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Supporting nurses who make a difference: Jasmine Lewis named CVS Health Foundation scholar

headshot of Evelyn Fleider By Evelyn Fleider 513-5582996
4 minute read October 1, 2025

Despite widespread recognition that access to primary care improves health outcomes and reduces mortality across the lifespan, the U.S. continues to face significant challenges in providing adequate primary care—particularly in rural and low-income communities. With nearly 90% of nurse practitioners trained in primary care, their role in expanding health access is both critical and timely.

CVS Health

To support the expansion of primary care for everyone, the CVS Health Caring Hearts Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Student Scholarship provides funding to 50 outstanding FNP students across the nation. In 2025, the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing was proud to be selected as a recipient of these funds, which were awarded to one exceptional FNP student.

“We are so grateful to the CVS Health Foundation for their collaboration and support of advanced practice nursing through the FNP scholarship award program,” says Amy Fathman, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, associate professor in the FNP program and scholarship submission author. “Given that 30% of the U.S. population lives in Health Professional Shortage Areas, this generous support makes it possible for FNP students to pursue careers in various areas by alleviating a significant financial burden.”

Jasmine Lewis, RN, was selected as this year’s CVS Health Caring Hearts FNP Student Scholar—a recognition of her deep-rooted commitment to health access and service for all communities.

Since 2018, Lewis has volunteered as a tutor at LivingWell-Home Healthcare, an organization that serves Medicaid patients—many from low-income households. She works one-on-one with children who have developmental delays, focusing on building both academic skills and self-confidence in reading and math.

woman pushing man in wheelchair

Lewis and her grandfather at the oncology clinic where she works

After becoming a registered nurse in 2021, Lewis began integrating evidence-based strategies to better support her students by addressing behavioral challenges, improving focus and fostering a more supportive learning environment. Her clinical training enables her to recognize signs of sensory processing issues, learning disabilities and emotional regulation difficulties, further enhancing her ability to meet each child’s unique needs.

In addition to tutoring, she has volunteered to combat food insecurity and provide essential items to all communities. Her efforts have included distributing food and clothing, harvesting fresh produce and assembling hygiene kits and baby supplies for families in need.

“These experiences have shown me how vital it is to support people beyond the exam room—to see the whole person, not just the patient,” Lewis reflects.

As a Family Nurse Practitioner student and oncology nurse, she remains dedicated to serving all populations. In the oncology clinic, she assists Medicaid patients in accessing resources, navigating insurance and overcoming barriers to care.

“As an FNP student, I’m learning not only how to treat illness, but how to advocate for people whose voices often go unheard,” she says.

These experiences have deepened Lewis’s commitment to health access and service for all and reinforced her belief that healthcare must meet people where they are—whether in their homes, schools, or communities. Inspired by the challenges her patients face, she also plans to establish a foundation in her family’s name to support cancer patients experiencing financial hardship.

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