The Health Alliance of Northern California (HANC) serves as the Northern California Area Health Education Center (AHEC), addressing critical health disparities in rural and underserved areas of Northeastern California. The AHEC scholars’ program focuses on building scholars’ capacity to expand access to care and promote positive health outcomes. By equipping the next generation of healthcare leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to make a lasting impact, the AHEC plays a vital role in strengthening healthcare systems in communities with the greatest needs.
As a consortium and neutral convener, HANC unites health centers, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to address the unique challenges of delivering healthcare in rural and frontier regions of Northern California. Its network includes seven Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) operating over 30 sites, spanning 25,047 square miles. HANC’s member clinics and local partners collaborate to expand access to comprehensive, quality healthcare—including physical, mental, and dental services—while improving health outcomes for all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay.
Through its leadership, HANC supports both its member health centers and local stakeholders by focusing on building health center capacity, strengthening regional partnerships, and advancing initiatives that foster sustainable solutions to rural health challenges. Key initiatives include:
- Policy and Advocacy: Driving policy changes to improve access to quality healthcare in rural areas.
- Workforce Development: Facilitating training, recruitment, and retention strategies to grow and sustain the rural healthcare workforce.
- Board Education and Training: Equipping health center boards with tools for effective governance.
- Strategic Planning and Quality Improvement: Supporting initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and clinical performance.
- Facilitating Peer Networks: Convening virtual forums for Chief Medical Officers, finance and operations leaders, and quality improvement professionals to share best practices.
- Health Information Exchange and Integrated Care: Promoting data sharing and collaborative care models to improve patient outcomes.
- Health Equity: Leading efforts to ensure equitable access to care for diverse populations in rural communities.
Through its dual role as a rural health convener and the Northern California AHEC, HANC is uniquely positioned to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals while supporting current providers and organizations in achieving sustainable, positive health outcomes for the region.
For additional information, please contact Hailey Mendoza at [email protected].
Click Here for the HANC brochure.
