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Volume 19 | Issue April-June 2025

Omaha AHEC Quarterly Newsletter
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In this newsletter
  • In the Spotlight: Our Graduating UHOP Scholars
  • Omaha AHEC Represented at MHDI
  • AHEC Opportunities Alert
  • Motivational Interviewing Training July 15
  • Pre-Health Symposium April 25
  • Job Shadowing
  • Health Awareness Months this Quarter
  • Sharable Resource: Careers in Healthcare Book

In the Spotlight:

 Graduating UHOP Scholars!

Each Nebraska AHEC works closely with AHEC Scholars assigned to their region based on their professional interests. The following Scholars will be recognized at this month's AHEC Scholars Statewide Workshop for having completed both years of the Nebraska AHEC Scholars Program. These scholars were assigned to the Omaha region and have a desire to serve in urban underserved Nebraska. Please join us in congratulating them!

Alexandra Benson

UNMC Physical Therapy

Class of 2026

Lauren Bexten

UNMC Medicine

Class of 2025

Allison Dang

UNMC Nursing

May 2025

Joseph David

UNMC Medicine

Class of 2025

Georgia Miller

UNMC Nursing Class of 2025

Ilana Miller

UNMC Radiography

Class of 2025

Sydney Petersen

UNMC Physician Assistant

Class of 2025

Karyssa Richardson

UNMC Medicine

Class of 2025

Rosalia Ruiz

UNMC Nursing

Class of 2025

Shelby Sanchez

UNMC Radiology

Class of 2025

Keenan Taylor

UNMC Physician Assistant

Class of 2025

Macy Thonen

UNMC Medicine

Class of 2025


Mitchell Westberry

UNMC Medicine

Class of 2026


About AHEC Scholars

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.

Learn about the Nebraska AHEC Scholars Program

Omaha AHEC Represented at MHDI

Clare Berry, MA, Director of the Omaha Area Health Education Center (AHEC), attended the Minority Health Disparities Initiative (MHDI) Conference in Lincoln on February 28, 2025. Berry presented a poster showcasing the Urban Health Opportunities Program (UHOP), highlighting its impact on increasing resilience, thriving, and belonging in healthcare education. The presentation emphasized Omaha AHEC’s commitment to cultivating a high-quality healthcare workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

Learn More About UHOP


AHEC Opportunities Alert!

Motivational Interviewing 101: Skills to get Started

July 15, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM CDT


The Omaha AHEC is collaborating with the Grace Abbott Training and Supervision Academy for the 5th consecutive year to host a virtual Continuing Education event, this year focusing on Motivational Interviewing, a tool useful for both physical and mental health practitioners.


This live webinar is designed to help build your foundational motivational interviewing skills. This session is ideal for non-clinicians or anyone new to motivational interviewing who wants to help getting started. 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 student, caregiver, or professional in any field, this training will equip you with practical and effective tools to encourage positive change and enhance communication. Registration coming soon!

Save the Date!

2025 Pre-Health Symposium


Undergraduate and high school pre-health students are welcome to join us at the 2025 Pre-Health Symposium (PHS) on Friday, April 25th from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm! We've partnered with the Health Careers Resource Center invited healthcare professionals and programs to meet with future and current students, alumni, and those interested in a career in healthcare. Anyone and everyone are welcome to attend!


Registration is open for college and high school students! Registration is due April 14th for professional schools, volunteer organizations, programs, and other organizations to host a booth at the event's college and career fair.

More About PHS 2025 
Organization Registration
Students Register Here

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:

Shadowing Application Form

Health Awareness Months

April: National Minority Health Month


April is National Minority Health Month a time to raise awareness about health disparities that continue to affect people from racial and ethnic minority groups.


Minority groups in the US face a disproportionate burden of many chronic diseases and health conditions. Some key disparities include:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Mental Health
  • Infant Morality


By raising awareness, advocating for policy change, promoting cultural competence, and encouraging healthier lifestyles, the observance works toward ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has access to the resources and care needed to live a healthier life.


Learn more here!

May: Mental Health Awareness Month


May is Mental Health Awareness Month! The month aims to raise awareness and promote comfortability surrounding discussions of mental health issues.


Purpose and Goals of Mental Health Awareness Month:

  • Raising Awareness
  • Reducing Stigma
  • Encouraging Treatment and Resources
  • Improving Mental Health Care

More information here!

June: Men's Health Month


Men's health Month is celebrated every June to raise awareness about health issues men face and to encourage men to take charge of their health The observance is aimed at education men about preventative care, early detection, and making healthier lifestyle choices.


Men's Health Month emphasizes several critical health conditions and concerns, including:

  • Heart Disease
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Mental Health
  • Diabetes
  • Testicular cancer
  • Obesity

More information here!

Click here to watch our Men's Health Month Instagram interview with Alberto Marcelin, MD

Sharable Resource: Careers in Healthcare Book

The Nebraska AHEC Program has produced ‘Careers in Healthcare: Your Map to a Career in Healthcare’ book. The health career book provides information on a plethora of health careers. It includes Careers in Healthcare for success in a particular career, education and licensure requirements, as well as what educational programs are available in the state. Read this if you are exploring which health profession is right for you!

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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.