This holiday season, Northwest AHEC was honored to partner with the Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist to support the Angel Tree program.

Our team embraced the spirit of giving through multiple volunteer opportunities:

• Gift Collection: Several teammates helped collect gifts from hospital employees during their shifts at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.
• Adopting Angels: As a team, we adopted three angels and worked together to fulfill their Christmas wishes.
• Gift Distribution: In mid-December, we wrapped up the season by volunteering at the Angel Tree Warehouse, organizing and distributing gifts to families in need.

This program is such a worthy cause, and we are proud to play a part in bringing joy to local families during the holidays. A heartfelt thank you to our teammates for their time and generosity, and to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist for creating these community service opportunities.

Together, we make a difference!

Check out the WXII News Story - Click Here

Registration is OPEN for the 40th Annual Northwest AHEC Respiratory Care Conference, scheduled to be held virtually on February 25–26, 2026.

Join us for this landmark event honoring four decades of advancing respiratory care education, innovation, and collaboration. Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of expert speakers and the latest in clinical practices and technology. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, this milestone event offers valuable insights and a chance to celebrate the legacy and future of respiratory care. 

February 25–26, 2026
Virtual - WebEx

Objectives

• Provide up-to-date, patient-centered and evidence-based practices in respiratory care.
• Explain the importance of respiratory therapists in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
• Discuss new treatments and advancements associated with respiratory care.
  
  

Do you ask yourself these questions when you drink from your tap or when choosing items at the grocery? We know that optimal health starts with literally what you put in your gut. And that has immediate and downstream effects on our health and wellness. We know the body - right now in the present moment -  is the highest resolution feedback we can see how we have been living with our current habits. The good news is that we can invest our time and effort, and have better control over what goes in our body... and ultimately, what we get back from it.

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