The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors Public Health AmeriCorps program (PHA)

NACDD’s PHA program is designed to address the public health needs of local communities while creating pathways to high-quality public health careers for Service Members. PHA Service Members work to advance existing efforts around food and nutrition security, safe physical activity access, social connectedness, and health equity. Benefits for Service Members include a stipend/living allowance, real-world experience in the public health field, tailored mentorship/coaching, opportunities to network with the PHA community, and eligibility for a Segal Education Award upon completion of service. Service may be used to fulfill practicum or applied experience requirements.

Iowa Community HUB Service Opportunity

NACDD is currently recruiting for one Service Opportunity with the Iowa Community HUB in West Des Moines, Iowa.  Below is a description of the service opportunity position for the HUB.

This service year is planned to start on February 3rd, 2025.

The PHA Service Member will support the Iowa Community HUB through our HUB Community Food Project activities that bridge the gap between education and access to healthy food, making it easier for Iowans to learn healthy eating habits from trusted community-based organizations right in their own neighborhoods, and to incorporate these healthy eating practices at home. In partnership with Capital City Fruit, the HUB has started to provide free, monthly home delivery of fresh produce boxes to low-income, at-risk, and underserved community members participating in community-based health programs. These community-based health programs are either a self-management education program that includes nutrition education,
a physical activity program, or a combination of the two. Our goal is to reduce the burden of chronic disease and food & nutrition insecurity among Iowan’s, particularly those who are struggling to make ends meet.

Service Functions and Responsibilities:
Work with HUB team and Iowa Healthiest State on expanding Produce Prescription Program across Iowa
Work with HUB Grant Specialist on grant projects and grant submissions related to Iowa Community Food Project
Work with HUB Navigation team to enhance processes connecting community members with food sources
Track and manage delivery of fresh produce boxes to program participants
Create reports about Iowa Community Food Project for stakeholders and share at HUB committee meetings
Create HUB website blog posts about food projects
Help create HUB website Donation Page for home-delivery of fresh produce boxes

Applications are due December 20, 2024 and can be submitted through the NACDD Public Health AmeriCorps Smartsheet application. Service Opportunities are hybrid, with some onsite time required, and will begin on February 3, 2025 and ends on February 2, 2026.

See below “Iowa Service Opportunity” for more details about this position.

Please direct your questions to Chelsea Cole, PHA Program Coordinator, at ccole@chronicdisease.org