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%.

Making ends meet in America is a challenge for many who are just getting by month to month. When life throws a curveball, expenses can accelerate faster than income. This is a crisis for those without savings. The curveball can continue to cascade into the future, further increasing the gap between debt and income. Financial stress doesn’t discriminate, it can fall on anyone, and leaves many feeling hopeless and in need. That’s where Crisis Control Ministry comes in.

The Annual NC “One Community in Recovery” Conference is an annual event organized by a dedicated statewide committee of behavioral health providers and advocates, many of whom bring personal experiences of recovery from mental health and substance use challenges.

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.

The nation’s Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) will celebrate National AHEC Week March 25-29. During the week, the National AHEC Organization will highlight AHECs’ work strengthening the healthcare workforce and improving access to quality healthcare.

The annual Share the Health Fair (STHF) was held at the Downtown Health Plaza on November 4, 2023 from 8-2 pm. This event provides free screenings and services to the underserved populations in Winston-Salem community.  

How many people in Forsyth county North Carolina are homeless each night? What are the main causes of homelessness? How is the community serving the homeless population? What are the needs in the community for serving the homeless population?

We sat down with Jayvein Greene - winner of this year’s Youth/Young Adult Voice Award at the One Community in Recovery Conference - to talk about his experience as a young, black male facing mental illness, trauma, and substance abuse. 

The Annual NC “One Community in Recovery” Conference is a yearly conference planned by a statewide committee of behavioral health providers and advocates, many of whom have lived experience with recovery from mental health and/or substance use.