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It's hard to believe that four years has passed since I began working as the Executive Director of SWCAHEC. As a health occupations and community building capacity organization, we have grown, expanded our programs, and mentored students interested in healthcare. However, what I've learned, is that no one’s capacity has been built more than mine! Everyday I come to work, I learn from my highly educated, innovative and creative colleagues; from my inspiring partners; and from the community members, health professionals and students who participate in our programs. We engage in conversations about health in rural and underserved communities and explore ways to both address emerging health issues and celebrate community and individual resilience, so we can become more effective and empathetic health professionals. I'm inspired and in awe of the people around me, and the ways in which we are all working together to increase access to high quality and inclusive health services in our community.
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Our programs continue to expand, and we have many more exciting opportunities for learning ahead. Thank you for supporting our programs, and please reach out and let us know how we can support you.
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Kate Hartzell
Executive Director, SWCAHEC
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AHEC Scholars is our enrichment program for health professions students interested in serving rural and underserved communities. Dyllon Mills, the coordinator for the program, has worked hard to recruit, train, and support our students. Under his care, the program has flourished, with seventeen graduates in the last year. We will be recruiting our next cohort of scholars in August, so please reach out to Dyllon for more information and an application at [email protected]
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The 2023 Health Careers Institute was a huge success!
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Thirty one students from all over the Four Corners came to the Fort Lewis College campus to learn about health careers and to be inspired by area health professionals. Thank you to the Telluride Foundation for their generous funding and to all of the wonderful volunteers who invested their time and enthusiasm in our next generation of health professionals. As this year’s Health Career’s Institute Director, Chelsie Begoody created a wonderful event! Her dedication to students and hard work on behalf of all involved in the Institute was exemplary. Thank you, Chelsie!
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A Tribute to Mr. Bud Martin
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The primary goal of SWCAHEC is to improve access to quality health care services in our eight-county region. One way we accomplish this goal is to increase the number of rural healthcare providers through our partnership with health professional degree programs in Colorado.
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SWCAHEC arranges housing and service-learning opportunities for health professions students in rural clinical rotations in Southwestern Colorado. Our host homes help us accomplish this vitally important goal of bringing primary care providers to our region to live, work and play.
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No one embodied the spirit of our host home program more than Mr. Bud Martin. Bud hosted students for 30 years and truly represented the kindness and hospitality of our region. He generously shared his home, his love of the Four Corners, and his pies! Bud became a part of our student’s lives, attending weddings and maintaining contact for years. When Bud passed away in May of 2022, our community lost a gentleman who knew what it meant to nurture our next generation of healthcare providers.
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Thank you Bud, and thank you to Bud’s kind family and neighbors (especially Karen!) for your graciousness and neighborliness. You are forever in our hearts and we are grateful for the love and care you have shown to so many students over the years.
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Interested in being a host home and changing the life of a student? Reach out to Kate Hartzell at [email protected] for more information.
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New Virtual Dementia Tour Training!
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As part of our health professions training suite, SWCAHEC is now offering the Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT). The VDT is an evidence-based dementia simulation that facilities discussion and learning about Dementia as a disease. To create a realistic experience, participants are outfitted with devices that alter their senses while they attempt to complete common, everyday tasks.
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Participants gain insight into the physical and mental challenges those with dementia face. This simulation encourages discussion about the brain science behind our understanding of the disease and facilitates empathy for those struggling with Dementia. Contact April at [email protected] for more information about trainings.
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Colorado Area Health Education Center Health Occupations Promoting Equity (COAHEC H.O.P.E.)
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From July 9th through July 15th a total of 48 students from across Colorado had the opportunity to participate in the HOPE Institute. HOPE Institute took place at both the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
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The Institute offered a hands-on learning experience for participants and introduced multiple healthcare disciplines and allowed students to explore various areas of interest within the field. Throughout the program, students gained valuable skills and knowledge related to anatomy and physiology. They had the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of these subjects through interactive activities and practical demonstrations. This approach helped students develop a deeper understanding of the human body and its functions.
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SWCAHEC will begin recruiting 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students from any of the eight Colorado counties: Archuleta, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Montezuma, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel for the COAHEC HOPE Program. For more information, please contact Dyllon at [email protected]
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Fort Lewis College Community Health Worker Certificate
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SWCAHEC has developed a Community Health Worker Certificate for Fort Lewis College. Beginning Fall 2023, students at Fort Lewis can earn the 15 credit certificate by completing courses in Public Health, a Community Health Worker Foundations capstone course, and a practicum experience that exposes students to the Community Health Worker competencies in a hands-on way. Thank you to the Community Health Worker Curriculum Advisory Board for their advisement in the development of curricular content and program infrastructure. Next up….a community-based Community Health Worker training series.
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Missing from photo from left to right: Tehani Waahila, Tyra Johnson and Jessica Sanchez.
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SWCAHEC Regional Health Connector:
Meet Chelsie Begoody in her new role!
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RHCs work at the systems level, rather than with individuals and families, to bridge connections and leverage community assets and resources to address health needs in our region. As a part time RHC, Chelsie can support rural primary care clinics and community organizations through fostering connections and facilitating communication.
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She can participate in quarterly or monthly meetings, host education trainings around Native American Cultural food and health awareness, organize and hold cooking demonstrations and activities related to nutritious indigenous foods, and provide resources for community organizations, clinics and health systems like my Indigenous recipe booklet. Connect with the Regional Health Connector, Chelsie, at [email protected]
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Welcome Lovella to SWCAHEC's Internship Program
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“There are many opportunities for interns at SWCAHEC. The organization will be able to provide support and resources. SWCAHEC allows me to find my voice. There is no doubt this organization wants individuals to strive. The goal is to find your passion. Once you have your passion, SWCAHEC guides individuals to their full potential. This organization restores the idea of insight and provides positive ways for the region to be knowledgeable of health topics.”
– Lovella, Exercise Science Intern
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Upcoming Projects! Stay Tuned….
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SWCAHEC is working with area high schools and colleges to develop Medical Assistant Training programs. These programs will prepare students for the CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) exam. Medical Assistant training includes information related to the role in varied healthcare settings and will be offered as a combination of online and in-person classes. SWCAHEC is looking forward to supporting students, teachers, and faculty with support to facilitate student completion of this program and their successful certification as CCMAs.
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Generous funding from The Colorado Health Foundation, Rocky Mountain Health Foundation, and the Telligen Community Initiative will make these training programs free!
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Contact Kate Hartzell if you are interested in becoming a Medical Assistant at [email protected]
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