West River Area Health Education Center

02/24/2026

What a great way to spend a Monday! HOSA, West River AHEC, WDT, Monument Health, Sanford Health, BH Surgical Hospital, Delta Dental, and The Physical Therapy Center came together with Sophomores and Juniors from St. Thomas More and Central High School HOSA Chapters to learn about healthcare careers. They were all very eager to learn and very excited to perform some hands on activites. Thank you to all of the organizations and volunteers that helped make this HOSA mini camp a great success!

For more information about SD HOSA, please reach out to Jocelyn Depatie at [email protected]

02/24/2026

Who is excited for our 2nd Annual Dancing with our Healthcare Stars Gala? For more information, to buy tickets, be an event sponsor, or just look around, go to https://givebutter.com/c/yVxglr

02/09/2026

This week, we proudly recognize Cardiovascular Professionals Week and celebrate the dedicated individuals who play a critical role in heart health and patient care every day.

From diagnostic testing and patient monitoring to life-saving interventions, cardiovascular professionals are essential to strong healthcare systems and healthier communities. Their expertise, compassion, and commitment make a lasting difference for patients and families across our region.

Please join us in thanking these outstanding professionals for the vital work they do.

02/02/2026

February is Children’s Dental Health Month—a great reminder that healthy smiles start early.

Good oral health is an important part of a child’s overall health. Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions in children, but it is largely preventable with the right habits and regular dental care.

Help protect your child’s smile by:
• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing daily
• Limiting sugary drinks and snacks
• Drinking plenty of water
• Scheduling regular dental checkups
• Starting dental visits by your child’s first birthday

Strong habits today lead to healthy smiles for a lifetime. Let’s work together to keep our kids smiling bright.

02/02/2026

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a time to focus on what we can do today to reduce cancer risk and support lifelong health.

While not all cancers can be prevented, many risks are within our control. Prevention starts with everyday choices and access to quality healthcare.

You can lower your risk by:
• Avoiding to***co and limiting alcohol
• Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Staying physically active
• Protecting your skin from the sun and avoiding tanning beds
• Getting recommended vaccines (such as HPV and Hepatitis B)
• Scheduling routine screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap tests

Regular healthcare visits and early detection save lives. Preventive care helps catch concerns early—when treatment is often most effective.

This month, take a moment to prioritize your health. Prevention, awareness, and access to care make a powerful difference.

02/02/2026

February is American Heart Month—a time to raise awareness about heart health and encourage simple steps that can save lives.

❤️ Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women.
❤️ Nearly 1 in 2 adults has some form of cardiovascular disease.
❤️ The good news: up to 80% of heart disease and stroke can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices.

You can protect your heart by:
• Staying active (aim for 30 minutes most days)
• Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Limiting salt, sugar, and processed foods
• Not smoking or va**ng
• Managing stress and getting enough sleep
• Keeping up with regular checkups and knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers

This month, make your heart a priority—for yourself and for the people who love you. Small changes can make a big difference.

02/02/2026

By the age of 75, roughly 1 in 3 people living in the United States will have some form of age-related macular degeneration, and about 1 in 4 of those will have a vision-threatening, late-stage form of AMD.

Controllable risk factors: smoking, poor diet, uncontrolled heart disease or high blood pressure, excess weight (especially around the abdomen), and lack of eye protection from sun exposure.

Non-controllable risk factors: age (risk rises after 40, sharply after 75), family history, light-colored eyes, farsightedness, and being female.

Reduce risk: Improve lifestyle habits and monitor vision with regular eye exams and at-home checks to catch changes early.

Information provided by: American Macular Degeneration Foundation

01/30/2026

📣 Attention Nurses! 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️
Struggling with nursing school debt? There’s an opportunity that could make a huge difference!

💰 The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program is currently accepting applications — and you could get up to 85% of your nursing education loans paid off! 🎓✨ In exchange, you commit to serving two years (with an optional third year) at an eligible health care facility or school of nursing.

🩺 Who can apply?
✔ Registered Nurses (RNs)
✔ Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
✔ Nurse Faculty members
You must have nursing education debt and work full-time at a qualifying facility or school.

🗓 Deadline: Applications are open through March 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET — don’t miss this chance!

➡ Learn more and apply here: https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/nurse-corps

📍 Lower your student debt while serving underserved communities — share this with any nurses who might benefit!

Learn about HRSA's Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, offering loan forgiveness for nurses serving in critical shortage facilities or underserved areas.

01/21/2026

Do you have a favorite?! Support your favorite for their chance to win the People's Choice Award!

https://givebutter.com/c/yVxglr

01/15/2026

Discover the rewarding world of nursing with West River Area Health Education Center (WRAHEC). This video highlights the vital role nurses play in patient care, community health, and the future of healthcare—while showcasing the many pathways available within the nursing profession.

WRAHEC supports students through hands-on experiences, mentorship, career exploration, and educational opportunities designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals, especially in rural communities.

Whether you are exploring healthcare careers, guiding students, or supporting future nurses, this video offers insight into the impact and opportunities a nursing career can provide.

Learn more about WRAHEC and our programs:
westriversdahec.org

01/15/2026

Are you passionate about serving rural Western South Dakota and making a meaningful difference in underserved communities? The AHEC Scholars Program supports college students enrolled in two-year and four-year programs who are pursuing careers in healthcare and are committed to strengthening the future of rural healthcare.

Through the program, students gain access to hands-on learning experiences, leadership development, professional mentorship, and real-world exposure to healthcare careers. AHEC Scholars are equipped with the skills, confidence, and connections needed to succeed in their academic journey while giving back to the communities that need them most.

If you are motivated to lead, eager to serve, and committed to building a healthier future for rural South Dakota, this program may be the right fit for you. Our scholars are the future leaders of healthcare across our region.

Learn more about the AHEC Scholars Program and how to apply here: westerriversdahec.org
For questions or additional information, contact us at:
[email protected]