Envisioning a community supported by high quality, accessible health resources and a diverse, educated and compassionate workforce, Western New York Rural Area Health Education Center (WNY R-AHEC) works to improve the quality of healthcare in our region through workforce development, education and resources. It does this through four main focus areas:
- Health careers pathways, which includes education for grades 6-12, as well as internships that give high school students hands-on work experience.
- Workforce development, which provides training, educational case management and continuing education credits.
- Health information technology support that helps to secure funding for not-for-profit Healthcare Organization’s network costs
- Housing that includes an on-site Hospitality House for student clinical rotations, healthcare professionals and community members who might need a place to stay while caring for loved ones in the hospital.
Established in 1999, WNY R-AHEC serves 12 counties across Western New York and the Finger Lakes region, including Wyoming County. Its hub is located directly adjacent to the Wyoming County Community Health System, a county-owned medical center in Warsaw.
In 2025 alone, WNY R-AHEC provided more than 4,000 students with health career exploration programs, nearly 700 individuals the opportunity to participate in healthcare related development events, and awarded $11,000 in high school health careers scholarships.
These unique, hands-on experiences can make a lifelong impact on students. R-AHEC leaders shared a story of a high school student who spent hours with an expectant mother during labor and delivery and had the opportunity to assist with the birth of the baby, which solidified her dreams to pursue that in her post-secondary education.
By introducing students to healthcare careers, supporting and training current professionals, expanding access to critical technology resources, and providing housing that supports medical students, healthcare workers, and the community, WNY R-AHEC strengthens the systems that contribute to community well-being.
With ongoing support from the Wyoming Foundation, including a 2026 grant for Health Careers Exploration Camps, R-AHEC is investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals while helping ensure rural residents have access to the resources, workforce and services needed to thrive.
“The Wyoming Foundation’s support has helped WNY R-AHEC advance our mission by expanding access to health career exploration and workforce development opportunities for youth in Wyoming County,” said Sara Longhini, Associate Director, R-AHEC. “Their funding has allowed us to provide health careers camps and programming that expose students to a wide range of healthcare pathways and inspire them to consider careers in healthcare. This partnership has also strengthened WNY R-AHEC’s presence and visibility within Wyoming County, increasing community awareness of the resources and opportunities we provide. Additionally, their support has enabled us to offer Mental Health First Aid training to youth in the community, equipping them with valuable skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Through this partnership, the Wyoming Foundation has helped us reach more youth, strengthen our community connections, and further our mission of improving healthcare through workforce development, education, and resources.”