TL;DR

• Join us today December 5th at 1PM in a discussion on HIV/AIDS stigma, prevention and the ongoing push for health equity! Register Here

• We are able to provide discounted test prep materials like MCAT, SAT/ACT, DAT and more via The Princeton Review. Check out our website to get yours today!

• CHAMPS & Future Docs Mixer at Topgolf Friday December 12th 6-8PM! RSVP HERE

• AHEC College Station Mixer Tuesday, January 13th 6pm Register Here

Did You Know?

World AIDS Day raises awareness about HIV, supports those living with it, and encourages testing, prevention, and access to care.

Over 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, and many do not know their status. Early testing and treatment dramatically improve outcomes and prevent transmission.

In McLennan County and across Texas, HIV remains a key public health concern, especially where testing access, stigma, and education gaps persist.

HIV Prevention & Care Essentials

• Routine Testing: CDC recommends at least one lifetime HIV test for all adults and annual testing for those with risk factors.

• PrEP & PEP:

  • PrEP reduces HIV risk by up to 99% when taken daily.

  • PEP is an emergency medication taken within 72 hours of exposure.

• Treatment (ART): Maintaining an undetectable viral load means U = U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

• Safer Practices: Condom use, reducing needle-sharing, and open conversations about sexual health remain key.

People who start treatment early can live long, healthy lives. Because HIV can be asymptomatic for years, testing is vital for prevention and early care.

Local HIV Resources

• Waco Family Medicine: HIV testing, PrEP access, primary care

• McLennan County Public Health District: HIV/STI testing, prevention programs

• Ascension Providence & Baylor Scott & White – Waco: HIV screening and referrals

• HELP Ministries – Waco: Support for individuals living with HIV

Find a national testing site: text your ZIP code to “KNOWIT” or visit gettested.cdc.gov.

Upcoming Events

Friday, December 5th 1 PM- 2 PM | Mix it Up: Beyond the Red Ribbon—The Truth About AIDS Today

Friday, December 12th 6 PM- 8 PM | TOPGOLF Mixer

Tuesday, January 13th 6 PM- 7 PM | AHEC College Station Mixer

Wednesday, January 28th 12 PM- 1 PM | Rural Health Book Club

The Latest With Us

CHAMPS Yearlong Scholars — STEM Tutoring

Future Docs Cohort Welcomed

We are excited to share that we have officially welcomed 12 new students into our 2025 Future Docs cohort! These aspiring health professionals will spend the next several months preparing for medical school through MCAT prep, mentorship, workshops, and clinical experiences.

Healthy Families Expo on Nov 8th

Meet Our Future Docs

Get Involved

AHEC Scholars (2-Year Program)

For current health professions students seeking additional training and hands-on, team-based clinical experiences in rural and underserved communities.

• This nationally recognized program, funded by AHEC and HRSA, provides:

  • Specialized training to engage with diverse populations.

  • A requirement of 40 didactic hours and 40 experiential hours per year. While most didactic hours are fulfilled through your course credit, we offer a few experiential opportunities to complement your training.

  • Conference Presentation & Publication Awards up to $500.

    • For current scholars, reach out to learn more and for application link.

  • A $1,500 stipend upon successful completion of the program.

• Click Here to Learn More & Apply Here

Clinical Placements, Shadowing & Internships

Waco AHEC places students into clinical rotations, shadowing, and internships.

• We primarily work with:

  • Undergraduate students

  • Nurse practitioner students

  • Physician assistant students

• Students are placed with healthcare providers across 18 clinics of Waco Family Medicine, gaining hands-on experience in Family Medicine, Women's Health, and Pediatrics.

• Public Health students may also complete a supervised internship at Waco AHEC, earning academic credit and professional experience here.

• Apply for a Clinical Experience here

CHAMPS Camp & CHAMPS Year-long

CHAMPS (Careers in Health and Medicine Program) introduces high school students to health careers through our immersive summer camp. Hands-on labs, shadowing, simulation training, and career exploration set the stage for success.

• Email Meagan.Melocik@wacofamilymedicine.org to learn more or set up a presentation and Learn More Here

Building on camp, and open to students who have participated in CHAMPS camp, the CHAMPS Year-Long Program (September–May) offers students monthly college prep workshops, STEM tutoring, job shadowing, and more. Attend 7+ events to qualify for the Advanced Track at next summer’s CHAMPS camp.

Future Docs

For undergraduate juniors and seniors, especially from underserved backgrounds, this program offers MCAT prep, mock interviews, personal statement workshops, shadowing, and mentorship to help prepare for medical school. Program runs October through March.

Resources

Health Opportunities in Texas (H.O.T.) Jobs Manual

• A comprehensive guide to healthcare careers, available in English and Spanish.

• Request physical copies: ahec@wacofamilymedicine.org

AHEC Discounted Test Prep — The Princeton Review

• Reach out to Meagan.Melocik@wacofamilymedicine.org with any questions.

• Available for purchase on our website now!

December Observances

We encourage you to learn more about these important health observances and share them with your community. We’ll be highlighting several in our social media feeds throughout the month.

• World AIDS Day (Dec 1): Raising awareness about HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and support for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

• National Influenza Vaccination Week (Early December): Encouraging flu vaccination to protect individuals, families, and communities during peak flu season.

• International Day of People with Disabilities (Dec 3): Promoting inclusion, rights, and well-being for people with disabilities and recognizing the valuable contributions they make to our communities.

• National Handwashing Awareness Week (First Full Week of December): Highlighting the importance of proper hand hygiene to prevent illness and keep communities healthy.

• National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month: Supporting families in reducing holiday-related stress and promoting emotional well-being throughout the season.

• Safe Toys & Gifts Month: Raising awareness about choosing safe, age-appropriate toys to prevent injuries during the holiday gift-giving season.

• National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month (3D Month): Educating communities about the dangers of impaired driving and promoting safe, responsible choices during holiday travel.

• National Impaired Driving Prevention Month: Reinforcing efforts to reduce impaired driving through awareness, prevention, and community support.

Contact Us

Ashely Bearden (she/her) Executive Director: Ashley.Bearden@txaheceast.org

Meagan GarMelo (she/her) Program Coordinator: Meagan.Melocik@txaheceast.org

Morris (all pronouns) Program Specialist: Caelie.Morris@txaheceast.org