8-17-09 Feature Story:
Highlighting the importance of community service, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centeres hosted a breakfast roundtable during National Health Center Week for its AmeriCorps HealthCorps volunteers who have performed a range of service projects at six Massachusetts Community Health Centers over the past year. The program offers volunteer opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through local and national nonprofit groups focused on increasing health access for vulnerable and underserved residents.
"The HealthCorps program is a strong example of how volunteer services can impact communities in need, particularly during this difficult economic time," said James W. Hunt, Jr., President and CEO. "It is more important than ever to attract future leaders into the community health care network."
Sponsoring health center sites for 2008-2009 included Brookside Community Health Center, Fenway Community Health Center, Manet Community Health Center, Salem Family Health Center, Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center and Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center. Volunteer projects ranged from assisting residents in need of health insurance to developing teen violence education programs to enhancing care for patients affected by chronic disease.
The HealthCorps program attracts young recruits from diverse racial, ethnic and educational backgrounds who have an interest in community-based health care. Volunteers are paid small stipends, which are shared by the program and the health center service site. Recruitment for 2009-2010 is currently underway. For more information, contact Janice Brathwaite.
