WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. David Scott (GA-13), Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Nikema Williams (GA-05) announced today that three organizations in DeKalb County, Decatur and Atlanta will receive a total of more than $2.1 million in Public Health AmeriCorps funding from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism.
The grants will support 87 Public Health AmeriCorps members in Congressional Districts 4, 5 and 13.
Public Health AmeriCorps, a partnership between AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, supports the recruitment, training, and development of a new generation of public health leaders. Supported by a five-year, $400 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act, Public Health AmeriCorps will help meet public health needs of local communities by providing surge capacity and support while also creating pathways to public health-related careers.
“Supporting public health – particularly during the pandemic – is some of the most important work we do in Congress,” the members said. “With these funds, more than 80 AmeriCorps members will support pandemic relief and improve public health in our communities as we Build a Better America.”
Individual awards are listed below:
• DeKalb County Board of Health: $460,800
• National Association of Chronic Disease Directors: $806,386
• One World Link, OWL Public Health Corps: $880,474
Additionally, as a result of their service, the Public Health AmeriCorps members supported by these grants are eligible for up to $487,125 in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards in education scholarships for the Public Health AmeriCorps members supported by this award to help pay for college, vocational training, or pay back student loans.
Grantees are actively recruiting adults of all ages and education backgrounds to serve in Public Health AmeriCorps. Public Health AmeriCorps members may be eligible to receive a living allowance, professional development, health and childcare support, and an education award. Those interested in joining Public Health AmeriCorps can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/PublicHealth.