The purpose and mission of the LSUHSC-S AHEC Program is to improve health status, increase access to care, and assure that the future and current health care workforce is properly trained and practice in medically underserved communities. This is done through community based training, recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals and workers, developing and implementing continuing education programs to meet the needs of healthcare professionals in rural and underserved areas and to plan and respond to community health needs through population-based health system development and public education.