FORWARD NM Area Health Education Center
FNM AHEC Advisory Board – NM AHEC Scholars Program – Rural Rotations/Internships – Health Careers – Continuing Education
The vision of the Center for Health Innovation (CHI) Frontier and Rural Workforce Development New Mexico (FORWARD NM) program is to enhance access to quality health care, particularly primary and preventive care, by improving the supply and distribution of healthcare professionals through community and academic educational partnerships.
Studies show that rural, poor and minority students are more likely to enter into primary health care practice and more likely to serve in communities and populations similar to their own. Training experience in Primary Care settings and the location of a Primary Care residency program also impacts a person’s decision to practice in those places. From these studies, we developed the FORWARD NM model for communities to “Grow Their Own.” Check out our programs page to learn how FORWARD NM is helping communities grow the health care professionals of the future.
Forward NM is also a National Network of Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) and provides priority workforce development, community health support services, primary care, and primary care support disciplines to underserved populations. AHEC connects students to health careers, health professionals to communities, and communities to better health. Visit our Facebook Page for more information on our upcoming events and efforts.
Offices
In 2012, FORWARD NM received federal designation to become the third Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in New Mexico. The New Mexico Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) include the Program Office at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, the Montañas del Norte AHEC (affiliated with Luna Community College) in Las Vegas, Southern AHEC (also affiliated with CHI) in Las Cruces and FORWARD NM (affiliated with CHI) in Silver City. In addition, our many established community partnerships with public educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and professional organizations contribute to our success.
The FORWARD NM workforce model was initially developed in 2010 through a network of five healthcare partners from southwest New Mexico. The program has grown to include over 40 stakeholders, including state institutions of higher education, community organizations and many health care professionals.
If you have any questions please contact us.
