AmeriCorps

The Community Health Partners AmeriCorps Program, hosted by The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, is a statewide public health service initiative designed to strengthen Indiana’s capacity to address HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), and emerging public health priorities with a particular focus on stigmatized conditions such as substance use disorder. The program supports Members serving full‑time (1700 hours) across multiple regions of the state, partnering with community organizations to expand access, build infrastructure, and respond effectively to community health needs.

Since its launch, the program has demonstrated success by preparing Members for future leadership in public health, with many alumni entering health professions, graduate education, or community‑based service roles—evidence of the program’s long‑standing impact and strong training model. The program has existed in various iterations since 2005 developing generations of public health leaders. 2026 will be the beginning of a new chapter that we look forward to after reflection, research, and evaluation.

Why This Work Matters

Indiana continues to face complex public health challenges, including persistent HIV transmission, historic rural HIV/HCV outbreaks, and the need for a well‑trained, community‑based workforce to support state and local response plans.

The AmeriCorps program directly supports Indiana’s EHE strategy and the state’s Zero Is Possible (ZIP) plan by aligning Member roles with the pillars of preventing, diagnosing, treating, and responding to HIV and HCV.

Proposed Program Structure for 2026–2027

For the upcoming term, the program anticipates 20 Members serving in Indianapolis and two additional communities across Indiana.

Members will serve within one of four specialized tracks—each designed to deepen expertise, strengthen statewide infrastructure, and create meaningful public health impact.

1. Capacity Building

Focus: Strengthening organizational capacity and infrastructure.
Example Activities: Volunteer management, resource development, staff and community training, systems development.

2. Disaster Services/Emerging Public Health Threats

Focus: Public health emergency preparedness and response.
Areas of Focus: Preparation, response, recovery, mitigation, adaptation.

3. Employment Pathways
Focus: Members preparing for health‑related credentials or career pathways (e.g., Peer Recovery Coach certification, medical school preparation, social work practicum hours).
Activities May Include: Job training and placement support.

4. Direct Service
   Focus: Traditional community health engagement and direct service.
   Activities May Include: Outreach, health coaching, counseling, referrals, and support for medical services.

What Members Gain

Members receive comprehensive public health training, hands‑on experience in community‑based settings, and opportunities for long‑term project development—building the skills and confidence needed for future academic or professional advancement.

Additionally, Members benefit from:

• Intentional small‑group learning communities that promote peer support and professional growth.
• Greater specialization, reducing burnout and enabling deeper impact in chosen focus areas.
• Meaningful interdisciplinary development reflective of real public health practice.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, disciplines, and lived experiences. Some Members join as a gap year before advancing to health professions; others hold a GED and are exploring new career pathways. What unites our Members is a commitment to community health and a belief that everyone can serve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Age: 18 or older
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
• Education: High school diploma, GED, or working toward one
• Screening: Must pass required national criminal history checks

Priority Application Deadline:

April 1, 2026

For information on this program, please contact: Ebony Barney, Program Manager, ebarney@thfgi.org.

AmeriCorps Grievance Procedure is located here.