[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 58 (Friday, March 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTERS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SUSIE LEE

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 27, 2026

  Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March 23rd 
to March 27th as National AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) Week.
  Southern Nevadans are facing a dire shortage of health care 
providers, which means longer wait times, fewer choices, and less 
access to quality care.
  According to new Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. 
could see a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034, and the 
American Hospital Association says more than 200,000 new registered 
nurses are needed each year to meet increasing health care needs and to 
replace nurses entering retirement.
  To solve this crisis, underserved communities like ours need to 
expand the resources we offer so that medical providers can learn and 
grow their careers in southern Nevada. AHECs are a part of that 
solution, expanding the health care workforce, especially in rural and 
underserved communities.
  That has been and will continue to be key as we fight to ensure every 
Nevadan has access to the health care they need. The AHEC program has 
already trained millions of health care professionals. Across our 
state, from Elko to Reno to Las Vegas, the AHEC program is 
strengthening the future of our health care workforce which will help 
the health of all Nevadans.
  That is why I am proud to support this program and why, year after 
year, I have fought to secure essential federal investments in the 
national AHEC program.
  On behalf of my constituents at the Nevada AHEC program, their 
national counterparts, and the thousands of Americans who benefit from 
the care fostered by AHECs, I am proud to recognize this National Area 
Health Education Centers Week.
  I thank them all for their dedication to keeping our communities 
healthy.

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