Maine AHEC Network receives Rural Health Leadership Award

The Maine Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Network was recently recognized by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) during National Rural Health Day 2019.

The Maine AHEC Network was one of three recipients to receive the Rural Health Leadership Award, given to providers, administrators, or support personnel who have committed themselves to providing care to the rural and underserved residents of Maine.

National Rural Health Day honors the efforts of those serving the health needs of an estimated 57 million people across the nation. In Maine, 40% of the state's 1.3 million residents live in rural areas and are served by health professionals and volunteers in a range of settings, such as clinics, medical offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and their own homes.

The Maine AHEC Network's mission is to alleviate health workforce shortages in rural and underserved areas of the state.

Jen Gunderman, director of the Maine AHEC program, accepted the award during a ceremony at the Maine Statehouse.