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What Is HealthCorps?
The Community HealthCorps is a national AmeriCorps service program that links medically underserved populations and communities with culturally appropriate preventive and primary health care at community health centers, e.g., Sea Mar Community Health Centers (CHC). The Community HealthCorps works in collaboration with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), the Corporation for National and Community Service, and 33 CHCs located across the country.
Mission:
To promote the provision of high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, coordinated, culturally and linguistically competent, and community directed for all underserved populations.
Community Health Centers:
- Can be found in all 50 states and all U.S. territories, there are 1,200 Community Health Centers that provide vital primary care to 20 million Americans with limited financial resources.
- Serve 20% of low-income, uninsured people.
- 70% of their patients live in poverty.
- Provide comprehensive care, including physical, mental and dental care.
- Save the national health care system between $9.9 billion and $17.6 billion a year by helping patients avoid emergency rooms and making better use of preventive services.
Community HealthCorps Members:
- Provide outreach and support to medically underserved children and families.
- Improve access to quality health care for uninsured and newly insured individuals and families, especially children.
- Reduce unnecessary utilization of hospital ERs and inpatient beds.
- Strengthen local communities through service projects, recruiting volunteers, and continuing an ethic of service beyond AmeriCorps.
- Serve in Federally Qualified Health Centers (also known as community, migrant and homeless health centers). Health Centers deliver culturally appropriate assistance in a language other than English; Conduct outreach in the community; provide education about health insurance, healthcare options and advocate for patients as they navigate the system; provide positive encouragement of treatment plans; assist with enrollment in medical programs.
HealthCorps Training and Development:
Community HealthCorps members receive training in ten Prescriptions for Success for service in a public health setting. Members learn new skills and gain knowledge that will enhance their effectiveness and value to patients. In addition, members participate in community organizing activities, from community health fairs and interagency collaborations with school-based health centers or hospitals to community service projects with other AmeriCorps programs.
| Prescriptions for Success: HealthCorps members receive training in the following areas |
|
| Health Disparities | Patient Relations |
| Professional Development | Cultural Sensitivity |
| Civic Engagement | Health Outreach/ Health Education |
| Disaster preparedness | Primary Care Environment |
| Case Management | |
To learn more about the Community HealthCorps program, visit the website at www.communityhealthcorps.org
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