Are you passionate about supporting families through their breastfeeding journey? The 2025 North Carolina Lactation Educator Training Program is designed to equip you with the essential skills to provide compassionate, evidence-based breastfeeding support.

🖥️ Online Self-Paced Learning - Register Now

August 1 – October 24, 2025
Learn at your own pace with engaging online modules that cover:

• Prenatal and postpartum counseling
• Basic breastfeeding management
• Common clinical concerns and solutions

💡 Important Dates:

• Registration Deadline: October 17, 2025
• All Modules Must Be Completed By: October 24, 2025

🤱 In-Person Skills Day

After completing the online modules, participants will attend a hands-on skills session to practice and refine their lactation support techniques.

Choose one session:

• October 27, 2025 | 1PM – 5PM - Register
• October 28, 2025 | 8AM – 12PM - Register
  📍 Holiday Inn Express, Winston-Salem, NC

Separate registration is required for the in-person skills day.

🎓 Why Enroll?

This training is ideal for:

• Health professionals
• Community educators
• Peer counselors
• Anyone interested in becoming a lactation educator

By the end of the program, you’ll be prepared to offer informed, empathetic breastfeeding support to families in your community.

🔗 Ready to Get Started?

👉 Register for the Online Training - Click Here

November 14, 2025 | In-Person Only
Wake Forest University – Benson University Center, Winston-Salem, NC

Registration is NOW OPEN!

Healthcare professionals, mark your calendars! The 27th Annual Diabetes Management Conference returns this fall with a full day of expert-led sessions, practical insights, and the latest in diabetes care. This in-person event is your opportunity to deepen your knowledge, connect with peers, and explore innovative strategies to improve patient outcomes.

🩺 Why Attend?

This conference is designed to equip healthcare providers with best practices in diabetes management, covering both clinical and behavioral aspects of care. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned expert, you'll find sessions tailored to your professional goals and interests.

Northwest AHEC and the Office of Continuing Medical Education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are proud to present a dynamic lineup of educational programs designed to support healthcare professionals across disciplines. Whether you're looking to deepen your clinical expertise, explore emerging technologies, or connect with peers in your field, there's something here for everyone.

Whether you're looking for in-person training or the convenience of live webinars, we've got something for everyone in the healthcare field. Check out our upcoming events and register today!

Featured Programs

August 2025

• 2025 North Carolina Lactation Educator Training Program - Fall- Opens 8/1/25

September 2025

• After Discharge: Maternal and Infant Assessment in the Home – 9/9/25
• Winston-Salem Dance Medicine Conference – 9/19/25
• After Discharge: Maternal and Infant Assessment in the Home – 9/9/25
• Pediatric Pulse: Vaccines and Immunizations - 9/11/25
• Otolaryngology Update (2025) – 9/13/25
• Iredell Health System 7th Cardiovascular Conference – 9/17/25
• Winston-Salem Dance Medicine Conference – 9/19/25
• Assessments and Levels of Care: Guiding Clients to the Right Treatment – 9/26/25
• Southeastern Shock Symposium – 9/27/25

October 2025

• Basic Fetal Monitoring Fall 2025 – 10/1/25
• 2025 Licensed Practical Nurse Symposium – 10/10/25
• Advanced Application of DBT Skills – 10/10/25
• Moving Mountains and Community Conference – 10/12/25
• Identifying and Addressing Anxiety and Trauma Related Disorders in Adolescents – 10/15/25
• NCPAT Conference - Making Group Work, Work in Abuse Intervention Programs – 10/16/25
• Experienced SUD Professionals Panel: Sharing Their Expertise, Wisdom, and Hope – 10/22/25
• Charles L. Spurr Piedmont Oncology Symposium – 10/24/25

November 2025

• 43rd Annual Conference Gravidas at Risk – 11/5/25
• 27th Annual Diabetes Management Conference – 11/14/25
• 20th Annual Neuroscience Conference - 11/14/25
• Emotional CPR (eCPR) Training Series – 11/19/25

2026 Preview

• 40th Annual Northwest AHEC Respiratory Care Conference 2/25–2/26/26
• 17th Annual NC "One Community in Recovery" Conference – 3/4/26
  
  

📚 Explore More

Looking for additional learning opportunities? Browse our full Course Catalog to discover even more programs tailored to your interests and professional goals.

In the face of rising pediatric mental health needs, Novant Health Twin City Pediatrics found itself at a crossroads. As adolescent mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety became more prevalent, clinicians found themselves increasingly fielding complex and time-consuming questions. These mild to moderate conditions required consistent follow-up and oversight, yet the surge in demand for mental health services made it difficult for patients to access timely care, particularly from providers who accepted their insurance. Many adolescents went without necessary treatment. 

Thanks to a powerful partnership with Northwest AHEC and the guidance of Lara Dickerson, MHA, Senior Quality Improvement Specialist, the practice chose a different path—one of innovation, collaboration, and compassion.

Adair Stewart, Dr. Elizabeth Allen, Dr. Gretchen Hoyle, Lara Dickerson, Jennifer Cleland Green, Lauren Stokes

The Challenge

Primary care pediatricians face a dilemma. Mental health visits are longer, emotionally taxing, and historically under-reimbursed. Yet the need is undeniable. Twin City Pediatrics chose to lean in—embracing the challenge rather than deflecting it.

The question became: Can mental health care in pediatrics be both impactful and financially viable? The answer, it turns out, is yes.

The Solution: Collaborative Care Model (CoCM)

With coaching from Lara Dickerson and guidance from AHEC Practice Support Services, Twin City Pediatrics implemented the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM).  A practice which emphasizes collaboration between primary care physicians, care managers, and psychiatric consultants to improve access, outcomes, and patient satisfaction within the pediatric medical home. 

Key components of the model include:

• A Behavioral Health Care Manager (BHCM) providing core services like parent coaching, brief therapeutic interventions, and referral coordination.
• A Psychiatric Consultant offering oversight and subspecialty advice..
• A Primary Care Provider trained in pediatric physical health.
• Validated clinical tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7, Vanderbilt, etc.) for measurement-based care.
• Customized EHR workflows and a patient registry to track progress and enable billing for behavioral health services within the primary care practice.

Practice Support Team Impact

The journey began with a conversation at the 2023 NC Pediatric Society Meeting, leading to a partnership with Northwest AHEC. Practice coach Lara Dickerson became a key ally, meeting monthly with the team for two years. Her support included:

• Coordinated with internal Novant departments (HR, billing, IT, compliance).
• Billing guidance and documentation templates.
• Consultation with NC Medicaid on psychiatric consultant roles.
• Staff training modules.
• Troubleshooting billing issues.
• Setting BHCM workload benchmarks.
• Secured a $50,000 Capacity Building Fund grant from Community Care of NC to support BHCM staffing.

Thanks to this comprehensive support, the program not only launched - it thrived.

The Results

By June 2025, the program became revenue-positive, six months ahead of schedule. With monthly BHCM costs of $5,400 and over $13,000 billed in June alone, the practice expects $6,500 in revenue—exceeding expenses by more than $1,100 per month. Today, the program includes a growing number of enrolled patients - many with complex needs - and is delivering tangible improvements in the lives of children and their families.

“The Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model has empowered our practice to provide meaningful, evidence-based mental health care for our pediatric patients. Our success is replicable, sustainable, and deeply impactful.”
— Gretchen S. Hoyle, MD - Twin City Pediatrics

“It was amazing to see how this model enables primary care practices to spend adequate time with each patient on physical and mental health concerns, developing treatment plans collaboratively with specialists and making a significant difference for kids in our community.”
— Christopher Jones, DrPH, MHA - Northwest AHEC

From Patients & Families

“I’m so glad he’s finally going to get the help he needs.”
“I’ve felt so alone for so long. Having someone to talk to means everything.”
“She is so much better. I can’t thank you enough.”

Read the full Report from Twin City Pediatrics & Gretchen S. Hoyle, MD

November 5–6, 2025 | Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory, NC

Calling all perinatal care professionals! We’re thrilled to invite you to the 43rd Annual Gravidas at Risk Conference, a premier two-day statewide event dedicated to advancing the care of high-risk pregnant individuals. Whether you work in inpatient or outpatient settings, this conference is your opportunity to gain cutting-edge insights, connect with peers, and earn continuing education credits. Register NOW!

🌟 Why Attend?

This year’s conference is packed with evidence-based sessions and expert-led discussions designed to elevate your clinical practice and improve outcomes for mothers and babies. Topics include:

• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): Understand the pathophysiology, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria, and explore nutritional and lifestyle interventions to support glycemic control.
• Perinatal Mental Health: Learn effective screening and assessment strategies to promote awareness and early intervention.
• Birth Equity: Examine disparities in birth outcomes and discover how culturally responsive care can build trust and improve access.
• Community Health Workers (CHWs): Explore the vital role CHWs play in addressing social determinants of health across the perinatal continuum.
• Clinical Case Studies: Apply clinical reasoning to real-world obstetric scenarios.
• Prenatal Marijuana Use: Review current research, risks, and strategies for patient-centered counseling.
• Medication Safety in Pregnancy: Assess common medications and learn how to guide patients through risk-benefit conversations.
• Radical Self-Care: Define what it means, identify barriers, and create a personalized plan to support your own well-being.

📍 Event Details

Dates: Wednesday, November 5 – Thursday, November 6, 2025
Location: Hickory Metro Convention Center
1960 13th Avenue Drive SE, Hickory, NC

💼 Registration

Limited to 175 participants — Register early to secure your spot!

• Two-Day Registration: $265
• One-Day Registration: $140
• Group Rate: $250 per person (for groups of 3+ registering together)

👉 Click here to view more information and register now

🎓 Continuing Education Credits

Earn up to 10.0 Contact Hours (5.0 per day) from Northwest AHEC, including Nursing Contact Hours approved by the North Carolina Nurses Association and the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

This is more than a conference — it’s a community of passionate professionals committed to improving perinatal care. We can’t wait to see you in Hickory this November!

Summer is the perfect time to sharpen your skills, explore new topics, and earn continuing education credits - all from the comfort of your home. Whether you're a healthcare professional looking to deepen your expertise or simply passionate about improving patient care, our self-paced online programs are here to support your growth.

📅 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC
💡 Format: In-Person (limited to 150) or Live Stream
💵 Cost: FREE (Pre-registration required)
🍽️ Bonus: Pre-Conference Dinner on Friday, September 26

Are you a healthcare professional looking to better support children and families dealing with weight-related health concerns? Brenner FIT® invites you to take the lead in your clinic with our comprehensive, self-guided online course:
Pediatric Obesity Management: Become the Expert in Your Clinic.

🧠 What You’ll Learn

This five-part learning series is designed by Brenner FIT’s multidisciplinary team to empower providers with practical, evidence-based tools. The course focuses on:

• Creating positive health habits in a safe, family-centered way
• Using Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility framework for feeding and activity
• Communicating about weight with sensitivity and confidence
• Guiding parents to reduce mealtime pressure and build structure
• Fostering stronger family communication and trust

Whether you're a pediatrician, nurse, dietitian, or behavioral health provider, this training will help you approach pediatric obesity with compassion, clarity, and confidence.

📚 Why This Course Stands Out

Unlike traditional weight-focused interventions, this course emphasizes behavioral change and family dynamics over numbers on a scale. You’ll gain tools to:

• Shift the conversation from weight to wellness
• Support families in building sustainable routines
• Address feeding challenges without blame or shame

💻 Flexible, Self-Paced Learning

The course is entirely online and self-guided, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit materials as needed. It’s perfect for busy professionals who want to deepen their expertise without disrupting their schedules.

✅ Ready to Get Started?

Register today and become the go-to expert in your clinic for pediatric obesity management.
👉 www.nwahec.org/75771

Presented by Northwest AHEC & Wake Forest University School of Medicine

This fall, Northwest AHEC is offering a dynamic lineup of behavioral health webinars designed to equip professionals with the latest tools, strategies, and insights to support mental wellness across diverse populations. Whether you're a clinician, counselor, social worker, or behavioral health advocate, these sessions offer valuable continuing education and practical knowledge.

1. Assessments and Levels of Care: Guiding Clients to the Right Treatment

📅 Date: September 26, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Erica K. Smith, MSW, LCSW

This session provides a comprehensive overview of clinical assessments and screening tools used to determine appropriate levels of care for children, adolescents, and adults. Learn how to make informed referrals and navigate the behavioral health system effectively.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

2. Advanced Application of DBT Skills

📅 Date: October 10, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Rebecca Edwards-Powell, MSW, LCSW

Designed for professionals familiar with DBT, this workshop focuses on strengthening clinical application through skills training groups, behavioral strategies, and role-play techniques. 

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

3. Identifying and Addressing Anxiety and Trauma-Related Disorders in Adolescents

📅 Date: October 15, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00AM-12:15PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Sarah E (Betsy) E. 'Betsy' Bledsoe , PhD, MPhil, MSW

This program is designed to help practitioners become more familiar with identifying the signs and symptoms of anxiety and trauma related disorders in adolescents.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

4. Experienced SUD Professionals Panel: Sharing Their Expertise, Wisdom, and Hope

📅 Date: October 22, 2025
🕘 Time: 1:00PM-3:00PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar

👩‍🏫 Speakers: 
Jesse Battle, MSMHC, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
Tuesday Feral, LCMCHA (they, them)
Leslie D. McCrory, Retired Counselor
Geraldine A. 'Geri' Miller , PhD, LP, LCAS, CCS
Paul D. Nagy, LCAS, LCMHC, MS
Daniel H. Wilemon, M.Ed., LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS

Join a panel of seasoned substance use disorder professionals as they share insights, lessons learned, and hopeful perspectives on recovery and treatment. This interactive session is perfect for those seeking inspiration and practical guidance.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

🎓 Continuing Education Credits

Each session offers CE hours for psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other behavioral health professionals. Details are available on each registration page.