Southern Area Health Education Center
Mission — Staff — Advisory Board — Health Careers — AHEC Scholars
AVAILABLE NOW: Resource Lists for our 13-County service area for COVID-19
The National Network of Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) provide 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 upcoming events and efforts.
Offices
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, Forward NM (affiliated with CHI) in Silver City, and Southern AHEC (also affiliated with CHI) in Las Cruces. In addition, our many established community partnerships with public educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and professional organizations contribute to our success.
SoAHEC serves Chaves, Cibola, Doña Ana, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Lincoln, Otero, Roosevelt, Sierra, Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia counties in New Mexico.
Demand for Health Professionals
In the state of New Mexico, there are not enough healthcare professionals to meet the population’s need for healthcare services. The demand for healthcare workers and providers is much greater than the number of graduates. Nationally, the state ranks low in terms of the number of dentists, nurses, physicians, pharmacists, nurse aids, psychologists, and healthcare workers in general. This means that there are more jobs than there are health professionals to fill them! Being a healthcare professional opens doors to opportunities that will help you find employment, a good salary, and a sense of satisfaction that comes from helping others improve their quality of life. Best of all, as a health professional, you will have the chance to serve and give back to your communities!