In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, staying current with the latest evidence-based practices isn’t just a professional advantage—it’s a necessity. That’s where the Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Resources (ECPR) program from Northwest Area Health Education Center (AHEC) steps in.

Designed to support clinicians, educators, and healthcare professionals across North Carolina and beyond, the ECPR program offers free, on-demand access to high-quality, evidence-based resources that enhance clinical decision-making and patient care.

What is ECPR?

The ECPR program is a curated collection of tools and services that help healthcare professionals:

• Find and apply evidence-based information quickly and efficiently
• Stay current with clinical guidelines and best practices
• Improve patient outcomes through informed decision-making
• Support continuing education and lifelong learning

Whether you're a physician, nurse, pharmacist, or allied health professional, ECPR provides the resources you need to integrate evidence into your daily practice. 

Access to the ECPR program is available to all healthcare professionals. To explore the resources and learn more, visit:

👉 go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/ecpr

View the 2024-2025 Annual Report

At Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC), our mission is clear: to improve health for all. This year’s Annual Report reflects that commitment, showcasing how we’ve responded to the evolving needs of our 17-county region and beyond. 

Adapting to Serve Our Communities

Every year brings new challenges—and new opportunities. In 2024–2025, our team and partners faced the ongoing health care workforce shortage head-on. Across disciplines and communities, we worked together to recruit, train, and retain the professionals who are essential to the health of our region.

We’re proud to highlight the resilience and dedication of health care professionals, students, educators, and community partners who stepped up with purpose and passion.

Spotlight on Impact

You may notice throughout the Annual Report that we chose to highlight a few counties from our 17-county region—Yadkin, Surry, and Stokes. These counties are featured not only in the stories we tell, but also in the artwork that brings the report to life. All the artwork throughout the report was created by local artists, with the cover art by Nick Bragg, titled Pilot Mountain Spring, capturing the spirit and beauty of our region.

In Ashe County, a group of newly trained physicians launched Seven Peaks Family Medicine in West Jefferson, filling a critical gap in rural health care. Northwest AHEC supported their journey from the start, helping them build a sustainable practice.

In Winston-Salem, the annual Share the Health Fair at the Downtown Health Plaza expanded its reach. With guidance from Northwest AHEC, medical students from Wake Forest University collaborated with physical and occupational therapy students from Winston-Salem State University to offer gait and balance assessments—bringing more comprehensive care to those in need.

Collaboration and Innovation

These stories are just a glimpse into the collaborative spirit that drives our work. By partnering with health care organizations and fellow AHEC colleagues across North Carolina, we’ve made our efforts more efficient and impactful—sharing resources, combining initiatives, and amplifying results.

Looking Ahead

We’re inspired by the initiative shown by the next generation of health care professionals. Their energy and commitment fuel our optimism for the future. But we know there’s more to do.

Together with community leaders, schools, universities, and organizations, Northwest AHEC remains dedicated to building a stronger, healthier region—for everyone.

Explore the full Annual Report to see how we’re making a difference across Northwest North Carolina: nwahec.org/annualreport2025

Michael P. Lischke, EdD, MPH
Richard Janeway, MD, Distinguished Director of Northwest AHEC

While you are exploring check out this statewide facts at a glance - North Carolina Area Health Education Centers Fiscal year 2025 (July 2024-June 2025)

Register Today to Join Us March 4th - 6th, 2026 in Greensboro, NC!

The NC "One Community in Recovery" Conference is a place where individuals working and involved in recovery as defined in its broadest terms can share their work and gain support from others involved in the recovery movement. The conference is primarily focused on promoting the growth of the North Carolina Recovery Movement, teaching participants how to get recovery programming up and running in their own communities, showcasing the most progressive recovery practices, and bringing individuals interested in the recovery movement together as students and partners.

Full agenda details have been posted - make sure to check it out!

Keynote Address: Robert Whitaker

Robert Whitaker is the author of five books, three of which tell of the history of psychiatry. In 2010, his Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness won the U.S. Investigative Reporters and Editors book award for best investigative journalism. Prior to writing books, he worked as a science reporter at the Albany Times Union newspaper in New York for a number of years. He is the founder of madinamerica.com, a website that features research news and blogs by an international group of writers interested in “rethinking psychiatry.”

Keynote Address: Revolutionizing Recovery: Turning Pain into Purpose - Devin Lyall

Devin Lyall is the Founding Executive Director of Wilkes Recovery Revolution, INC., dedicated to building a community where recovery is possible through hope, healing, and rebuilding lives. As someone with personal experience of substance use and mental health challenges, Devin brings invaluable lived perspective to her leadership. Wilkes Recovery Revolution leads eleven programs, including transitional housing, harm reduction, community outreach, workforce support, fresh food initiatives, thrift operations, crisis intervention, and post-overdose response. Devin has received multiple honors for her work, including the Great State Hero Award and the National Recovery Community Organization of the Year award. Her story and WRR’s impact have been featured in numerous media outlets, and she recently delivered a TEDx Talk. Devin is also a devoted dog lover who treasures time with her family.

Let’s face it—life is busy. Between meetings, patient care, family responsibilities, and the occasional moment to breathe, finding time for professional development can feel like a challenge. That’s why Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning is designed to meet you where you are—on your schedule, at your pace, and when you’re ready to “endure” it.

Whether you're sipping coffee at 6 a.m. or winding down after a long day, our self-paced online courses are available 24/7, offering flexibility without compromising quality. These enduring activities span a wide range of topics, from clinical updates to behavioral health, public health, and more.

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

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.

🧬 2025 NC Annual STI Update Series

Available: August 22, 2025 – August 22, 2026
Includes sessions like:

• The Art of Taking a Sexual History
• Genital Dermatology
• DoxyPEP Implementation
• STI Syndemics and Point-of-Care Diagnostics

🍭 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)

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.

🤝Managing Difficult Patient Situations

Available: January 31, 2024 – January 31, 2026
Learn strategies to navigate challenging interactions with confidence.

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

On November 21, 2025, healthcare professionals from across the region will gather at the Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education in Winston-Salem for the HPB GI Oncology Conference—a premier multidisciplinary symposium focused on hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) malignancies. See full details here.

Hosted by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Levine Cancer Institute, this in-person event brings together specialists in medical oncology, surgical oncology, gastroenterology, and interventional radiology to share the latest advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and collaborative care.

Highlights include:

• Clinical case discussions with real-world applications
• Interactive audience participation for deeper engagement
• A keynote address by Dr. Philip Philip of Wayne State University, a nationally recognized leader in GI oncology
• 5.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ and 5.5 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC

Event Details:

• 📅 Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
• 📍 Location: Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education, 475 Vine Street, 5th Floor, Winston-Salem, NC
• 💵 Registration Fee: $125 (Early bird rate if registered by October 24)

Whether you're a physician, nurse, or allied health professional, this conference offers a unique opportunity to enhance your clinical knowledge, connect with peers, and earn continuing education credits.

👉 Register Now to secure your spot and take advantage of early bird pricing!

Everyone deserves to live their healthiest life. Unmet social needs impact health outcomes more than clinical interventions. The National Academy of Medicine, Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services and the World Health Organization have long advocated that screening for these needs be integrated into clinical settings but barriers exist. This course provides tools, resources and recommendations to support practice teams to screen and facilitate intervening to meet these needs.

Objectives

The 20th Annual Neuroscience Conference will explore the latest advancements in acute hospital management, as well as post-hospital care of the stroke patient. This knowledge-based conference will include the most recent clinical practice guidelines and best practices in stroke care to maximize acute stroke care and recovery as well as provide transitional care post-hospitalization.

REGISTER NOW

November 14, 2025 - 8:30AM - 4:00PM

Location: Village Inn

6205 Ramada Drive, Clemmons, NC

• Identify key concepts of the Code Stroke Process.
• Explain pertinent findings after an interventional procedure.
• Identify and explain common post-stroke complications.
• Discuss the role and impact of interfacility telestroke services.
• Define the structure and function of a comprehensive stroke program.
• Understand stroke disparities and discuss potential strategies for improvement.
• Explain the importance and value of occupational therapy in stroke rehabilitation.
• Describe advanced surgical treatment options for stroke.
• Recognize common psychological effects of stroke (e.g. depression, anxiety, emotional changes).
• Define how the stroke program serves its patients.

Join us in celebrating the incredible contributions of medical librarians and health information professionals who empower healthcare providers, researchers, and patients with timely, trustworthy, and expertly curated information.

This year’s theme — “Better Information. Better Decisions.” — highlights the essential role librarians play in advancing medicine, supporting research, and improving patient care through evidence-based knowledge.

At Northwest AHEC, we recognize and appreciate the dedication of our library professionals who:

✅ Guide clinicians through complex searches
✅ Teach students to navigate databases
✅ Ensure access to credible health information

Come join us in October for a fantastic day of discussion and connection centered around the topics of leadership in the healthcare industry.

Visit www.salem.edu/hlf to find out more

Register here