What the heck is an AHEC?

• The U.S. Congress created the National Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) programs in 1971 as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

• The AHECs were created to link the resources of university health science centers with local planning, educational and clinical resources.

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• Today, this network of health-related institutions provides multidisciplinary educational services to students, faculty and local practitioners, ultimately improving the quality and delivery of healthcare in medically underserved areas throughout the U.S.

• This network was established by Dr. Richard Krugman in 1977.  Today, the Colorado AHEC Program Office is under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor of Health Affairs at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. There are six regional AHEC offices that serve as liaisons between the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and local communities.