Community health workers alumni Jeremy Brewer and Cowan Stevens have different backgrounds but a common passion: helping others. Thanks to the Kent State CHW training program they found their place in the community and now work together for a healthier future.
Jeremy Brewer, CCHW
Community health worker/certified application counselor at AxessPointe Community Health Centers
Jeremy Brewer, CCHW, discovered his passion for public health because of the COVID-19 pandemic, while working as an epidemiology assistant. Now, he serves as a community health worker/certified application counselor with AxessPointe Community Health Centers, after completing his Community Health Worker certification and State of Ohio Board of Nursing certification at Kent State in 2023.
Prior to joining AxessPointe full-time, Jeremy worked at the Portage County Health District. It was during this time he started the CHW certification at Kent State. “While serving as epidemiologist assistant during the COVID-19 pandemic, I found that I enjoyed public health and found fulfillment helping the community,” says Brewer. “My goal was to find steady employment in a community focused environment. I wanted to find a place that challenges me, but at the same time supports me and allows me to look forward to coming to work. I have found that with AxessPointe,” he adds.
When asked about the CHW training he received at Kent State, Brewer explains: “I use the skills I learned every day. I hope to become a Notary and work with my supervisor to continue training and work with community partners to give our residents hope in their time of need.”
His advice to future students?
“It can be a tough program, especially as it is a growing field. If you love helping people and if you have a drive to improve the community, it is a worthwhile experience. I think it’s essential for anyone seeking to work in public health, or planning a future in medicine to better understand the whole of a person or community,” he concludes.
Cowan Stevens, BSPH, CCHW
Community health worker/certified application counselor at AxessPointe Community Health Centers
Cowan Stevens, BSPH, CCHW, earned his Community Health Worker (CHW) certification in May of 2021 and graduated from Kent State with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health in December of the same year. Certified by the State of Ohio Board of Nursing, he is currently employed by AxessPointe Community Health Centers in Kent as a community health worker/certified application counselor. Stevens made his way to AxessPointe, a healthcare organization that provides patients with medical, dental care, behavioral health, and pharmacy services in Northeast Ohio, thanks to the CHW training program.
According to Stevens, the Community Health Worker program at Kent State University represents a great added value and a unique academic and career chance for undergraduate students. “While working through my bachelor's in public health, I saw the opportunity to earn certification in addition to my degree. I felt it would be a great opportunity and distinguish me from the other public health students when looking for employment post-graduation,” says Stevens.
The CHW training program made, indeed, a real difference in Stevens’ career: “My internship with AxessPointe is what led me to a full-time job offer prior to my graduation date,” he explains.
When asked about the CHW program at Kent State, Stevens adds, “I would highly recommend the Community Health Worker program to anyone looking to work in the healthcare field with an interest in serving their community in a non-clinical capacity. For any undergraduate student, this program will provide a certification and the ability to shadow or intern at other agencies. For students participating in the program, it will distinguish you from others in your class by providing real world experience,” he concludes.