What is AHEC?

The Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) program was established in 1971 with the goal of improving access to quality primary health care in medically underserved areas.  This is accomplished through educational activities designed to recruit, train, and retain community-based health care personnel where they are most needed.

What is SAHEC?

Sandusky Area Health Education Center (SAHEC), serves communities in Sandusky, Wood, Seneca, Ottawa, Huron, and Erie counties. Community Health Services is proud to be the first Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Ohio to host an AHEC.

SAHEC works exclusively with the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, to place their third and fourth-year medical students in clinical training rotations with local physicians.  This provides medical students the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom and experience local communities. This benefits students and the community as well. Often students who may not have considered a practice in an underserved area, are inspired by their rotations to consider a career caring for these communities.

What is AHEC Scholars? 

AHEC Scholars is an exclusive program open to all health profession students interested in gaining additional training and team-based clinical experiences working in rural areas, and other underserved populations.

AHEC Scholars Program Outline

• 40 hours of classroom-based didactic experience per year
• 40 hours of team-based clinical training and community experiences per year
• Two-year commitment required
• Cohorts begin each fall

What are the benefits of participating in AHEC Scholars?

Participation in AHEC Scholars provides students with a variety of benefits including:

• $500 annual stipend
• Participation in professional conferences 
• Clinical and community experiences

Who can apply for AHEC Scholars? 

The program is open to students in disciplines that support primary health care services in both clinical and non-clinical roles.  Applicants must be entering the final two years of their degree program.

To apply for the AHEC Scholars program, or if you have questions, please contact the SAHEC office.

CONTACT US:

Sophie Aldrich, Executive Director
Community Health Services
5734 Fremont Pike
Stony Ridge, OH 43463

419-359-5877
SAHEC@FremontCHS.com

NationalAHEC.org    /   CHSOhio.com