The 2011 Arizona AHEC annual report is available and provides snapshots of how our academic-community partnerships enhance health professions workforce development and improve health disparities among Arizona's rural and urban underserved residents.

Arizona has a physician shortage. The state ranks 35th in the country with 218.3 physicians per 100,000 population compared to the national average of 255.8/100,000. In Arizona there are 14,398 active allopathic physicians and 1,615 active osteopathic physicians. To arrive at the national average we would need an additional 2,475 physicians (a 15% increase over the current number).

The Arizona Workforce Study report was submitted to the Arizona AHEC this month. This document was produced by the Arizona Rural Health Office (RHO), The University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and funded by the Arizona Area Health Education Centers Program (AzAHEC). A copy of the report is available for download by clicking the link below this post.

The GVAHEC is offering a new CE program that is spreading on all across the country to assist veterans returning from war in Iraq and Afganistan and their families; Titled "Painting a Moving Train" this training reviews the recognizable signs of post traumatic stress disorders and how health care professionals can apply therapeutic strategies and resources to assist veterans and their families. It will be at the Arizona National Guard Conference Room; 1335 N. 52nd Street in Phoenix on Friday, November 20 from 8 AM through 4:30 PM. A $75 registration fee includes lunch and CME and CEU credit. Go to the GVAHEC website to learn more... info@gvahec.com All Arizona regional AHECs are encouraged to send at least one staff member to learn about this national continuing education curriculum for offerings throughout Arizona.