On November 5–6, 2025, the 43rd Annual Perinatal Conference: Gravidas at Risk welcomed more than 135 healthcare professionals to the Hickory Metro Convention Center for two days of education, networking, and collaboration.

This year’s event featured an impressive lineup of speakers who addressed some of the most pressing issues in perinatal care. Topics ranged from perinatal mental health and gestational diabetes management to advancing birth equity, navigating critical scenarios in the labor room, marijuana use during pregnancy, and best practices for medication safety. A particularly engaging session focused on real-world case studies, giving participants the opportunity to apply evidence-based strategies to complex clinical situations. The conference also hosted exhibitors who showcased innovative products and resources designed to support maternal and infant health, adding another layer of value for attendees.

The event concluded with an inspiring presentation titled “Unapologetically You: The Power of Radical Self-Care,” reminding participants of the importance of prioritizing their own well-being while caring for others. Breaks and lunches provided ample time for networking, allowing professionals to share experiences and build connections that strengthen the perinatal care community.

We are thrilled with the success of this year’s conference and invite you to save the date for next year’s event, which will return to the Hickory Metro Convention Center on November 4–5, 2026. We look forward to another opportunity to learn, connect, and advance the quality of care for babies and families.

Each November, North Carolina joins the nation in recognizing Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. A time to honor families walking through memory loss, uplift caregivers, and renew our commitment to building communities where older adults can thrive with dignity and support.

It has been said that humor is the best medicine. And of course, breast cancer is not a joke!  Accomplished author Cara Lockwood encourages those affected by a breast cancer diagnosis to find levity to help navigate through this journey in her new book "There's No Good Book for This (But I Wrote One Anyway) - The Irreverent Guide to Crushing Breast Cancer." Cara joins the Healthcare Insights in Northwest North Carolina podcast to share her story and insights from her own battle with breast cancer, and how she still managed to find humor in the process. Listen to the episode below or search "Healthcare Insights in Northwest North Carolina" wherever you listen to podcasts and click on episode 139.

Online Self-Paced Learning | 1 CME / 1 Contact Hours | $20 Fee

Register now

Healthcare professionals are often the first—and sometimes only—point of contact for victims of human trafficking. This self-paced online course equips practitioners with the tools to recognize, respond, and report trafficking situations with compassion and accuracy.

What You’ll Learn:

• Identify potential victims of sex and labor trafficking based on observable indicators and patient interactions.
• Understand how Social Determinants of Health—including minority status and substance use—impact vulnerability to trafficking.
• Apply Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles when engaging with individuals who may be victims.
• Navigate appropriate reporting protocols, including options when victims do or do not consent to assistance.

Why It Matters:

This course goes beyond stereotypes to provide realistic, evidence-based insights into trafficking scenarios. You’ll gain practical knowledge to support victims and connect them with local and national resources.

Available Credits:

• 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ Hours
• 1 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC

Cost: $20

Join us in honoring the incredible Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who make a difference every day in our communities. November 9–15 is recognized as National and North Carolina Nurse Practitioner Week, a time to celebrate the dedication and expertise of these vital healthcare professionals.

With approximately 16,687 Nurse Practitioners reported in North Carolina (per the NC Board of Nursing), this growing workforce plays a critical role in expanding access to high-quality healthcare across our state—from the mountains to the coast and everywhere in between.

To all Nurse Practitioners: thank you for your extraordinary work and the compassionate care you provide. Your commitment strengthens the health and well-being of North Carolina communities.

👉 Explore Northwest AHEC’s Upcoming Nursing Programs - Click Here

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.

Hosted by Appalachian State University in partnership with Northwest AHEC

October 12–14, 2025

The inaugural 2025 Growing Well "Moving Mountains and Community" Conference brought together a diverse and passionate group of professionals, caregivers, and advocates to advance care for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). Held at the Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, the event was a vibrant celebration of collaboration, innovation, and community-driven care.

This year’s conference three-day conference welcomed 64 participants to the preconference workshop on October 12^th, and 141 attendees at the October 13-14th main sessions, reflecting strong engagement across healthcare, education, and family support sectors.

Preconference Workshop: Laying the Groundwork for Change

On October 12^th, the conference began with a dedicated preconference day focused on skill-building and foundational strategies. Participants engaged in interactive workshops and training sessions designed to enhance trauma-informed care, communication support, and early identification of developmental delays.

Main Conference: Interdisciplinary Innovation in Action

Held October 13^th–14^th, the main conference featured expert-led lectures, case-based discussions, simulations, and panel conversations. Topics included:

• Medical management of children with complex health conditions
• Communication support for children with autism and developmental challenges
• Evidence-based behavioral therapies
• Cross-system collaboration in child welfare and mental health
• Transition planning from school to adulthood

The conference emphasized equitable, coordinated, and family-centered approaches, with a strong focus on addressing social determinants of health such as food insecurity, housing instability, and access to education.

A Space Where All Belong

In keeping with its theme, “Moving Mountains and Community,” the conference created an inclusive space for professionals and families alike. Attendees included physicians, nurses, therapists, educators, public health professionals, and caregivers—each contributing unique perspectives and lived experiences.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Growing Well Conference marked a powerful beginning for what promises to be an ongoing movement toward better care and outcomes for CYSHCN. Northwest AHEC, Appalachian State University, and the Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness extend their gratitude to all who participated and helped make this event a success.

We look forward to continuing this journey together—moving mountains, building community, and growing well.

Missed the Conference in 2025?
You can still experience the energy and insights of the inaugural Growing Well “Moving Mountains and Community” Conference—now available online! From November 10, 2025 through February 10, 2026, access 14 recorded lectures from the main event.
👉 Click here to view all available lectures

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!