RECOGNIZING AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTERS WEEK

RECOGNIZING AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTERS WEEK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 58 (Friday, March 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 58 (Friday, March 27, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E282] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTERS WEEK ______ HON. SUSIE LEE of nevada in the house of representatives Friday, March 27, 2026 Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March 23rd to March 27th as National AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) Week. Southern Nevadans are facing a dire shortage of health care providers, which means longer wait times, fewer choices, and less access to quality care. According to new Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. could see a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034, and the American Hospital Association says more than 200,000 new registered nurses are needed each year to meet increasing health care needs and to replace nurses entering retirement. To solve this crisis, underserved communities like ours need to expand the resources we offer so that medical providers can learn and grow their careers in southern Nevada. AHECs are a part of that solution, expanding the health care workforce, especially in rural and underserved communities. That has been and will continue to be key as we fight to ensure every Nevadan has access to the health care they need. The AHEC program has already trained millions of health care professionals. Across our state, from Elko to Reno to Las Vegas, the AHEC program is strengthening the future of our health care workforce which will help the health of all Nevadans. That is why I am proud to support this program and why, year after year, I have fought to secure essential federal investments in the national AHEC program. On behalf of my constituents at the Nevada AHEC program, their national counterparts, and the thousands of Americans who benefit from the care fostered by AHECs, I am proud to recognize this National Area Health Education Centers Week. I thank them all for their dedication to keeping our communities healthy. ____________________