Let's Celebrate Public Health AmeriCorps for AmeriCorps Week!

AmeriCorps Week is a time to honor and celebrate the incredible work done by AmeriCorps members across the country. This week-long celebration, which takes place annually, acknowledges the dedication of those who serve in various public service programs, including Public Health AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention partnered to create Public Health AmeriCorps to support our strained public health system. Public Health AmeriCorps partners with local organizations, state and federal agencies, and healthcare providers to support efforts in disease prevention, health promotion, health equity, and emergency preparedness. The overall goal of Public Health AmeriCorps is to engage a diverse group of individuals in serving their communities to strengthen the public health infrastructure, improve community health outcomes, and foster long-term, sustainable changes that benefit everyone.

More than 4,700 members play a significant role in improving the well-being of communities, addressing pressing health issues, and ensuring that those most vulnerable have access to the care and support they need. Here are some ways Public Health AmeriCorps members are making a difference:

1. Increase Access to Healthcare and Resources: Members help connect underserved populations with healthcare services, health education, and social services, especially in areas with limited resources or high health disparities.

2. Promote Health and Prevent Disease: AmeriCorps members work to prevent chronic diseases, promote healthy behaviors, and reduce risk factors for various health conditions by providing educational outreach and supporting wellness programs.

3. Address Health Disparities: Public Health AmeriCorps focuses on reducing health disparities by working with vulnerable and marginalized communities to ensure equitable access to resources and care.

4. Build Community Resilience: Through preparedness and response activities, members contribute to building community resilience in the face of public health emergencies like natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or other crises.

   
   

A critical component of the Public Health AmeriCorps program is training and development. Launched in September 2022, the Foundational Training for Public Health AmeriCorps and its counterpart open-access Introduction to Public Health Practice Training Plan were designed for independent learners with asynchronous, required, and optional courses. Once the plans had been implemented for over a year, the National Networks of Public Health Institutes evaluated both training plans. The results of that evaluation were then compiled, and recommendations for updates were made. Proximate Learning conducted an environmental scan of existing online courses and created a flexible and customizable online training plan with supporting resources. Rigorous subject matter expert and Public Health AmeriCorps member review demonstrated that the new plan was a valuable resource for emerging public health practitioners. Launched in August 2024, the new training plan and wraparound resources allow members to strengthen their skills to best match their positions and educational goals. It also includes a new leadership section and career development tools to support members in their development and retain them in the public health workforce. 

In the field of public health, Public Health AmeriCorps members are important contributors to prevent disease, promote health equity, and improve access to healthcare. Proximate Learning is proud to support the learning and development of Public Health AmeriCorps members nationwide.