AHEC Connects

Health Insurance Literacy: A Clear Guide to Costs, Coverage and Your Options

Noon-1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4,

Health insurance can be one of the most complex parts of navigating healthcare. Wisconsin experts will break down health insurance, prior authorization, patient rights and common barriers to accessing care. Participants will gain practical knowledge and resources they can use in their future health professions practice to help patients better understand their coverage, navigate challenges and access the care they need.

Relentlessly Pursuing Healthy Communities

8:45-10:45 a.m., Friday, Nov. 13

Learn how Community Health Systems is expanding access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families throughout our region. From medical and dental care to behavioral health services, discover how this Federally Qualified Health Center removes barriers to care and helps build healthier communities.

Creating Safe Havens: Advocacy, Healing and Hope for Children

8:45-9:45 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18

The YWCA CARE House provides a safe, child-focused environment where young victims of abuse can receive support, advocacy, and resources. Learn how this nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center works with community partners to promote healing and protect vulnerable children and families.

The Changing Face of Drugs: What future health care professionals need to know

6-7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19

The drug landscape is constantly changing, creating new challenges for healthcare professionals and the communities they serve in. DEA Community Outreach Specialist Fidel Arroyo Jr. will provide an inside look at some of today’s most pressing, emerging drug trends and what future healthcare professionals need to know to better understand and respond to these challenges.

Building Leaders, Transforming Communities

8:45-10:45 a.m., Friday, Nov. 20

Nehemiah cultivates leadership, strengthens communities, and advances equitable solutions through culturally grounded programs and transformational relationships. Explore how their work empowers individuals, develops future leaders, and creates positive change throughout Dane County.

Realizing Resilience

Noon-1:30 p.m., Fridays, Nov. 20, Dec. 4, Dec. 11 & Dec. 18

Realizing Resilience is a four-session skills advancement series for health professionals and students working in high-demand complex environments. Learn practical, evidence-based skills to manage stress, reduce mental overload and stay clear and focused during demanding situations. Reconnect with professional values and develop a personalized resilience plan for immediate use in practice, leading to greater clarity, steadier performance and more sustainable patient care engagement.

Food is Medicine

4:30-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 2

Exploring the role of nutrition in managing chronic medical conditions, evaluating changes in dietary recommendations over time, and better understanding how to support patients and communities in accessing and sustaining healthy nutrition plans throughout their life.

Improving Healthcare Experiences for Neurodivergent Individuals

6:30-8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 7

Islands of Brilliance is a Milwaukee-based non-profit that uses art and creative technologies to empower autistic and neurodivergent individuals and open pathways to employment and independence. In this presentation, Islands of Brilliance staff will give an overview of what neurodivergence encompasses and offer communication strategies to improve patient experience and autonomy while interacting with medical professionals. In addition, they will share their individual perspectives informed by being workshop facilitators, an occupational therapist, parents to neurodivergent individuals advocating for their children, and one staff member being neurodivergent themselves.

AI in Healthcare: What’s coming, what matters and why your judgment still wins

Noon-1:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming healthcare and will play an increasingly important role in the daily work of healthcare professionals. From easing administrative burdens and supporting clinical decision-making to enhancing patient engagement and improving outcomes, AI is reshaping how care is delivered. This session offers a broad, accessible overview of emerging AI applications in healthcare, the opportunities and challenges they bring, and why human judgment, compassion, and ethical decision-making remain essential in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Lost in the System: Health care advocacy, access and justice

Noon-1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 15What happens when patients face barriers to accessing care, are denied insurance coverage, or struggle to navigate a complex healthcare system? Join us for an engaging discussion on the critical role of patient advocacy and healthcare navigation in improving outcomes and advancing health justice.

This Connect complements the earlier session Health Insurance Literacy: A Clear Guide to Costs, Coverage, and Your Options.

The Power of One Conversation: QPR suicide prevention training

Noon-1:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14

Learn how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, start a supportive conversation, and connect someone to help. This interactive QPR training provides practical tools that anyone can use to help save a life—no prior experience required.

A Historical Jaunt to Understand Reproductive Justice

6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2

Understand the evolution of reproductive justice by studying its history. From medieval midwifery to Semmelweis, J Marion Simms to Henrietta Lacks, contraception to in vitro fertilization, bra-burning hippies to tradwives; discover the historical timeline that shapes this critical framework.

Bridging the Gap in Multiple Sclerosis: Reducing delays in DX and expanding access in Wisconsin

6-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4

This Connect will acknowledge the the desert of professionals who care for patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Our presenter will speak on expanding our access to care in WI. Learn more about MS and become an advocate for education!

Digital Health Literacy: Connecting patients to care through technology

6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 16

Digital tools are transforming how healthcare organizations identify social needs and connect patients with community resources. This session explores the role of digital health literacy, electronic health records, and platforms like health portals and Findhelp in supporting whole-person care. Participants will learn how technology is improving care coordination, strengthening referrals, and helping address social determinants of health while considering the opportunities and challenges of digital healthcare.

Leadership Through Strengths

5-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 17

Take your leadership to the next level by learning to maximize your strengths in your personal and professional life. Explore leadership forms, Clifton Strengths benefits, and when strengths can be detrimental.

The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Healthcare

6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 2

Strong communication begins with emotional intelligence. This interactive session explores how self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management enhance patient care, strengthen interprofessional collaboration, improve resilience, and support effective leadership in today’s healthcare environment.

Tick-Borne Illnesses: Emerging threats in rural health

3:30-5 p.m., Thursday, March 9

Tick-borne diseases are increasing across Wisconsin and the United States, creating new challenges for healthcare professionals and public health practitioners. This session explores the epidemiology of common tick-borne illnesses, current prevention strategies, diagnosis and treatment considerations, and the impact on rural communities. Participants will gain practical knowledge to recognize symptoms, educate patients, and support prevention efforts in their future practice.

Imposter Syndrome

Noon-1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 16

Do you ever feel like you’re not qualified enough despite your accomplishments? You’re not alone. Join us for an engaging session on Imposter Syndrome, where we’ll explore why self-doubt happens, how it affects personal and professional growth, and practical strategies to build confidence and recognize your true value. Leave empowered with tools to silence your inner critic, embrace your strengths and thrive with confidence.

International Medical Voluntourism: Tips for making ethical choices

Noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, March 2

Many future and current health professionals are attracted to short-term service trips in lower-resourced countries to help out, gain experience, and beef up their resume. Learn about the potential ethical concerns about such voluntourism trips and tips for making better choices.

Motivation That Lasts: Applying the science of goal achievement in healthcare

6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 19

Healthcare professionals are constantly balancing competing priorities while striving for personal and professional growth. In this engaging workshop, participants will explore the evidence behind motivation, habit formation, and goal achievement. Through reflection and interactive activities, attendees will identify what drives their motivation, recognize common barriers to change, and develop practical strategies to achieve goals while reducing burnout and maintaining well-being.