From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Nursing Practice author, legacy nurse educator and nurse theorist, Dr. Patricia Benner, will kick off the 2025 National Nurses Week with our fourth annual nurse preceptor live webinar hosted by the North Carolina Area Health Education Center (NC AHEC) network.
For 16 years, the NC “One Community in Recovery” Conference has served as a powerful gathering of individuals dedicated to fostering recovery, resilience, and advocacy in mental health and substance use. Planned by a statewide committee of behavioral health providers and advocates—many with lived experience—this annual event continues to be a beacon of hope and progress.
This year, from March 5-7, 2025, over 200 participants came together under the theme “Healing Together: Building Stronger Communities.” The conference provided a platform for insightful discussions, innovative strategies, and shared experiences that continue to shape the future of recovery in North Carolina.
Conference Highlights
One of the standout sessions was “Addressing the Connection of Brain Injury, Public Health, and the Legal System in North Carolina” presented by Desireé Gorbea-Finalet of Disability Rights NC. This thought-provoking discussion shed light on how brain injuries intersect with public health and justice systems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support and policy changes.
The pre-conference session also sparked important dialogue with a panel discussion on “Exploring Alternatives to Involuntary Commitment in North Carolina.” Featuring a diverse group of stakeholders, this session explored real-world challenges and potential solutions to ensure a more person-centered approach in crisis response.
Attendees also had the opportunity to engage in 16 breakout sessions, covering a wide range of recovery-focused topics, and hear from two inspiring keynote speakers:
- Jeff Walker of Wilkes Recovery Revolution, a peer-run Recovery Community Organization in Wilkes County, NC.
- Vesper Moore, an Indigenous activist and mental health rights leader, who spoke on recovery, advocacy, and the importance of elevating lived experiences in policy and practice.
As the seasons change, so do opportunities to expand your knowledge and professional skills! Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) and the Office of Continuing Medical Education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are offering a variety of engaging and informative programs this spring, summer, and fall.
👁️ Stay Ahead in Ophthalmic Care – Earn CME Credits! 👁️
At Northwest AHEC, we believe in the power of teamwork and community service. Our team recently had the opportunity to volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad, Inc. (RMHCPT), where we spent the day giving back to families in need.
A Day of Service
Our team divided into groups to assist with various tasks around the House. Some of us packed nutritious lunches for families staying at RMHCPT (or receiving care at one of our local pediatric intensive care units), ensuring they had one less thing to worry about as they focused on their children receiving medical care. Others baked brownies to provide a small but meaningful treat, while another group cleaned the playroom and assisted with other household needs. Every task, no matter how big or small, contributed to making the House a true “home away from home” for families facing challenging times.
The Mission of RMHCPT
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad is an independent, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Located near Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital and other medical facilities, RMHCPT provides a comfortable, supportive environment for families with children undergoing medical treatment. Since opening in 1984, the House has served as a place of refuge, offering accommodations, meals, and emotional support to families in need.
Learning and Bonding as a Team
Volunteering at RMHCPT was not just about giving back; it was also an opportunity for our team to come together, learn more about our community, and reflect on the impact we can make. Touring the House and hearing stories about the families who stay there reinforced the importance of the work being done. It was a meaningful experience that left us inspired and grateful for the opportunity to contribute.
How You Can Help
Want to support RMHCPT and the families they serve? Here are a few ways you can make a difference:
- Volunteer: Give your time and talents to assist with various needs at the House.
- Sport a Shirt: Purchase a RMHCPT shirt to support the cause. Learn more here.
- Recycle Pop Tabs: Collect aluminum pop tabs to help raise funds. Find out how.
- Attend an Event: Participate in fundraising events that support this incredible organization.
Our day at RMHCPT was a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big impact. We look forward to continuing our commitment to service and encourage others to find ways to give back to their communities as well.
Northwest AHEC is excited to present the Arts & Medicine series—an inspiring exploration of the connection between creativity and healthcare. This engaging series offers healthcare professionals, students, and community members a unique opportunity to experience how artistic expression enhances healing, professional well-being, and patient care.
Why Attend?
Discover the therapeutic benefits of the arts in healthcare.- Engage with experts in medicine, music, visual arts, and performance.
- Participate in hands-on activities that promote mindfulness and creativity.
- Earn continuing education credits.
Event Details:
📅 Multiple Dates Available
📍 Various Locations
🔗 Register Now
Whether you're a healthcare provider looking for fresh perspectives or simply curious about the role of the arts in well-being, this series is designed for you. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow!
Reserve your spot today and experience the transformative power of Arts & Medicine!
👉 Sign Up Here
Faculty Lineup of Speakers:
- John Beck, UNC School of the Arts
- Michelle Merrill, Winston-Salem Symphony
- Jessica Singerman, UNC School of the Arts
- Janine Hawley, UNC School of the Arts
- Luke Payne, UNC School of the Arts
- Robert P. Moyer, UNC School of the Arts
- Heidi McIver, UNC School of the Arts
National AHEC Week, from March 24 to March 28, 2025, offers an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions of Area Health Education Centers nationwide. At Northwest AHEC, we're proud to celebrate this week by highlighting our ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery in our 17-county region.
Each year, the Because We Care Workshop provides a meaningful space for healthcare professionals and caregivers to explore the complexities of grief and renewal. Now in its 28th year, this workshop, Honoring Loss, Renewing Strength: A Workshop on Keepsakes and Compassion Fatigue, offers valuable insights into bereavement support, sibling grief, and the impact of keepsakes in the healing process. 
Additionally, it addresses the challenges of compassion fatigue and burnout, equipping attendees with practical strategies for self-care and resilience. Join us on May 1, 2025, at Ardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC, for a day of learning, connection, and renewal.
Register now
May 1-3, 2025 | Renaissance® Asheville Downtown Hotel
31 Woodfin Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
The goal of this conference is to enhance the health care professional's understanding of current management techniques in providing care to the high-risk infant. Program brochure is available here with all the details!
Topics
Proactive Sepsis Management: Identifying and Addressing Early Symptoms- Providing Specialized Care for Substance-Exposed Infants
- Optimizing Feeding Strategies for High-Risk Newborns
- Building Resilience: Supporting Nurses in Managing Stress and Trauma
Credit
- 4.0 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
- 4.0 Nursing Contact Hours
Northwest AHEC is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Registration fee for the program will be $80 for Individual Rate and $70 for Group Rate (3 or more), please click here to register.
