INSPIRED IMPACT is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to social entrepreneurs and leaders of mission-driven organizations who are making an impact in their communities and industries.
Lin Browning is the Executive Director of Central Colorado Area Health Education Center. Follow them on Facebook and learn more at ccahec.org.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Central Colorado Area Health Education Center (CCAHC) connects students to careers, professionals to communities, and communities to better health. Within an innovative framework, CCAHEC partners to create and implement educational programs, addressing the dynamic needs of students, providers, and community members.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
Health-conscious and educated communities served by a diverse and competent healthcare workforce.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
• We improve the distribution of the healthcare workforce
• We create educational opportunities to address the healthcare needs of our communities
• We increase the diversity in all health disciplines
• We connect students to careers, professionals to communities, and communities to better health
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
We are inspired by the purpose of the Health Resource Services Administration (HRSA) Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Programs’ purpose to develop and enhance education and training networks within communities, academic institutions, and community-based organizations. In turn, these networks support Bureau of Health Workforce’s strategic priorities to increase diversity among health professionals, broaden the distribution of the health workforce, enhance health care quality, and improve health care delivery to rural and underserved areas and populations.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
My big dream for the organization is to develop innovative programs to address the needs of all of the communities we serve.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
The resources needed include funds to conduct community needs assessments, program development, and marketing.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Our biggest challenge is having the staff capacity to be in all of the communities served by our region.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Dream big and connect with those who have the same dream and the drive to bring them into reality.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
We are always looking for board directors to help us expand our reach.
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