Celebrating 50 Years of Northwest AHEC

Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC), part of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Since 1974, Northwest AHEC has served as a primary resource for educational activities and services with a focus on primary care in rural communities and areas with less access to resources. Northwest AHEC provides advanced training to health care professionals and students to recruit, train and retain the workforce needed to create a healthy North Carolina.

Northwest AHEC was founded by Manson Meads, MD, Richard Janeway, MD, and Emory Miller, MD, and was born out of a vision to enhance health care accessibility in northwest North Carolina. Its mission remains dedicated to providing and supporting educational activities and services to create a healthy community.

Northwest AHEC’s service area encompasses 17 counties in northwest North Carolina: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Iredell, Rowan, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes and Yadkin.

Over the past 50 years, Northwest AHEC has trained thousands of healthcare professionals, ranging from physicians and nurses to allied health workers and administrators. Its programs have adapted to meet evolving health care needs, ensuring a skilled workforce. Northwest AHEC has actively engaged with local communities, promoting health literacy, preventive care and access to health care services.

The community of Northwest AHEC spans generations and includes leaders in healthcare across various specialties. Their success stories highlight the enduring impact of Northwest AHEC’s training and mentorship.

"Northwest AHEC isn't just an institution; it's a testament to the power of people,” said Karen Fritz, a recently retired program coordinator for Northwest AHEC. Fritz spent 46 with Northwest AHEC. “From fostering exceptional education to tackling challenges, it's always been about the people—their dedication, their impact and their unwavering commitment to excellence. That's why, looking back over 50 years, Northwest AHEC remains the standard all should aspire to, defining longevity and success through consistency in customer service, education, and above all, the people who make it all possible."

Northwest AHEC continues to embrace technology and integrate cutting-edge tools and methodologies into its educational programs to prepare health care professionals for the digital era. Northwest AHEC has navigated challenges such as healthcare reform, demographic shifts, and public health crises. Its resilience and adaptability have ensured continued service excellence.

“As Northwest AHEC celebrates 50 years of achievement, we look forward to continuing its legacy of excellence in health care education, innovation and community service,” said Michael Lischke, EdD, director of Northwest AHEC and associate professor of family and community medicine. “The organization remains committed to shaping the future of health care through education and collaboration. In the next 10 years, we aim to partner with stakeholders across our region to help recruit, train and retain the needed health professionals to care for all citizens as we continue our mission to create a healthier North Carolina.”

Learn more about the 50 years of Northwest AHEC impact in the community.