Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced today that Goodwill Industries of Northern New England in Maine will receive $791,376 in Public Health AmeriCorps funding. The grant will support 37 new Public Health AmeriCorps members across Maine and New Hampshire. 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.  

“During the ongoing public health crisis, Goodwill of Northern New England and its AmeriCorps members have strengthened and supported our communities. As the pandemic continues, this grant will help expand their ability to help Mainers in underserved communities so more have access to the care they need,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “This is yet another example of how funding made possible through the American Rescue Plan is being put back into our communities, public health systems, and education so that we can more effectively and equitably serve the people of Maine. This funding fills a critical care gap and I’m grateful to these Public Health AmeriCorps members for their commitment to Maine.” 

“We’re thrilled to hear that the Goodwill NNE Public Health AmeriCorps program has been funded. Together with 25 AmeriCorps members we’ll help communities in Maine and New Hampshire become healthier, stronger, and more resilient,” said Steve Niles, AmeriCorps Programs Manager for Goodwill Northern New England. “Goodwill NNE’s Public Health AmeriCorps program is partnering with rural and inner-city health centers and public health agencies to provide AmeriCorps members that will: engage youth in programs to prevent substance misuse; provide ‘A Matter of Balance’ classes to the regions seniors to prevent falls; provide vaccination education to reduce vaccination hesitancy; and research and implement public health interventions to meet the pressing public health needs of underserved communities. This investment will allow Goodwill NNE to provide significant training and experience to these members to strengthen the public health workforce.”

In addition to the grant announced today, AmeriCorps will also provide more than $178,870 each year 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.

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