skills for sensitive, effective care. Register Here

The Northwest AHEC Scholars participated in the 2nd Annual Emerging Leaders in Healthcare Conference on February 7th, marking a significant event in their educational journey and professional development.

This conference, now in its second year, is a pivotal part of the NC AHEC's broader mission to recruit, train, and retain a skilled and dedicated workforce essential for fostering a healthier North Carolina. By engaging in this mission, the NC AHEC Scholars are actively contributing to a brighter future for the healthcare workforce, ensuring that it is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the community.

 Impressively, 31 of our dedicated Scholars were present at the event, joining a total of 157 NCAHEC Scholars from various AHECs across the state. The conference featured a lineup of excellent speakers who shared valuable insights and knowledge, enhancing the learning experience for all attendees. Hosted by UNCC, the event included engaging speakers and interactive simulations on Saturday afternoon, providing a dynamic and immersive educational experience.

As a fun and memorable touch, students received NC AHEC Scholars cowboy hats during the Cultural Competency-Western event, which added a unique flair to the occasion. This was part of their visit to a requested number of vendors, further enriching their understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity within the healthcare field.

Learn more about the NC AHEC Scholars Program at Northwest AHEC

This continuing medical education activity is intended for pediatricians, as well as family medicine physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses who provide care to infants, children and adolescents. Register Today!

February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart health, particularly for women. In recognition of National Wear Red Day and the Go Red for Women initiative, the Northwest AHEC team gathered at Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem for a staff engagement meetup focused on heart health.

Are you looking for convenient and effective ways to advance your knowledge and professional skills? Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) has you covered with our comprehensive online learning! Check out our full list of online learning available this Spring HERE

Why Choose Northwest AHEC Online Learning?

1. Flexible and Accessible 

2. Expert-Led Content 

3. Affordable Options - some no cost!

4. Certificates and CE Credits

Featured Courses You Don’t Want to Miss

• The Ethics of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy - As mental health professionals, we have an ethical duty to treat our clients with dignity and to respect cultural differences, including those based on religion and spirituality. In this module we will explore how taking an integrative approach to mental health therapy can improve outcomes for our clients. $35 registration cost for this activity.
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder 2024-2026:New Strategies to Reduce Barriers to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment  - With a focus on what defines and frames low barrier care, this course reviews the spectrum of opioid use disorder treatment, from harm reduction, low barrier care, to comprehensive integrated care. There is a $20 registration fee for this program.
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder 2024-2026:‘New Strategies to Improve Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Planning’ - Strategies to improve OUD (opioid use disorder) treatment planning are discussed. Review of the overall role and scope of the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) and strategies to minimize and address diversion are highlighted. There is a $20 registration fee for this program.
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder 2024-2026: MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder): The Evidence is Compelling! - This course reviews the differences between Opioid Treatment Programs and Office-Based Opioid Therapy. The impact the opioid epidemic and COVID have had on treatment guidelines, and the strength of evidence behind treatment of the chronic condition that is opioid use disorder. There is a $20 registration fee for this program.
• Diabetes Performance Improvement in Primary Care - This educational activity aims to inform the learner about the status of diabetes and chronic kidney disease in primary care. This activity will explore barriers and facilitators to promote patient engagement in treatment. This activity will focus on performance improvement methods and activities which promote health among patients with diabetes. The first 100 registrations will be at no charge, supported by Division of Health Benefits grant funding. After that, registrations will be $10 each.
• Double Trouble: Diabetes and Falls - People with diabetes are at higher risk for falls. Etiologies include vision changes from retinopathy, damage to both peripheral and central nerves, side effects from medicines, and co-morbidities like osteoarthritis. Through use of a case study illustrating a familiar primary care patient encounter, learners will apply new knowledge, so they can anticipate and intervene appropriately in their work. An optional module on conducting the Diabetic Foot Exam is included. There is no charge for this online course. Course registration is generously supported by the Division of Health Benefits.
• Safe or Silent? This course presents the inter-relatedness of joy in work, burnout, safety, and silence in the healthcare setting, and the role that organizational 'just culture' has in optimizing clinician satisfaction and patient safety. This activity has no cost to participate.

Check out our full list of online learning available HERE

LET’S CELEBRATE - Announcing A Day of Recognition

We are excited to introduce a new day of recognition to honor the dedicated staff of Northwest AHEC, the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education, the Faculty CME Committee, and esteemed healthcare continuing education professionals!

Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day is an opportunity to recognize and show our appreciation for our exceptional CE professionals.

What is Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day?

TODAY, January 24, 2025, marks the inaugural Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the professionals who ensure that healthcare providers stay informed, competent, and capable of delivering the best possible care to their patients. Healthcare continuing education professionals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare by fostering lifelong learning and professional development.

Each year, we’ll celebrate on the Friday during the third full week of January, beginning with Friday, January 24, 2025. This special day offers an opportunity to reflect on the impact of continuing education professionals and their unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare excellence.

Celebrating Our Team

Today, our staff celebrated this momentous occasion with a luncheon at River Birch Lodge in Winston-Salem. We were delighted to come together as a team to honor the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff. Their efforts ensure that healthcare professionals in our region have access to the education and resources they need to thrive in their careers and deliver high-quality care to patients.

In preparation for this day, we also sent a survey to our staff, asking, "In one word, how would you describe yourself or the work you do as a contributor to Healthcare Continuing Education?" From the responses, we created a word cloud that highlights the passion and dedication of our team. This design was incorporated into a commemorative t-shirt that everyone will proudly wear to celebrate. 

Here are the words from the word cloud that describe our amazing team:

A Message from Leadership

“Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day is an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible work our team does every day,” said Michael P. Lischke, EdD, MPH, FCPP, Associate Dean of Continuing Medical Education and Richard Janeway, MD, Distinguished Director of Northwest AHEC. “Our staff is made up of knowledgeable, professional, and passionate individuals who are not only exceptional at what they do but are also a joy to work with. Their unwavering commitment ensures that healthcare professionals are equipped with the education they need to deliver outstanding care to their patients. I’m proud to celebrate this day and the extraordinary contributions of our team.”

“It’s the educators within our community that do the work to support healthcare professionals to practice at their best,” said Graham McMahon, MD, MMSc, President and CEO, ACCME. “CE professionals are outstanding agents of change who engage and inspire learners to innovate and improve our healthcare system; they deserve to be celebrated and appreciated for their critical role.”

Join the Celebration

We encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize the healthcare continuing education professionals in their lives. Whether you’re a learner, a healthcare provider, or a colleague, your acknowledgment and gratitude can go a long way in highlighting the vital contributions of CE professionals.

Let’s make Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day an annual tradition filled with gratitude, reflection, and celebration for these outstanding individuals who make a lasting impact on healthcare.

Happy Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day!

We hope you will enjoy this selection of activities coming up from Northwest Area Health Education Center (NWAHEC) and the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME). Join us for some upcoming activities!

Activity Spotlight

• The Ethics of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy -Online
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder - Online
• Diabetes Performance Improvement in Primary Care - Online Enduring
• Double Trouble Diabetes and Falls - Online
• Safe or Silent? -Online
• 2025 North Carolina Lactation Educator Training Program - Online and skills day 4/29 or 4/30
• TVH & Mid-Urethral Slings - A Hands on Course 2025 - 2/7/25
• 39th Annual Northwest AHEC Respiratory Care Conference - 2/19/25
• 16th Annual NC "One Community in Recovery" Conference - 3/5/25
• 7th Annual Statewide Celebration of Rural Nursing - 3/13/25
• Nurturing the Nurturers: A Retreat for Sustaining Healthcare Well–being - 3/14/25
• 13th Annual Breastfeeding Forum - 3/18/25
• 2025 NC Annual STI Update - 3/19/25
• Practical Pediatrics 2025 - 3/28/25
• Basic Fetal Monitoring Spring 2025 - 4/9/25
• 2025 Western North Carolina Death Investigation Conference - 4/26/25
• Summer Interpreter Series - 5/7/25
• The High Risk Newborn: Sharing the Care - 5/14/25
• 2025 Aging Well Conference - 5/15/25
• WFUSM Summer Radiology Review 2025 - 6/9/25

As we continue to celebrate the unique role and essential service of nursing in rural healthcare, the NC AHEC Nurse Council welcomes you to join us for the 7th Annual NC AHEC Celebration of Rural Nursing Conference in honor of National Rural Health Day. This year we will address statewide healthcare network resources and pathways to improve access to care for your patients and families.

Our expert speaker faculty and panel members will be diverse in offering a variety of community health agencies and interprofessional service providers whose focus is prevention, primary care, improving public health and rural access.