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WELCOME to the
Southern Rhode Island Area Health Education Center

Message from sriAHEC Director:

This is an exciting time to support the Southern Rhode Island Area Health Education Center’s programs. In September 2010, the College of Nursing (CON) with the support of sriAHEC launched its Pathways to Nursing program with the enrollment of the first class of Pathways Scholars from economically or socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Thus the collaboration between the CON and sriAHEC provides a mutually beneficial opportunity to diversify the nursing student population and to diversify the health-care workforce, particularly in its catchment area (Washington & Newport Counties).

In Fiscal Year 2010, (ending August 2010), sriAHEC also funded several outstanding community projects aimed at improving the health and health-care of economically, socially and educationally disadvantaged southern Rhode Islanders – those who are homeless, uninsured, in need of information, incentives and support in order to establish healthy lifestyles (see “Programs”). Despite these achievements, we learned that the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) will not be funding the AHEC Program in Rhode Island for FY2011. We intend however to continue providing training support to the current Pathways Scholars – and recruit another group as soon as financial stability has been restored.

Southern Rhode Island AHEC, in collaboration with our community health and education partners, joins the rest of the Ocean State and the nation, in helping to alleviate longstanding disparities that continue to plague communities of color and the poor. We anticipate that the RI AHEC Network’s commitment and significant contributions to the delivery of quality, affordable health-care by a diverse health-care labor force will be recognized by a variety of funders--including HRSA – in support of its program and infrastructure for FY 2012 and beyond.

Delores M. Walters, Ph.D., R.N.
Director, Southern RI AHEC