Business Details
Your Trusted Healthcare Education Partner in Erie, PA
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing access to high-quality healthcare through education, partnerships, and community-focused initiatives. Established to address healthcare disparities in rural and underserved communities across Northwest Pennsylvania, we work closely with local governments, educational institutions, and healthcare providers to develop a diverse, interdisciplinary workforce. Our programs, including the AHEC Scholars initiative and Community Health Worker Training, aim to increase representation from minority and underserved populations in primary care and allied health professions.We also conduct public health needs assessments and provide technical assistance to improve community health outcomes. With a focus on cultural competence and interprofessional collaboration, we prepare future healthcare professionals to deliver responsive, holistic care in rapidly evolving healthcare systems. Our efforts extend to mental health education, poverty simulations, and health literacy programs, ensuring comprehensive support for both practitioners and the communities they serve.
Services
Health Education Programs
AHEC Scholars Program
Community Health Worker Training
Poverty Simulation
Mental Health First Aid
Highlights and features
- We specialize in rural and underserved healthcare education with 20+ years of community impact.
- Our AHEC Scholars program offers interdisciplinary training for future healthcare professionals.
- We provide technical assistance for public health needs assessments and improvement plans.
- Our Community Health Worker Training bridges gaps in preventative care access.
- We partner with educational institutions to create pathways into healthcare careers.
Services
AHEC Scholars Program
The AHEC Scholars Program prepares health profession students for rural and underserved care through interdisciplinary training. Participants gain experience in cultural competence, behavioral health, and community-based care while addressing social determinants of health. This two-year program combines clinical rotations with didactic learning to develop holistic, adaptable healthcare professionals.
Community Health Worker Training
Community Health Worker Training develops trusted advocates who connect underserved populations with preventative care and address mental health stigma. Workers receive skills to navigate healthcare systems, improve health literacy, and build trust within vulnerable communities through culturally competent outreach and education initiatives.
Poverty Simulation
Our Poverty Simulation creates awareness about economic challenges through immersive experiences. Participants engage in scenarios that demonstrate barriers to healthcare access, fostering empathy and inspiring community-driven solutions to address systemic poverty-related health disparities.
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid teaches recognition and response techniques for mental health crises. Participants learn to identify early warning signs, provide initial support, and connect individuals with appropriate care resources for mental health and substance use disorders.
Health Education Programs
Health Education Programs offer continuing education and technical assistance for healthcare providers. We focus on practice transformation, cultural competency, and innovative care delivery models to improve outcomes in rural and underserved communities through evidence-based training and resources.
People
Jamie Murphy
Executive Director
Jamie Murphy leads NW PA AHEC's strategic initiatives to improve healthcare access through education and community partnerships. With extensive experience in public health, she oversees workforce development programs and collaborates with regional stakeholders to address healthcare disparities.
Rachel Barnes
Director of Health Education Training
Rachel Barnes directs health education programs that connect students with clinical training opportunities. She develops partnerships with educational institutions to create pathways into healthcare careers while ensuring training aligns with community health needs.
Camryn Slezak
Health Educator
Camryn Slezak implements community health initiatives including mental health training and health worker programs. She focuses on improving health literacy and addressing social determinants of health through culturally competent education and outreach to underserved populations.
Questions
What is the mission of Northwest PA AHEC?
We improve healthcare access through education, workforce development, and community partnerships in rural and underserved areas of Northwest Pennsylvania.
What services do you offer for healthcare professionals?
We provide training programs, continuing education, public health needs assessments, and technical assistance for primary care practitioners.
Which counties do you serve?
We serve 15 counties in Northwest Pennsylvania, including Erie, Butler, Clarion, and Warren.
How can students participate in your programs?
Students can join the AHEC Scholars Program, clinical rotations, or health career exploration initiatives for hands-on experience in underserved settings.
What community health initiatives do you support?
We offer poverty simulations, mental health first aid training, and Community Health Worker programs to address social determinants of health.
How do you partner with educational institutions?
We collaborate with schools to create healthcare career pathways and provide training opportunities for students in medicine, nursing, and allied health fields.
