Our first Northwest AHEC e‑Newsletter of 2026 is live! 🎉

Inside you’ll find updates on:
🔹 New programs and training opportunities
🔹 Continuing education from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine OCME
🔹 Workforce development initiatives across our region
🔹 Community engagement highlights
🔹 Upcoming events and ways to get involved

Start the year informed and inspired — explore all the latest here:
👉 https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/newstostart2026

As we step into 2026, Northwest AHEC extends heartfelt thanks to all our partners, learners, and community members who helped make 2025 a year of meaningful progress and shared accomplishments. Your dedication to improving health education, strengthening our workforce, and supporting the well‑being of our communities continues to inspire us. We look forward to another year of collaboration, innovation, and impact. Together, we will continue advancing education, expanding opportunities, and supporting the healthcare professionals and students who make a difference every day across our region. Wishing you a healthy, hopeful, and productive year ahead.

Happy New Year from all of us at Northwest AHEC - here’s to an outstanding 2026! 💙

As the year comes to a close, we reflect with gratitude on the partnerships that have helped us grow and serve our communities. Thank you for your continued support. Wishing you peace, joy, and a bright New Year.

SINCERELY,
Northwest Area Health Education Center (NWAHEC) and the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME)

Staff Photo taken at Wally’s Service Station, Mount Airy, NC (Surry County)

We invite you to explore our 2024–2025 Annual Report. Visit nwahec.org/AR to view and download the report.

To stay connected with us throughout the year, visit our blog at nwahec.org/blog.

This holiday season, Northwest AHEC was honored to partner with the Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist to support the Angel Tree program.

Our team embraced the spirit of giving through multiple volunteer opportunities:

• Gift Collection: Several teammates helped collect gifts from hospital employees during their shifts at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.
• Adopting Angels: As a team, we adopted three angels and worked together to fulfill their Christmas wishes.
• Gift Distribution: In mid-December, we wrapped up the season by volunteering at the Angel Tree Warehouse, organizing and distributing gifts to families in need.

This program is such a worthy cause, and we are proud to play a part in bringing joy to local families during the holidays. A heartfelt thank you to our teammates for their time and generosity, and to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist for creating these community service opportunities.

Together, we make a difference!

Check out the WXII News Story - Click Here

Registration is OPEN for the 40th Annual Northwest AHEC Respiratory Care Conference, scheduled to be held virtually on February 25–26, 2026.

Join us for this landmark event honoring four decades of advancing respiratory care education, innovation, and collaboration. Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of expert speakers and the latest in clinical practices and technology. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, this milestone event offers valuable insights and a chance to celebrate the legacy and future of respiratory care. 

February 25–26, 2026
Virtual - WebEx

Objectives

• Provide up-to-date, patient-centered and evidence-based practices in respiratory care.
• Explain the importance of respiratory therapists in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
• Discuss new treatments and advancements associated with respiratory care.
  
  

Rural America: Community & Opportunity

Did you know that nearly 61 million Americans call #rural communities home? These areas combine a strong sense of community with fulfilling work opportunities! Join us in celebrating the #PowerOfRural on Nov 20 for #NationalRuralHealthDay. Learn more at powerofrural.org.

***Also, join us for this upcoming event***

NC AHEC 8th Annual Celebration of Rural Health Nursing - Webinar on November 14th

Silent Struggles, Strong Voices: Advocating for Patients and Families
Register Now!

November 14, 2025
8:00AM - 1:00PM
Live Webinar

The NC AHEC Nurse Council celebrates the unique role and essential service of nursing in rural healthcare with our NC AHEC 8th Annual Celebration of Rural Nursing in honor of National Rural Health Day.  Rural nurses are the often-unseen pillars of their communities—responding not only to medical needs, but also to deeply rooted social challenges. Silent Struggles, Strong Voices is designed to elevate and empower rural nursing professionals as they confront the silent epidemics affecting patients and families. This program is supported by all of NC AHEC and the Nurse Council.

As we celebrate the vital role of continuing education professionals, we want to hear from you — our partners, collaborators, and colleagues.

**In one word, how would you describe Northwest AHEC/OCME as a contributor to Healthcare Continuing Education?**

Drop your word in the comments 👇
Or fill out this form https://hubs.la/Q03J5bT60

The Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME) and the Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) of Wake Forest University School of Medicine is proud to recognize and celebrate Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day - a day dedicated to honoring the individuals who ensure that healthcare providers remain informed, skilled, and prepared to deliver exceptional care. 

These professionals are the backbone of lifelong learning in healthcare. They design, coordinate, and evaluate educational programs that directly impact patient outcomes and the quality of care across our communities. As we prepare to celebrate on January 23, 2026, we also reflect on the strength and impact of our partnerships. Our collaborations with healthcare institutions, academic centers, professional associations, and community organizations are foundational to our mission. Together, we create dynamic, evidence-based educational opportunities that empower healthcare professionals at every stage of their careers. 

Through these partnerships, we are not only advancing continuing education - we are shaping the future of healthcare. We extend our deepest gratitude to all continuing education professionals and our valued partners. Your dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence inspire us every day.

We would love your input!
Please provide a response to the question below no later than COB, Wednesday, December 10th. We plan to use the responses to create a word cloud and use on promotional item for recognition of this important day. 

Thank you for being part of this journey!

Date: November 14, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Livestream Webinar
Registration Fee: $35
Register here: Southern Regional AHEC Event Page

In honor of National Rural Health Day, the NC AHEC Nurse Council invites you to join the 8th Annual Statewide Celebration of Rural Nursing—a powerful virtual gathering designed to uplift, educate, and empower nurses serving in rural communities.

This year’s theme, “Silent Struggles, Strong Voices: Advocating for Patients and Families,” highlights the resilience and advocacy of rural nurses who navigate not only clinical challenges but also the social and systemic barriers their patients face every day.

💡 Why Attend?

Rural nurses are often the lifeline of their communities. This event offers a unique opportunity to:

• Earn 4.0 Nursing Contact Hours
• Engage with expert speakers on timely topics like addiction treatment, adolescent tobacco use, human trafficking, and mental health stigma
• Connect with peers across the state who share your passion for rural health
  
  

🗓️ Agenda Highlights

Bridging the Addiction Treatment Gap
Dr. Alex Elswick, University of Kentucky

Treatment of Adolescent Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use
Dr. Libby Carver, Duke Employee & Occupational Health

Don’t Be Social: Human Trafficking and Social Media
Judge Toni King, NC District Court

Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health Stigma
Dr. Joanna Linn & Lyndsey Parham, MAHEC Center for Psychiatry

Whether you're a nurse, educator, or healthcare advocate, this event is a chance to celebrate the vital role of rural nursing and gain tools to better serve your community.

The 26th annual Share the Health Fair, sponsored by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the Northwest Area Health Education Center, will be held Saturday, Nov. 8th.

We’re excited to share a dynamic selection of upcoming educational opportunities from the Northwest Area Health Education Center (NWAHEC) and the Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME) at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Whether you're seeking in-person training, live webinars, or self-paced online learning, there's something for every healthcare professional.

Activity Spotlight

• 43rd Annual Conference Gravidas at Risk – 11/5/25 & 11/6/25
• NC AHEC 8th Annual Statewide Celebration of Rural Nursing – 11/14/25
• 27th Annual Diabetes Management Conference – 11/14/25
• 20th Annual Neuroscience Conference – 11/14/25
• Emotional CPR (eCPR) Training Series – 11/19/25
• HPB GI Oncology Conference 2025 – 11/21/25
• Arts & Medicine - So, You Want to be a Conductor? - 12/8/25
• Arts & Medicine - Come Out of the Shower – 12/9/25
• Arts & Medicine - Check Your Pulse and Find Your Groove – 12/9/25
• Arts & Medicine - Follow the Follower: Adapting Your Communication – 12/12/25
• Arts & Medicine - Art & Empathy – 12/15/25
  
• 17th Annual NC "One Community in Recovery" Conference – 3/4/26-3/6/26
• Nurturing the Nurturers: A Retreat For Sustaining Healthcare Well-being – 3/20/25
• Check out our Course Catalog

Save The Dates

• Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Cardiovascular Symposium – 01/16/2026
• 20th Annual Breast Cancer Symposium 1/16/26 
• 40th Annual Northwest AHEC Respiratory Care Conference 2/25/26–2/26/26 
  
• 14th Annual Breastfeeding Forum 3/10/26 
• 2026 NC Annual STI Update 3/26/26
  
• 14th Annual UNC-Duke-Wake Forest Pediatric Anesthesiology Conference – 04/25/2026
• Charles L. Spurr Piedmont Oncology Symposium – 05/01/2026 – 05/02/2026
• Summer Interpreter Series - Wednesdays, 5/6-27, and 5/28/26

***Read our latest E-Newsletter Here***

Enduring Online Learning from Northwest AHEC: Earn CE credits on your schedule

Busy schedule? No problem! Northwest AHEC offers **enduring online learning** designed for your lifestyle. Whether it’s early morning coffee or winding down at night, our self-paced courses are available 24/7-no compromises on quality! Learn More

Upcoming Activities

We'd love to have you join us for our upcoming activities. Join us in person or via webinar, even some self-paced online-learning options too. Check out our Course Catalog