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Panhandle Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

Panhandle Area Health Education Center (AHEC), located in the Harrington Academic Hall of the West Texas A&M University Amarillo Center, is one of six West Texas AHEC regional centers supporting the rural and underserved areas of West Texas. 

Panhandle AHEC serves the top 20 counties of the Texas Panhandle: Armstrong, Carson, Collingsworth, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, and Wheeler.

AHEC Panhandle Counties

Mission

The mission of Panhandle AHEC is to address the healthcare provider shortage and improve healthcare access in the top 20 counties of the Texas Panhandle through education and development of the healthcare workforce.

 To accomplish this mission, Panhandle AHEC focuses on the following strategies:

  • Promote and educate high school students on health careers through a variety of educational materials and training equipment.
  • Support health professions students and programs with supplemental education and training of materials to enhance students' knowledge and experience in providing care to rural and underserved communities.
  • Provide accredited and affordable continuing education opportunities for healthcare professionals.
  • Collaborate with community health providers and local organizations to address community healthcare workforce needs affecting recruitment and retention.

AHECs work closely with high schools, community colleges and universities, community-based health care professionals, and community leaders who share the same interests in addressing the health care provider shortages in the rural areas of West Texas.

Some of these organizations and partners include:

  • Texas Rural Health Association
  • National Rural Health Association
  • Panhandle Behavioral Health Alliance
  • Coalition of Health Services

 

Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board is comprised of individuals who represent various healthcare fields, regional service organizations, and the general community.  We meet quarterly to strengthen our relationships with community members, discuss our programs and initiatives, and provide recommendations as we work to address the healthcare provider shortages in the rural areas of the Texas Panhandle.

The support and guidance provided to us from our members is invaluable!  If you are interested in serving as an Advisory Board member, contact us at pahec@wtamu.edu