This bi-annual conference provides rural preceptors the opportunity to receive preceptor development and continuing education credits, and to build linkages with community partners. The next conference is scheduled for September 25-27, 2020.
Established in 1977 to recruit, retain and educate health care professionals in rural areas, the Colorado AHEC System’s mandate has been expanded by the federal government and the University to be the outreach arm of academia. The scope of this relationship has increased to include preceptor development, student service learning projects, research, clinical services and a host of other undertakings. The success of our mission is dependent on the communities we serve.
Looking to the Future
We need to consider the change in COAHEC goals that occurred with the renewal of the HRSA grant in 2017, that carries through. The new goals are outlined below to 2022.
Goal 1: Diversity: Increase the potential for secondary, college, and health profess students from underrepresented populations, educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, and rural areas to successfully pursue a health profession career with an emphasis in public health.
Goal 2: Distribution: Increase
the potential for health profession students in medicine, dentistry, nursing,
pharmacy, public health and allied health to practice in an underserved rural
or urban community by immersing them in a rural or an underserved community
experiences through Community-Based Education Training Programs, Field
Placements, and Interprofessional Education and Training; and, provide access to evidence-based health information, accredited high-quality continuing education programs and support for health professionals serving in rural and medically underserved in Colorado.
Goal 3: Practice Transformation: Facilitate and support practice transformation of Colorado's healthcare system by promoting a patient-centered approach, addressing social determinants of health through a team-based, data-centered method with a focus on improving quality and community health outcomes in rural and medically underserved areas.