WV AHEC director receives national award for social justice

Angela Alston, MPH, executive director of the Southeastern West Virginia Area Health Education Center, has received the 2025 Andy Nichols Award for Social Justice from the National AHEC Organization.

 

The award honors individuals, projects or organizations within the AHEC network that demonstrate both vision and sustained service to advance health equity and access. Alston received the recognition during the organization’s national conference last week.

 

“I am truly honored to receive this healthcare social justice award in recognition of my work with the Southeastern West Virginia AHEC,” Alston said. “This award reinforces my belief that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege, and strengthens my commitment to fighting for equitable access and outcomes for everyone. I am fortunate to work alongside an amazing team of dedicated healthcare professionals. Moreover, I am grateful for the unwavering support from the West Virginia AHEC Program as a whole and our primary partners. None of my achievements would have been possible without their assistance. This award truly belongs to all of us.”

 

The Andy Nichols Award for Social Justice is one of the highest honors presented by the National AHEC Organization and recognizes a deep commitment to underserved communities.

 

The West Virginia AHEC Program works to improve the supply, distribution and quality of healthcare professionals in medically underserved areas across the state. Through partnerships with academic institutions, community organizations and healthcare providers, the program offers education, training and support for students and professionals committed to serving rural and disadvantaged populations.

 

To learn more about the West Virginia AHEC Program and its efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce in rural and underserved areas, visit health.wvu.edu/west-virginia-area-health-education-center/