News from the Mid-Central AHEC Regional Center
Fall 2023 Mt. Pleasant Area Health Careers Pipeline Program
The Fall 2023 Mt. Pleasant Area Health Careers Pipeline Program (HCPP) was hosted by the Mid-Central AHEC and Central Michigan University (CMU) College of Medicine with support by a Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation grant. This year’s program brought together 21 high school students from six area high schools including Shepherd, Chippewa Hills, Vestaburg, Mt. Pleasant, Clare and Sacred Heart Academy. Twelve CMU college mentors also lent their insights and guidance while participating alongside their high school mentees. The nine weeks of health career exploration and skill building were curated by five CMU College of Medicine student facilitators, three of which served previously as undergraduate mentors. The past experiences of the facilitators with the program and their passion for further inspiring others to pursue their health career interests made for a very impactful program.
The Fall Health Careers Pipeline Program showcased academic and career highlights spanning public health, athletic training, audiology, medicine, emergency medicine, and more. Participants engaged in various activities, including hands-on experiences in the CMU Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Interprofessional Education and Practice Center simulation labs, virtual career nights with almost a dozen professionals and practical training in primary care and vital skills.
Brianna, a 10th-grade student from Shepherd High School, found joy in "[m]eeting people in health careers and hearing what they have to say about them and their journey." Maddie, a 10th grader from Sacred Heart Academy shared that the “aspect that had the greatest [impact] was my mentor sharing with me her experiences and what her plans are." The success of the program was attributed to the broad participation of Central Michigan University faculty, staff, and students, as well as collaboration with local organizations like Mobile Medical Response. Special thanks to the numerous healthcare professionals who partnered with Mid-Central AHEC and contributed to the program's success for area youth.
Fall 2023 Mentorship Development Program
To further enhance the skills and knowledge acquired during the Fall 2023 Health Careers Pipeline Program, the Mentorship Development Program offers additional resources and development opportunities for college mentors. The program is designed to cater to individual needs, including diverse career interests and different academic stages of the mentors. Mid-Central AHEC staff provides or coordinates services such as resume creation or improvement assistance, interview practice and advice, peer and professional networking connections and job shadowing opportunities. The program's goal is to give back to those who have contributed to other AHEC initiatives by offering supplementary development services to support their progression to graduate programs or employment in the health professions.
Spring 2024 Saginaw Area Health Careers Pipeline Program Set to Mark 5 Years
This upcoming spring, the Mid-Central AHEC will host the fifth Saginaw Area Health Careers Pipeline Program at the Central Michigan University College of Medicine Building. This program has shown resilience in the past, as it adapted to an online format in its first year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite challenges, it has continued to expand and create engaging hands-on opportunities throughout the Saginaw Community in recent years. As preparations for this program are underway, staff members had the opportunity to reconnect with a past mentor, Max Scholl, and hear the impact the program has had on his health career journey.
“Participating with AHEC over the last several years has had a great impact on my professional development and my future career as a physician. It has reinforced my passion for leadership and my enjoyment for education. This is a unique program that provides much insight into various health careers and is an invaluable experience for high school students interested in the health field.”
Max is a first-generation college student from Columbus, Michigan currently attending Saginaw Valley State University’s Master of Public Health Program. Max also plans to attend Michigan State University College of Human Medicine starting in 2024.
Tuscola Health Careers Pipeline Program
The Thumb Community Health Partnership (TCHP), with support from Mid-Central AHEC, recently concluded its fifth and largest workforce development pipeline program. Held over five weeks at the Tuscola Technology Center in Caro, Michigan, the 10-session program saw active participation from eleven high school students representing Kingston, Vassar and Caro High Schools. Eight mentors from Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Saginaw Valley State University and local high schools (Vassar, Millington, and Kingston) contributed to the success of the program.
Most program members were from medically underserved areas and all were from rural areas of Michigan. Feedback from the program's evaluation indicated that 100% of respondents became more aware of local career opportunities in health and human service organizations.
The program included hands-on sessions covering various career areas such as nutrition, physical and occupational therapy, public health and substance use disorder prevention. The participants particularly enjoyed activities like physical and occupational therapy, ambulance tours and CPR with Stop-the-Bleed activities. Evaluation responses overwhelmingly expressed positive experiences, with students gaining insights into new careers and forming meaningful connections. TCHP program coordinator, Kari Granz commented that “Many students shared they learned about new careers or gained a new friend throughout the program which is why we offer these programs.” The Thumb Health Careers Pipeline Program looks forward to hosting its first program in Lapeer County in the upcoming new year to build upon the workforce development pipeline programs offered throughout their region.
Fourth Annual Statewide Tribal Opioid Summit Excels at “Healing Our Families and Community Together”
The Fourth Annual Statewide Tribal Opioid Summit, held on November 1 and 2, saw over 215 participants gather under the theme of "Healing Our Families and Community Together." Hosted by SCIT Tribal Court Magistrate, the summit featured various professionals addressing opioid-related issues.
The summit, held at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, became possible through grant funding obtained in May 2023 from the Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs. Numerous organizations and individuals contributed to the success of the event, including Tribal Council, Mid-Central and Western Regional Community Consortium AHEC Regional Centers, CMU College of Medicine, the summit committee, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Saginaw Chippewa grants, tribal court staff and tribal departments, the tribal community, Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, Soaring Eagle Catering and Conventions, Ziibiwing Cultural Center and more.
Saginaw Chippewa Healing to Wellness Court project administrator Tracey Klich and Tribal Court probation officer Joelle Peters expressed gratitude for the impactful panel discussions and personal stories shared during the summit, providing hope and insight into the lives of those struggling with substance use disorders.
By Joseph V. Sowmick, Photojournalist, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Public Relations
Mid-Central Regional Center Welcomes New Intern
It is with great excitement that the Mid-Central AHEC and Western Regional Community Consortium welcome intern, Grace Thomas. As part of Grace's role with AHEC, she assists with marketing and social media efforts, program support, as well as taking on newly assigned tasks.
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Minor: Substance Use Disorders
Career Goal: Physician
Employment: AHEC Intern & Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hometown: Davison, Michigan
Hobbies: Painting, Reading, Movies