16th Annual “One Community in Recovery” Conference Healing Together: Building Stronger Communities
Join us for this FREE Educational Support Program Designed Specifically for Rural Nursing in NC.
Due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on Western NC, the NC AHEC Nurse Council has decided to reschedule the 7th Annual Statewide AHEC Celebration for Rural Nursing Conference. Information details for the rescheduled date will be sent separately. Alternatively, we are hosting this free educational support program for rural health nurses still in honor of the upcoming National Rural Health Day in November.
Thursday, November 14, 2024 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Livestream Webinar
REGISTER NOW - FOR FREE
As our healthcare providers in our communities are focusing on disaster relief and resiliency, they face these many challenging questions in bringing support to those suffering PTSD while trying to rebuild a new future:
- What do you say to someone who has lost everything?
- What resources are available for survivors?
- How can you distinguish between a normal post-disaster reaction and a serious mental health issue?
- What are the best ways to support children and other vulnerable populations?
Rural healthcare professionals are the heart of your communities and will play a crucial role in helping the people of North Carolina recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. The road to recovery after a catastrophic natural disaster is long, and survivors will need support for years to come. This session, led by our faculty of disaster recovery mental health professionals, will equip you with the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges of disaster response as you help communities rebuild.
Empowering more healthcare professionals, particularly rural nurses, to be trained and ready to respond in times of disaster will be an invaluable asset to our local communities, state, nation, and world. Topic specific focus on hurricane relief for NC will be covered that is reflective of both eastern and western experiences in our state.
Additionally, we will offer optional breakout sessions focused on group listening, networking support, and identifying best practices to address the current disaster support needs of the state.
Objectives
- Describe the impacts of disasters on the brain and body.
- Assess and triage the needs of survivors.
- Demonstrate effective techniques for stabilization after disasters.
- Provide support to special populations, such as children and individuals with special needs.
- Explain the orientation for Disaster Mental Health (DMH) response.
- Implement basic skills required for deployment in a DMH role.
- Distinguish variable disaster response in diverse communities.
In this 50th anniversary special episode of the Healthcare Insights in Northwest North Carolina podcast, we take a moment to connect with former colleagues, faculty, and partners to reflect on the many ways in which Northwest AHEC has impacted the quality of health and healthcare education in the 17-county region of Northwest North Carolina over the past 50 years.
Professionals need to learn and practice a calm and encouraging approach during a crisis. The theoretical approach and specific techniques of crisis counseling assessment and treatment can readily be integrated into the professional’s overall framework. Suggestions on beneficial approaches and techniques are provided.
The 24th annual Share the Health Fair, sponsored by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the Northwest Area Health Education Center, will be held this Saturday, Nov. 2. More than 10 free screenings, tests and other health-related services will be available to the public.
Pharmacy Week is celebrated from October 20-26. This week is dedicated to National Pharmacy Week, a time to honor and appreciate the crucial contributions pharmacists and pharmacy technicians make to patient care.
How is conflict helpful with business operations and clinical care? What is this lagging indicator of quality care? How is AI impacting the practice of medicine? What are the key traits for leadership in health care system? What happens when you self diagnose your cancer with a 10-20% chance of survival?
A study exploring the transformative effects of the Community Plunge, an educational
program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSOM), on healthcare delivery,
community engagement, and trainee perspectives was recently published in the Journal of
Clinical and Translational Science. Led by Dr. Christopher A. Jones of Northwest AHEC, the
study highlights the broader context of health outcomes, where clinical care accounts for
only 20%, emphasizing the critical role of social determinants of health (SDOH) and
individual behaviors in shaping the remaining 80%.
Celebrating World Mental Health Day: The Importance of Reaching Out and Being Kind
Every year, on October 10th, people around the globe come together to raise awareness and take action for mental health. Known as World Mental Health Day, this day serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of nurturing our mental well-being, just as much as we care for our physical health. Here at Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC), we are proud to be part of this crucial conversation, striving to make a difference in the communities we serve.
In recent years, mental health has become a topic that is increasingly brought into the spotlight. Yet, it remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. At Northwest AHEC, we believe that fostering open, honest conversations about mental health is key to breaking down these barriers.
But what makes World Mental Health Day particularly powerful is its ability to bring people together. It’s not just about raising awareness; it's about creating a supportive network where individuals feel comfortable seeking help and offering support to one another. After all, mental health isn’t just a solitary journey—it’s a collective effort.
The Work We Do at Northwest AHEC
At Northwest AHEC, we are committed to offering programs that educate and support mental health initiatives. Our workshops and seminars are designed to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to address mental health issues effectively. We are firm believers in the idea that education can be a powerful catalyst for change, and our events focus on broadening understanding, fostering empathy, and promoting resilience.
Moreover, we prioritize creating an environment where both professionals and community members can discuss mental health openly. Through collaborative discussions and interactive sessions, we aim to build a community that embraces mental health with compassion and understanding. 
Be Kind—To Yourself and Others
Kindness is a small but mighty tool that can make a world of difference. Whether it's being kind to yourself by acknowledging your feelings, or extending kindness to someone else who might be struggling, these gestures create a ripple effect that can transform lives.
On this World Mental Health Day, let’s make a conscious effort to practice kindness. Check in with yourself and those around you. Ask questions, listen actively, and offer support without judgment. Sometimes, even the smallest act of kindness can light up the darkest of days.
In conclusion, while World Mental Health Day is a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on mental health, the conversation should continue every day. At Northwest AHEC, we are dedicated to advancing this dialogue and supporting our community in any way we can. Remember, it’s okay to reach out for help—there is always someone willing to listen. And always, always choose kindness—it’s more powerful than you might think.
