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Idaho Area Health Education Centers Program Office

Logo of Idaho Area Health Education Center Program Office

Who are we?

Area Health Education Centers (or AHECs) were established in 1972 to address the shortage of primary care physicians and healthcare professionals across the country. Today, there are over 300 AHECs nation-wide that are working to fill these critical gaps in the healthcare workforce. Idaho has four Centers tasked with this mission. 

The purpose of Idaho AHEC is to create programs that teach and recruit quality healthcare professionals to serve rural and underserved populations around the great state of Idaho! 

 

What does the Idaho AHEC Program Office do? 

The Idaho AHEC Program Office supports four Area Health Education Centers throughout Idaho that offer programs tailored to their region's specific needs. 

The Program Office works with all of the Centers to make sure they have the resources to navigate the healthcare landscapes unique to our state. 

We coordinate and oversee AHEC’s statewide presence, and work with strategic partners to make the biggest impact possible.

 

We Endeavor to:

Address healthcare workforce shortages in Idaho communities.

Find resources to implement AHEC's four core activities: AHEC Scholars, Continuing Education, Pathways and Pipeline Projects, and Community-Based Experiential Training.

Highlight the benefits of living and working in Idaho.

Grow partnerships that meet strategic goals and ensure Idaho AHEC's success.    

 

 

Our Mission

The mission of Idaho AHEC is to develop a skilled healthcare workforce to serve rural and underserved communities throughout Idaho.

Our Vision

Idaho AHEC strives to ensure that all Idahoans have access to high-quality healthcare services, particularly in regions facing workforce shortages.

We Are Achieving This Vision Through:

  • Expanded Opportunities – Ensuring all Idahoans have pathways to careers in healthcare, and providing practical solutions to address the workforce shortage.
  • Accessible Healthcare – Supporting efforts to improve healthcare availability across the state, especially in areas with limited access to critical services.
  • Interprofessional Approaches – Encouraging teamwork among healthcare professionals to address the challenges specific to caring for rural and underserved populations.
  • Community Alignment – Strengthening the connection between healthcare professionals, education, and the populations they serve.
  • Healthy Workplaces – Promoting environments that enhance professional well-being and growth.