Kent State Trumbull Nursing student named to 2021/2022 Eastern Ohio Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Cohort

Kent State University at Trumbull Nursing student Kyla Cozadd-Teeters was recently named to the 2021/2022 Eastern Ohio Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Cohort. 
 
Cozadd-Teeters, a Mineral Ridge graduate, applied to join the AHEC Scholars Program to increase experiential learning opportunities before she graduates in 2023 and to strengthen her resume.

"I am excited to add this experience to my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) coursework and clinicals," she said. "Everything I am doing now will enrich my patient care in the future."

She joins 16 others in the cohort. Along with their regular nursing curriculum, students are required to complete an intensive 80 hours of didactic and experiential learning.

AHEC was formed in 1978 to promote primary care practice and to educate health professions students about the needs of medically underserved populations. Students practice in health clinics and health departments that provide healthcare services to underserved populations. 
 
“We are so proud of Kyla,” said Dr. Gina Severino, professor & Kent State Trumbull BSN Coordinator. “We are always looking for ways to serve and strengthen our communities. AHEC is a perfect program to connect our students to the needs in the Mahoning Valley and all of Northeast Ohio."

Cozadd-Teeters becomes the third Kent State Trumbull BSN student to gain acceptance to the program, joining 2021 graduates Chelsey Palmer and Tiffany Burwell. Palmer was named one of two "Scholar of the Year" award winners this past spring. 
 
"Reading Chelsey's story and learning more about the program, I knew for certain that this is something I want to continue, not only for me but for Kent State Trumbull," said Cozadd-Teeters. "The next 18 months are going to be intense, but that is what I am here for."

She grinningly acknowledged that she won't get much of a break from nursing when she is at home. Her mom, Kelly Teeters, is a nurse and just completed he work to become nurse practitioner. 

Pictured, left-right: Interim Dean and Chief Administrative Officer Dan Palmer, Kyla Cozadd-Teeters, and Eastern Ohio AHEC Director Maureen Drummond.

ABOUT AHEC
In 1978, Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) was initiated in Ohio to promote primary care practice and to educate health professions students about the needs of medically underserved populations. Today, AHEC supports graduate medicine, pharmacy, and other health professions education for the recruitment, training, and retention of health care professionals. In addition to serving 19 counties in Northeast Ohio, our program supports national initiatives conducted through the National AHEC Organization.

The NEOMED AHEC Program is linked through four community-based centers: Akron-Region Interprofessional, Canton Regional, Cleveland- Region Interprofessional, and Eastern Ohio. These centers plan and develop educational programs based on their assessment of local resources, health personnel needs, and the interest of each community.

In addition to health care education, the AHEC has developed high school and undergraduate recruitment programs, continuing education, and professional development opportunities in collaboration with other universities in Northeast Ohio.

The AHEC Program is funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education; the Health Resources and Services Administration; partner universities; local grants and program-generated funds.