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Alaska AHEC Celebrates 20 Years of Impact with Legislative Citation
by Kevin Bennett |
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The Alaska Area Health Education Center (AHEC) team gathered to celebrate receiving a Legislative Citation from the Alaska Legislature, honoring 20 years of dedicated work. The recognition celebrates AHEC’s crucial role in strengthening the state’s health care workforce and promoting health equity across Alaska. (Photo by Kevin Bennett, UAA Alaska Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce) -
Alaska AHEC Director Gloria Burnett addresses attendees, reflecting on two decades of impact. The anniversary event highlighted AHEC’s enduring commitment to providing quality health education and building the next generation of health care leaders in Alaska. (Photo by Kevin Bennett, UAA Alaska Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce) -
A close look at the Legislative Citation formally presented to the Alaska Area Health Education Center. The document acknowledges AHEC’s success in engaging students and advancing programs vital to Alaska's rural and urban health communities. (Photo by Kevin Bennett, UAA Alaska Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce) -
A truly Alaskan surprise. A moose stopped by the University of Alaska Anchorage campus to peek in on the Alaska AHEC 20th Anniversary celebration. (Photo by Kevin Bennett, UAA Alaska Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce)
Oct. 3, 2025, was a big day for the Alaska Area Health Education Center (AHEC), which is proudly housed within the UAA College of Health! AHEC marked its 20th anniversary with a special legislative citation from the Alaska State Legislature—a well-deserved recognition for two decades of crucial work.
This citation isn't just a piece of paper; it honors the center’s tireless dedication to strengthening Alaska’s health workforce, especially in rural and underserved communities. It highlights Alaska AHEC's ongoing commitment to improving health care access for all Alaskans.
“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Alaska AHEC, we must also recognize and acknowledge the dire need for advocacy for continued support,” said Gloria Burnett, Director of the Alaska AHEC Program. “AHECs are federally funded and in jeopardy of reductions or elimination. As we reflect on the success, longevity, and community impact of the AHEC, it is now more important than ever to respond to calls of action for the continuation of the AHEC to meet Alaska’s health workforce needs for future generations.”
Two Decades of Making a Difference
The citation commemorates the program’s founding in 2005 and its significant, sustained impact on our state’s health system. As the citation notes, Alaska AHEC plays a critical role in addressing health workforce shortages by providing essential training opportunities and supporting community-based health initiatives.
Over the years, AHEC has built powerful partnerships with hospitals, schools, Tribal organizations, and community groups. These collaborations are essential for creating viable pathways for students and professionals in health careers across the state.
AHEC’s Three Pillars of Success
Alaska AHEC’s success is built on three core pillars that guide its programming:
ENGAGE: Health Careers – Inspiring young Alaskans and community members to explore health professions through health camps, classroom presentations, and job shadowing. These programs give students hands-on experience and early exposure to vital careers like medicine, nursing, allied health, and behavioral health.
TRAIN: Health Professionals – Offering crucial clinical placements and training opportunities directly within rural and underserved areas. This equips health professionals with the practical skills, experience, and cultural understanding necessary to serve all of Alaska's diverse communities effectively.
RETAIN: Health Workforce – Supporting health professionals throughout their careers via continuing education, mentorship, and professional development. By providing these resources, AHEC helps maintain a sustainable, resilient workforce that can meet Alaska's unique challenges.
A True Alaskan Celebration
The legislative citation ceremony was a joyful and memorable occasion. Staff, dedicated community partners, and healthcare professionals gathered to celebrate this major milestone.
Looking back, Alaska AHEC has helped thousands of students explore health careers and supported hundreds of health professionals and organizations in some of our most remote regions. This recognition is a powerful testament to the dedication of AHEC staff, its regional partners, and the communities that make this work possible.
It underscores the program’s ongoing mission: to strengthen Alaska’s health workforce today and for the future—ensuring every Alaskan has access to quality care.
In a moment that only Alaska could deliver, a moose appeared to "congratulate" the team!
Want to be part of the solution? Learn more about the great work Alaska AHEC is doing at uaa.alaska.edu/ahec.
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