Northern Area Health Education Center to Celebrate 25th Anniversary

Strengthening the Healthcare Workforce in Northern New York

CANTON, NY (06/18/2026) (readMedia)-- The Northern Area Health Education Center (NAHEC) will celebrate its 25th Anniversary on Monday, June 22, recognizing a quarter century of work building healthcare career pathways, supporting workforce development, and strengthening access to care throughout northern New York.

The event will bring together healthcare leaders, educators, community partners, elected officials, students, and supporters to reflect on NAHEC's impact and discuss the ongoing need to develop and retain healthcare professionals across the region.

WHO:

Northern Area Health Education Center 25th Anniversary Celebration

Expected participants include:

• New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Sean Hennessey, representing Governor Kathy Hochul

• Representatives from New York State Assemblymember Scott Gray

• Representatives from New York State Senator Dan Stec

• In recognition of NAHEC's 25th Anniversary, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has arranged for a United States flag to be flown over the U.S. Capitol on June 22. (The commemorative flag will be presented to NAHEC at a later date.)

• Invited, Assemblymember Ken Blankenbush, and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

• NAHEC Chief Executive Officer Richard Merchant

• NAHEC Board Chair Gerald R. Cayer, MPH, Chief Executive Officer, Lewis County Health System

• Healthcare, education, workforce development, and community partners from across northern New York

WHAT:

For 25 years, NAHEC has worked to strengthen the healthcare workforce pipeline throughout northern New York by connecting students, educators, healthcare organizations, and communities.

Through these efforts, NAHEC has:

• Introduced more than 22,000 students to health-related careers

• Matched hundreds of students with local clinical rotations and internship opportunities

• Provided continuing education and professional development opportunities to healthcare professionals across the region

Healthcare remains one of the largest employment sectors in the North Country, yet workforce shortages continue to challenge hospitals, healthcare providers, and rural communities. The anniversary celebration will highlight the partnerships and programs that have helped address these challenges while underscoring the continued need to invest in healthcare workforce development.
WHEN: Monday June 22, 2026 at 03:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
WHERE: Best Western University Inn
90 E. Main Street
Canton, New York 13617
NOTES:

VISUALS:

• Anniversary celebration and recognition ceremony

• Presentation of proclamations and commemorations

• Awarding scholarships to high school students

• Healthcare and community leaders gathering from across the North Country