| Connecting Texas to a National Public Health Workforce Network
Texas AHEC East is proud to be part of the School of Public and Population Health (SPPH) at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where education, workforce development, research, and community practice come together to improve health outcomes across Texas and beyond.
Through SPPH, Texas AHEC East contributes to the South Central Public Health Training Center (SCPHTC), a federally supported regional network that strengthens the public health workforce across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Together, these partnerships expand educational opportunities, strengthen workforce development, support healthcare professionals, and improve the health of communities through collaboration, innovation, and practice.
What is the South Central Public Health Training Center?
The South Central Public Health Training Center (SCPHTC) is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to strengthen the current and future public health workforce throughout the South Central United States.
Led by Tulane University's Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, the network brings together schools of public health, universities, healthcare organizations, public health agencies, and community partners to develop innovative training, technical assistance, leadership development, and workforce initiatives that improve public health practice throughout the region.
As the only academic public health partner from Texas within the Region 6 network, UTMB's School of Public and Population Health plays an important role in advancing workforce development and collaborative public health initiatives across the state.
| Texas AHEC East's Role
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As a program within UTMB's School of Public and Population Health, Texas AHEC East helps translate the goals of the network into meaningful action across Texas.
Our work supports the development of a strong, well-prepared healthcare workforce by connecting students, healthcare professionals, educators, and community partners through experiential learning, continuing education, and community-based practice.
Through this partnership, Texas AHEC East contributes to:
- Healthcare workforce development
- Student pipeline programs
- AHEC Scholars
- Clinical and community field placements
- Continuing education for healthcare professionals
- Rural and underserved workforce initiatives
- Community partnerships
- Practice-based learning experiences
- Public health workforce training
| Why This Partnership Matters
Healthcare challenges do not stop at county or state lines.
Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals and supporting today's workforce requires collaboration across universities, healthcare systems, public health agencies, and community organizations.
Being part of the South Central Public Health Training Center allows Texas AHEC East to ensure that communities across Texas have access to a stronger, more prepared healthcare workforce by:
Sharing best practices with public health leaders across five states
Connecting Texas communities to regional workforce initiatives and expand educational opportunities for students and professionals
Strengthening workforce development in rural and high-needs communities
Supporting evidence-based public health practice and contribute to regional solutions that improve population health
| Advancing the Mission of the School of Public and Population Health
The School of Public and Population Health's strategic vision focuses on preparing the next generation of public health leaders while advancing research, education, workforce development, and community partnerships.
Texas AHEC East directly supports this mission by serving as one of the School's primary practice-based workforce development programs.
Through our statewide network, we help transform education into action by creating opportunities for students to learn in real-world settings, supporting healthcare professionals through lifelong learning, and working alongside communities to strengthen health across Texas.
| Our Workforce Development Impact
8 Regional Centers
100+ Texas Counties
Student Workforce Development
Continuing Education
Community Partnerships
Regional Collaboration
| AHEC's Workforce Continuum
Texas AHEC East supports healthcare workforce development throughout every stage of the professional journey.
INSPIRE
Introduce students to careers in healthcare through pipeline programming and community engagement.
PREPARE & DEVELOP
Support learners through AHEC Scholars, experiential learning, and field placements, as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for healthcare professionals.
STRENGTHEN
Partner with communities, healthcare organizations, and public health agencies to improve workforce capacity and health outcomes.
| Our Partners
Texas AHEC East collaborates with a diverse network of organizations dedicated to strengthening public health and healthcare workforce development.
These partnerships include:
- School of Public and Population Health, UTMB
- South Central Public Health Training Center
- Tulane University Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- Public health agencies
- Healthcare systems
- Colleges and universities
- Community organizations
- Professional associations
Together, these collaborations create opportunities that no single organization could accomplish alone. To learn about how you can collaborate with Texas AHEC East, contact txaheceast@utmb.edu