About the North Dakota AHEC

The purpose of the North Dakota AHEC program is to develop and enhance education and training networks within communities, academic institutions, and community-based organizations. In turn, these networks seek to increase diversity among health professionals, broaden the distribution of health workforce, enhance healthcare quality, and improve healthcare delivery to rural and underserved populations.

North Dakota AHEC includes two regional centers located in Mayville (Eastern) and Velva (Western), along with a program office located in the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences.

Established in September 2008, the North Dakota AHEC consists of:

• Eastern AHEC
• Western AHEC
• State HOSA Advisor

North Dakota AHEC's Partners

The North Dakota AHEC works in close collaboration with its partners to identify areas of need, leverage financial and personnel resources, in an effort to expand existing programs, develop new programs, and reduce duplication amongst partners throughout the state.

• Center for Rural Health
• University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Mayville State University

Background Information

The AHEC program was developed by Congress in 1971 to recruit, train, and retain health professionals committed to underserved populations. The national program was designed with the objective of eliminating Health Professional Shortage Areas. The AHEC program was designed to encourage universities and educators to look beyond their institutions and partner with communities to promote cooperative solutions with local benefits.

Our Funding

The AHEC is supported by a federal Health Services Resources Administration Bureau of Health Professions grant which requires a 1:1 federal/non-federal match, as well as state-appropriated funds.