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Connecting Students to Careers, Professionals to Communities, and Communities to Better Health

This month, our Newsletter and Social Media Channels will be focused on presenting news, updates, and resources that enforce the first statement in our tagline: Connecting Students to Careers . Be sure to connect with us at the Social Media Links below and let us know if you would like more information about CCAHEC.

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Whether you are a healthcare consumer or provider, the quality of service is of utmost importance. Employers in the healthcare field have expressed that across their pool of applicants, there is a shortage of what are called “ 21 ^st Century or essential skills ”. These skills encompass simple but valuable attributes that are lacking in today’s workforce such as critical thinking skills, technology use, and interpersonal skills. In response to this need, Central Colorado AHEC (CCAHEC) developed the Health Careers Pre-Apprenticeship Program (HCPA) . The aim of the Health Careers Pre-Apprenticeship Program is not only to provide exposure to different careers in healthcare, but to hone these 21 ^st Century skills for emerging adults. CCAHEC wants participants to be the most qualified, competitive candidates, while making sure they have the skills to be successful in any healthcare industry job they are interested in.

In 2019, we have held two HCPA cohorts. The first was held at Prairie View High School where six students received Individualized Coaching, Essential Skills Training, Personality and Learning Style Assessments, and Career Pathway Exploration. Four of these students have since earned enough credits to graduate from high school, and we can't wait to hear more about the future career they choose. The second cohort completed in June, and was the most successful to date with 25 students completing the course! Students ranged in age from 15-50+, and we couldn't be more proud of the decision they made to explore a career in healthcare. You can learn more about the HCPA program at www.ccahec.org/hcpa.

Partner Spotlight: Anatomy in Clay Centers (AICC)

In this month of celebrating and recognizing the various ways Central Colorado AHEC (CCAHEC) facilitates connecting students to careers, we are proud to spotlight one of our awesome partners: Anatomy in Clay Centers (AICC). Area Health Education Center students in Colorado have been working with clay and models to learn anatomy since 2011. Dr. Jennifer Hellier, the Director of the Colorado Health Professions Development Program at that time, implemented the Anatomy in Clay Learning System and models in a month-long summer program at Regis University. Fast forward to 2019, and this partnership has grown as part of CCAHEC’s Health Careers Pre-Apprenticeship Program. At the beginning of every HCPA cohort, the Anatomy in Clay Learning System is used to introduce students to the muscular systems of the arm, head, and brain.

“My students love It…they really enjoy the hands-on aspect and seeing how literally everything fits together.”

The mission of Anatomy in Clay Centers is to make anatomy accessible to all, through providing educational classes to individuals, schools and organizations, using a kinesthetic approach to human anatomy and zoology. Recently, Mitch Fittro, CCAHEC’s Education and Workforce Manager, collaborated with Mary Bahus-Meyer, AICC’s Community Outreach Coordinator to bring a group of ten students to AICC’s wet lab for a half day Clay & Cadaver field trip. This workshop gave students the unique opportunity to learn and use two techniques for learning anatomy, alternating between building clay onto model skeletal sculptures and then examining the preserved cadaveric specimen. This allowed the students to compare the clay building technique with same muscles on a preserved cadaver. The workshop was taught by Dr. Jennifer Hellier, a CCAHEC Board Director, and a representative from the nonprofit Colorado Learning Center for Human Anatomy. Click Here to watch Dr. Hellier teaching the Clay & Cadaver workshop.

When asked how his students feel about the Anatomy in Clay experience, Mitch said, “My students love it.” They always say, “I took biology, or I took anatomy in high school and I didn’t really enjoy it because I was reading from the book.” They really enjoy the hands-on aspect and seeing how literally everything fits together. They are always really interested.” Here at CCAHEC, we are very excited to continue working with AICC and Zahourek Systems, Inc.,  toward better outreach and healthcare education for Colorado through anatomy education and awareness. “Anatomy in Clay has been a fantastic partner and allows my students to access healthcare in a completely different way. Learning about the human body and it’s systems has never been easier (or more fun) for my diverse student populations,” said Mitch Fittro.

“Anatomy in Clay has been a fantastic partner.”

Recently, Colorado Public Television approached Mitch for an interview about the HCPA program and its impact on the community. Anatomy in Clay Centers was chosen as the location for the film because it provided an interesting an appropriate education setting. In the video, HCPA graduate Anastasia Tafoya is seen building in clay on a hand and forearm model during the interview, demonstrating the hands-on training students receive during HCPA cohorts. You can view the video here.

CCAHEC, in collaboration with AICC, is planning an awards celebration which will include a viewing party of the completed film for staff, partners, and friends. This event will take place later this summer, so watch our website, social channels, and your email for more information!

Learn more about the Anatomy in Clay Learning System at here , and Anatomy in Clay Centers, Denver at here , including an interactive intensive six-day human anatomy MANIKEN® CoreData™1 workshop July 28 – August 3 ^rd at Anatomy in Clay® Centers in Denver. You can also connect with them on Facebook: at Anatomy in Clay Learning System and Anatomy in Clay Centers, Denver.

Earlier this year, fifteen high school sophomores and juniors interested in healthcare careers participated in a self-paced,10 session weekly webinar series. The course helped them identify their specific interests and explore a plethora of different careers. Those students who completed the entire course will be invited to a week-long, expenses paid summer camp experience at CU Boulder in the second half of July.

Watch our Facebook and Instagram pages later this month for pictures of this awesome experience!

Also, click the button below to visit the ACEP site and watch the 2019 webinar series right now, on-demand.

HOUSING HOSTS NEEDED

Hosts needed for student housing in the Longmont, CO area.

If you or someone you know are interested click here to sign up.

Employment & Service Opportunities

Community News & Events

FREE YHC Castle Rock Medical Clinic



July 13, 8:30 am - 10:30 am

St. Francis of Assisi Church

2746 5th Street, Castle Rock, Colorado

Click the image above to read One Colorado's newest report entitled Closing the Gap: The Turning Point for LGBTQ Health.

Job Announcement: Director of Health Science Program Development at the Community College of Aurora

POSITION SUMMARY:            

The Director of Health Science Program Development works under the leadership of the Dean of Academic Affairs and Workforce Partnerships to provide direction and leadership in the support, development, and growth of health sciences programs. The Director serves as the lead point of contact for all health sciences programs, supervises adjunct instructors, and works with department chairs, faculty, and staff across the college to support the pursuit of strategic initiatives and to coordinate effective and efficient operations with the Health Sciences Department. The Director maintains a commitment to high-quality instruction and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in initiatives and activities. Importantly, the Director demonstrates inclusiveness and service to others, shares a commitment to the value of diversity, inclusion, and equity among students and staff, and works with colleagues to create an atmosphere of trust and respect in which all can succeed.

Check out the Colorado Consortium's Newsletter!

There are a lot of great people working hard and doing great things as Colorado works to combat the opioid crisis. To help everyone stay connected and informed, the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention has created a new email to share important news, announce events and new programs, and more!

Southwest Regional Conference

When

Friday, July 26, 2019 at 7:00 PM MDT to Sunday, July 28, 2019 at 12:00 PM MDT

Where

Glenn Eyre Castle 

3820 N. 30th St.

Colorado Springs, CO 80904-5001

The Colorado Society of Medical Assistants (CSMA) is proud to be hosting the annual SWR Conference. Please join us in Colorado Springs at the Glenn Eyre Castle.

Please send flight information to Boni Bruntz if you would like the George and Terry Shuttle Service from the Colorado Springs Airport to the Castle. George and Terry shuttle service will also take you back to the airport. Plan your departures after the SWR meeting on Sunday at noon. This is a free charge service. If you need other service please let us know.

We are offering an all inclusive meal ticket for $130 for Friday night dinner, Saturday (3 meals), and Sunday Breakfast. The castle is not near any dining that is walking distance. 

10 CEU Credits will be offered. Wear comfortable clothes as we will be doing events inside and outside. An agenda will be sent prior to event.

Get Back into Nursing!

Our refresher courses help LPNs and RNs renew their Colorado license if they have been expired for more than two years. These online "anytime, anywhere" programs are self-paced and approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing.

Click on one of the logos above for more information.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback,

please email us at: [email protected]