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Brooke Kochanski

Marketing & Communications Specialist at Northwest AHEC
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Melanee Mills Honored with NC HOSA Partnership Award

Apr 16, 2025, 8:19:30 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in health careers, hosa

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MelaneeNCHOSAAward2025We are proud to share that Melanee Mills, MSEd, Program Coordinator for Health Careers at Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC), has been honored with the 2025 NC HOSA – Future Health Professionals Partnership Award. This award recognizes individuals or organizations outside of NC HOSA who go above and beyond in supporting the development of future health professionals across North Carolina.

Melanee was nominated by one of her peers, and according to NC HOSA leadership, her impact and dedication made her an obvious choice for the award.

“Melanee has been an integral part of NC HOSA over the years at both the regional and state levels,” said Jennifer Epperson, BSN, RN, Executive Director and State Advisor of NC HOSA. “She and Northwest AHEC have consistently provided resources and educational opportunities to our students at the Northwest and Piedmont Triad Regional Leadership Conferences for many years.”

Melanee’s commitment doesn’t stop there. She actively supports the NC HOSA State Leadership Conference, helping secure volunteer judges and even serving as a judge herself. Her dedication, dependability, and passion for student success have made a lasting impact on countless future healthcare professionals.

At Northwest AHEC, Melanee plays a vital role in our department. She leads key programs such as AHEC Scholars and Camp Med, which provide immersive learning experiences for students exploring future careers in healthcare. Her leadership helps guide and inspire the next generation of health professionals through hands-on learning, mentorship, and community engagement.

Melanee has been with Northwest AHEC for 11 years, and her passion for workforce diversity and health careers education continues to be a driving force in our mission.

“We are always grateful for what Melanee Mills and Northwest AHEC bring to our organization,” added Epperson. “We consider them an extremely valuable partner in our mission to promote career opportunities in the health industry and to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare to all people.”

Congratulations, Melanee, and thank you for the incredible work you do to support and inspire the future of healthcare!

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Join ECHO Autism Training - Free Live Webinars

Apr 9, 2025, 12:15:00 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Primary Care, Pediatric, autism, youth

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1742226579-adobestock436030659-lgLive Webinar Every Tuesday 12 - 1 PM

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Empowering Nurse Preceptorship: Fostering Communication, Clinical Reasoning, and Self-Care in Practice

Apr 9, 2025, 9:30:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Nursing, registered nurse

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From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Nursing Practice author, legacy nurse educator and nurse theorist, Dr. Patricia Benner, will kick off the 2025 National Nurses Week with our fourth annual nurse preceptor live webinar hosted by the North Carolina Area Health Education Center (NC AHEC) network.

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Stay Ahead in Healthcare: Upcoming Educational Events for Spring, Summer & Fall 2025

Apr 7, 2025, 9:30:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Webinar, Wake Forest School of Medicine, conference, continuing education, interprofessional

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As the seasons change, so do opportunities to expand your knowledge and professional skills! Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) and the Office of Continuing Medical Education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are offering a variety of engaging and informative programs this spring, summer, and fall.

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Elevate Your Ophthalmology Expertise – 41st Annual Wake Forest Eye Center Conference

Apr 3, 2025, 2:00:00 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in physicians, Eye center, ophthalmology

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👁️ Stay Ahead in Ophthalmic Care – Earn CME Credits! 👁️

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Giving Back: Northwest AHEC Volunteers at Ronald McDonald House Charities

Mar 31, 2025, 1:27:00 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Pediatric, volunteering, atrium health

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At Northwest AHEC, we believe in the power of teamwork and community service. Our team recently had the opportunity to volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad, Inc. (RMHCPT), where we spent the day giving back to families in need.


A Day of Service

IMG_6568Our team divided into groups to assist with various tasks around the House. Some of us packed nutritious lunches for families staying at RMHCPT (or receiving care at one of our local pediatric intensive care units), ensuring they had one less thing to worry about as they focused on their children receiving medical care. Others baked brownies to provide a small but meaningful treat, while another group cleaned the playroom and assisted with other household needs. Every task, no matter how big or small, contributed to making the House a true “home away from home” for families facing challenging times.

The Mission of RMHCPT

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad is an independent, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Located near Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital and other medical facilities, RMHCPT provides a comfortable, supportive environment for families with children undergoing medical treatment. Since opening in 1984, the House has served as a place of refuge, offering accommodations, meals, and emotional support to families in need.

Learning and Bonding as a Team

Volunteering at RMHCPT was not just about giving back; it was also an opportunity for our team to come together, learn more about our community, and reflect on the impact we can make. Touring the House and hearing stories about the families who stay there reinforced the importance of the work being done. It was a meaningful experience that left us inspired and grateful for the opportunity to contribute.

How You Can Help

Want to support RMHCPT and the families they serve? Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

  • Volunteer: Give your time and talents to assist with various needs at the House.
  • Sport a Shirt: Purchase a RMHCPT shirt to support the cause. Learn more here.
  • Recycle Pop Tabs: Collect aluminum pop tabs to help raise funds. Find out how.
  • Attend an Event: Participate in fundraising events that support this incredible organization.

Our day at RMHCPT was a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big impact. We look forward to continuing our commitment to service and encourage others to find ways to give back to their communities as well.

Visit their website

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Experience the Intersection of Arts & Medicine: Join Our Upcoming Series

Mar 31, 2025, 9:30:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Medicine, continuing education series, continuing education, arts

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Northwest AHEC is excited to present the Arts & Medicine series—an inspiring exploration of the connection between creativity and healthcare. This engaging series offers healthcare professionals, students, and community members a unique opportunity to experience how artistic expression enhances healing, professional well-being, and patient care.

Why Attend?

  • arts and medicineDiscover the therapeutic benefits of the arts in healthcare.
  • Engage with experts in medicine, music, visual arts, and performance.
  • Participate in hands-on activities that promote mindfulness and creativity.
  • Earn continuing education credits.

Event Details:

📅 Multiple Dates Available
📍 Various Locations
🔗 Register Now

Whether you're a healthcare provider looking for fresh perspectives or simply curious about the role of the arts in well-being, this series is designed for you. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow!

Reserve your spot today and experience the transformative power of Arts & Medicine!
👉 Sign Up Here

 

Faculty Lineup of Speakers:

  • John Beck, UNC School of the Arts
  • Michelle Merrill, Winston-Salem Symphony
  • Jessica Singerman, UNC School of the Arts
  • Janine Hawley, UNC School of the Arts
  • Luke Payne, UNC School of the Arts
  • Robert P. Moyer, UNC School of the Arts
  • Heidi McIver, UNC School of the Arts

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Strengthening Healthcare in Northwest North Carolina: Celebrating National AHEC Week

Mar 24, 2025, 9:00:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in NCAHEC, continuing education

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National AHEC Week, from March 24 to March 28, 2025, offers an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions of Area Health Education Centers nationwide. At Northwest AHEC, we're proud to celebrate this week by highlighting our ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery in our 17-county region.

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Join Us for the 28th Annual “Because We Care” Workshop! 🌟 Empower Families & Heal Together 💖

Mar 18, 2025, 8:30:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in social work, patient care, compassion fatigue, burnout

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Each year, the Because We Care Workshop provides a meaningful space for healthcare professionals and caregivers to explore the complexities of grief and renewal. Now in its 28th year, this workshop, Honoring Loss, Renewing Strength: A Workshop on Keepsakes and Compassion Fatigue, offers valuable insights into bereavement support, sibling grief, and the impact of keepsakes in the healing process. 1739306613-adobestock830096821-lgAdditionally, it addresses the challenges of compassion fatigue and burnout, equipping attendees with practical strategies for self-care and resilience. Join us on May 1, 2025, at Ardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC, for a day of learning, connection, and renewal.

Register now

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Join Us in Asheville for the Charles L. Spurr Piedmont Oncology Symposium

Mar 13, 2025, 10:15:01 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in cancer, oncology, breast cancer, lung cancer

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May 1-3, 2025 | Renaissance® Asheville Downtown Hotel
31 Woodfin Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801

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