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Jennifer Gunderman, M.P.H., director of the Maine Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and assistant clinical professor of public health at the 91ֱ����Ƶ, has been elected to the National AHEC Organization (NAO) Board of Directors.

The organization represents a network of more than 300 AHEC program offices and centers that serve over 85% of United States counties. The NAO’s mission is to help its members achieve the AHEC mission of enhancing access to quality health care, particularly primary and preventive care, by improving the supply and distribution of health care professionals via strategic partnerships with academic programs, communities, and professional organizations.

Housed at UNE, the Maine AHEC Network, a workforce development program aimed at alleviating health care workforce shortages, supports the national organization’s efforts by working with academic and community partners to provide rural, community-based clinical training experiences for medical and other health professions students; encouraging Maine youth and mid-career professionals to explore health careers; and supporting practicing health professionals with continuing education and distance learning opportunities.

As part of her election, Gunderman will serve a two-year term as a representative from the Program Office Contingency Group of the NAO. She said she looks forward to bringing the Maine AHEC Network and 91ֱ����Ƶto the national conversation around health care workforce development.

“Participating in the NAO board provides an opportunity for the Maine AHEC and 91ֱ����Ƶto foster national relationships around health care workforce development and advocate for addressing the health needs of rural and unserved populations,” Gunderman remarked.