AHECs are multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary, community based programs designed to address the primary health care workforce needs
of medically underserved communities. AHECs focus on Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs), Health Profession Shortage Areas (HPSAs), and the disadvantaged. DFW AHEC is
one of nine centers of the East Texas AHEC located at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Ga
lveston. DFW AHEC is hosted by,
and located at the UT Southwestern School of Health Professions. The DFW AHEC serves Dallas and Tarrant Counties which contain a diverse population of over four million people. Within the two counties alone,
there are two medical schools, six nursing schools, a large number of allied health programs, and approximately 40 hospitals. The DFW metroplex
is home to some of the nation's most affluent communities and premiere medical institutions. Yet a significant proportion of the community has difficulty accessing health care. One role of DFW AHEC is to develop and implement programs
to ensure there are enough primary care and other practitioners to meet the needs of the underserved in the metroplex. We work with academic
and community partners on these projects.
