Welcome to the New Nutrition Educator in Fairfield County: Aaron Swank

January 28, 2022

Aaron Swank

Aaron C. Swank, MPH, is an applied epidemiologist working with the Fairfield County Extension Service as a Nutrition Educator under the EFNEP program. His academic background and training include Bachelor’s degrees in both Human Nutrition and Kinesiology (2015). Aaron completed a Master of Public Health at Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) in 2017. He studied the impact of chronic psychological distress on nutrition and physical activity behaviors among low-income Americans.

As an applied epidemiologist, Aaron has worked in many roles with health professionals, scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to promote health and well-being in rural communities. Aaron’s primary focus has been building connected, accessible, culturally-competent, safe health systems in communities deeply impacted by food insecurity and physical inactivity. One of his greatest strengths is building capacity and trust within local coalitions to empower all residents to thrive together in their community. Aaron has accomplished this by delivering and implementing evidence-based health interventions developed and designed to make health a priority to individuals, communities, and organizations. Additionally, he has advocated, engaged, and trained in the education and promotion of strong social support systems that offer safe opportunities to purchase healthy foods, maintain an active lifestyle, and create an accessible, affirming, culturally-competent health care system for all.

Aaron’s most recent job was as a Health Assistant for Accolade, Inc., where he assisted customers in navigating health insurance coverage and eligibility. He served as the Nutrition & Family Finance agent for K-State Research & Extension from 2018 to 2020. He has nearly ten years of experience in direct, skilled nursing care. During this time, Aaron worked as a nurse’s assistant in senior living communities in Topeka and Manhattan, KS. During graduate school, Aaron worked as a Household Coordinator, supervising the care of a 16-resident dementia-care house at Meadowlark Hills Senior Living Community in Manhattan, KS. He supervised and trained the nursing staff, led care planning for residents and families, and oversaw the household budget and dietary planning.

Aaron is a veteran and Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps, serving from 2004 to 2012. He has published co-authorship in peer-reviewed health science journals and has written many health-related articles for local newspapers. Aaron moved to Blythewood from south-central Kansas in December 2021. He lives with his brother, sister, and four nieces and nephews.