NACDD’s Public Health AmeriCorps (PHA) member-supervisor duo at the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services was featured in an Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) Public Health Chronicles blog post, AmeriCorps in Action: Strengthening Public Health in Iowa.

NACDD’s PHA program recruits students and early-career professionals to serve at state and local health departments. Through a blend of hands-on service and professional development, the program equips members with the skills and experience needed to launch meaningful careers in public health. PHA members support critical capacity-building efforts aimed at improving food and nutrition security, increasing access to safe physical activity, and fostering social connectedness through innovative policy, systems, and environmental change strategies.

Under the guidance of Ali Grossman, PHA member Caroline Noble has been instrumental in advancing the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services’ Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Better Choices, Better Health. This empowering initiative helps participants manage fatigue, read food labels, communicate effectively with healthcare providers, and more.

Caroline’s contributions have helped expand the program’s impact, leading to more workshops, new partnerships, and extended outreach into rural communities. In addition, she has gained invaluable professional and personal growth. Her experience has sharpened her skills in facilitation, community outreach, and engagement, while deepening her appreciation for the transformative potential of community-based health initiatives. Read the full blog post.