The partnership of Northwest Piedmont Region and Piedmont Region is a valuable partnership and pathway to the future health professional in our high schools. These programs are an annual Fall Leadership and the Regional Conferences for Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) members in the Northwest Regional Chapter and Piedmont-Triad Regional Chapter of North Carolina.

The Northwest Regional Chapter is made up of thirteen counties of which nine fall under the representation of NWAHEC. Northwest Regional Chapter includes the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Newton, McDowell, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. The Piedmont-Triad Region includes the following counties: Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin.

During the Fall Leadership Conferences, Northwest Region on October 13, 2023 and Piedmont-Triad on October 4, 2023, student leaders in grades 6-12 have the opportunity to elect regional HOSA Officers. Students also participate in leadership workshops led by NC HOSA Officers, workshops focusing on college admission and healthcare/medical careers.

During the Regional Conferences, Northwest- November 10, 2023 and Piedmont Triad- November 4, 2023, HOSA members competed, engaging in an opportunity to explore and to gain knowledge about health career skills, fundamental skills, and professional and academic knowledge within various health careers.    

This is an amazing opportunity each year to network with students, student leaders and school personnel to assess the needs of their perspective communities. This activity aligns with the Northwest AHEC Health Careers vision: “Every K-12 student in the Northwest AHEC 17-county region is aware and excited about the broad spectrum of health careers as viable and attainable career option.”

Check out these photos from the events: