Health Workforce in Development

TYLER — The Tyler-based Lake Country Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is busy developing the region’s health workforce. Director Helen Miner talked about it on KTBB “Staff Meeting.” According to Miner, “We jokingly said it’s ‘catch ’em, train’ em, keep ’em.’ We try to get kids interested — and adults who are interested in second careers.” Miner says rural areas are a key focus — and that keeping sufficient health care in such communities has far-reaching implications. “It has a tremendous impact on business development in the community,” Miner remarks. “If they lose their doctor or their hospital, they’re not going to recruit new businesses.”

Presentations in schools, and partnerships with health care providers and community coalitions, help keep Miner’s five-member staff busy. She’s also available to speak to civic groups and the like. You can log on to http://www.lcahec.net for more information. You can also go to http://www.ktbb.com/audio to listen to the “Staff Meeting” show online beginning early Monday.