Project ECHO

Eastern AHEC is proud to be part of Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), a movement to demonopolize knowledge and amplify local capacity to provide best practice care for underserved people all over the world. The ECHO Model™ is a mentoring model, committed to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations by equipping communities with the right knowledge, at the right place, at the right time.

Project ECHO transforms the way education and knowledge are delivered to reach more people in rural and underserved communities. It creates virtual communities of learners by bringing together health care providers and subject matter experts using videoconference technology, brief lecture presentations and case-based learning, fostering an “all learn, all teach” approach.

Originating from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, the ECHO Model™ has been replicated across the U.S. and globally, addressing over 65 complex conditions, including Hepatitis C, HIV, substance use disorders, diabetes, autism, palliative care, chronic pain, and more.

An ECHO allows small groups of local professionals to help each other and access nationwide expertise at the same time during a series of short weekly or monthly sessions.

Eastern AHEC has Project ECHO programs on autism, child and adolescent behavioral health, perinatal health, and serious illness care. To find out more about these programs, or if you would like to start a new ECHO, please contact Claire Mills, MPH, RN, FACHE at 252-335-4315 or MillsCl@ecu.edu.