Northwest AHEC was proudly represented at the 2025 National AHEC Organization (NAO) Conference held June 17–20 in Lexington, KY. Northwest AHEC staff - Nedra Edwards Hines, Reed Burger, and Melanee Mills joined over 600 attendees from AHECs across the country to engage in meaningful dialogue, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies to strengthen the AHEC mission. 

Ashden Johnson, WSSU, NWAHEC Scholar with NWAHEC Staff Melanee Mills, Reed Burger and Nedra Edwards-Hines

The National AHEC Organization (NAO) supports a network of more than 300 AHEC program offices and centers, serving over 85% of U.S. counties. Its mission is to empower members through advocacy, education, and collaboration. At the heart of AHEC’s work is the goal to improve access to quality healthcare—especially primary and preventive care—by enhancing the supply and distribution of healthcare professionals through strategic partnerships.

Conference Highlights

This year’s conference theme, “Strengthening AHEC Impact Through Collaboration and Innovation,” was brought to life through a variety of sessions, workshops, and plenaries. Key highlights included:

• 14 North Carolina AHEC Scholars in attendance, with dedicated sessions on wilderness and culinary medicine.

• Practicing Wonder – Reflecting on the wonder of each day.
• History and Culture of Appalachia – A deep dive into regional context.
• Substance Use Prevention and Recovery – “Rock Bottom Has a Basement.”

Key Takeaways for Northwest AHEC

The conference offered valuable insights that will help shape and enhance our local programs:

1. Collaboration Drives Innovation
   Cross-state idea sharing revealed creative solutions to common challenges like preceptor recruitment and health professional retention.

2. Tailored Programming Works
   Customizing content to meet regional needs increases engagement and effectiveness.

3. Communication is Key
   Clear, consistent messaging—especially through visuals—boosts awareness and participation.

4. Experiential Learning Matters
   Hands-on sessions like culinary medicine underscore the value of immersive learning.

5. Mentorship is Foundational
   Structured mentorship and peer support are critical to healthcare profession student success.

6. Advocacy and Education Go Hand-in-Hand
   Empowering staff and stakeholders to advocate for AHEC strengthens community and legislative support.

Looking Ahead

Attending the NAO Conference provided our team with a broader perspective on the national AHEC landscape. It was a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can have when we collaborate, innovate, and advocate together. We’re excited to bring these insights back to Northwest AHEC and continue building programs that make a difference in our communities.