West Virginia Area Health Education Centers celebrate 25 years of building a rural health workforce

The West Virginia Area Health Education Centers (WV AHEC) proudly mark their 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of strengthening the healthcare workforce in rural and medically underserved communities across the Mountain State.

Since 2001, WV AHEC has worked tirelessly to increase access to quality healthcare by developing an interprofessional workforce prepared to meet the unique needs of West Virginia’s rural communities. Today, WV AHEC operates through a program office and five regional centers, covering 50 of the state’s 55 counties. Its initiatives include health career exploration and shadowing programs for high school students, immersive clinical rotations for health professions students and residents, and continuing education for practicing providers—all designed to recruit, train, and retain healthcare professionals where they are needed most.

“This milestone reflects the dedication of our partners, educators, and community leaders who share our commitment to rural health,” said Dr. Brianna Sheppard, director of WV AHEC.

A Legacy Rooted in Innovation

The WV AHEC story began decades earlier with a visionary federal investment. In the early 1970s, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) launched the national AHEC program to address health workforce shortages. That initial grant to West Virginia laid the foundation for the creation of the West Virginia University Charleston Division regional medical campus, expanding medical education opportunities and strengthening rural health training statewide. This pivotal development continues to influence WVU’s leadership in rural health education today.

Impact Over 25 Years

• Healthcare Career Exploration: Thousands of high school students have explored health careers through WV AHEC programs, inspiring the next generation of rural providers. For example, since 2018, 7,075 high school students have participated in WV AHEC health career exploration programs, with nearly 50% of program completers attending college in West Virginia. In 2024–2025 alone, 2,454 students engaged in health career activities, inspiring the next generation of rural providers.
• Clinical Training: Health professions students and residents gain hands-on experience in community-based settings, preparing them for practice in underserved areas.
• AHEC Scholars Program: WV AHEC has trained 224 Scholars since the program started in 2018 including medical, dental, nursing, behavioral health, and physician assistant students. Scholars report dramatic growth in confidence to serve rural and underserved communities—95% can describe team roles, and 90% understand social determinants of health.
• Health professions students and residents gain hands-on experience in community-based settings, preparing them for practice in underserved areas.

Looking Ahead

As WV AHEC enters its next chapter, the program remains committed to innovation and collaboration. Future priorities include expanding telehealth training, addressing behavioral health needs, and leveraging partnerships to strengthen rural health systems.

Join us in celebrating 25 years of impact and the promise of a healthier future for all West Virginians.

For more information, visit health.wvu.edu/ahec.