In 1978, AHEC was initiated in Ohio to promote primary care practice and to educate allied health students about the needs of medically underserved populations. AHEC supports undergraduate and graduate medical, nursing and allied health education. The Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (NEOUCOM) participates with the six other Ohio medical schools in implementing the AHEC program. AHEC serves 14 counties in northeastern Ohio.

The AHEC Program is linked through three community-based centers: the Eastern Ohio Area Health Education Center, the Summit Portage Area Health Education Center and the Canton Regional Area Health Education Center. The centers plan and develop educational programs based on their assessment of local resources, health personnel needs and the interest of each community.

The AHEC Program is funded by: the Ohio Legislature through the Ohio Board of Regents; the federal AHEC Program, Bureau of Health Professions at Health Resources and Services Administration; cost-share by consortium universities; local grant; and program-generated funds.