Program Office Mission

Vision Statement: The SLU AHEC Program Office envisions a society where all members have access to quality healthcare, where there is a plentiful supply of culturally competent health professionals representative of the urban populations they serve.

Mission Statement: The SLU AHEC Program Office will promote access to quality interprofessional healthcare in the metropolitan St. Louis area, particularly focusing on the underserved urban areas by:

• Recruiting underrepresented minorities to health professions schools;
• Encouraging and supporting completion of health professions schools by underrepresented minorities;
• Encouraging careers in primary care and primary care-related disciplines and practice in underserved areas; and
• Improving the retention of health professionals practicing in underserved areas.

Value Statements: The SLU AHEC Program Office will achieve its mission and vision through the core values of:

• Diversity - We value diversity of cultures and backgrounds of people who live in our community. We support activities and policies that eliminate health disparity inequities in our primary health care system.
• Community Service - We recognize that the strength, focus, and ultimate mission of the AHEC Program rest on its service to the community. We are actively working in partnership with community health agencies and advisory boards to achieve our mission.
• Collaboration - We embrace involvement with participants who can inform program activities. We will develop and strengthen multidisciplinary partnerships through interprofessional, collaborative approaches.
• Advocacy - We advocate for comprehensive strategies to positively impact a more diverse healthcare professional workforce.

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