02/23/2026
Congress recently approved $47 million in FY26 funding for the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) program, reinforcing a national investment in strengthening the healthcare workforce at a time of ongoing shortages, especially in primary care and rural communities.
AHECs play a vital role in building pathways into health careers, supporting clinical training, and providing continuing education for practicing professionals.
In 2024–2025 alone, AHECs:
Reached more than 621,000 participants
Engaged over 272,000 students in healthcare pathway programs
Facilitated nearly 30,000 clinical training rotations, many in primary care settings and communities with the greatest need
This continued bipartisan support helps ensure AHECs will continue to prepare the next generation of health professionals to serve where they are needed most.
Read the full press release to learn more about the impact of this funding:
https://bit.ly/3OQspKR
