MISSION
RAHEC’s mission is to recruit, train and retain health professionals and build a pipeline for the community college for continuing education opportunities for post graduates. RAHEC at Rappahannock Community College will connect students to careers, professionals to communities, and communities to better health.
SERVICE REGION
RAHEC serves the following counties and cities in the Rappahannock Region:
Caroline, Essex, Fredericksburg, Gloucester, King George, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond County, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Westmoreland.
UPCOMING EVENTS
12: 30 pm to 2 pm
- definitions of medications
- drug interactions and side effects
- common medication safety strategies
- risk of stimulants, opioids, and alcohol misuse
- and more!
This workshop will include a case study breakout session for health profession students.
Led by Cynthia Warriner, BS, RPh, CDCES, and Patricia Slattum, PharmD, PhD, in partnership with AHEC, Virginia Geriatric Education Center, Bay Rivers Telehealth Alliance, HQI, and Rappahannock Community College.
12 pm to 1 pm
- How do stimulants hijack the brain?
- What are the types of stimulants?
- What are opioids?
- What can we do?
Led by Paul Brasler, LCSW, CAIP, owner of Providence Consulting and Education, in partnership with Bay Rivers Telehealth Alliance, AHEC, and Rappahannock Community College. Brasler has been a social worker for over 25 years. He provides clinical supervision and professional education services across the country and has experience working with people in crisis and people living with SUD in various community health settings, hospitals, Juvenile Drug Court, foster care, private practice, and adolescent residential treatment facilities. Since 2016 he has presented classes on mental health emergencies, high-risk clients, and a certification course for clinicians working with people with SUD. Brasler’s second book, The Clinician’s Guide to Substance Use Disorders: Practical Tools for Assessment, Treatment & Recovery, was published in October 2022.
September 15 – 17, 2023
Westmoreland High School
16762 Kings Highway
Montross, VA 22520
Remote Area Medical — RAM® — a major nonprofit provider of pop-up clinics delivering free, quality, dental, vision and medical care to underserved and uninsured individuals — is coming fall of 2023. Services available at the RAM clinic include dental cleanings, dental fillings, dental extractions, dental x-rays, eye exams, glaucoma testing, eyeglass prescriptions, eyeglasses made on-site, women’s health exams, general medical exams, and vaccines.
All RAM services are free and no ID is required.
Volunteers needed! Medical, dental, and vision providers and assistants, as well as non-medical personnel are asked to volunteer for the clinic. Volunteers need to register at www.ramusa.org or call 865-579-1530.
ONGOING EVENTS
This FREE virtual event is an informative 10-minute video presentation on the proper use, handling, and disposal of medications. This is a must-watch video for caregivers and anyone who takes medications.
Register for this free webinar here then watch on your own time!
Please share this with family and friends!
Using — and disposing — medications safely and properly is an essential part of everyone’s health care.
NEWS
Rappahannock Area Health Education Center (AHEC) at Rappahannock Community College (RCC)
Selected as a 2022 Health Quality Innovator of the Year
Award program recognizes Rappahannock AHEC’s dedication to improving health in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.
December 12, 2022—Rappahannock Area Health Education Center (AHEC) at Rappahannock Community College (RCC) has been recognized as a Health Quality Innovator for 2022. The Health Quality Innovator Awards is the annual awards program created by Health Quality Innovators (HQI) that recognizes and celebrates organizations using successful, evidence-based approaches to quality improvement.
Rappahannock Area Health Education Center’s (AHEC) mission statement is “To recruit, train, and retain health professionals and build a pipeline for continuing education opportunities. Committed to connecting students to careers, professionals to communities, and communities to better health.” Rappahannock AHEC was selected as a runner-up in the Population Health category to address unmet community health needs and bridge the gap to care access and education.
Rappahannock AHEC’s rural, underserved Virginia service area suffers from a shortage of clinicians and access to quality health services. Through local partnerships, Rappahannock AHEC provided education, training, and programs to students, practicing professionals, and community members. In addition, the team used virtual platforms and in-person meetings to spread education and improvement activities.
“We’re incredibly proud of the Rappahannock AHEC to be recognized as a Health Quality Innovator of the Year,” said Stacie Wind, Program Manager. “This is truly a collaborative effort among an incredible team of people working to improve the health of this community and to succeed in recruitment, training, and retention of a strong health workforce to meet the community needs.”
Rappahannock AHEC launched initiatives to build a future workforce that ensures quality care. Rappahannock AHEC exposed more than 650 students to health careers and provided training and education for health profession students, equating to more than 1,375 experiential hours and more than 1,140 individuals participating in the center’s mental health support and resources. This award category recognizes organizations that work to improve the health of patients and communities through prevention, treatment, and improved access to care.
Learn more about the 2022 Health Quality Innovators of the Year.
VIRGINIA AHEC SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Who is eligible?
The AHEC Scholars program is a noncredit program designed for students who have an interest in rural or underserved health care and are currently enrolled in a college-level health career degree or certificate program. Students within two years of finishing their health career degree or certificate program are eligible to apply. We seek individuals who are committed to improving health and health care, devoted to community service, and interested in improving their own skills and in working with other professionals in team-based care.
What does the program require?
AHEC Scholars is a two-year program comprised of 40 hours of online didactic and 40 hours of clinical and/or community-based activities each year. In many cases, the community experiences can be accomplished concurrently with field work requirements of the student’s major.
Scholars will engage in study and experiences addressing core topics such as:
- Interprofessional Education
- Behavioral Health Integration
- Social Determinants of Health
- Cultural Competency
- Practice Transformation
- Current and emerging health issues such as substance use disorders
What are the benefits of the program?
Students also receive valuable work experience, support and mentorship, networking opportunities, and a stipend. AHEC Scholars are given preference for additional (optional) free statewide training events. Upon completion of requirements, each AHEC Scholar will receive an AHEC Scholars Certificate, setting them apart from other students in an increasingly competitive environment.
How to apply?
Students may complete the online application.
https://www.vhwda.org/initiatives/ahec-scholars#application
Two letters of recommendation and a copy of an unofficial transcript are required.
Attach your transcript when submitting the application. Please email the recommendation form to two (2) recommenders, and ask that they submit the letter of recommendation via email to Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority/Virginia AHEC at info@vhwda.org.
Stacie Wind
Stacie Wind
AHEC Program Manager
RAHEC @ RCC
804-436-4218
ahec@rappahannock.edu
The Rappahannock AHEC is led by AHEC Program Manager, Stacie Wind. Ms. Wind, a native of the Northern Neck and a RCC Alumni, is a graduate from James Madison University in Health Administration. Prior to her role as the AHEC Program Manager, Ms. Wind was the Co-Director for the statewide care transitions program at Bay Aging. Her position focuses on community outreach, recruitment, and training of future health professionals in the Virginia Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula Region.
National Hotlines
National Hotlines
If this is an emergency, please call 911.
Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 800-799 -7233
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone and online chat.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) is available for anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.
Love is Respect – National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline
Hotline: 866-331-9474
Text: 22522
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, text, and online chat.
Love is Respect offers information, support, and advocacy to young people who have questions or concerns about their dating relationships.
Hotline: 844-762 -8483
Available Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 6:30pm via phone.
The StrongHearts Native Helpline is a safe, anonymous, and confidential service for Native Americans experiencing domestic violence and dating violence.
Pathways to Safety International
Hotline: 833-723-3833
Email: crisis@pathwaystosafety.org
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, email, and online chat.
Pathways to Safety International assists Americans experiencing interpersonal and gender based violence abroad.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline
Hotline: 1888-843-4564
Youth Talkline: 1800-246-7743
Senior Helpline: 888-234-7243
Email: help@LGBThotline.org
Hours vary, available via phone and online chat.
The LGBT National Help Center serves gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning people by providing free and confidential peer support and local resources.
Email hotline: https://hotline.womenslaw.org/
The WomensLaw online helpline provides basic legal information, referrals, and emotional support for victims of abuse.
Sexual Assault
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) – National Sexual Assault Hotline
Hotline: 800-656-4673
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone and online chat.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Department of Defense (DOD) Safe Helpline for Sexual Assault
Hotline: 877-995-5247
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone and online chat.
The DOD Safe Helpline is a crisis support service designed to provide sexual assault services for survivors, their loved ones, and other members of the DOD community.
Human Trafficking
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Hotline: 888-373-7888
Text: 233733
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a national anti-trafficking hotline serving victims and survivors of human trafficking and the anti-trafficking community in the United States. The toll-free hotline is available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year in more than 200 languages.
Children, Youth, and Teenagers
Hotline: 800-786-2929
Email: info@1800runaway.org
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, email, forum, and online chat.
The National Runaway Safeline provides crisis and support services for homeless and runaway youth in the United States.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
Hotline: 800-843-5678
Cyber Tipline: http://www.missingkids.com/gethelpnow/cybertipline
NCMEC serves as a clearinghouse and comprehensive reporting center for all issues related to the prevention of and recovery from child victimization.
ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Hotline: 800-422-4453
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone and text.
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the U.S. and Canada, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who—through interpreters—provide assistance in over 170 languages. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are confidential.
Boystown USA – Your Life Your Voice Helpline
Hotline: 800-448-3000
Text: Text VOICE to 20121 (hours vary)
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, email, text, and online chat.
Your Life Your Voice is a program of Boystown USA and is available to children, parents, and families who are struggling with self-harm, mental health disorders, and abuse.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Hotline: 800-273-8255
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone and online chat.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
Hotline: 800-950-6264
Email: info@nami.org
Available Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 6:00pm.
The NAMI Helpline assists individuals and families who have questions about mental health disorders, treatment, and support services.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline
Hotline: 800-662-4357
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone in English and Spanish
SAMHSA’s National Helpline provides free and confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance abuse disorders.
Contact the VictimConnect Hotline by phone at 1-855-4-VICTIM or by chat for more information or assistance in locating services that can help you or a loved one.
Drug Disposal Information and Resources
Click here for printable version
Items accepted for Disposal:
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Tablets and capsules
- Inhalers
- Creams/Ointments
- Nasal Sprays
- Pet Medicines
Items NOT Accepted for Disposal:
- Needles/Sharps
- Liquids
- Bloody or other infectious waste, (Bio-Hazards)
Preparing Items for Disposal in the Drop-Box:
- All items are to be in a sealed container, original bottle, zip-lock bag, etc.
- NOTHING DISPOSED LOOSLEY IN THE DROP-BOX.
- Personal information should be removed or blotted out with permanent marker.
LOCATIONS
ESSEX COUNTY, VIRGINIA
- Essex County Sheriff’s Office (Rx Drug Drop Box)
304 Prince Street
Tappahannock, VA 22560
804-443-3346 - Ledwith Lewis Free Clinic (Rx Drug Drop Box)
317 Duke Street
Tappahannock, VA 22560
804-443-9560
GLOUCESTER COUNTY, VIRGINIA
- Gloucester Sheriff’s Office (Rx Drug Drop Box)
7502 Justice Drive
Gloucester, VA 23061
804-693-3890
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
- King & Queen Sheriff’s Office (Rx Drug Drop Box)
242 Allen’s Circle
King and Queen Courthouse, VA 23085
804-785-7400 - Pamunkey Regional Library – King and Queen Branch (Rx Drug Drop Box)
396 Newtown Road
St Stephens Church, VA 23148
804-769-1623
LANCASTER COUNTY, VIRGINIA
- Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office (Rx Drug Drop Box)
8293 Mary Ball Road
Lancaster, VA 22503
804-462-5111
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, VIRGINIA
- Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office (Rx Drug Drop Box)
75 Oakes Landing Road
Saluda, VA 23149
804-758-2779
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
- Northumberland County Sheriff’s Office
195 Judicial Place
Heathsville, VA 22473
804-580-5221
The Northumberland County Sheriff’s Office anonymously collects unwanted, outdated, and unused prescription drugs in a secure collection container in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. This makes an appreciable dent in the intentional or unintentional misuse of prescription drugs. The Sheriff’s Office can collect pills and patches only; liquids and needles/sharps are not accepted. Disposal is anonymous, no questions asked.
RICHMOND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
- Richmond County Sheriff’s Office
106 Wallace Street
Warsaw, VA 22572
804-333-3611
Annually, the Sheriff’s Office participates in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s initiative, the National Take-Back Initiative. Every year, The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office will give the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. During the hosted events, residents are encouraged to bring pills for disposal to the Sheriff’s Office for disposal. (The Sheriff’s Office cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
- Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office
175 Polk Street
Montross, VA 22520
804-493-8066
The Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office has implemented its “Prescription Drugs Drop-Box”, Initiative. The focus is to alleviate health and safety concerns from our community by collecting and properly disposing of unused and unwanted prescription medications which can be accidentally ingested, stolen, misused and abused. The Drop-Box is located in the Sheriff’s Office lobby. It is labeled/identifiable and is available 24/7 for drop offs. No questions asked.
