At a glance
Public Health AmeriCorps is a groundbreaking initiative made possible through partnership between CDC and AmeriCorps and is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program supports efforts to build a strong and diverse workforce that is ready to respond to the nation’s public health needs.
Our Shared Vision
Announced September 2021, Public Health AmeriCorps provides a pathway to recruit, train, and develop the next generation of public health leaders. This program leverages the expertise of CDC and AmeriCorps. It capitalizes on AmeriCorps' experience managing some of the most prominent public service and workforce development programs in the nation. It also benefits from CDC's technical expertise as the country's leading public health agency. This 5-year grant program provides
- Grantee organizations with workforce support
- Members with pathways to public health careers
Grantee Organizations
In July 2024, AmeriCorps announced the third year of grant awards totaling more than $76 million to 89 organizations. This includes more than $41 million in new funds. Grant funds will be used to continue building the capacity of the public health workforce. Focus areas include fields such as mental health, substance use disorder recovery, and disease prevention.
Eligible organizations included
- Indian Tribes
- Institutions of higher education
- Local governments
- Public health departments
- Nonprofit organizations
- State service commissions
- States and U.S. Territories
This announcement builds on the first two years of funding, which provided nearly $160 million to 108 organizations. This supports more than 4,700A AmeriCorps members, adding capacity to our strained public health system. It also helps these members develop skills that can lead to public health careers. Of the 89 grantees, 11 serve rural communities, 34 serve urban areas, and 27 serve both rural and urban communities.
The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology released a report on the public health workforce. It recognizes Public Health AmeriCorps as an example of leadership development and investment in future public health leaders.
Individual Members
Opportunities for Individuals
Check out Make Your Mark with Public Health AmeriCorps to learn more about becoming a member.
Benefits
- Hands-on experience
- Training from experts
- Living allowance
- Education award
- Student loan deferment / forbearance
Project Focus Areas
- Health equity and social determinants of health
- Readiness and response
- Access to services and reducing barriers to care
- Mental health and substance use
- Food access and nutrition
Activities
- Health education and training
- Community outreach and engagement
- System navigation, referrals, and linkage to care
- Coaching, counseling, and peer support
Our Shared Successes
Public Health AmeriCorps Makes a Difference in Puerto Rico
Dr. Vera Martinez is a clinical psychologist who serves as the Public Health AmeriCorps Program Coordinator at the Office of Promotion and Human Development (OPHD) in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The program aims to reduce the issues associated with depression in young people and strengthen their self-esteem. AmeriCorps members have been a key part in the growth of the organization by serving as counselors and mentors for young people in Arecibo struggling with depression and self-esteem. To learn more, watch this video on the impact the program has on community members.
Spotlight
"They helped us to reformulate negative thoughts – we opened up to each other; I'm not alone in this world; other people feel the way I feel. It's life changing!"
Isabela Cortes, Community Member
Public Health AmeriCorps: Uplifting Communities in Richmond, Virginia, RVA Health Corps
RVA Health Corps, a Public Health AmeriCorps program, helps community members in Richmond, Virginia by providing individuals access to health services. The program focuses on recruiting and supporting members from historically marginalized and under-resourced communities, building their confidence and training them to get certified as Community Health Workers (CHWs) to serve their communities and address health in ways that go beyond what traditional healthcare can provide. Watch this video to see Public Health AmeriCorps members Joanne and Lewis reflect on why they joined AmeriCorps and how they're uplifting those in their community through service.
Public Health AmeriCorps: Wellness Gardens with PRI Health Corps
Spotlight
"The gardens help people get the free food they need to stay healthy and thrive with their lives. It's hard work, but I get to help the community"
Susan Bunch, Public Health AmeriCorps Member
Public Health AmeriCorps members are planting deep health and wellness roots in Beaufort County, North Carolina. Public Health AmeriCorps members at the Pamlico Rose Institute for Sustainable Communities (PRI), are countering food insecurity by building and maintaining community wellness gardens. They have developed and built three large wellness gardens aimed at promoting access to healthy food in the county and beyond. To learn more, watch this video on Public Health AmeriCorps members reflecting on their experience and the impact their work has on the community.
Spotlight
"...You're helping people in a positive way...Sometimes there's people waiting at the gardens with a big bag and that's very exciting. They are all so grateful. And they're like, 'This is for my mom. She's going to be making dinner for the family...".
Sean Barker, Public Health AmeriCorps Member
- As of June 1, 2024