The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Nevada (“Molina”), announced a $150,000 grant to High Sierra Area Health Education Center (“High Sierra AHEC”), expanding Area Health Education Center (“AHEC”) pathway programs that enhance the health care workforce by empowering students from underserved communities to pursue health care careers.
In Nevada, more than 2.2 million residents live in areas federally designated as having a shortage of primary care health professionals. Nevada AHECs help fill this gap by recruiting, training, and retaining health care professionals in their communities to improve access to care among vulnerable populations. MolinaCares funding will support the hiring of two community health advocates focused on mentoring students to pursue a career in health care and will expand AHEC workforce development pathway programs targeting K-12, undergraduate, and graduate-level students in southern, northern, and rural Nevada.
“Supporting the next generation of health care workers is an investment in the future of Nevada’s health and well-being,” said Dr. Nima Alinejad, chief medical officer of Molina Healthcare of Nevada. “This partnership with High Sierra AHEC helps advance our mission to improve access to care in underserved communities, including hard to reach areas of Nevada, by breaking down barriers for students to serve their communities as dedicated health professionals.”
The grant partnership expands eight pathway programs implemented by Nevada’s three principal AHECs – High Sierra AHEC in Reno, Desert Meadows AHEC in Las Vegas, and Frontier AHEC in Elko. Through community outreach, tailored curriculums, experiential learning and skills development opportunities, mentorship, networking, and professional certification, these programs provide tools and support for students to achieve their career goals.
“Thanks to MolinaCares’ support, our new health care pathway program coordinators will expand the reach of our programs across High Sierra, Desert Meadows, and Frontier AHECs,” said Andrea Gregg, chief executive officer of High Sierra AHEC. “By providing tailored engagement from this new staff, we can continue to build the pathway programs, ensuring that all health care professionals and students are set up for success.”
Molina announced the partnership and presented $150,000 to High Sierra AHEC during their Night of Excellence Awards Ceremony, celebrating the achievements and service of students improving health outcomes in their communities through AHEC programs.
About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through the Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.
About Molina Healthcare of Nevada
Molina Healthcare of Nevada, Inc. provides government-funded health care to members in Clark and Washoe counties through Medicaid, Nevada Check Up, Medicare and Marketplace. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About High Sierra AHEC
For over 40 years, the Nevada AHEC Program has been a lifeline for rural and underserved communities by recruiting, training, and placing healthcare professionals dedicated to essential care. We build a highly skilled workforce, address Nevada’s provider-to-patient ratio disparities, and ensure that even the most vulnerable populations receive the care they deserve. Together, we drive lasting change and advance equitable healthcare access across Nevada.
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“Supporting the next generation of health care workers is an investment in the future of Nevada’s health and well-being,” said Dr. Nima Alinejad, chief medical officer of Molina Healthcare of Nevada.
Contacts
Media Contact: Rhonda Frazier, Rhonda.Frazier@MolinaHealthcare.com, 562-980-3849