High School Students Expand Their Health Care Knowledge at NMC-AHEC Teen Health Summer Program | Community newsletters

(CMN) — Twenty-six high school students recently completed a two-week summer adolescent health program organized and sponsored by the Area Health Education Center or AHEC at Northern Marianas College.

The summer program, which ran from June 10 to 21, 2024, provided students with hands-on experience including CPR/First Aid, mental health awareness, nutrition and health , as well as an overview of in-demand medical career paths.

During the camp, students participated in a variety of activities, including attending a health career mini-expo where different health care organizations shared valuable information about their profession; learn communication, team building and leadership skills; learn to stitch and suture a simulated open wound; create their own arm casts; participate in simulation training using high-fidelity mannequins; learn basic CPR skills; monitor their blood pressure and heart rate; learn more about mental health and suicide awareness; participate in a Zumba fitness session; better understand the importance of a healthy diet, how to read nutritional information and create a healthy dish; and explore career options in nursing and other allied health fields.

Justice Aldan, a senior at Tinian Junior/Senior High School, said he enjoys making new friends while expanding his knowledge in different areas of healthcare.

“Meeting people from different backgrounds in health care has opened my mind to all the different careers I can pursue,” Aldan said. “After completing this program, I learned that I wanted to become a counselor after having the chance to interact with them at the health expo that my classmates and I attended. What stood out to me the most was the counseling because they are wonderful human beings who love helping others.

AHEC is a federally funded program under the University of Hawaii-Pacific's AHEC that provides health care education and training to CNMI students and professionals. The program aims to increase the number of health professionals in the region and improve the quality of health care for all residents.

Les Ogumoro-Uludong, NMC-AHEC Program Director, commends the students’ commitment and desire to explore opportunities in the healthcare and allied health fields.

“Over the past two weeks, these students have demonstrated remarkable dedication, enthusiasm and genuine curiosity about the many career paths available in the healthcare sector,” said Ogumoro-Uludong . “This program would not have been the same without this cohort's willingness to step out of their comfort zone, work as a team and take the opportunity to meet new people.

For more information, contact Les Ogumoro-Uludong at the NMC Area Health Education Center at (670) 237-6810 or by email at [email protected]/.