The 2026 North Carolina Annual STI Update was held virtually on March 25, 2026, providing an evidence‑based update on sexually transmitted infections, HIV prevention, and viral hepatitis trends affecting North Carolina and the region. The activity drew 889 participants from Allied Health, Behavioral Health, Health Careers, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, and related disciplines, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary engagement. Participation spanned 98 of North Carolina’s 100 counties and included attendees from Alabama, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, reflecting broad statewide and regional reach.
The Program to Enhance Relationship Centered Communication (PERCC) was launched at Legacy Wake Forest Baptist Health in November 2015 in response to growing evidence that physician communication is a critical driver of patient experience, quality outcomes and value-based reimbursement. Grounded in the principles of Relationship- Centered Communication (RCC), the development of PERCC was led by Peter R. Lichstein, MD and designed in conjunction with the Academy of Communication in Healthcare (ACH).
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist physician educators were trained by ACH in facilitation skills and included Peter R. Lichstein, MD, Raghava Nagaraj, MD, Greg Waters, MD, Jennifer Helderman, MD, Andora Bass, MD, Marcia Wofford, MD and Billy Rice, MD, who established PERCC as a provider- led, skills based approach to improving clinician-patient communication across the continuum of care. Debbie Smothers, FNP later joined as a facilitator and became the first APP in the role.
PERCC 101 for clinicians is structured as an interactive, small group communication skills program, typically enrolling eight participants per session and intentionally mixing physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers and other clinical team members. The curriculum focuses on three core skill areas: beginning the visit by connecting and setting a shared agenda; building rapport through active listening, empathy, and understanding the patients’ perspective; and closing the encounter with clear explanations, teach back, and effective visit closure. Sessions emphasize brief didactic content paired with demonstration and facilitated practice, allowing participants to apply skills in realistic clinical scenarios.
As the program grew, Northwest AHEC became a key partner in supporting PERCC’s reach and sustainability by providing accredited continuing education credit and assistance with participant registration, ensuring clinicians could more easily access training while meeting professional requirements. PERCC eventually expanded to include Leadership PERCC, a program focused on developing practical communication skills for leaders and fostering stronger team connections. It enhances existing leadership strengths and is suitable for leaders at every stage.
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PERCC Participation and Reach
Since its inception, PERCC has engaged a wide and varied group of healthcare professionals. Through 2025, 2,296 people have completed PERCC training. This diverse group includes 779 attending physicians, 600 leaders and officers, 480 nurse practitioners and physician assistants, 80 registered nurses, and 357 resident physicians. These figures reflect the program’s ability to attract participants from multiple disciplines, underscoring its relevance and appeal across different roles within the healthcare team . Early data showed that overall physician communication scores increased and most of the individual communication measures (5 out of 6) also improved.
The current PERCC facilitators include Greg Waters, MD, Andora Bass, MD Marcia Wofford, MD, Billy Rice, MD, and Debbie Smothers, NP, who continue to deliver both foundational and leadership PERCC sessions.
Over the past ten years, PERCC has demonstrated that relationship-centered communication skills can be taught, practiced, and sustained in complex healthcare environments. From its 2015 launch to its broad adoption by 2025, PERCC has contributed meaningfully to patient experience, clinician development, and organizational culture.
As healthcare continues to prioritize human connection alongside clinical excellence, PERCC stands as a model for how intentional communication training—supported through strong partnerships like Northwest AHEC—can help shape safer, more compassionate care.
Article written by: Beth Hickman, Patient Experience Advisor at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and fresh starts—but life doesn’t slow down just because the days get brighter. Between meetings, patient care, family commitments, and everything in between, finding time for professional development can still feel like a tall order. That’s where Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning comes in.
Designed with flexibility in mind, our self-paced online courses let you learn when it works for you—early mornings, quiet afternoons, or whenever you can carve out a little time. Available 24/7, these enduring activities make it easy to fit quality learning into even the busiest schedules.
Our course offerings cover a broad range of timely topics, including clinical updates, behavioral health, public health, and more—supporting growth across professions and career stages.
Whether you’re refreshing your knowledge, earning CE credit, or exploring something new this spring, Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning is here to support your professional growth—at your pace, on your time.
👉 Browse the full catalog and register today: Northwest AHEC Enduring Education
Here are just a few highlights from our current catalog:
🩺 Clinical Preceptor Training
Available: May 15, 2025 – May 15, 2027
Perfect for new and seasoned preceptors looking to sharpen their teaching skills.
🧠 Behavioral Health Reverse Integration Series
Available through: September 1, 2026
Explore clinical, operational, and financial aspects of integrated behavioral health care.
🍭 Sweet Success: A Deeper Look at Diabetes in Primary Care (Parts 1 & 2)
Available: May 19, 2025 – May 7, 2027
A comprehensive look at diabetes management strategies for primary care providers.
🧒 Pediatric Obesity Management
Available: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Become the expert in your clinic with evidence-based strategies for pediatric obesity care.
🎧 Podcast CE Series
Topics include:
- Collaborative Care for Behavioral Health
- Migraine and the Mind-Body Connection
- Health Disparities in Kidney Disease
- Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
🛡️ Human Trafficking Awareness for Healthcare Professionals
Available: October 17, 2025 – November 1, 2027
Essential training for recognizing and responding to human trafficking in clinical settings.
💊 Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder Series (2024–2026)
Available: Until November2026
Topics include:
- New Strategies to Improve OUD Treatment Planning
- Reducing Barriers to OUD Treatment
- Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD): The Evidence is Compelling!
🧓Falls: Screening, Risk Assessment and Care Planning for Older Adults
Available: June 16, 2025 – June 16, 2027
Practical tools for reducing fall risk in community settings.
🧠 Discover Flexible Online Behavioral Health Courses at NWAHEC for Continuing Education
Northwest AHEC offers self-paced, online programs designed for behavioral health professionals who want flexibility without compromising quality.
Whether you're looking to earn CE credit, stay current, or explore new areas of interest, Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning is here to support your journey—on your time.
👉 Browse the full catalog and register today: Northwest AHEC Enduring Education
Northwest AHEC is proud to partner with Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) on two powerful community health initiatives: the Share the Health Fair (STHF) and its vision-focused spin-off, Project SEE. Together, these programs are making a meaningful difference by expanding access to essential preventive care—especially for individuals who may otherwise face barriers to services.
A Legacy of Community Impact
Now celebrating its 20th year, the WFUSM Share the Health Fair is a large annual event held at Downtown Health Plaza. Each year, the fair brings together 300+ medical students, residents, and faculty volunteers to provide more than 15 free health screenings, along with navigation and follow-up support for participants who need ongoing care.
Building on the success and community need identified through the STHF, Project SEE was developed to focus specifically on eye health. Offered multiple times throughout the year, Project SEE provides free vision screenings, prescription glasses, and access to ophthalmology expertise—services that can be life-changing for many community members.
Both programs are led by WFUSM medical students and made possible through the dedicated support of:
- Ms. Monica Brown, Administrator and Executive at Downtown Health Plaza
- Ms. Melanee Mills, Northwest AHEC Health Careers Coordinator
- Dr. Michael Lischke, the Richard Janeway MD Distinguished Director of Northwest AHEC & STHF Faculty Advisor
Their leadership and collaboration help ensure these initiatives run smoothly and continue to serve as vital resources in our region.
Strong Partnerships, Clear Vision
A key component of Project SEE’s success is its partnership with the local Lions Club, which generously donates prescription eyeglasses. WFUSM medical students take the lead in:
- Cleaning and repairing donated glasses
- Measuring and categorizing each pair
- Preparing them for distribution
All clinical activities are overseen by WFUSM Ophthalmology faculty, ensuring quality care and appropriate guidance. Glasses are then provided on-site to participants who are screened and identified as needing vision correction—often immediately improving quality of life.
Project SEE by the Numbers
(Tracking data since May 2025)
- 255 total participants received free vision screenings (239 adults / 16 children)
- 137 participants received prescription glasses (88 adults / 10 children)
- 49 new adult vision screenings were completed in February
- 19 new adult participants had prescription glasses ordered in February
- 11 new adults were referred for follow-up care in February
- 23 total participants have been referred for follow-up care to date (21 adults / 2 children)
- 37 medical students have been trained to date, including 6 new students trained in February
These numbers reflect not only community need, but also the hands-on learning experience Project SEE provides for future physicians—combining service, clinical skill development, and community engagement.
Join Us at the Next Project SEE Event
The next Project SEE Eye Health Screening Event will be held:
📅 April 18
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Downtown Health Plaza
Services Provided at No Cost:
- Free eye health screenings
- Free prescription glasses (when available)
- Free consultation with an ophthalmologist
No insurance is required, and all community members are welcome.
Project SEE exemplifies what’s possible when academic institutions, community organizations, and passionate volunteers come together with a shared goal—helping our neighbors see healthier futures. Northwest AHEC is honored to support this work and looks forward to continuing these impactful partnerships for years to come.
At Northwest AHEC, service is an important part of who we are—not only in the work we do every day, but in the time we take to support our community together. Yesterday, Northwest AHEC staff gathered for the second year in a row to volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad, continuing a meaningful tradition of giving back while strengthening connections as a team.
A Day of Service and Connection
Our staff once again rolled up our sleeves and focused their efforts on preparing lunches and baking homemade treats for families staying at the House—helping ensure families had one less thing to think about as they supported their children during medical care.
Just as impactful as the work itself was the opportunity to spend time together outside of our usual roles. Volunteering side by side allowed us to connect, collaborate, and reflect—reminding us of the power of teamwork and shared purpose.
Why Ronald McDonald House Matters
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Piedmont Triad provides a “home away from home” for families whose children are receiving medical care nearby. By offering a supportive environment, meals, and a place to rest, the House helps ease some of the burden families face so they can focus on what matters most—being there for their child.
Spending time in the House and learning more about its mission reinforced just how meaningful even small acts of service can be. Whether it was preparing food, tidying play areas, or simply helping maintain a warm and welcoming space, each contribution made a difference.
Building on a Growing Tradition
Returning for a second year made this experience even more special. It was a chance to reflect on last year’s volunteer day and see how this opportunity has become a shared tradition for our team. Experiences like this strengthen our sense of community—not only with the organizations we support, but with one another.
We are grateful to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Piedmont Triad for welcoming us back and for the vital work they do for families in our region.
Northwest AHEC Impact Highlights
Each year, National AHEC Week provides an opportunity to spotlight the important role Area Health Education Centers play in strengthening the healthcare workforce nationwide. From March 23–27, Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) joins AHECs across the country in recognizing the partnerships, programs, and people who make this work possible.
Across northwestern North Carolina, communities continue to face challenges related to healthcare access, workforce shortages, and health equity—particularly in rural and medically underserved areas. Northwest AHEC addresses these challenges by supporting learners and professionals at every stage of the healthcare pipeline, helping ensure communities have access to high-quality, locally connected care.
2024–2025 Impact Snapshot
In AY25, Northwest AHEC supported the healthcare workforce through the following efforts:
Health Careers & Student Pathways
- 3,123 participants engaged through 45 health careers activities, totaling 870 instructional hours, including 504 in-person and 84 virtual Camp Med participants.
Student Support Housing
- Northwest AHEC provided 6,155 housing nights for 140 students, with an average stay of 44 nights per student, helping remove barriers to clinical training.
Graduate Medical Education & Patient Services
- 55% of Northwest AHEC–supported resident graduates (36 of 66) chose to remain in North Carolina, collectively serving an estimated 47,905 indigent and underserved patients during AY25.
Continuing Professional Development
- Northwest AHEC supported 34,847 health professionals through 1,741 continuing professional development activities delivered.
Practice Support Services
- The practice support team completed 2,312 regional encounters and 292 additional engagements beyond the Northwest AHEC region, extending impact across North Carolina.
A Shared Commitment to Community Health
“At Northwest AHEC, our mission is to strengthen the healthcare workforce by supporting learners and professionals at every stage—from early exposure to health careers through clinical training and professional practice,” said Dr. Michael Lischke, the Richard Janeway MD Distinguished Director of Northwest AHEC. “By investing in students, health professionals, and community partnerships, we are helping build a workforce that is prepared, connected, and committed to serving communities across our region.”
As Northwest AHEC celebrates National AHEC Week, the organization extends its gratitude to educators, healthcare partners, students, preceptors, and communities who make this work possible. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare—one learner, one professional, and one partnership at a time.
Online Self-Paced Learning - Jan 5, 2026 - Apr 22, 2026
In-Person Skills Day
Apr 22, 2026, 1PM - 5PM - Register
OR
Apr 23, 2026 8AM - 12PM - Register
At Northwest AHEC, Winston-Salem, NC
This course focuses on skills needed for providing basic breastfeeding management and support - including prenatal and postpartum counseling and management of common concerns and clinical problems.
The 2026 North Carolina Lactation Educator Training Program consists of online self-paced training modules and a separate in-person skills day.. You will need to register separately for the in-person skills day.
Following the completion of this activity, the participant should register for the in-person skills day.
Audience
Healthcare professionals, physician assistants, midwives, health educators, nurses, nutritionists, and others who provide care to any parents and infants in any healthcare setting who may be lactating/breastfeeding are encouraged to participate.
The AHEC Digital Library (ADL) is a statewide online library that provides access to high-quality, evidence-based health information. Designed to support health professionals, students, faculty, and staff, the ADL offers thousands of full-text journals, ebooks, clinical resources, and research tools—all available anytime, anywhere.
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Whether you’re looking up best practices, supporting patient care, completing coursework, or conducting research, the ADL makes it easy to find reliable information without the barriers of traditional library access.
One of the most common questions users ask is: What’s the best way to find a specific article?
The good news is that the ADL offers multiple search options to fit your needs.
After 34 years of dedicated service, Northwest AHEC is preparing to say farewell to an extraordinary colleague and friend. At the end of this month, Ellen Kesler, MLS, MPH, CPH, Program Coordinator for Behavioral Health, will retire—leaving behind a legacy of leadership, collaboration, and deep commitment to behavioral and public health across our region and state.
Ellen has been a cornerstone of Northwest AHEC for more than three decades. Throughout her career, she has exemplified what it means to serve with purpose, compassion, and excellence. Her work has not only strengthened our organization but has also had a meaningful and lasting impact on providers, partners, and communities throughout North Carolina.
For the past 17 years, Ellen has been the driving force behind the NC One Community in Recovery Conference, a signature conference that brings together providers, advocates, and individuals in recovery. Through her leadership, the event has become a powerful space for education, connection, and hope—supporting both those who deliver care and those with lived experience.
While the One Community in Recovery Conference stands as a hallmark of her work, Ellen’s impact reaches far beyond a single conference. Day in and day out, she has planned and managed a wide array of behavioral health continuing education activities, ensuring that professionals across disciplines have access to timely, relevant, and high-quality learning opportunities. Her programming has covered an impressive range of topics, including recovery, ethics, cognitive behavioral therapy, ADHD, suicide prevention, motivational interviewing, health coaching, health disparities, autism, and so much more.
Northwest AHEC’s strong network of behavioral health partners—both regionally and statewide—owes much to Ellen’s belief in the power of partnership and collaboration. Her genuine connections with colleagues and stakeholders have helped position Northwest AHEC as a trusted convener and collaborator. Ellen leads with respect, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to working together for the greater good.
As Ellen begins this next chapter, we reflect with gratitude on her exceptional work ethic, her passion for behavioral and public health, and her heart for helping those in need. Her contributions have shaped programs, strengthened partnerships, and improved lives—and her influence will continue to be felt long after her retirement.
Thank you, Ellen, for 34 years of dedicated service to Northwest AHEC, the North Carolina AHEC Program, and the state of North Carolina. You will be deeply missed, but we wish you a joyful, fulfilling, and well-deserved retirement. Your legacy is one we are proud to carry forward.
The Annual NC One Community in Recovery Conference is a statewide gathering planned by a diverse committee of behavioral health providers, advocates, and individuals with lived experience in mental health and substance use recovery.
From March 4–6, 2026, more than 200 participants came together to celebrate the conference’s 17th year under the theme “Rooted in Resilience: Reimagined through Change.” The event highlighted the strength, innovation, and collective voice of North Carolina’s recovery community.
Conference Highlights
This year’s conference featured a pre‑conference session on Emotional CPR (eCPR)—a public health education program designed to support individuals through emotional crises, strengthen community connections, and promote meaningful organizational change.
Participants also had the opportunity to engage in 16 breakout sessions, offering a wide range of perspectives, tools, and strategies to support recovery‑oriented systems of care across the state.
Keynote Speakers
Attendees were inspired by powerful keynote presentations from:
- Devin Lyall, Co‑Founding Executive Director of Wilkes Recovery Revolution, a peer‑run Recovery Community Organization serving Wilkes County, NC
- Robert Whitaker, acclaimed journalist and author of Mad in America and Anatomy of an Epidemic
Both speakers shared thought‑provoking insights that challenged participants to reimagine recovery through resilience, advocacy, and systems change.
Recovery Champion Award Recipients
The conference also honored outstanding leaders and advocates with the Recovery Champion Awards:
- Ulysses Banks – Eastern Region
- Jemm Eubanks – Central Region
- Brandi Greer – Western Region
- Emily Wall – Youth/Young Adult Voice Award
These individuals were recognized for their dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on recovery communities across North Carolina.
Save the Date
Please mark your calendars for the 18th Annual NC One Community in Recovery Conference, taking place March 10–12, 2027. We look forward to continuing this important work together.
