Alabama AHEC Network

10/08/2026

"What interests Lily Pounders most about a future in primary care?

“The opportunity to walk alongside patients through many stages of their lives.”

During National Primary Care Week, October 5–9, we’re spotlighting Lily, a second-year medical student at UAB Heersink School of Medicine and Vice Chair of the Alabama AHEC Scholars Student Board.

Lily plans to pursue family medicine, becoming someone patients can turn to during sickness or uncertainty. She credits AHEC Scholars with helping her learn from healthcare professionals and build relationships across disciplines with others committed to serving rural and medically vulnerable communities.

Her hope is to care for people who may feel unheard, offering the listening ear and ongoing support that draw her to primary care.

Learn more about Alabama AHEC Scholars: alahec.org/scholars/

Department of Family and Community Medicine National AHEC Organization

10/07/2026

Avery Hamrac’s path to the PA profession began in the Army, where she worked as a medic alongside PAs who inspired her.

This National Physician Assistant Week, October 6–12, we’re spotlighting Avery, a UAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham PA student and East Central Alabama AHEC Scholar.

Through Alabama AHEC Scholars, PA students collaborate interprofessionally, learn about Alabama’s healthcare needs, and explore ways to create community impact. For Avery, that starts with listening: “You don't know what a community needs unless you take the time to ask.”

She hopes to serve a rural or medically vulnerable community and improve Alabamians health outcomes!

Learn more about AHEC Scholars: alahec.org/scholars/

Department of Family and Community Medicine National AHEC Organization

10/06/2026

For National Physician Assistant Week, October 6–12, meet Audrey Gilbert, a Faulkner University Physician Assistant Program PA student and Wiregrass Alabama AHEC Scholar!

Alabama AHEC Scholars gives PA students opportunities to collaborate interprofessionally, learn about Alabama’s healthcare needs, and create community impact, with a focus on rural and vulnerable communities.

For Audrey, that learning connects to her future: “I hope to practice in a small town here in the south where I can build meaningful relationships with my patients and become an active part of the community.”

We’re proud to celebrate future PAs preparing to bring quality care closer to home.

Apply for Cohort 9 of AHEC Scholars: alahec.org/scholars/

10/05/2026

It's Primary Care Week! Check out how the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine is recognizing the importance of primary care!

It's almost Primary Care Week! 🎉🎉

From Oct. 5-8, enjoy a full week of activities celebrating the impact of primary care. From a kickoff Research Day to a procedure workshop and an informative career panel, these events are designed to fuel an interest in primary care while fostering connection and learning.

See the full schedule at the link in our bio.

09/23/2026

Step into a day of purpose, healing, and connection. The Mental Health Conference is happening Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 | 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at Gadsden State – Helderman Hall Auditorium.

Registration is only $25‼️
Scan the QR code on the flyer or click the link
https://ce.gadsdenstate.edu/gadsdenstate/Course/Course.aspx?c=53

❓Email: [email protected] or call 256-549-8652

Explore powerful topics that impact our communities every day:
☑️ Loneliness & Belonging
☑️Children’s Mental Health
☑️Grief, Trauma & Survival
☑️COVID Related PTSD in Nursing
☑️Substance Abuse
☑️The 10 Deadly Sins of Mental Health

Join us for dynamic speakers, CEUs (6), lunch, and positive networking opportunities. Let’s move beyond the breaking point—together.

Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden State Skills Training Division
Gadsden State Workforce Development

09/18/2026

Could Alabama AHEC Scholars be right for you?

You may be a great fit if you are curious about rural and under-resourced communities, enjoy collaborating across health professions, and want to grow your communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.

You do not need to have it all figured out. Bring curiosity, dependability, and a willingness to learn.

Cohort 9 applications are open: https://www.alahec.org/scholars/

Department of Family and Community Medicine National AHEC Organization

09/01/2026

This National Recovery Month, SAMHSA reminds us that recovery happens together. Strong community partnerships can connect people with treatment, peer support, and lifesaving resources.

Did you know that through a partnership between the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Jefferson County Department of Health, anyone in Alabama can complete free naloxone training and request a free kit? Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose, and in 2025, ADMH distributed 47,325 kits statewide.

Partnerships like this help save lives by putting naloxone and overdose-response training into more hands.

Get trained: https://jcdh.org/SitePages/Programs-Services/CommunityHealth/SubstanceUseAndAddiction/NaloxoneTraining.aspx

For 24/7 peer support and treatment referrals, call 1-844-307-1760. For immediate crisis support, call or text 988.

08/21/2026

Are you a graduate-level health professions student passionate about improving health outcomes in rural and under-resourced Alabama communities?

The Alabama AHEC Scholars Program is part of a national initiative preparing future health professionals to serve rural and under-resourced communities. Through interprofessional learning, leadership development, and hands-on community experiences, Scholars collaborate with peers across Alabama, gain valuable workforce experience, and support the health of Alabamians statewide.

Applications for Alabama AHEC Scholars Cohort 9 are now open!

Eligible disciplines include Medicine (MD/DO), Dentistry, Clinical Psychology, Physician Assistant Studies, Nurse Practitioner programs, Pharmacy, Optometry, and Nurse Midwifery.

Learn more: https://www.alahec.org/scholars/

UAB Heersink School of Medicine
Department of Family and Community Medicine

08/06/2026

In 2025, Health Center Program awardees served 316,993 people across Alabama.

That care takes a team: physicians, nurses, behavioral health and dental professionals, pharmacists, care coordinators, Community Health Workers, and many others working together to meet local needs.

As part of this broader workforce, Alabama AHEC is helping expand the state’s Community Health Worker workforce, strengthening connections between people, resources, and care.

During National Health Center Week, we recognize the many professionals who make community-based care possible across Alabama.

Learn More about Alabama's 2025 Health Center Program Data: https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/healthcenters/uds/overview/state/AL