In 1972 congress established the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) program as part of a strategy to address the needs of the medically underserved and disadvantaged. The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston was awarded federal and state funds to carry out this initiative in East Texas. Pecan Valley AHEC was developed in 1994 to serve fourteen counties and is a product of the East Texas AHEC, which serves as the guiding agency for the region. Pecan Valley AHEC is one of nine community-based regional operations within East Texas AHEC and is based at The Victoria College, which serves as the fiscal agent.
The goals of AHEC are very long-term. We start by introducing primary and secondary school students to the idea of a career in the health field. We continue supporting students through their health professions education by coordinating clinical rotations and other educational opportunities. Once they graduate from medical school or other programs and begin their careers, we offer continuing education programs to ensure they stay current in the field. We also promote healthy communities, as well as healthy individuals. The health education programs often respond to identified needs and promote good health in our communities through support of preventive medicine, community health, disease prevention, and health promotion activities.
Vision
Optimal health for all people in our region.
Mission
Improve the health of our communities by developing a quality health workforce and helping address unmet health needs.
