WCAHEC, also known as Western Colorado Area Health Education Center, is a reputable brand that has been providing crucial services to the rural healthcare community since its establishment in 1978. As one of the six Area Health Education Centers in Colorado, WCAHEC aims to promote healthier communities through education and other healthcare quality improvement services. Covering thirteen counties on Colorado's Western Slope, WCAHEC offers a wide range of products and services.

They provide personal healthcare learning experiences for consumers and offer professional learning experiences for healthcare providers. WCAHEC also facilitates clinical training opportunities for health professions students in rural communities and offers continuing education programs for health professionals in remote areas. In addition, WCAHEC focuses on youth programs to increase interest and awareness in health professions training.

They collaborate with various community organizations and institutions of higher learning to improve the quality and distribution of healthcare providers in their region. As a non-profit, community-based organization, WCAHEC is governed by a dedicated regional board of directors. They work towards developing long-term strategies to address health-related concerns and improve access to healthcare in underserved areas.

For those interested in board membership, the Executive Director can be contacted. WCAHEC strives to improve the supply, distribution, diversity, and quality of the health workforce to ultimately enhance healthcare accessibility in underserved areas. Their program emphasizes community-based training through community/academic partnerships.

Covering a vast geographical area of approximately 29,000 square miles, WCAHEC serves thirteen counties in Colorado's Western Slope. These counties include Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Jackson, Mesa, Moffat, Montrose, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, and Summit. Within this region, WCAHEC focuses on addressing healthcare workforce shortages and medical underserved areas.

This region consists of several frontier counties and has a significant number of whole/part Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and Medically Underserved Area (MUA) counties. To serve these counties effectively, WCAHEC collaborates with various chambers of commerce, hospitals, and other community organizations. WCAHEC offers a wide range of programs and classes, including Certified Nurse Aid Training, Personal Care Aid Training, American Red Cross CPR/First Aid Programs, mental health career shadowing, and continuing education programs.

They also provide student internships, summer health programs, opioid response group initiatives, and healthcare apprenticeships. With a strong focus on community health and education, WCAHEC plays a vital role in improving the healthcare landscape in Colorado's Western Slope. Whether through on-site training, online courses, or interactive video conferences in partnership with University of Colorado schools, WCAHEC remains committed to enhancing the quality and distribution of healthcare providers in their region