From graduation to impact: Terreon’s public health journey
Written by Terreon Howard, edited by April Houston and Jacaranda van Rheenen
Terreon Howard
My name is Terreon Howard, and I’m from Davenport, Iowa. In May, I graduated from Harris-Stowe State University with a degree in biology. That moment was the culmination of years of hard work, late-night studying, and a passion for science and service. Now, as I step into the next chapter of my journey, I’m excited to be interning with the St. Louis Department of Health (DOH) as part of the Harris-Stowe State University-DOH-Midwest Developmental Center for AIDS Research internship—an opportunity that’s already proving to be as rewarding as it is eye-opening.
This internship has allowed me to directly engage with the community. One of the first projects I jumped into was helping assemble and soon distribute safe sex kits. While it may sound simple on the surface, this task has deep importance. These kits are designed to promote safe practices, reduce the spread of sexually-transmitted infections, and empower individuals with both the tools and knowledge to protect themselves and their partners. It’s a small but impactful way to promote public health, and I’m honored to play a part in that mission.
St. Louis Pride
One of the most exciting aspects of this work has been our preparation for St. Louis Pride. This year, the department is taking an active role in supporting the LGBTQ+ community by showing up with purpose. At Pride, we distributed the safe sex kits we prepared, offered free STI testing information, and created a welcoming space where health, safety, and inclusivity intersect. It was more than a celebration; it was a chance to connect, educate, and build trust.
In planning for Pride, I witnessed how public health intersects with real-world events. Behind every handout or resource table, there’s a team of people brainstorming, organizing, and problem-solving to ensure things run smoothly and meaningfully. I’ve been able to see how a large-scale event like this gets planned from the inside. Pride weekend was full of energy, connection, and education—and I was thrilled to be a part of it.
A team from the Department of Health staffs their booth at St. Louis Pride 2025. (Photo courtesy Terreon Howard).
Expanding my clinical skill set
Another powerful experience during my internship so far has been the opportunity to shadow Emma and Frederick who work in the Health Stop St. Louis clinic. Getting to observe the testing process from both the patient’s perspective and the clinician’s perspective gave me valuable insight into the work that goes into providing compassionate, confidential care. Seeing how the clinic operates, how testing is conducted, how patients are treated, and how information is delivered was a humbling reminder of how critical this work is. It also reaffirmed my interest in clinical work and my desire to continue growing in the health field.
I also received phlebotomy training as part of my internship. It’s a skill I’ve always wanted to learn, and it’s one that will serve me well no matter where my future in healthcare takes me. Drawing blood may sound intimidating to some, but for me, it’s a chance to expand my toolkit, build confidence, and better serve patients in a hands-on way.
Reflections and gratitude
This internship has already taught me more than I expected—not just about public health, but about communication, teamwork, and the importance of community-centered care. From packing kits to planning outreach, from shadowing in the clinic to preparing for phlebotomy training, every task has felt purposeful. I’m grateful to the team at the St. Louis DOH for welcoming me and trusting me to contribute. I’m especially thankful for the opportunity to serve a community that deserves not only care but dignity, understanding, and representation.
As I look ahead to the rest of my internship, I’m excited about what’s to come.
I am eager to continue learning from the passionate professionals around me, gaining new skills, and figuring out where I fit in the world of public health and medicine. This is just the beginning of my journey, but I’m walking into it with purpose, passion, and pride.
Thanks to everyone at the DOH (Tyrell, Darlene, Yolanda, Emma, Fredrick and Anna in particular) for playing important roles in my experience as an intern!