In response to a need expressed by several practices in our region, Practice Support (Lara Dickerson, MHA, BA and Leslie McDowell, DNP, ANP-BC, RN at Northwest AHEC) created an on-demand learning module entitled, “Managing Difficult Patient Situations”. The learning module offers 1 credit hour and registration is FREE.
The module has garnered 511 registered learners since its release in January of 2024, from all corners of North Carolina and beyond! The diverse crowd represents ten different states (AK, CA, GA, MI, MN, OH, OR, SC, TX, VA) and included representation from 96 counties in NC.
This learning module was also incorporated into a Workplace Safety Toolkit produced by the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nurses for its membership in June, and now reaches a national audience of nurse leaders and educators.
Recent Posts
Join us virtually on February 19-20, 2025, for the 39th Annual Northwest AHEC Respiratory Care Conference! Don’t miss this chance to learn from top experts, explore the latest innovations in respiratory care, and earn CE credit. Register now to secure your spot. Agenda details have been posted and registration is open!
As we celebrate this joyful season, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, whose support has been key to our success. With sincere appreciation, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
SINCERELY,
THE NORTHWEST AHEC STAFF
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The optimal treatment of breast cancer patients involves a multidisciplinary team of physicians. Due to the time constraints placed on health care providers who treat breast cancer, it is a challenge to provide and attend educational opportunities that bring together medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists as well as radiologists, pathologists, nurses and allied health staff. This symposium aims to address this educational need by providing participants with the latest developments in multidisciplinary fields that treat and care for breast cancer patients. Check out all the details on the brochure below and get registered today.
Diabetes Performance Improvement in Primary Care - Enduring
Due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on Western NC, the NC AHEC Nurse Council has decided to reschedule the 7th Annual Statewide AHEC Celebration for Rural Nursing Conference. Information details for the rescheduled date will be sent separately. Alternatively, we are hosting this free educational support program for rural health nurses still in honor of the upcoming National Rural Health Day in November.
Thursday, November 14, 2024 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Livestream Webinar
REGISTER NOW - FOR FREE
As our healthcare providers in our communities are focusing on disaster relief and resiliency, they face these many challenging questions in bringing support to those suffering PTSD while trying to rebuild a new future:
- What do you say to someone who has lost everything?
- What resources are available for survivors?
- How can you distinguish between a normal post-disaster reaction and a serious mental health issue?
- What are the best ways to support children and other vulnerable populations?
Rural healthcare professionals are the heart of your communities and will play a crucial role in helping the people of North Carolina recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. The road to recovery after a catastrophic natural disaster is long, and survivors will need support for years to come. This session, led by our faculty of disaster recovery mental health professionals, will equip you with the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges of disaster response as you help communities rebuild.
Empowering more healthcare professionals, particularly rural nurses, to be trained and ready to respond in times of disaster will be an invaluable asset to our local communities, state, nation, and world. Topic specific focus on hurricane relief for NC will be covered that is reflective of both eastern and western experiences in our state.
Additionally, we will offer optional breakout sessions focused on group listening, networking support, and identifying best practices to address the current disaster support needs of the state.
Objectives
- Describe the impacts of disasters on the brain and body.
- Assess and triage the needs of survivors.
- Demonstrate effective techniques for stabilization after disasters.
- Provide support to special populations, such as children and individuals with special needs.
- Explain the orientation for Disaster Mental Health (DMH) response.
- Implement basic skills required for deployment in a DMH role.
- Distinguish variable disaster response in diverse communities.
Pharmacy Week is celebrated from October 20-26. This week is dedicated to National Pharmacy Week, a time to honor and appreciate the crucial contributions pharmacists and pharmacy technicians make to patient care.
Celebrating World Mental Health Day: The Importance of Reaching Out and Being Kind
Every year, on October 10th, people around the globe come together to raise awareness and take action for mental health. Known as World Mental Health Day, this day serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of nurturing our mental well-being, just as much as we care for our physical health. Here at Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC), we are proud to be part of this crucial conversation, striving to make a difference in the communities we serve.
In recent years, mental health has become a topic that is increasingly brought into the spotlight. Yet, it remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. At Northwest AHEC, we believe that fostering open, honest conversations about mental health is key to breaking down these barriers.
But what makes World Mental Health Day particularly powerful is its ability to bring people together. It’s not just about raising awareness; it's about creating a supportive network where individuals feel comfortable seeking help and offering support to one another. After all, mental health isn’t just a solitary journey—it’s a collective effort.
The Work We Do at Northwest AHEC
At Northwest AHEC, we are committed to offering programs that educate and support mental health initiatives. Our workshops and seminars are designed to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to address mental health issues effectively. We are firm believers in the idea that education can be a powerful catalyst for change, and our events focus on broadening understanding, fostering empathy, and promoting resilience.
Moreover, we prioritize creating an environment where both professionals and community members can discuss mental health openly. Through collaborative discussions and interactive sessions, we aim to build a community that embraces mental health with compassion and understanding. 
Be Kind—To Yourself and Others
Kindness is a small but mighty tool that can make a world of difference. Whether it's being kind to yourself by acknowledging your feelings, or extending kindness to someone else who might be struggling, these gestures create a ripple effect that can transform lives.
On this World Mental Health Day, let’s make a conscious effort to practice kindness. Check in with yourself and those around you. Ask questions, listen actively, and offer support without judgment. Sometimes, even the smallest act of kindness can light up the darkest of days.
In conclusion, while World Mental Health Day is a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on mental health, the conversation should continue every day. At Northwest AHEC, we are dedicated to advancing this dialogue and supporting our community in any way we can. Remember, it’s okay to reach out for help—there is always someone willing to listen. And always, always choose kindness—it’s more powerful than you might think.
Through multidisciplinary presentations from HPB cancer experts in medical oncology, surgical oncology, gastroenterology, and interventional radiology, the latest data on treatment of HPB malignancies will be discussed and highlighted with clinical case presentations and audience participation.
