Northern Border Regional Commission Invests in Healthcare Workforce Pipeline Across Northern New York

CANTON, NY (05/21/2025) (readMedia)-- The Northern Area Health Education Center (NAHEC) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to expand the Institute for Career Advancement in Medicine (ICAM) within St. Lawrence and Franklin counties. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to address critical healthcare workforce shortages in Northern New York.

ICAM is a digital platform that serves as the central hub for healthcare training, job placement, and community engagement. The platform went live in September 2024, with over 360 participants across the north country already enrolled and actively accessing resources to help them pursue and advance careers in healthcare.

The initiative comes at a pivotal time for the region. Northern New York, including the Mohawk Territory and other underserved communities, faces persistent challenges in healthcare access, infrastructure, and workforce retention. ICAM directly responds to these needs by preparing a new generation of healthcare workers through STEM-integrated training, career development support, and strong community partnerships.

"The NBRC's support is truly transformative," said Whitney Fraser, Center Director of NAHEC. "It helps us grow a solution that fits the needs of our region-connecting innovation with infrastructure so rural residents can access the same high-quality care as everyone else. This is about workforce, economic recovery, and access to care."

Over the next three years, ICAM will work to serve more than 1,300 individuals across 14 counties, resulting in a goal of at least 52 training placements and 20 employment placements in critical roles such as primary care providers, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals. The project is fully implementation-ready, with curriculum designed, partners engaged, and a strong foundation for sustainability already in place. The partnership aligns with NBRC's mission to catalyze economic development and build stronger communities across northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. It also addresses federally defined areas of distress through workforce development, job creation, and community revitalization.

To learn more about the Northern Border Regional Commission, visit www.nbrc.gov.

About Northern Area Health Education Center (NAHEC)

NAHEC is a nonprofit organization that works to improve access to healthcare and health education in rural and underserved communities throughout Northern New York. NAHEC is a trusted partner in harm reduction, workforce development, and public health innovation.