Public Health AmeriCorps: 2025 National Public Health Week

Public Health AmeriCorps

As we celebrate National Public Health Week 2025, NACDD is spotlighting the next generation of dedicated, passionate public health leaders rising through our Public Health AmeriCorps (PHA) program!

NACDD’s PHA program is a workforce development solution that recruits, trains, and inspires students and early-career professionals to support state and local health organizations and enhance their capacity to build healthy communities. This past year, NACDD placed 38 PHA members at 26 organizations across 19 states to advance efforts that improve food and nutrition security, safe access to physical activity, and social connectedness through innovative policy, systems, and environmental change approaches.

These PHA members are shaping the future of public health by building more resilient, connected, and thriving communities. The most powerful impact is best expressed in their own words:

“I joined Public Health AmeriCorps to gain hands-on experience and contribute to strengthening public health initiatives for all communities. Knowing that my work will continue to benefit organizations and individuals beyond my service term makes this experience incredibly rewarding. This experience has reinforced my passion for public health and strengthened my confidence in pursuing graduate school and a career in the field. I’m grateful for the skills I’ve gained, the mentorship I’ve received, and the impact I’ve been able to make along the way.”

“One accomplishment that I am proud of during my service thus far is creating produce resource handouts on fruits and vegetables for the local foodbank and urban farm. My work at South Side Farms, an urban garden, has helped provide nutritious, locally grown food to residents in my community who reside in a federally recognized food dessert. Because of my service, I have a deepened respect for where my food comes from and the public policies in place that support the right to fresh, healthy, and affordable food for everyone!"

“Because of my service, I feel empowered to pursue a career in public health policy and project management with renewed confidence and determination. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences and lessons learned throughout my Year of Service with Public Health AmeriCorps. This is just the beginning of my journey, and I am excited to continue making a difference in public health!”

“My host site experience has been incredibly rewarding and full of growth. I’ve had the chance to work on meaningful public health initiatives, like the Move Your Way campaign, that will hopefully make a real difference in the community. The mentorship and support from my supervisor and colleagues have been invaluable, helping me develop new skills and feel confident in my work!”

Interested in learning more about becoming a Host Site? Please reach out to NACDD’s PHA Program Manager Tierney Thomison at tthomison@chronicdisease.or g.