AHEC Community Health Immersions

Winter Break & Spring Semester 2027 AHEC Community Health Immersion

Experience communities in Wisconsin either in-person or through a live virtual Immersion.

Apply by 11:59pm, Sunday, November 15, 2026:

Gerontology and the Aging Population | Virtual Live via Zoom — January 5-7, 2027
Why do we have a lack of knowledge surrounding caring for one of our most vulnerable populations? Explore gerontology, dementia care, and the careers and services associated with this demographic. We will speak with professionals and providers who provide a multitude of care for one of our most vulnerable populations! This Immersion runs virtually on January 5, 6, & 7, 2027.

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Resilient Wisconsin: Mental Health Solutions | Virtual Live via Zoom — January 6-8, 2027
We’ve heard a lot about the mental health crisis, but what about the solutions? In this virtual Community Health Immersion, learn about the current mental health needs in Wisconsin and what communities are doing to meet those needs. Guest speakers will share how they are improving access to much-needed services through innovative strategies such as expansion of telehealth, improving technology access in rural areas, and employing nontraditional service providers. Participants will also collaborate in interprofessional teams to design their own unique solutions. This Immersion runs virtually on January 6, 7, & 8, 2027.

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Food Insecurity | Sheboygan County — January 11-13, 2027
Food insecurity is more than a shortage of food; it is the lack of consistent access to sufficient, nutritious food needed to maintain an active and healthy life. Examine this important community and public health issue across multiple generations, exploring how organizations within a community are working to address food insecurity. Investigate the related challenges and emerging concerns that contribute to or result from food insecurity. This Immersion runs in person in Sheboygan County January 11-13, 2027.

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On the Ground in Grant County: Investigating Rural Health Through Community Partnerships | Platteville area — January 11-13, 2027
Think you know rural health, challenges, assets? Join us to explore the unique challenges and resources of rural, underserved communities across Grant County and nearby communities. Learn how social determinants of health, interprofessional collaboration and cultural awareness tie rural professionals together to make the greatest impact on patients and communities. This Immersion runs in person in the Platteville area from January 11-13, 2027.

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The Milwaukee Mosaic: Where Community, Healing, and Prevention Intersect | Milwaukee — January 12 & 19 (virtual), January 14-15, 2027
What does healing look like when it’s rooted in community? In this two-day experience, interact with a diverse network of Milwaukee-based organizations working at the intersection of public health, substance use prevention, recovery, and social justice. Explore community-driven approaches to care, deepen your understanding of substance use disorder, and reflect on the role of health professionals in advancing equity and resilience. This Immersion takes place in Milwaukee, beginning on January 14 and concluding on January 15. Mandatory virtual pre-session (January 12th from 6-7pm) and post-session (January 19th from 6-7pm) are included along with the in-person programming. You will be required to stay in the arranged lodging with the group even if you reside in Milwaukee.

ER: Emergency Reality in Rural Wisconsin | Menomonie — February 7 & 21 (virtual), March 7 & 14 (virtual), April 3, 2027
Emergency medicine makes for great television drama, but what’s the reality here in rural Wisconsin? Explore themes like interdisciplinary team communication, provider mental health, and systems thinking through simulations, television case studies, & conversations with interdisciplinary teams working the trenches of emergency care. Culminate the experience by acting as patients in a mass casualty incident exercise at a rural critical access hospital. This Immersion runs virtually via Zoom on Feb. 7 and 21 and March 7 and 14, 2027, from 6-8:30 p.m. A required in-person event will take place on April 3, 2027, from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in Menomonie.

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Recovery in Action: Understanding Hope, Healing and Second Chances | Manitowoc — March 22-24, 2027
Think addiction is a one-way street? During your three days in Manitowoc, develop a deeper understanding of substance use disorder, recovery, and the people and systems that support second chances. This Immersion runs in person in Manitowoc from March 22-24, 2027.

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Culture Shock: From City Streets to Country Roads | Ashland OR Milwaukee — April 6 (virtual), 8-11, 13 (virtual), 2027
Are you ready to explore a new perspective on healthcare? Whether you’re a rural student curious about how healthcare operates in a fast-paced urban environment, or an urban student interested in the unique challenges and strengths of rural healthcare, this immersive experience is designed for you. Culture Shock offers in-person opportunities to discover how geography and community shape healthcare delivery. Rural participants will travel to Milwaukee to explore healthcare systems in a densely populated city and engage with diverse urban populations. Urban participants will head to Ashland to gain insight into healthcare in a remote, rural community and connect with residents whose needs and experiences differ from those in metropolitan areas. This program is designed to challenge your assumptions, expand your understanding, and provide a firsthand look at the people and places that define healthcare across Wisconsin.

This Immersion meets in-person in either Ashland or Milwaukee (depending on where you are assigned) on April 8-11, with the first and last day being primarily travel days. TRANSPORTATION IS PROVIDED TO THE IMMERSION LOCATION FROM YOUR PLACE OF RESIDENCE IF NEEDED (Milwaukee or Ashland) and throughout the entire experience. Milwaukee students are required to stay at the arranged with the rest of the Milwaukee group even if you have other accommodations in Milwaukee. Ashland students will be staying at the Hotel Chequamegon (Best Western) right on Lake Superior! Both the pre- and post-sessions are virtual and mandatory as part of the Immersion requirements.

A virtual pre-session will be held on April 6 from 6:00pm-7:00pm, and a virtual post-session will be held on April 13 from 6:00pm-7:00pm. Both sessions are mandatory components of the program.

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Immersion Details

• The program fee is $200 for in-person Immersions or $50 for virtual Immersions. For in-person Immersions, this includes housing, most meals, and transportation between locations during in-person portions of Immersions.
• Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the session’s location. Carpooling with other participants is common. 

Credit Option

We are offering a one-credit online course open to all students participating in this program. The course will be administered through UW–Madison. Additional assignments will be given in addition to the regular AHEC Community Health Immersion programming to meet the 45-hour requirement for a credit.

Additional information:

• Taking this credit is required for UW–Madison Global Health students to count AHEC Community Health Immersion as their field experience.
• Accepted students will be given permission to enroll in NUTR SCI 421.
• Credit counts toward Spring 2026-27 course load.
• UW–Madison tuition rates apply.
• Students at universities outside of UW–Madison need to apply to be a UW–Madison special student and have the responsibility of determining how to transfer credit back to their home institution.
• All coursework is administered through Canvas, an online digital learning environment.
• The course includes your time spent participating in your selected Immersion and additional assignments running January 4-17, 2027.
• This course is graded.

Summer 2027 AHEC Community Health Immersions

Learn first-hand from community members and health practitioners in these multi-day, in-person Immersions.

The application for Summer 2027 will open in February 2027.

If you are interested in being notified when the application opens for Summer 2027. please fill out the interest form at the link below.

Perspectives in Practice: Beyond the Diagnosis | Madison & Dane County — May 10-12, 2027
Enhance your understanding of the factors that influence health beyond the clinical setting. Through site visits, expert presentations, panel discussions and engagement with community partners, explore the social determinants of health, including poverty, housing insecurity, food access, addiction, mental health, and recovery. Learn directly from individuals and organizations serving veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and those impacted by incarceration, fostering a deeper appreciation of the lived experiences that shape individual health outcomes. Hear from those working with mental health resources and health literacy, exploring opportunities for health workers to build trust, improve communication, and create a more inclusive, patient-driven practice. By connecting clinical practice with community realities, embrace empathy, reduce barriers to care, and contribute to improved health and well being for the individuals and communities you serve. This Immersion takes place in the Madison area, beginning at 9:00am on May 10 and concluding at 2:00pm on May 12.

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From Native Roots to Evolving Tribal Healthcare | Menominee Nation — May 13-15, 2027
Menominee Nation welcomes you! Join us for an immersive learning experience exploring the culture, history, and evolving healthcare systems of one of Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized Indigenous tribes. Through engagement with Menominee community members, tribal leaders, healthcare professionals, and local organizations, gain insight into tribal healthcare delivery, public health initiatives, behavioral health, health policy, and the social factors that influence health and well-being. Through site visits, storytelling, and discussions with content experts, explore how Indigenous values, traditions, and self-determination shape healthcare and community wellness. Learn alongside students from diverse health professions, building cultural humility and a deeper understanding of health equity in rural and tribal communities. Accommodations are in a shared Northwoods cabin setting, fostering connection, reflection, and interdisciplinary learning. Additional highlights include a shared Indigenous meal and other cultural experiences that strengthen understanding of Menominee history, traditions, and community strengths. This Immersion takes place May 13-15, 2027 at Menominee Nation.

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Natural and Alternative Medicine | Ashland — May 17-19, 2027
Have you ever thought about conducting medicine in a more holistic approach? Are you looking to be a provider that offers natural remedies and options before prescribing medications? Are you curious about alternative medicine practices that your future patients may be seeking? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this program is right for you! We will also be taking a look into midwifery and our Native American Culture regarding this topic. Join us in the beautiful Ashland, WI and learn from providers and professionals who look at the whole person and offer a more holistic approach. We stay at the stunning Hotel Chequamegon, located directly on Lake Superior. Take time during your downtime to explore the Northwoods! *Disclaimer: The professionals that we see will share their perspectives and knowledge on their area of expertise. You may not agree with what they do or how they practice, but that is also one of the unique aspects of this program—to understand a different perspective. This Immersion runs in-person in Ashland from May 17-19, 2027.

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From Roots to Routes: The Immigration Experience | Rock County/Beloit — May 17-19, 2027
Gain a deeper understanding of Spanish-speaking communities and immigrant populations by exploring their rich cultures, histories, traditions, and lived experiences in the United States. Learn about the challenges and barriers many individuals face when navigating the American healthcare system, including language differences, access to care, cultural considerations, and social and economic factors. Through community engagement, interactive discussions, and hands-on cultural experiences—such as an authentic Mexican cooking class—participants will develop cultural awareness, strengthen your ability to work with diverse populations, and gain valuable insights into providing compassionate, culturally responsive care. This Immersion runs in person in the Beloit/Janesville area, beginning at 9:00am on May 17 and concluding at 2:00pm on May 19.

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VetsCare: Veteran Health and Wellness | Eau Claire — May 18-20, 2027
Witness firsthand the physical, mental, and social challenges veterans face in rural areas. Visit locations including a VA clinic, VA hospital, veterans home long-term care facility, rehabilitation facilities, and mental health clinics to learn about support systems and resources designed to improve veterans’ health and well-being and access to healthcare. By interacting with veterans and healthcare providers, you will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of veteran care and be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources to provide compassionate, culturally competent care to veterans in your future career. This Immersion runs in-person on May 18-20, 2027 in Eau Claire.

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Incarceration, Health, and Wellbeing | Madison & Lancaster — May 19-21, 2027
Have you considered how incarcerated persons access healthcare in a jail or prison? Ever wondered about healthcare implications for previously incarcerated individuals? Explore health, well-being, and healthcare delivery through visits to county jails, maximum and minimum security prisons. Gain an understanding of access and equity for these populations and how social determinants play a role. Hear from experts in the field, practicing healthcare providers, and public health professionals. This Immersion begins in Madison on May 19th at 9:00am and concludes in Madison on May 21st at 5:00pm with transportation to and from Lancaster provided.

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Rising Up: Paths to Healing in Rural WI | Rhinelander — May 20-22, 2027
Join rural providers and community partners to explore innovative approaches to mental health, substance use, and non-traditional pathways to healing in rural communities. Through a case study and hands-on experiences—including equine-assisted services, creative approaches to mental health, behavioral health simulations, community partner discussions, and treatment and prevention programs—gain a deeper understanding of whole-person care beyond the traditional clinical setting. Explore challenges such as access to care, stigma, workforce shortages, and provider fatigue, helping you think more broadly about healing, resilience, and the community resources that support health and well-being. Participants stay together in shared Northwoods lodging, creating additional opportunities for connection and reflection throughout the immersion. A virtual orientation and pre-work are completed prior to the in-person experience. This Immersion runs May 20-22, 2027. A $40 gas gift card is provided to support your transportation to Rhinelander.

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Life’s Transitions: Birth, Death, and Community Health in the Chippewa Valley | Eau Claire area — May 22-23, 2027
Explore how access to care, culture, and community resources shape experiences of birth and death in northwestern Wisconsin. Engage with healthcare providers, doulas, hospice professionals, and cultural leaders to examine current gaps and innovations in care, and to better understand how teams are working to improve outcomes and support individuals across the lifespan. This Immersion runs in person in Eau Claire from May 22-23, 2027.

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Plain Community Health Culture | Marshfield area — May 25-27, 2027
Experience Amish/Mennonite culture and rural health care while visiting these communities. Explore how respect for culture can interact with health care, and learn about the balance between cost of medical care and reduction of risk. Sites visited include public health department, fee-for-service, midwifery and family practice clinics, dental practices, and an Amish home and farm. This Immersion runs in person in the Marshfield area from May 25-27, 2027.

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Adolescent Health | La Crosse area — June 11-13, 2027
This Immersion is designed to equip future health professionals with the tools to navigate the complex social, mental, and developmental challenges facing today’s youth by exploring how schools, hospitals, community centers, and youth-led advocacy networks serve as vital safety nets for adolescent well-being. This Immersion runs in person in the La Crosse area from June 11-13, 2027.

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Health Systems & Culture in Context: The Oneida Nation | Oneida in Brown County — July 22-24, 2027
See recovery through a person-centered lens, recognizing that substance use disorder is a complex health issue influenced by biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. This Immersion takes place in person in Brown County from July 22-24, 2027.

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Women’s Health | New Richmond — August 11-13, 2027
Take a deep dive into many aspects of women’s health. Many women feel unheard, unseen, or dismissed while seeking medical care for themselves. Look at the why and how our practitioners can help combat those feelings for their patients. This Immersion runs in-person in New Richmond from August 11-13, 2027.

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Immersion Details

• The program fee is $200. This includes housing, most meals, and transportation between locations during in-person portions of Immersions.
• Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the session’s location. Carpooling with other participants is common.

Credit Option for Summer Term

Additional information:

• Taking this credit is required for UW–Madison Global Health students to count AHEC Community Health Immersion as their field experience.
• Accepted students will be given permission to enroll in NUTR SCI 421.
• Credit counts toward Summer 2027 term.
• UW–Madison tuition rates apply.
• Students at universities outside of UW–Madison need to apply to be a UW–Madison special student and have the responsibility of determining how to transfer credit back to their home institution.
• All coursework is administered asynchronously through Canvas, an online digital learning environment.
• The course includes your time spent participating in your selected Immersion and additional assignments..
• This course is graded.