We are proud to share that Melanee Mills, MSEd, Program Coordinator for Health Careers at Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC), has been honored with the 2025 NC HOSA – Future Health Professionals Partnership Award. This award recognizes individuals or organizations outside of NC HOSA who go above and beyond in supporting the development of future health professionals across North Carolina.

Melanee was nominated by one of her peers, and according to NC HOSA leadership, her impact and dedication made her an obvious choice for the award.

“Melanee has been an integral part of NC HOSA over the years at both the regional and state levels,” said Jennifer Epperson, BSN, RN, Executive Director and State Advisor of NC HOSA. “She and Northwest AHEC have consistently provided resources and educational opportunities to our students at the Northwest and Piedmont Triad Regional Leadership Conferences for many years.”

Melanee’s commitment doesn’t stop there. She actively supports the NC HOSA State Leadership Conference, helping secure volunteer judges and even serving as a judge herself. Her dedication, dependability, and passion for student success have made a lasting impact on countless future healthcare professionals.

At Northwest AHEC, Melanee plays a vital role in our department. She leads key programs such as AHEC Scholars and Camp Med, which provide immersive learning experiences for students exploring future careers in healthcare. Her leadership helps guide and inspire the next generation of health professionals through hands-on learning, mentorship, and community engagement.

Melanee has been with Northwest AHEC for 11 years, and her passion for workforce diversity and health careers education continues to be a driving force in our mission.

“We are always grateful for what Melanee Mills and Northwest AHEC bring to our organization,” added Epperson. “We consider them an extremely valuable partner in our mission to promote career opportunities in the health industry and to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare to all people.”

Congratulations, Melanee, and thank you for the incredible work you do to support and inspire the future of healthcare!

Exploring the World of Healthcare Through Virtual Camp Med 2024

In an era where healthcare careers are more vital than ever, Virtual Camp Med 2024 emerges as a beacon of opportunity for high school students. This innovative program is designed not just to inform but to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. By providing a comprehensive overview of the healthcare sector, Virtual Camp Med equips students with the knowledge and insights needed to embark on a rewarding career path.

Dear Healthcare Partners, 

In an effort to better address the significant shortage of health care workers, Northwest AHEC is partnering with the NC Center on the Workforce for Health (NC AHEC, Sheps Center, NC IOM), the NC Chamber Foundation to develop and implement a plan to create the next generation of healthcare clinicians and staff.

The partnership of Northwest Piedmont Region and Piedmont Region is a valuable partnership and pathway to the future health professional in our high schools. These programs are an annual Fall Leadership and the Regional Conferences for Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) members in the Northwest Regional Chapter and Piedmont-Triad Regional Chapter of North Carolina.

Northwest AHEC would like to welcome Megan Mills Anderson, who joined our department in October as the Talent Pipeline Management Project Manager.

Winston-Salem State University's School of Health Sciences (SOHS) and Northwest Area Health Education Center (NWAHEC) partnered to honor groups and individuals who have made a profoundly positive impact on the health and wellness of the residents of East Winston-Salem. during the 7th Annual Healthcare Legends of East Winston event on Wednesday, October 18th.

Lake Norman Regional Medical Center recently brought back its annual summer learning program, CAMP MED, after pausing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was held July 25-27, for high school students interested in medical careers.

Iredell County’s next generation of doctors and health professionals recently got a chance to explore the healthcare industry through hands-on learning experiences at Iredell Memorial Hospital.

Potential members of the next generation of doctors and health professionals got a chance to explore possible medical fields hands-on recently at Northern Regional Hospital. Thirteen local high school students interested in becoming registered nurses, physicians, occupational therapists, or other medical professionals participated in Camp Med 2023 summer program provided by Northern Regional Hospital and the Northwest Area Health Education Center, an initiative of the Wake Forest School of Medicine.