What the Heck is AHEC?

Area Health Education Centers were established in 1972 to address the shortage of primary care physicians and healthcare professionals across the country. There are currently over 300 Area Health Education Centers nationwide that are working to fill critical gaps in the healthcare workforce. The purpose of AHEC is to create programs that teach and recruit quality healthcare professionals to serve rural and underserved populations.

The Idaho AHEC Program Office

Our goal is to grow strategic partnerships to address healthcare workforce shortages in Idaho.

The Idaho AHEC Program Office supports four Area Health Education Centers throughout Idaho that each promote four core activities: 

• AHEC Scholars
• Continuing Education
• Pathways and Pipeline Projects
• Community-Based Experiential Training

Our Goals

• 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.