This holiday season, Northwest AHEC was honored to partner with the Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist to support the Angel Tree program.

Our team embraced the spirit of giving through multiple volunteer opportunities:

• Gift Collection: Several teammates helped collect gifts from hospital employees during their shifts at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.
• Adopting Angels: As a team, we adopted three angels and worked together to fulfill their Christmas wishes.
• Gift Distribution: In mid-December, we wrapped up the season by volunteering at the Angel Tree Warehouse, organizing and distributing gifts to families in need.

This program is such a worthy cause, and we are proud to play a part in bringing joy to local families during the holidays. A heartfelt thank you to our teammates for their time and generosity, and to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist for creating these community service opportunities.

Together, we make a difference!

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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.

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The Annual Sleep Symposium is a premier educational event tailored to clinicians with an interest in Sleep Medicine. Each year, the symposium serves as a platform for both seasoned professionals and those new to the field to deepen their understanding of the latest advancements in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. This program is in partnership with South Piedmont AHEC, who will be handling the registration for the program. 

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge diagnostic tools and innovative treatment options for a wide range of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. The program is designed to provide attendees with a comprehensive view of the evolving landscape in Sleep Medicine, equipping them with the knowledge to enhance patient care and improve clinical outcomes. 

In addition to enriching their own expertise, participants will have the chance to engage in multidisciplinary discussions and share best practices with their teams, fostering a collaborative learning environment. This symposium is ideal for clinicians looking to stay informed about the latest research, clinical protocols, and technological advancements in Sleep Medicine.

We look forward to welcoming attendees each year as we work together to advance the field and improve the quality of sleep care for all patients.

This conference is being held both in-person and virtually.

February 28, 2025
8:05AM - 5:00PM
REGISTER NOW

Cost is $150

This event will be offered in-person at two locations with some of the faculty presenting live from each location. Additionally, the event will be broadcast for those outside of North Carolina.  

On November 8, 2024, Atrium Health, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education and Northwest AHEC organized an innovative educational conference centered on Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic (HPB) and Gastrointestinal (GI) oncology. Featuring multidisciplinary presentations by HPB cancer specialists in medical oncology, surgical oncology, transplant hepatology, and interventional radiology, the event showcased the latest data on HPB malignancy treatments through clinical case studies and interactive audience engagement. This conference brought together healthcare professionals, experts, and leaders to explore the latest advancements in the field of cancer treatment.

With 56 participants and 12 expert speakers, the conference provided an invaluable opportunity for medical professionals to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration.

To celebrate National Volunteer Month, Northwest AHEC is thrilled to empower and assist our team members in making a difference in the community through volunteer work. Our primary focus lies in addressing pressing social issues like food security, housing, and employment. Several Northwest AHEC staff met up on April 4th to kick off National Volunteer Month at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC to lend a hand in Community Meals, where each week thousands of meals are lovingly prepared, tray packed, and boxed up for delivery to programs serving seniors, children, neighbors living with disabilities, and others.

Northwest AHEC staff were able to volunteer alongside Dr. Cathleen Wheatley, President of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. They worked hard to pack backpacks with the Forsyth Backpack program to give WSFCS students food over spring break.