What 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).

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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.  See the National AHEC Annual snapshot to learn about our collective impact.
   

• The AHECs were created to link the resources of university health science centers with local planning, educational and clinical resources.
  Learn more about what AHECs do.
  
  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 (see map to the right).​​​