South Piedmont Area Health Education Center

08/21/2026

💡 When practice transformation succeeds, entire communities benefit.

Today, we're celebrating a significant milestone as A Safe Place Empowerment Network (ASPEN) is now officially operating as an Advanced Medical Home (AMH) Tier 2 practice.

This achievement is the result of months of planning, preparation, and collaboration between ASPEN and South Piedmont AHEC's Practice Support Coach, Laura Shuey, RN, MSN.

Together, they developed clinical workflows, reviewed Medicaid Managed Care agreements, and prepared for AMH Tier implementation. This milestone reflects ASPEN's continued commitment to expanding access to high-quality, integrated care throughout Gaston County and enhancing its ability to deliver whole person-centered services that support the behavioral, physical, and social needs of the individuals and families it serves.

This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of ASPEN's leadership, staff, board members, and community partners, whose shared vision continues to drive meaningful improvements in health outcomes and access to care.

✨ And the journey continues.

ASPEN and South Piedmont AHEC remain actively engaged in optimizing workflows and advancing the Collaborative Care Model, further strengthening coordinated care and expanding services for the individuals and families they serve.

At South Piedmont AHEC, we're proud of the impact our Practice Support team has in helping organizations navigate complex transformations, achieve quality goals, and build sustainable systems that improve patient care and community health outcomes. This partnership is a powerful example of how practice support can help turn vision into lasting change.

👏 Congratulations to ASPEN on this outstanding achievement! We are honored to be part of your journey and excited to see the continued impact of your work throughout the community.

📞 Interested in advancing your practice transformation goals? Contact South Piedmont AHEC to learn how our Practice Support team can help.

🔗 https://www.southpiedmontahec.org/practice-support
📞 704.512.6580
✉️ [email protected]



A Safe Place Empowerment NC AHEC

08/19/2026

Calling all educators, clinicians, and simulation professional!
Share Your Innovation. Shape the Future of Simulation Education.

The 17th Annual Beyond the Manikin: Best Practices in Advanced Simulation Education Conference is seeking dynamic presenters, educators, clinicians, and simulation professionals to share their expertise and innovations with colleagues from across the region and beyond.

Whether you have developed a groundbreaking simulation program, implemented emerging technology, discovered valuable lessons learned, or identified best practices that improve outcomes, we want to hear from you.

This is your opportunity to:
✅ Showcase your work and accomplishments
✅ Inspire fellow simulation professionals
✅ Contribute to the advancement of healthcare simulation education
✅ Network with leaders and innovators in the field

Submit your abstract today and join us March 8-9, 2027, in beautiful Carolina Beach, North Carolina.
https://www.southpiedmontahec.org/event/78527

📅 Abstract Submission Deadline: September 24, 2026 | 5 PM
📅 Notification of Acceptance: Week of October 12

📍 Conference Location: Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront, Carolina Beach, NC

Your experience could be the idea that transforms someone else's practice.

This conference is jointly provided by Southern Regional AHEC, Duke AHEC, Piedmont AHEC and South Piedmont AHEC, in collaboration with NCNA Simulation Council.

08/17/2026

Such a timely and important topic hosted by our friends at Teen Health Connection! Consider taking advantage of this opportunity to learn more about teen mental health and the impact of social media.

Join the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce's Wellness & Program Committees on August 19 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. for The Big Picture: Promoting Adolescent Health in the Social Media Era, led by Teen Health Connection and Mecklenburg County.

This interactive workshop will explore the connection between social media and some of the most pressing health issues facing teens today.

Register Now: https://directory.charlotteareachamber.com/calendar/Details/the-big-picture-promoting-adolescent-health-in-the-social-media-era-1748061?sourceTypeId=Website

08/15/2026

💔 What if one of the greatest health threats facing older adults isn't a disease at all?

Loneliness is often invisible, but its impact can be profound. Research continues to show that loneliness can affect physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life in older adults.

Join South Piedmont AHEC for The Quiet Epidemic: Loneliness in Later Life and Why It Matters and learn how healthcare professionals can recognize loneliness in clinical settings and incorporate practical, evidence-informed strategies into patient care.

🎤 Presented by Tammy Arms, PhD, DNP, CNE, PMHNP-BC, A-GNP-C, Professor at UNCW and practicing Adult/Geriatric and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

🩺 Designed for RNs, APRNs, LPNs, and other healthcare professionals

📅 September 23 | 🕛 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
💻 Live Webinar | 🎓 1.0 Nursing Contact Hour

📲 Register today: https://www.southpiedmontahec.org/event/78298

Have you seen the effects of loneliness among older adults in your professional practice or personal life? Share your thoughts below.



May Cheung Emily Barnes Patti McGovern McLellan Kathy Watts Calhoun

08/12/2026

🚨 What if the next trafficking victim who walks into your clinic, ER, or office is counting on YOU to recognize the signs?

Human trafficking is happening in communities across the country, and healthcare professionals are often one of the only points of contact a victim may have with someone who can help.

That's why Advocate Health is bringing together national experts, survivor leadership, and law enforcement for the 2nd Annual Anti-Human Trafficking Healthcare Symposium. Attend In-Person or Virtually.

🎤 Hear from experts on the front lines:
✨ Alia Azariah – Director of Impact at Safe House Project, human trafficking survivor, and national spokesperson
🛡️ Desiree Vassallo – FBI Special Agent

This powerful, trauma-informed program is designed for: ✅ Physicians ✅ Physician Assistants ✅ Nurses ✅ Social Workers
✅ Law Enforcement Professionals

You'll learn practical strategies to:
✔ Recognize red flags of trafficking
✔ Respond safely and effectively
✔ Build trust with potential victims
✔ Connect individuals to life-saving resources

Every interaction matters. Every question matters. Every opportunity to identify a victim matters.

💙 Be prepared to make a difference when it matters most.
Up to 3 credit hours are available.

👉 Register today: https://www.southpiedmontahec.org/event/78344

📢 Please share with healthcare professionals, social workers, first responders, and law enforcement partners who are committed to protecting our communities.



Mecklenburg EMS Agency - Medic North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates Cabarrus County EMS Gaston County EMS Cleveland County EMS

08/07/2026

💙 More than 80 professionals. One shared mission. Countless families impacted.

As we wrap up World Breastfeeding Week 2026, we're reflecting on the energy, passion, and commitment demonstrated at our 27th Annual Mother's Special Gift Breastfeeding Conference.

Healthcare professionals from across the region came together to learn, collaborate, and strengthen their ability to support breastfeeding families where it matters most: at discharge and throughout the infant feeding journey.

Our featured session, Implementing the Spatz 10-Step Model for Human Milk & Breastfeeding Excellence, provided attendees with practical tools, evidence-based strategies, and a clear framework for improving breastfeeding outcomes.

We were honored to welcome internationally recognized perinatal and neonatal expert Diane L. Spatz, PhD, RN-BC, FAWHONN, FAAN, whose insights inspired meaningful conversations and immediate action.

Every conversation, every education session, and every supportive interaction helps build healthier futures for families.

❤️ Thank you to everyone who attended and continues this important work every day.

Tag a colleague who inspires you to strengthen breastfeeding support in your community!

08/06/2026

This , we celebrate the dedicated teams at Community Health Centers who are building innovative care where it matters most. 💙

At South Piedmont AHEC, we recognize and appreciate the critical role CHCs play in improving health, expanding access to care, and strengthening our communities every day.

We see you. We value you. We thank you.

North Carolina Community Health Center Association

08/06/2026

This week, August 2-8, we celebrate National Health Center Week 2026 and the theme "Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most."

For more than 60 years, Community Health Centers have been breaking down barriers to care, bringing high-quality health services to the communities that need them most. Today, they serve more than 52 million people at over 17,000 locations nationwide.

At South Piedmont AHEC, we know the vital role our Community Health Centers play across our region, and throughout our state. This week, we simply want to say: We see you. We appreciate you. And we thank you for the incredible work you do every day.

Community Health Centers are more than clinics. They are innovators, problem-solvers, and trusted community partners. By addressing needs such as housing, food access, transportation, and behavioral health, they help create healthier communities while providing exceptional primary, dental, and behavioral health care.

Thank you for making a difference where it matters most.



North Carolina Community Health Center Association The C. W. Williams Community Health Center, Inc Charlotte Community Health Clinic
Amity Medical Group Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Centers, Inc. High Country Community Health Kintegra Health

08/05/2026

🎉 Today, the South Piedmont AHEC team came together to surprise Fred Jones, our Director of Medical Media, with a retirement celebration!

While Fred didn't want a big fuss made over him, we simply couldn't let him leave without showing him just how much he'll be missed.

For 32 years, Fred has dedicated his talents, expertise, and passion to South Piedmont AHEC. His contributions and the impact he has made on our organization, programs, and colleagues will be felt for years to come.

Thank you, Fred, for your remarkable service, unwavering commitment, and the countless ways you've helped shape our team. We are grateful for everything you've done and wish you nothing but happiness, good health, and new adventures in this exciting next chapter.

🥂 Here's to you, Fred! Congratulations on your well-earned retirement!