The Illinois Public Health Association is proud of our AmeriCorps Members and the contributions they make to public health in Illinois.
We created the 'Meet the Member' feature to highlight these hard-working individuals.
We are pleased to introduce Kevin Atchason, IPHA AmeriCorps Member currently serving his 2nd term of service at IPHA.
Name: Kevin Atchason
Host Site: Illinois Public Health Association
Length of time serving as an IPHA AmeriCorps Member: 6 months
1. What are your primary responsibilities at your host site?
Assist IPHA program staff with various aspects of implementing HIV prevention and STD prevention projects. This work includes developing, proofreading, and editing best practice white papers, training materials such as PowerPoint presentations, and various other publications regarding HIV and STD prevention activities by health departments and public health organizations.
2. What did you do before you came onboard as an IPHA AmeriCorps Member?
I am a former Family Physician who has returned to school to complete an MPH degree. I anticipate graduation from University of IL- Springfield in May, 2019
3. Where did you go to college and what degrees do you have (if applicable)?
I completed a BA in Biology at SIU-C
I completed a D.O. degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
I completed and Internship at Still Regional Medical Center in Jefferson City, MO
I completed a Residency in Family Medicine at Tallahassee Memorial Family Medicine Residency
4. What made you decide to join the IPHA AmeriCorps Program?
I was looking for a way to serve my community as well as get my student debt reduced. I was placed at IPHA and was allowed to use part of my service period as an internship requirement for the MPH degree. I found the work to be very professionally fulfilling, so I extended my service period.
5. What is your favorite thing about the program and/or being an IPHA AmeriCorps Member?
I really enjoy the projects I am working on and feel like I am contributing to my community in a very unique way.
6. Where do you see yourself professionally in 2 years?
I am very interested in developing a healthcare consulting practice
7. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Farming, gardening, fishing
8. Who has been the greatest inspiration in your life?
My dad; he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 by lying about his age so that he could send money home to his family during the Depression. He was stationed on a battleship during WWII and was a Pearl Harbor Survivor. He was uneducated, but instilled in me his work ethic.
9. What is one thing about you that might surprise people?
I make a wicked pumpkin pie
10. What goal (personal or professional) do you hope to achieve this year?
I would like to network with other public health professionals so that I can develop my consulting business
For more information about the IPHA AmeriCorps Program, contact Jennifer Hopper, Program Director, at jhopper@ipha.com
