Volume 20 | Issue July - September 2025 | | Omaha AHEC Quarterly Newsletter | |
- In the Spotlight: Our Graduating UHOP Scholars
- In the Spotlight: Omaha AHEC Takes First Place at National Conference
- AHEC Opportunities Alert
- Motivational Interviewing Training July 15
- AHEC Scholars Applications Open August 1
- Pharmacy Job Shadow - Rolling Applications
- Recap: Pre-Health Symposium 2025
- Health Awareness Months this Quarter
- Sharable Resource: Careers in Healthcare Book
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In the Spotlight:
 Graduating UHOP Scholars!
| | Congratulation to our Urban Health Opportunities Program (UHOP) Scholars graduates! Seniors Nico Artola and Rolando Martinez-Rico Jr. graduated with honors and UHOP stoles at UNO's Spring Commencement Ceremony on May 16. | | |
Nico Artola
UNMC Medicine
Class of 2025
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Rolando Martinez-Rico Jr.
UNMC Medicine
Class of 2025
| | "UHOP was the first time I truly saw a place for myself in medicine. It wasn’t just about academics; it was about having people who guided me when everything felt new. Coming to the U.S. and being the first in my family to enter the world of healthcare, I often felt unsure of where to start. UHOP gave me direction, opened doors to opportunities I never knew existed, and connected me with mentors who genuinely cared. I’m deeply thankful for the support and encouragement that helped me grow into the future physician I hope to become." | | "UHOP has been more than a scholarship- it has been a foundation for me. As a proud first-generation college student and son of Mexican immigrants, I embraced the challenges of navigating college. UHOP gave me mentors who believed in me and opportunities that helped turn my goals into reality. I’m walking into medical school with a community behind me, and I’ll carry that with me always." | | We are so proud of our UHOP Scholars, and we are excited to see them off on their journey to UNMC College of Medicine! (Pictured: L-R Clare Berry, Omaha AHEC & UHOP Director, UHOP Seniors Nico Artola, Rolando Martinez-Rico, Michael Gutierrez-Madrigal, UHOP Advisor at UNO Commencement Cerremony) | | |
The purpose of UHOP is to enhance the healthcare workforce serving medically underserved populations in urban Nebraska by identifying and preparing qualified students to enter and succeed in health professions training. This scholarship is available to qualifying high school seniors who have been accepted to UNO. The UHOP Program currently offers spots for students seeking a career in medicine.
For more information including a full list of requirements and program commitments, please check out the UHOP webpage below. Applications open soon!
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In the Spotlight:
Omaha AHEC Takes First Place at National AHEC Conference
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Omaha AHEC is proud to share that our team won First Place in the 2025 National AHEC Organization (NAO) Biennial Conference Poster Presentation Competition!
The award-winning poster highlighted the Urban Health Opportunities Program (UHOP), a long-standing partnership between Omaha AHEC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha and UNMC. UHOP supports students on their journey to becoming physicians through academic enrichment, mentorship, and early clinical exposure.
This national recognition reflects the strength of local collaboration and our shared commitment to growing the future health workforce. We’re honored to represent Nebraska AHEC at the national level and to continue investing in programs that open doors for future healthcare leaders.
| | Pictured: Clare Berry, Omaha AHEC Director with Poster titled "Urban Health Opportunities Program (UHOP): Innovating a Pathway to Medical School" | | Pictured: Clare Berry, Omaha AHEC Director with award, on stage with Taylor O'Shaughnessy of the Indiana AHEC, Poster Competition Coordinator | | AHEC Opportunities Alert! | | Motivational Interviewing 101:
Skills to Get Started | | |
Join us for "Motivational Interviewing 101: Skills to Get Started," a virtual continuing education event on July 15th, 2025 from 11:30AM-1:30PM.
$40 for professionals | FREE for students
Motivational interviewing is a versatile and straightforward tool for navigating change with others. This training will identify the foundations of motivational interviewing, its core concepts, and objectives, as well as applicable tools and language for professionals. Learners will gain a clear understanding of the basics and practical strategies to begin applying these skills effectively in your interactions. Whether you're a clinician, caregiver, or professional in any field, this training will equip you with practical and effective tools to encourage positive change and enhance communication.
Thank you to our partners at the Grace Abbott Training and Supervision Academy for hosting this training in collaboration with Omaha AHEC and the other regional AHEC Centers of Nebraska!
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AHEC Scholar Applications Open Soon!
The AHEC Scholars Application will open in August 2025! The Nebraska AHEC Scholars Program is part of a national initiative that prepares health profession students who want to serve in rural or urban underserved areas. Before submitting your application, refer to the checklist below to see if you're eligible.
- Students enrolled in the following health professions programs are eligible to apply: ADN or BSN Nursing, Dentistry, Medicine (M.D./D.O.), Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, and Radiologic Technology.
- Are you interested in practicing in rural or urban underserved areas in Nebraska?
- Can you commit to the two-year program?
- Do you have reliable internet access?
Note: Pre-Health students are NOT eligible for the Nebraska AHEC Scholars Program. Check back once you've enrolled in your health professions training program!
| | The Nebraska AHEC Scholars Program is part of a national initiative that prepares health profession students who want to serve in rural or underserved areas. Nebraska AHEC Scholars gain access to exclusive workshops, potential employers, community leaders, and national and state resources on the latest health topics to better understand the healthcare workforces needs in Nebraska. | |
Omaha AHEC Pharmacy Job Shadowing
Omaha AHEC continues to offer pharmacy shadowing opportunities this year in partnership with Walgreens. To be considered for shadowing, please fill out the following application form:
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Omaha AHEC Health Careers Recap:
UNO Pre-Health Symposium 2025
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We were thrilled to welcome over 2,100 participants including students and professionals from across the country to UNO's 2025 Pre-Health Symposium (PHS) on Friday, April 25th. We've partnered with the Health Careers Resource Center to create our most expansive event yet! Together, we created a day full of connection, discovery, and inspiration for future healthcare, STEM, and human service professionals.
The College & Career Fair brought together 157 organizations and vendors from across the United States. Students engaged with:
- Healthcare training programs and professional schools
- Nonprofits and human service providers
- Volunteer and job opportunity representatives
- Campus departments and resources from UNO
The fair offered a one-stop opportunity for students to explore the wide variety of paths available to them within healthcare and related fields.
The symposium began with a wide range of presentations, panels, and breakout sessions running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over the course of the day, attendees had the opportunity to attend:
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37 sessions covering pre-health pathways, professional development, and current healthcare topics
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Conversations with 125 panelists, including healthcare professionals, faculty, alumni, and current students
Sessions explored life as a pre-health student, tips for applying to graduate programs, and key issues in healthcare such as multilingual communication and interpersonal skills. Each session offered valuable insight and gave students the chance to connect with experts and ask thoughtful, career-shaping questions.
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July: UV Safety Month
July is UV Safety Month, and it’s your reminder that a summer glow could come with long-term risks. Ultraviolet (UV) rays—from both the sun and tanning beds—can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and serious eye damage. The good news? A few simple habits can keep you protected while still enjoying the outdoors.
Here’s how to stay sun-safe this summer:
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Wear sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours.
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Protect your eyes: Use sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
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Cover up: Long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective clothing go a long way.
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Seek shade: Especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
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Check the UV index daily to plan outdoor activities wisely.
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Skip tanning beds: They're a major risk factor for skin cancer.
Don’t wait until you see the damage—protect your skin and eyes now, and enjoy the sun the smart way.
Learn more here!
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August: National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month! The purpose of this month-long observance is to raise awareness and increase knowledge on the necessary vaccinations and immunizations we all should be getting during our lifetime. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), thousands of American adults get sick each year from diseases that vaccines can prevent.
UNO offers students free flu shots and paid immunizations on-campus at the Nebraska Medicine UNO Health Center. Call the Health Center at 402-554-2374 to schedule an appointment today.
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September: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicide remains a leading cause of death, but it is preventable. This month, we encourage open conversations about mental health and support for those who may be struggling. Recognizing warning signs—such as withdrawal, hopelessness, or mood changes—and reaching out can save lives. If you or someone you know needs help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988 for free, confidential support. Let’s break the stigma, raise awareness, and promote hope together.
Learn more and find resources: 988lifeline.org
UNO offers to every student free, short-term counseling services through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Through CAPS you can also request to meet with a Wellness Coach that can assist students throughout the year in strengthening skills such as stress reduction, time management, and study planning. 402-554-2409
| | | Sharable Resource: Careers in Healthcare Book | | Follow us on social media @omaha.ahec! | | This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U77HP21499. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. | | | | |
