- Merrimack Valley AHEC
- Training for Healthcare Professionals
- Training for Health Profession Students
- Programs for the Community
- Health Career Exploration
The Merrimack Valley Area Health Education Center (MV-AHEC) is part of the statewide MassAHEC Network at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. There are over 300 AHECs throughout the U.S., with six in Massachusetts. Merrimack Valley AHEC is actively involved in medical education, continuing professional development and education for health and human service professionals, and community based coalitions.
At MV-AHEC, we offer a wide range of classes, trainings, and educational opportunities for you to explore. For the latest updates on these exciting learning experiences, please get in touch with Ashley Hall at ashley.hall@glfhc.org or 978-722-2864.
Discover a world of possibilities at Merrimack Valley AHEC – where education, community support, and excellence come together!
Meet the Director
Ashley Hall has been the Center Director of the Merrimack Valley Area Health Education Center (MV-AHEC) since 2020. Ashley has her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from Rivier University and her Master of Science degree in Health and Wellness Management from Merrimack College. Ashley was the first person in the country to go from AHEC Scholar to AHEC Director through the National AHEC Organization. Ashley is a Health Literacy Specialist and Health Education and Literacy (HEAL) certified instructor, and it’s her favorite part of her job. In this role she teaches English as a second language adults how to navigate the U.S. healthcare system, understand health information, and apply it to their lives to make informed health decisions. She also works with other healthcare and community-based organizations in the Merrimack Valley on how to better provide care that is culturally appropriate and equitable to community needs. Ashley is also an adjunct professor in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Merrimack College, and an Affiliate Instructor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at UMass Chan Medical School. In 2019 Ashley was awarded the Outstanding Young Alumni award from Rivier University. In 2023 Ashley was nominated by her program office as AHEC Alumna of the Year.
The Merrimack Valley AHEC can provide free interactive training for clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals virtually and/or in person on the following topics:
- Health Literacy
- i.e. Health Literacy 101, best practices, plain language, health literate materials
- Social Determinants of Health
- Cultural Competency and Cultural Humility
- QPR: Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide
- AI in Public Health and Academia
- Vaping Information and Resources
- Project Management and Strategic Planning
And many more! Is there a topic you’re interested in, but it’s not listed here? Contact AHEC Director Ashley Hall at ashley.hall@glfhc.org to brainstorm ideas!
The Merrimack Valley AHEC can provide guest lectures and events for health professions students at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level for free. All trainings for students are interactive, focus on student engagement, and real-world application. Topics/activities include:
- Social Determinants of Health (overall and/or individual presentations specific to each)
- Healthcare Access and Quality
- Education Access and Quality
- Economic Stability
- Neighborhood and Built Environment
- Social and Community Context
- Health Literacy
- Careers in Health Sciences
- QPR: Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide
- Community Health
- Interdisciplinary Care
- Health Equity
And many more! Is there a topic you’re interested in, but it’s not listed here? Contact AHEC Director Ashley Hall at ashley.hall@glfhc.org to brainstorm ideas!
The MV-AHEC is happy to offer classes and workshops for the community. We are committed to protecting and improving the health and well-being of Americans, particularly those who are underserved, medically vulnerable, or live in areas where access to care is limited. We have taught programs to youth in middle school all the way up to adults!
Specific topics we’d like to educate the community on are health/wellness, well-being, healthy eating, and exercise. These workshops and programs are free, and we would like to partner with community-based organizations who already have groups of interested community members so that we can meet people where they are at. Examples of workshops for the community in the past include:
- 7-week Health Literacy class for ESOL adults
- Healthy Eating
- Exercise
- Mindfulness and well-being
If you would like to discuss opportunities for programs for community members, please contact AHEC Director Ashley Hall at ashley.hall@glfhc.org.
The MV-AHEC partners with organizations that offer pathway programs and health career exploration programs to foster the interest in health careers for high school and undergraduate students.
We are interested in collaborating on projects such as:
- Career panels
- College preparation and exploration
- Public Health 101
- Workshops and retreats focusing on long-term career exploration
- … and more!
If your organization has youth interested in healthcare careers, or you work in academia and would like to help undergraduate students learn about career opportunities post-baccalaureate, please email AHEC Director Ashley Hall at ashley.hall@glfhc.org.
