Maryland Area Health Education Center West, also known as “AHEC West,” is a rural, community-based organization serving Appalachian counties in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. To fulfill our mission to improve access to and promote quality in health care through education and collaboration, we partner with local, state, federal, and private organizations working toward mutual goals of a fair national distribution of health professionals and the elimination of health disparities due to rurality, poverty, race, and culture.

Established in 1976 to address inequity in healthcare diversity and distribution and to improve healthcare disparities in underserved rural Western Maryland communities, AHEC West welcomes and accepts diversity in the broadest context.  We recognize, value, and learn from all people of varying cultural backgrounds regardless and inclusive of age, race, color, creed, physical/mental ability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, marriage status, veteran status, language, national origin, ancestry, religion, socio-economic status, geographic region, or any other status protected by applicable law.