Northwest AHEC continues to lead the way in accessible, high-impact continuing education with its 2025 North Carolina Annual STI Update, now available as enduring material. This virtual event, held on August 13, 2025, marked a milestone with record-breaking attendance—992 participants from 98 North Carolina counties and 12 other states.
The 2025 North Carolina Annual STI Update was held on August 13, 2025, in a fully virtual format for both presenters and attendees—marking the fifth consecutive year of remote delivery. This approach continues to empower Northwest AHEC and its partners to deliver this longstanding, reputable continuing professional development activity to a broader and more diverse audience.
This year’s event was the largest since Northwest AHEC began managing the activity in 2013, with 992 attendees representing a wide range of disciplines including Allied Health, Behavioral Health, Health Careers, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, and more. Within North Carolina, 98 of 100 counties were represented, and the activity expanded its reach to 12 additional states: Alabama, California, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.
The program featured expert presenters from respected institutions and organizations such as UNC Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Mid-Charlotte Dermatology, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the Fenway Institute, local health departments, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine.
Participants were eligible for 6.25 hours of continuing education credit, including Contact Hours, CHES/MCHES, ACPE, and AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ through collaboration with UAB’s Office of Continuing Medical Education.
Featured Topics Included:
- Sexual Health Considerations for Aging Populations
The focus on aging populations was seen as timely and essential, with many attendees planning to apply this knowledge in their practices. - Taking a Sexual Health History and Introducing Shared Decision Models into Practice
Participants valued the sessions that emphasized patient-centered communication and sexual health history-taking, noting that learning how to ask thoughtful, open-ended questions enhanced their confidence and effectiveness in clinical practice. - Genital Dermatology
The dermatology session was praised for its clinical relevance and clarity, especially the use of visuals and case studies. - Leveraging Point-of-Care Diagnostics to Address Syndemics
Buncombe County’s mobile unit success, as well as the rapid testing strategies discussed, inspired attendees with practical, real-world applications. - Practice Guide to Implementing DoxyPEP
Attendees reported increased confidence in prescribing or advocating for DoxyPEP, citing compelling data on its safety and effectiveness. - Updates from NC Local Public Health Providers
The panel session delivered timely updates for North Carolina providers, offering practical guidance on STI/HIV case investigation, the evolving role of NC DIS teams, and strategies for managing complex STI cases. Participants found the content highly relevant to their clinical work and appreciated the clarity and depth of the information presented.
To extend the event’s impact, all sessions were recorded and will be available online as enduring material beginning August 22, 2025, allowing continued access for professionals who could not attend live or wish to revisit the content. The sessions can be found here.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a subject that makes many of us cringe. Yet they are on the rise, especially in the era of hookup apps and healthy aging.
For example, Syphilis cases are on the rise in North Carolina. Cases of syphilis among women jumped 133% between 2019 and 2022, with a 28% increase in congenital syphilis cases in 2023!
Syphilis can affect anyone but is currently rising in women, and in men who have sex with women. This has led to an alarming increase in cases of congenital syphilis.
The 12th Annual Breastfeeding Forum took place on March 18, 2024, at the Hickory Metro Convention Center in Hickory, North Carolina. Guests enjoyed the chance to expand their knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals at this convenient and centralized venue.
The North Carolina Annual STI Update was held on March 20, 2024, as fully remote for presenters and attendees for the fourth year in a row. Hosting it virtually allowed Northwest AHEC and partners to offer the longstanding and reputable continuing professional development activity to a larger audience. Northwest AHEC collaborates with the following organizations to plan and provide the activity: NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Epidemiology Section and Communicable Disease Branch; University of Alabama at Birmingham, Division of Infectious Diseases; Southeast STD/HIV Prevention Training Center; NC HIV Training and Education Center; and Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Section on Infectious Diseases.
Join us virtually on March 20th to explore the latest developments in sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, diagnosis and treatment specific to North Carolina.
This activity will increase the ability of the nurse to perform a home visit for a new postpartum family. View program brochure
Come and learn with us on August 24th 8:45AM-2:30PM Live Webinar. This activity will increase the ability of the nurse to perform a home visit for a new postpartum family, an emphasis will be placed on telehealth and virtual assessments.
Salem Academy and College will hold its inaugural Health Leadership Forum on Thursday, April 21, 2022. Salem College is the nation’s only liberal arts college exclusively dedicated to developing the next generation of women leaders in health.
Come and learn with us on August 25th 8:45AM-2:30PM Live Webinar. This activity will increase the ability of the nurse to perform a home visit for a new postpartum family, an emphasis will be placed on telehealth and virtual assessments.
