On Saturday September 28th, Maine AHEC Scholars participated in the annual AHEC Community Engagement Expo, where they heard from representatives from community-based organizations about opportunities to get involved in various activities relating to health equity in the Southern Maine area. The following are opportunities Scholars learned about during this event:
- Cumberland County Jail Wellness Expos – Scholars will design and deliver health and wellness activities and presentations to the residents of the Cumberland County Jail.
- High School Workforce Diversity Pathways Program – Scholars will have the opportunity to connect with New Mainer High Schoolers about healthcare career exploration activities and discussions.
- Hearing & Vision Screenings with Biddeford Public Schools – Scholars will work with school nurses at 3 different Biddeford public schools to help administer State-mandated hearing and vision screenings in schools.
- Meal packing and delivery with The Community Gourmet – Scholars will work with the Community Gourmet to create nutritious and calorically appropriate meal and snack kits that are delivered to older adults and those experiencing housing insecurity in the Biddeford and Saco areas.
- Harm Reduction with the Portland Needle Exchange –Scholars will work with Portland Public Health’s harm reduction department to help with the Needle Exchange and other harm reduction initiatives associated with substance use disorder.
- SPUR Clinic with Portland Public Health (Screening, Prioritization, and Urgent Referrals) -Scholars will work with providers at Portland Public Health to help New Mainers find and secure a primary care provider and help provide basic health screenings services.
- AHEC Scholars in clinical programs received hands on training to administer influenza vaccinations. These scholars will help support the UNE on-campus flu clinics as well as community-based flu clinics in partnership with Portland Public Health.
ENROLLMENT:
The AHEC Scholars Program had a record number of strong applicants this for the 2024-2025 cohort. 53 Scholars from UNE’s Dental Medicine, Medical, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy programs, Tuft’s Maine Track Medical Program, and MCD Global’s Community Health Worker training program.