Minnesota Public Health Corps, a new AmeriCorps program to increase immediate capacity within the public health field and create a diverse pipeline of future public health employees, is coming to Minnesota. ServeMinnesota, the state’s hub for AmeriCorps service, in partnership with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, announces the new program will launch in August, with recruitment beginning immediately.
According to ServeMinnesota,150 AmeriCorps members will deliver critical public health services through community engagement and community health needs assessment, with a priority on serving communities with the highest needs. Members will provide increased capacity for a sustained COVID-19 response and recovery at more than 60 partner locations throughout the state. The program also partners with community organizations as a strategy to achieve health equity by recruiting a corps with a shared life experience in the communities they serve.
The University of Minnesota School of Public Health will provide expert training and ongoing evaluation and practice support for AmeriCorps members to help launch their own careers in the public health sector. “The School of Public Health is excited to work with ServeMinnesota on this new important initiative,” says Interim Dean Timothy Beebe. “By drawing on expertise from across our school, and in collaboration with partners across the state, we can help Public Health Corps participants increase the capacity, effectiveness, and diversity of Minnesota’s public health workforce.”
“COVID has made gaps in public health more apparent, and we know there is a critical need for a more diverse workforce to meet the needs of our communities,” says Audrey Suker, CEO, ServeMinnesota. “Public Health Corps aims to address both of these challenges. We are thrilled to help support the many public health agencies within local government and other organizations across the state.”
To serve with Public Health Corps, you must be at least 18 years old, be a high school graduate or equivalent, and be willing to commit to a year of full-time service (40 hours per week). AmeriCorps members are extensively trained and receive a $1,100 stipend every two weeks (or the equivalent of $15/hour) plus an additional $6,495 for student loans or tuition. Free individual health insurance and childcare assistance are also available.
Anyone interested in applying to be a Public Health Corps member or interested in hosting a member at their organization should visit www.ampact.us/public-health.
