Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center

What Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center does

Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center (ESAHEC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1972 and headquartered in Cambridge, Maryland, operating as the sole Area Health Education Center for Maryland's Eastern Shore within the state AHEC (MAHEC) system. The organization delivers health education and workforce development programs across all nine Eastern Shore counties (Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, Talbot, Worcester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Cecil), targeting rural healthcare workforce shortages and health disparities in underserved communities. ESAHEC operates a broad portfolio of programs including a Maryland Department of Health-accredited Community Health Worker Training (100 hours coursework plus 40 hours practicum), the AHEC Scholars interprofessional program, the CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program, oral health outreach (Tooth Fairy's Helper, Teen HPV/Vaping Prevention, Dental Continuing Education, DDA Oral Health Training), the EARN Ready to Care CNA workforce pipeline with three community colleges, youth health career exploration (Aging Simulation, What's Under Our Skin, Dental Careers Exploration), and geriatric education (E.P.O.P.S., GGEAR conferences, Dementia Live training).

ESAHEC does not operate a proprietary technology platform; its core infrastructure is built on in-person community-based programming, virtual CHW classrooms offered twice yearly, and a 50-person conference facility equipped with Owl Labs video conferencing, an interactive TV, and an LCD projector. The organization's go-to-market is community-led, leveraging partnerships with health departments, hospitals, FQHCs, schools, libraries, and churches to deliver programs directly to students, healthcare workers, and community residents.

Revenue is generated primarily through grant funding from multiple government sources — including CMS (Connecting Kids to Coverage), CDC (National DPP), the Maryland Department of Health, the Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation (EARN program), the Department of Aging, and the Office of Rural Health — supplemented by donations and a 25th Anniversary Legacy Fund Campaign targeting $1,000,000, and nominal conference facility rentals ($125 per two-hour session). The organization reports 1-10 employees and has trained 400+ Community Health Workers, 144 Certified Nursing Assistants, and 1,869 E.P.O.P.S. participants to date.

Name

Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center

Legal name

Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center

Website

https://esahec.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center is a Cambridge, Maryland-based nonprofit AHEC that delivers community health worker training, workforce development, diabetes prevention, oral health, and youth health career programs across all nine Eastern Shore counties, funded primarily through government grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Health Education Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (61)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Health Systems Strengthening & Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Partnerships (HLAJAOAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

In-Service Professional Development (Workshops/Institutes/Short Courses) (EDACAIAB)

Keywords

• Health workforce development
• Community health education
• Rural health training
• Diabetes prevention programs
• Health career pipeline

Headquarters

HQ city

Cambridge

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding: ESAHEC operates primarily through grant funding from government sources including CMS (Connecting Kids to Coverage), CDC (National DPP), Maryland Department of Health, Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation (EARN program), Department of Aging (Dementia Live training), and Office of Rural Health.
2. Donations and Fundraising: The organization conducts fundraising campaigns including a 25th Anniversary Legacy Fund Campaign targeting $1,000,000 with current progress at 31.5%.
3. Conference Rental: The organization rents out its conference facilities to external organizations on an as-available basis for $125 for up to 2 hours, providing additional media equipment rental for additional fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center (ESAHEC) is a nonprofit that delivers health education and workforce training programs across Maryland's Eastern Shore. Its portfolio includes Community Health Worker training, CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention, oral health and youth prevention programs, AHEC Scholars interprofessional education, EARN workforce development training Certified Nursing Assistants, preceptorship clinical rotations, and senior support and aging simulation workshops. Programs are delivered via in-person community sessions, virtual classrooms, partner colleges, and an onsite conference facility.

Product overview

Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center (ESAHEC) offers a comprehensive portfolio of health education programs and services focused on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The organization operates as a collective of health career training, prevention, and professional development programs including Community Health Worker Training, various oral health initiatives (Oral Health Program, Teen HPV/Vaping Prevention, DDA Oral Health Training, Dental Continuing Education), diabetes prevention through the CDC-recognized National DPP, workforce development (EARN Program, CNA training), youth health career programs (Aging Simulation, What's Under Our Skin, Dental Careers Exploration), and senior care training (Senior Support, E.P.O.P.S.). The portfolio is unified under a health education mission, with programs serving different population segments from children to seniors, and serving both direct patient care pathways and healthcare workforce development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Community Health Worker Training Program Accredited Community Health Worker training requiring 100 hours of coursework and 40 hours of field practicum, covering 9 Maryland Department of Health core competencies; offered in spring and fall cohorts via in-person and virtual classroom formats.
• Oral Health Program Oral health education, support, and resources delivered to all age groups across all 9 Eastern Shore counties, including the Tooth Fairy's Helper Program for 0-7 year olds at libraries, Judy Centers, Head Start, and Title I schools.
• Diabetes Prevention Program CDC-recognized lifestyle change program focusing on healthy eating and physical activity to prevent type 2 diabetes; offered online and via in-person sessions across Mid Shore counties with documented 58% risk reduction (71% for over 60).
• AHEC Scholars Program Interprofessional program for health and social service profession students providing interdisciplinary didactic and community-based clinical or experiential training in rural and/or underserved areas.
• Preceptorship Rotation Engagement Program (PREP) Connects students with dedicated preceptors for a 4-week rural medicine experience, coordinating clinical rotations for medical students including Introduction to Clinical Medicine and Primary Care Track cohorts.
• EARN Workforce Development Program State-funded workforce development program in partnership with Cecil College, Chesapeake College, and Wor-Wic College that trains and places Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) throughout the Eastern Shore.
• REACH Program Program using the Community Health Worker model to deliver screenings and education to reduce health disparities, eliminate health inequities, and improve health outcomes across underserved populations.
• Eastern Shore E.P.O.P.S. Program Hands-on workshop utilizing props, individual and group activities to promote understanding, empathy, and sensitivity to the sensory losses of the elderly; has trained 1,869 participants over 17 years across 90+ sessions.
• Aging Simulation Program Program introducing high school students in grades 9-12 to the aging process using simulation glasses, hearing impairment ear plugs, dried beans, and surgical gloves, with tours of medical simulation labs at local colleges.
• Teen HPV and Vaping Prevention Program Program presenting the facts and risks of tobacco addiction and sexually transmitted infections as they relate to oral health for teens.
• Building Healthy Families Program 12-month group-based program for children ages 6-12 with BMI above the 95th percentile, helping families make sustainable changes to nutrition and physical activity.
• Dental Careers Exploration Program Program increasing interest among high school students in dentistry through hands-on simulation lab exercises, virtual reality training, mentor/shadow opportunities, and field trips.
• Dental Continuing Education Program Continuing education programs for dental professionals providing license renewal training that is easily accessible on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
• Senior Support Program Program including GGEAR conferences, Dementia Live training, GAIT events, and Toolbox Assessment Workshop focused on providing knowledge to health profession students and senior service professionals.
• What's Under Our Skin Youth program teaching students about the body's connective tissue and movement, exposing students to various health career options.
• DDA Oral Health Training Live webinar training on unique dental considerations for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, providing 2 CEUs.
• Conference Rental Conference room rental service for up to 50 people, equipped with Owl Labs Video Conferencing System, Interactive TV, LCD Projector, and kitchen access; $125 for up to 2 hours with additional media equipment rental available.

Quantifiable outcome

• 58% risk reduction in developing type 2 diabetes for National DPP participants (71% for those over 60)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Maryland Department of LaborcoreOthersFunder of EARN Maryland workforce development program. ESAHEC collaborates with local colleges (Cecil, Chesapeake, Wor-Wic) for EARN Ready to Care partnership training CNAs.
• University of Maryland School of MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports ESAHEC community health initiatives and programs. Contributes faculty and student participation to health fairs and educational programs.
• Maryland Area Health Education Centers (MAHEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide AHEC program consisting of three regional centers (ESAHEC, AHEC West, Central Maryland AHEC) coordinating CHW training and other programs.
• Johns Hopkins Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with MAHEC to provide professional education conferences geographically and financially accessible to professionals in senior service industry.
• GGEAR (Geriatrics & Gerontology Education and Research Program)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore-based program that ESAHEC serves as a partner on, supporting interprofessional educational activities in geriatrics and gerontology.
• Cecil CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of three local colleges collaborating with ESAHEC for EARN Ready to Care partnership to train and place Certified Nursing Assistants.
• Chesapeake CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of three local colleges collaborating with ESAHEC for EARN Ready to Care partnership to train and place Certified Nursing Assistants.
• Wor-Wic CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of three local colleges collaborating with ESAHEC for EARN Ready to Care partnership to train and place Certified Nursing Assistants.
• Salisbury UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with ESAHEC for annual Assessment Tool Workshop for students in Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Dietary/Nutrition and Social Work programs.
• University of Maryland Eastern ShorecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides pharmacy and physician assistant students for clinical rotations and community health fair participation. Partners for student assessment workshops.
• SeedcomajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSubgrantee for Connecting Kids to Coverage program helping enroll eligible children and families in Medicaid and MCHP. Also assists with Maryland Health Connection navigation.
• Choptank Health SystemmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFederally Qualified Health Center partner listed on employers hiring page, providing healthcare employment opportunities for ESAHEC-trained workers.
• Maryland Food BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnered with Eastern Shore Wellness Solutions for food giveaway at community health fair event.
• Walgreens PharmacyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvided COVID-19 vaccinations at ESAHEC community health fair.
• Cambridge Church of ChristminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted ESAHEC community health fair with 147 attendees and vendors.
• Chesapeake Multicultural CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubgrantee for Connecting Kids to Coverage program focused on multicultural community outreach.
• Alzheimer's AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaryland chapter partners with GGEAR and MAHECs for conferences and caregiver support programs.
• Maryland Agencies on AgingmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-level partnership for senior support programs including GGEAR conferences and caregiver initiatives.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Seedco: National nonprofit that sub-grants the Connecting Kids to Coverage program to ESAHEC. Comparable as an upstream implementation partner and capacity-builder for community health enrollment programs.

Broad incumbents

• National AHEC Organization: Umbrella organization supporting the national network of 50+ AHEC centers. Comparable as the coordinating body that defines the funding channels and program frameworks ESAHEC operates within.
• Johns Hopkins Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP): GWEP partners with MAHEC to deliver geriatric professional education on the Eastern Shore. Comparable as a senior-services and workforce training provider with overlapping programming.
• University of Maryland School of Medicine (MAHEC Program Office): Hosts the MAHEC Program Office and provides faculty, students, and academic resources to ESAHEC. Comparable as a higher-tier institution that funds and shapes ESAHEC's programming.
• Maryland Area Health Education Center Program (MAHEC): Statewide AHEC program office coordinating ESAHEC, AHEC West, and Central Maryland AHEC. Comparable as the network entity that allocates funding and sets program strategy.

Regional players

• Choptank Community Health System: Federally Qualified Health Center and ESAHEC employer partner on the Eastern Shore. Comparable as a regional healthcare provider that benefits from and helps deploy ESAHEC's CHW and CNA workforce.

Direct peers

• Central Maryland Area Health Education Center: Third member of the MAHEC network, serving central Maryland with the same AHEC Scholars, CHW, and community-health education programs. Directly comparable as a co-equal regional AHEC center.
• AHEC West (Western Maryland Area Health Education Center): Sibling regional AHEC within the Maryland AHEC (MAHEC) system, delivering the same CHW training, AHEC Scholars, and rural workforce programs in a different Maryland region. Directly comparable in scope, funding model, and program mix.

Emerging players

• YMCA of the USA (National Diabetes Prevention Program): Operates one of the largest CDC-recognized National DPP footprints nationally. Comparable as a competing deliverer of the same CDC lifestyle-change curriculum ESAHEC offers.
• Alzheimer's Association, Maryland Chapter: Partners with GGEAR and MAHECs on caregiver and dementia training conferences. Comparable as a provider of overlapping senior-focused health education programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/EastrnShoreAHEC
• Facebookfacebook.com/Eastern-Shore-Area-Health-Education-Center-161697147259920

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center