Southeast Arizona Area Health Education Center, Inc. (SEAHEC)

Overview

The Southeast Arizona Area Health Education Center, Inc. (SEAHEC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of rural and underserved communities in Southeast Arizona. SEAHEC focuses its efforts on advocacy, education, and action to address health disparities, particularly among migrant and rural border populations.

Mission and Vision

SEAHEC's mission is to enhance the health of these communities through collaborative efforts with various partners. Its vision is to serve as a hub for migrant and rural border health advocacy, education, and action. SEAHEC aims to create a model for community development and health equity, often highlighted through successful projects like the Winchester Heights community empowerment initiative.

History

Established in 1985 as the first Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in Arizona, SEAHEC has a rich history of community health initiatives. Over the years, it has conducted numerous projects and programs designed to improve health outcomes. These include training community health workers, conducting health education programs, and addressing specific health challenges such as diabetes and substance abuse among seniors.

Programs and Activities

SEAHEC offers a range of programs:

• Continuing Education: SEAHEC provides continuing education opportunities for health professionals, including physicians, nurses, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, to enhance healthcare quality in underserved areas[4].

• Community Engagement: Through service learning projects, SEAHEC engages communities in health equity initiatives. This includes hosting events and supporting local health infrastructure development.

• COVID-19 Response: SEAHEC has been actively involved in COVID-19 vaccination and education efforts within the Arizona-Mexico border region.

• Migrant and Rural Health Advocacy: The organization advocates for policies and practices that improve health access and outcomes for migrant and border populations.

Recognition and Awards

SEAHEC has received various awards and grants for its work. It was recognized as the Non-Profit of the Year by the Arizona Community Foundation of Cochise in 2018 and received the Rural Health Program of the Year award from the Arizona Rural Health Association in 2019. Additionally, SEAHEC was awarded the National AHEC Organization Center of Excellence for Community Programs in 2021[2].

Activities and Partnerships

SEAHEC collaborates with a diverse network of partners, including community health centers, schools, and government agencies, to achieve its mission. Its partnerships help strengthen health workforce development and improve access to healthcare services in rural and tribal communities.