CHCANYS Public Health AmeriCorps

CHCANYS Public Health AmeriCorps is a workforce development program dedicated to assisting community health centers in addressing COVID-19 response and other health care needs in their communities. Members perform a full year of service (1700 hours, 10-11 months) at community health centers, where they work to improve and expand the delivery of services at their sites. Our program prepares its members for careers in community-based primary health care. Members perform direct service with patients thereby filling service gaps, increasing access to and improving utilization of health center’s services. The mission of CHCANYS AmeriCorps is to assure the provision of culturally appropriate preventive and primary health care to medically under-served populations and communities with a focus on connecting patients to health education and treatment. Health centers diagnose and treat budding health problems early, prevent unnecessary utilization of hospital emergency rooms and inpatient beds, and help cut health care costs. CHCANYS Public Health AmeriCorps consists of 101 members working full time in various community health centers across New York State, including NYC. Each member works on a service project that reflect the needs of their health center, the community where it is based, and the objectives of the Public Health AmeriCorps, with a focus on COVID-19 pandemic response. CHCANYS Public Health AmeriCorps members receive a Living Allowance of $27,000, in addition to other benefits including transportation expenses and health insurance. Members also receive extensive Public Health training and professional development and an Education Award of $6,895 at the successful completion of their term.

Member Duties : CHCANYS Public Health AmeriCorps members make a difference by Increasing Access: members provide patient navigation, case management, facilitated enrollment, and outreach services to medically under-served individuals and existing patients with a focus on COVID-19 pandemic response. Members conduct screenings for substance use and provide targeted care management services to patients at risk of opioid or prescription drug use disorders. Providing Health Education: members facilitate health education workshops, participate in health fairs and community events, and conduct one-on-one and group health education sessions with community residents. AmeriCorps members do not provide health services related to prohibited items or activities as is outlined in detail during orientation.

Program Benefits : Health Coverage ,  Living Allowance ,  Education award upon successful completion of service ,  Childcare assistance if eligible ,  Training . 

Terms :
Permits working at another job during off hours ,  Permits attendance at school during off hours . 

Service Areas :
Health ,  Public Safety ,  Education ,  Children/Youth ,  Community Outreach ,  Community and Economic Development ,  Elder Care ,  Homelessness . 

Skills :
First Aid ,  Education ,  General Skills ,  Conflict Resolution ,  Leadership ,  Public Speaking ,  Public Health ,  Teaching/Tutoring ,  Medicine ,  Veterans ,  Social Services ,  Team Work ,  Community Organization ,  Youth Development ,  Writing/Editing ,  Communications ,  Counseling .