Pipeline Programs


 One way of increasing the primary care workforce in rural areas is to recruit and retain current medical professionals, influencing them to want to live and practice in small towns.  Another method is to encourage people already living in rural areas to consider entering into primary health care fields.  One of the key activities that AHEC does comes under the heading of "Pipeline Programs".  We work with middle schools in rural areas throughout the state to introduce young students to information about a variety of health care careers, including public health.  This is a long-range "grow your own workforce" initiative.   Our "Orientation to Health Care Careers" program has been successfully piloted in Mountain Home and in Weiser.

With support from the Idaho Office of Rural Health and Primary Care,  ID-AHEC is now prepared to take this program to additional communities throughout Idaho.   To accomplish this goal we will partner with the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).
HOSA currently has a strong infrastructure of leadership programs in high schools throughout Idaho.  By working with HOSA advisers and students in rural communities we will be able to team together to create programs that are planned and carried out by local people who know the needs and the resources of their communities.  ID-AHEC will provide key program elements and funding, along with technical assistance.  The HOSA advisers and students will  set up and carry out the programs, offering after-school sessions to groups of sixth graders.

We look forward to partnering with HOSA to bring this key pipeline program into new regions throughout Idaho.  For further information, contact Idaho AHEC.