Your Waco AHEC Monthly Update

Texas Area Health Education Center (AHEC) East – Waco Region is committed to improving the health of rural and underserved communities in our 18 county service area. Waco AHEC is hosted at Waco Family Medicine. Waco AHEC works to increase the number of trained professionals to work in underrepresented areas. We host pipeline programs for students interested in medicine and offer hands-on clinical training experiences. We engage the community by providing health education events and collaborating with various organizations.

TL;DR

CHAMPs Year-Long Scholars going to visit college campuses in November, if you’re at Texas A&M or Baylor, let us know so you can help welcome our students to campus!
Future Docs launch, medical school prep program for juniors and seniors preparing to take the MCAT, and accepting applications through this Saturday October 4th. Apply Here
We are able to provide discounted test prep materials via The Princeton Review. Check out our website to get yours today!
AHEC College Station Mixer Tuesday, November 4th 6pm Register Here

Did You Know?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against breast cancer! When found early, breast cancer treatment is often more effective and less invasive.

Recent screening guidelines now recommend that women begin discussing mammograms with their providers at age 40, rather than waiting until 50.
In McLennan County, only about 35% of survey respondents reported getting a mammogram in the past year — highlighting the need to improve awareness and access.
Modern imaging techniques, such as 3D digital mammography (tomosynthesis), improve detection by capturing multiple “slices” of breast tissue.
Women in their 40s can develop more aggressive forms of breast cancer, making timely screening especially important.

Because breast cancer doesn’t always show symptoms in its early stages, routine screening is key. Encourage your friends, neighbors, and loved ones to ask their doctor about when to begin screening, especially if there’s a family history or other risk factors.

Local Resources for McLennan County Residents

Here are some organizations and clinics in McLennan County (or serving Central Texas) that provide screening, support, and financial assistance for breast health and cancer care:

Ascension Providence Breast Health Center (Waco): Screening mammograms, diagnostic imaging, high-risk clinics, genetic counseling. Call 254-235-3535 to schedule.

Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Breast Center – Waco: Breast imaging, diagnostic services. Call 254-202-4220 to schedule.

Community Cancer Association (Central Texas / McLennan County): Financial aid (medications, travel, supplies, wigs, etc.)

McLennan County Indigent Health Care / Health Services: Assistance programs for low-income, uninsured residents (including cancer-related care). Call 254-757-5174

Waco Family Medicine Clinics: Sliding-scale primary care and screening services @ multiple Waco locations

American Cancer Society (Texas): 24/7 helpline, patient support, referrals, advocacy 1-800-227-2345

Events

Tuesday, October 21st 12 PM- 1 PM | Free Resume Workshop

ATS, CV, and more, oh my! Job hunting in the LinkedIn era can feel overwhelming, but fortunately we’re here to help. Join us for a job preparation session on Zoom during lunch or dinner for accountability and expert advice.

Register Here

Wednesday, October 29th 12 PM- 1 PM | Rural Health Book Club

Join us in reading "The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt

In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that hit many countries at the same time. He then investigates the nature of childhood, including why children need play and independent exploration to mature into competent, thriving adults. Haidt shows how the “play-based childhood” began to decline in the 1980s, and how it was finally wiped out by the arrival of the “phone-based childhood” in the early 2010s. He presents more than a dozen mechanisms by which this “great rewiring of childhood” has interfered with children’s social and neurological development, covering everything from sleep deprivation to attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, social comparison, and perfectionism. He explains why social media damages girls more than boys and why boys have been withdrawing from the real world into the virtual world, with disastrous consequences for themselves, their families, and their societies.

Scholars may earn up to two hours in credit for participating in this book club session, one by reading the book, and the second by attending to chat!

Open to all, and community members welcome!

More information on the Rural Health Book Club can be found by clicking here.

Calendar Hold Here

Tuesday, November 4th 6 PM- 7 PM | AHEC College Station Mixer

AHEC Bryan/College Station Mixer

Did you know we recruit Scholars from any practice-ready healthcare program? We have histology techs, nurses, medical students, public health students, and more. Come chat in College Station to network with other professionals- and yes, dinner’s on us. We’ll be meeting at RX Pizza! Address: 200 W 26th St, Bryan, TX 77803

If you are from Waco and wanting to go, feel free to reach out and we can carpool.

We can't buy you a drink, but dinner's on us (you're free to grab your own though). Feel free to bring a plus one, or a friend interested in the program!

Register Here

Saturday, November 8th 12 PM- 3 PM | Healthy Families Expo

Texas AHEC East - Waco Region in conjunction with Waco Family Medicine is delighted to host our 5th annual Healthy Families Expo. Waco Family Medicine and Texas AHEC East-Waco Region are committed to strengthening families and transforming communities through outreach. The Healthy Families Expo is intended to promote individual, family, and community well-being by partnering with community resources to provide educational and interactive health services.

The day will be filled with kids activities, health education, community resources, a community mural, health screenings (including the Give Kids a Smile event which will provide free screenings, cleanings, and fillings to all under 18 years old) and much more! Please mark your calendars and spread the word for an event you do not want to miss. See you there!

Vendor Registration Here

Calendar Hold: https://calendarlink.com/event/xwOom

Volunteer

The Latest With Us

Mix It Up: The Field of Infection Recording

CHAMPS Year-Long Scholars Orientation

We officially welcomed 23 students into our CHAMPs Scholars cohort representing 10 high schools across McLennan County!

Orientation was the first step in a our journey focused on:

College Preparation
Test Prep & STEM Academic Support
Health Career Exposure
Student Success

AHEC FEDERAL FUNDING UPDATE

FY 25–26 Funding Secured: Late last week, HHS released the remaining 24% of AHEC federal funding for the period September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026. This means that all AHEC programs are now fully funded for the year—a welcome development in these uncertain times.

Looking Ahead to FY 26–27: The House Appropriations Committee has joined the Senate in recommending level funding for AHEC at $47 million in the FY 26–27 budget (September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027). Having AHEC included in both chambers’ bills is an important win given today’s political landscape.

We Are Part of the National AHEC Network: The National AHEC Organization (NAO) represents a network of more than 300 program offices and centers, serving over 85% of U.S. counties.

Congress created the AHEC program in 1971 to recruit, train, and retain a health professions workforce committed to underserved populations. Today, AHECs remain vital in bridging academic medicine with community health needs, developing innovative workforce programs like AHEC Scholars, and preparing a diverse healthcare workforce ready to deliver culturally competent, high-quality, team-based care, with emphasis on rural and underserved communities.

Student Spotlight

Mia Rodriguez

Mia is a junior at Baylor University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Medical Anthropology. She is passionate about understanding how culture and society shape health and healthcare access, with plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in medicine. Alongside her studies, Mia works as a caregiver with The Grandson Home Care, where she provides compassionate, personalized support to clients in their homes. As an AHEC intern, she is excited to contribute to community health initiatives while gaining hands-on experience that connects her academic background with her future goals in healthcare.

Get Involved

AHEC Scholars

Our two-year program is tailored 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 for Texas AHEC Scholars of 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 13 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 free MCAT prep, mock interviews, personal statement workshops, shadowing, and mentorship to help prepare for medical school. Program runs October through March.

Extended Applications close October 4th, Apply Here.

Resources

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

Interested in healthcare job opportunities, this resource provides all the career options and requirements: H.O.T. Jobs Manual
- Available in English and Spanish
Email us for a physical copy of the manual at ahec@wacofamilymedicine.org

AHEC Discounted Test Prep via The Princeton Review

AHEC discounted offerings, reach out to Meagan.Melocik@wacofamilymedicine.org with any questions.
Available for purchase on our website now!

Test Prep

October 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.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Promoting early detection, treatment, and support for individuals and families affected by breast cancer.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Celebrating the abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome and advocating for inclusion and acceptance.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Raising awareness of domestic violence, supporting survivors, and promoting safe, healthy relationships.
Health Literacy Month: Encouraging clear communication and resources to help individuals understand health information and make informed decisions.
National Dental Hygiene Month: Highlighting the importance of oral health and preventive dental care.
National Physical Therapy Month: Recognizing the role of physical therapy in improving mobility, recovery, and quality of life.
National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month: Promoting safe sleep practices and education to reduce the risk of SIDS.
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month: Raising awareness and support for individuals and families affected by spina bifida.
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month: Honoring and remembering the lives lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death, and supporting grieving families.
ADHD Awareness Month: Increasing understanding of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and connecting families with resources and support.
Liver Awareness Month: Highlighting liver health, screening, and prevention of liver disease.
Eye Injury Prevention Month: Promoting eye safety and ways to prevent vision loss from injuries.
World Mental Health Day (Oct 10): Focusing on global mental health awareness, education, and advocacy.
World Arthritis Day (Oct 12): Raising awareness of arthritis and promoting early diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle support.
World Food Day (Oct 16): Promoting global awareness of hunger, food insecurity, and sustainable food systems.
International Infection Prevention Week (Oct 19–25): Promoting effective infection prevention practices in healthcare and communities.
Respiratory Care Week (Oct 26–Nov 1): Recognizing respiratory therapists and raising awareness of lung health.

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