Steps to a Healthier Fayette County
Overview of Key Programs
Clinical Training Experiences in Rural and Urban Underserved Communities AHEC partners with health professions programs in a variety of disciplines to identify, develop and support community-based training experiences for health professions students. It is our hope that by exposing health professionals-in-training to the challenges and rewards of practice in underserved communities, they may choose to practice in these communities in the future. More about Health Professions Training Community Preceptor Faculty Development Southwest PA AHEC is committed to supporting community-based health professionals in their efforts to precept (teach) health professions students. Faculty Development programs, attended by over 400 health professionals to date, enable community preceptors to gain information and develop skills necessary for the effective precepting of students and incorporation of students into their practice. Current offerings, held at various community locations, include Essentials of Precepting, Health Literacy, and Quality Care for Diverse Populations. More about Faculty Development The Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program The Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program is one of eleven nationally that encourages health professions students to act on their idealism by emulating Dr. Albert Schweitzer's example of “Reverence for Life”. During their initial Fellowship year, Fellows design and implement direct service projects in collaboration with community agencies working with disadvantaged populations. Monthly interdisciplinary meetings focus on underserved issues and leadership development. In addition to nurturing the professional and personal development of over 190 future health professional leaders in service, Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows’ projects have contributed over 37,000 hours of direct service to disadvantaged populations in southwestern Pennsylvania. More about Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program Summer Health Career Academy The Summer Health Career Academy is a one-week health career exploration opportunity for 9th and 10th grade students, interested in health careers, from the 7-county Southwest PA region. The Academy, designated as a Regional Summer School of Excellence by the PA Department of Education, affords students the opportunity for hands-on health career exploration, interaction with health professionals and leadership development. The Academy is hosted at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In addition to learning about a variety of health careers, students gain hands-on experience in various procedures, including intubation, blood pressure reading, dental sealants, pulse oximetry, reflexes, eye and ear exams. Additionally, students participate in a simulated bioterrorism role play exercise and debate health policy issues. More about Health Career Academy
Continuing Education for Health Professionals
AHEC strives to meet unmet continuing education needs of community health professionals in underserved communities. In that regard, AHEC sponsors or co-sponsors offerings based on need, as well as serving as an information resource for professional development. Current AHEC offerings include the Faculty Development Series, Tobacco Cessation and Intervention Series for Medical and Dental Professionals, and Public Health Preparedness for Primary Care Professionals.
Steps to a Healthier PA-Fayette County
Southwest PA AHEC is partnering with the Fayette County Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) to implement this comprehensive initiative in Fayette County that addresses asthma, diabetes, obesity, nutrition, physical activity and tobacco in schools, workplaces, health care settings and the community. Goals include public health infrastructure & capacity building, health promotion, disease management, and communication.
More about Steps to a Healthier Fayette County
Science and Math Enrichment Programs
AHEC offers science and math enrichment programming to elementary and middle school students in the region. These programs, developed at the Baylor College of Medicine, focus on a discovery, hands-on approach to learning. The BrainLink program helps 4th-6th grade students learn about the brain and central nervous system through fun, experiential activities. Younger students, in grades 2-3, participate in My Health, My World to learn about health, nutrition and the environment through activities and story book readings.
Southwest Pennsylvania AHEC, Inc.
5614 Elgin St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 412-363-0185
Fax: 412-363-5084
