After nearly three years of dedicated service, Aubrey Stetter-Hesselberg is departing Scenic Rivers AHEC to pursue her Courageous Grace Wellness Coaching business and teach at Western Technical College.
During her time with Scenic Rivers AHEC, Aubrey worked as the Regional HPV Educator as a part of the HPV Immunization Education Project. This is a five year collaborative project between the National AHEC office and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. As the Regional HPV Educator, Aubrey traveled throughout the tri-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to connect with providers, healthcare professionals, and health facilities that deal directly with HPV vaccinations.
In her role, Aubrey was responsible for implementing a national grant, funded through the CDC in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The ultimate purpose of this grant is to increase HPV vaccination rates by focusing on creating a strong provider recommendation. SRAHEC has held education sessions via webinars, lunch-and-learns, conferences and grand rounds to reach our goal of educating 300 providers within each of these three states each year.
Through the HPV grant, Aubrey has been able to expand our network and organizational message to surrounding states, and during her time with AHEC she has become a huge advocate for the HPV vaccine. “It is absolutely incredible that we have a vaccination to PREVENT CANCER, yet the rates for this vaccination are lower than other vaccinations that prevent against less rampant diseases/viruses. We must do all we can to debunk myths, encourage uptake, and limit barriers to receiving this vaccination,” explains Aubrey.
“It has also been inspiring to see all the positive impact one can have, even on a limited budget. In the words of Margaret Mead, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.’”
To help continue the work Aubrey has done with the HPV Immunization Education Project, Nicole Thill, Education and Outreach Coordinator & Regional HPV Educator, will be taking over her responsibilities as the grant continues through its fourth year.