Discover the Opportunities Available in Health Careers

Northwest Indiana Area Health Education Center Presentation Christine Brletic, MA Ed., NBCT Associate Director

What the Heck is AHEC? Federally funded organizations Designed to promote and support health professions By educating, recruiting and retaining practitioners In order to reduce shortages and increase care for those in underserved areas throughout the United States

Health Professional Shortage Areas in Indiana

AHEC MISSION: Increase… DIVERSITY DISTRIBUTION QUALITY of Health Care Providers

AHEC METHODS: Provide (K-12 Pipeline) 1. Provide EDUCATION (K-12 Pipeline) Educating students about opportunities available in health careers and attempting to increase minority students’ interest in these professions through enrichment activities Provide (Health Prof. Students) 2. Provide EXPERIENCES (Health Prof. Students) Exposing students to the needs of the underserved and providing experiences working with these populations Provide (Practicing Professionals) 3. Provide SUPPORT (Practicing Professionals) Assisting with resources, access to technology and continuing education opportunities for practitioners working in rural or underserved areas.

EDUCATION PROCESS EDUCATION (K-12 Pipeline) PROCESS Identify Target Schools Solicit Schools Develop Partnerships Implement Programs

Identifying Target Schools (based on 3 criteria) location (underserved areas on map) enrollment (large minority population) disadvantaged status (determined by percentage of free & reduced lunch statistics as reported on DOE website) *Combined total of at least 30% to qualify as disadvantaged*

Soliciting Schools (several approaches) “Straight to the Top” Approach contact superintendent, schedule appointment introduce AHEC and programming available to schools Cold Calls to Principals Mass Mailings (letters and faxes) to Schools “Roundabout” Approach “Roundabout” Approach direct contact with faculty/staff-speak with Counselors, Teachers, or Nurses

Developing Partnerships Each schools operates differently regarding policies, procedures, and protocols: Verbal Commitment Principal Approval Written Commitment (LOA) Board Approval Work through Curriculum Coordinator or Career/Occupations Coordinator Eventually leading to Implementation of Programs

FREQUENT BARRIERS Newness & Unfamiliarity of AHEC (unknown organization) Academic Probation of School (failure to perform & pass proficiency requirements)Turnover (in staff and administration) Other Priorities (more important issues to deal with)

Most Successful Strategies Partnering with Well Known Agencies 1. Partnering with Well Known Agencies ISDH, Minority Health Coalition or Endorsements from State Dept. of Education (more established reputation & clout than AHEC) Correlating Programming with State 2. Correlating Programming with State Standards and Educational Requirements Standards and Educational Requirements Address State Initiatives and Requirements 3. Address State Initiatives and Requirements Senate Enrolled Act 111 addresses issues of wellness nutrition and physical activity Knowing someone in the school system 4. Knowing someone in the school system

For more information contact our AHEC office contact our AHEC office NWI AHEC Purdue University Calumet Academic Learning Center 9900 Connecticut Dr. Crown Point, Indiana (219) FAX(219) THANK YOU