������

William Zayas, CCHW, works as a community health worker (CHW) and Spanish medical interpreter in the Hispanic health program at Mercy Health in Youngstown, Ohio, where he can realize his career goals and passions: helping the Hispanic and underserved community of Mahoning County. “In my current role at Mercy Health, I use the skills from my CHW training to connect with, and assist, Hispanic and Latino community members on a personal level. I get to go out in the community and perform a variety of basic health screenings such as blood pressure, body mass index, weight, and bone density,” s...

When recent graduate Cecelia Kirk, a fashion merchandising major, first arrived on ������’s Kent Campus in 2021, she could hardly have imagined the connection she would develop with university President Todd Diacon.From the very beginning, Diacon extended a remarkably personal welcome, helping Kirk, a Knoxville, Tennessee, resident, and other freshmen move their belongings into their residence halls. Her mother, Melinda Kirk, was incredibly impressed by Diacon’s warm, personal touch.So, when Melinda returned to Tennessee and sent Diacon a thank you email, it soon dawned on her t...

Malitsa Santiago has worked in the healthcare field for several years, as a medical assistant and a medical billing specialist. Now she is employed as a bilingual community health worker (CHW) in the Baby Bump Program at the Alta Care Group in Youngstown, Ohio, and she is working to earn her Community Health Worker certification from the Kent State College of Public Health.  “I chose to complete the CHW training program because I feel that it is important to gain as much knowledge as possible to better help and serve my community,” says Santiago. “Continuing education is important be...

Community health workers (CHW) 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 CentersJeremy 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 co...

The College of Public Health (CPH) is at the forefront of research exploring the crucial role of community health workers (CHWs) in advancing public health initiatives. Through various studies, CPH researchers are addressing key issues such as CHW training, performance motivation, and self-care, with the goal of enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of CHW programs. This research not only highlights the potential impact CHWs have on improving health outcomes but also informs best practices that can be implemented across communities nationwide.  “It's important to have a Comm...