WCAAHEC, also known as West Central Alabama Area Health Education Center (AHEC), is a non-profit organization committed to expanding the health care workforce and improving access to healthcare in underserved communities. Established by Congress in 1971, AHECs aim to increase the quantity, diversity, and distribution of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Research has demonstrated that positive changes in these three areas lead to enhanced community health and improved access to care.

WCAAHEC offers various programs and services to support its mission. For high school students, they provide health exploration programs to introduce them to a wide range of health careers. Undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate-level health profession programs can benefit from their preparatory resources.

Additionally, they offer programs for health profession students interested in primary care practice and organize a yearly veterans community mental health summit. Through their clinical sites and services, WCAAHEC supports healthcare providers, offering resources for retaining healthcare professionals and addressing the opioid crisis. They also provide community projects and resources related to COVID-19.

WCAAHEC's dedicated team works closely with schools to prepare disadvantaged and underrepresented students for health careers, facilitate shadowing opportunities, and coordinate college tours and health career summer camps. To learn more about their programs, events, and donation opportunities, visit their website or get in touch with them via email or phone. WCAAHEC is driven by a commitment to improving health outcomes for communities in West Central Alabama and beyond