This month's issue focuses on Rural Health Service Corps and the impact that the AmeriCorps national service program has had on Rural Health Network.

How AmeriCorps Members Helped Build Rural Health Network

AmeriCorps Members first began serving through the Rural Health Network in 2005. Initially, we were able to support our first five AmeriCorps Members through the NYS Corps Collaboration, a state-wide organization that made it possible for smaller organizations to access AmeriCorps “slots.”

By 2007, Rural Health Network’s AmeriCorps Program had grown to the point where we could meet the minimum number of AmeriCorps Members required to apply directly for an AmeriCorps grant. Our first direct AmeriCorps grant was approved in 2008 and the program expanded from 12 Members in 2007 to 29 Members in 2008.

While a majority of Rural Health Service Corps AmeriCorps Members have served with other non-profit organizations, public health departments, area agencies on aging and healthcare providers in the region, many have served directly with Rural Health Network. In fact, two major programs, Getthere and the Food & Health Network were staffed exclusively by AmeriCorps Members during the start-up period. It is not a stretch to say that AmeriCorps Members literally built these two programs during their early years.

AmeriCorps Members serving through Rural Health Network have been addressing transportation needs throughout the region for twenty years. At least three AmeriCorps Members worked on development of a transportation guide, a web-based transportation search engine and on transportation planning beginning in 2005. When the Getthere Call Center was established in 2011 it was initially staffed by two AmeriCorps Members with additional teams of AmeriCorps Members staffing the call center through 2014.

The Food & Health Network (FaHN) was staffed exclusively by AmeriCorps and VISTA Members from its creation in 2005 through November 2012. For the first eight years, AmeriCorps and VISTA Members and volunteer extraordinaire, Diane Albrecht, laid the groundwork for what is today a department serving 29 school districts and 25,380 school-aged children through Farm to School, and 573 individuals (2023) through the Produce Prescription Program. FaHN is also supporting many school gardening projects and working with childcare providers to replicate Farm to School successes with younger children. 

As AmeriCorps celebrates their 30th Anniversary, we take time to acknowledge the many ways in which AmeriCorps Members have risen to the challenge of addressing rural health needs, including their central role in developing the Getthere and Food & Health Network departments and services. Thank you all for your service!

-Jack Salo

Interim Executive Director

Rural Health Service Corps Celebrates AmeriCorps Week

This year marks the 30th anniversary of AmeriCorps. The Rural Health Service Corps recently celebrated this exciting milestone by hosting its members during AmeriCorps Week. Public Health AmeriCorps and VISTA members gathered during the week of March 11th and participated in a series of special trainings.

To kick off the week, members gave presentations showcasing their host sites and highlighting their individual service projects. It was an excellent way for them to learn more about each other and Rural Health Service Corps’ various host sites. Represented host sites were: Seven Valleys Health Coalition, Broome County Council of Churches, Truth Pharm, Rural Health Network, Chenango Ambulance

Services, United Way of Broome County, Food Bank of The Southern Tier, Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network and CACTC/Rural Health Institute. After their presentations, members traveled to attend a public health lecture at Binghamton University called Perceptions of Disability and the Use of Person-First Language.

The remainder of the week was spent on training. Members earned certification in both Mental Health First Aid and adult, child and infant CPR. The CPR was led by an AmeriCorps member from Chenango Ambulance Services. They also took Narcan and Science of Addiction trainings, led by AmeriCorps members from Truth Pharm, which resulted in members being certified to administer the overdose-reversal medication Narcan. In addition, they participated in a Rural Cultural Competence training and a Social Determinants of Health training.

Rural Health Service Corps would like to extend a warm thank you to all that participated in making AmeriCorps week a success. It was a rich week of communing and learning for all involved.

Employing AmeriCorps Alumni

In addition to the extraordinary service provided by AmeriCorps and VISTA Members in addressing rural health needs through our program start-ups, several AmeriCorps Members serving with Rural Health Network, and in some cases partner organizations, became staff members after their AmeriCorps service was completed. Here are some current staff who are former AmeriCorps Members:

Kevin Davidson, Coordinator, Farm to Early Care and Education

"My journey began after college, when I realized that my original plans didn't align with my passions. AmeriCorps provided me with the opportunity to explore food systems work, first as a Youth Program Assistant at VINES and later as a Farm to School Public Health AmeriCorps member. Through these experiences, I developed essential skills such as grant writing, graphic design, networking, and event facilitation, which have been invaluable in my current role. As a former AmeriCorps member, I'm proud to continue 'getting things done' for our community! "

Haley Desilet, Assistant Director, Rural Health Service Corps

"My service with RHSC directly led to me being hired by Rural Health Network. When there was an opening at the agency, I already had the connections, knowledge, and skills that led to them considering me for the position. My terms of service taught me a great deal about not-for-profit work in general, and they continue to be crucial in helping me better understand the needs and challenges of our current AmeriCorps members. Without my year of service with RHSC, I would never have come to New York and met all the amazing people that would eventually become my coworkers."

Mary Maruscak, Director, Community Health

"I was an AmeriCorps VISTA member in 2001-2002 in Fulton County, NY. I worked on initiatives focused on creating activities for young people as part of a prevention program in an economically and socially depressed, at-risk community. In that position, I learned the value of collaboration and resource sharing, and the remarkable effects of collective impact when a dedicated group of people come together across sectors to build a stronger, more supportive community. That work truly set me on the path toward my work today at Rural Health Network, and I find that I often pull from lessons learned so long ago, working with community partners and young people in the beautiful foothills of the Adirondacks."

Maggie McGoff, Mobility & Transportation Advocate/Admin

Maggie served as an AmeriCorps Youth Education Specialist with Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network in 2014. Maggie said, "At the time, I was indecisive about going back for my Master's degree and seeking a classroom position or putting the degree I already had in use and working with the community. My AmeriCorps experience led me to where I am today."

There are current available positions similar to the role Maggie held at Mothers and Babies. Youth Education Specialists engage with middle and high school students in the classroom setting. Visit our website for more details.

Erin Summerlee, Director, Food & Health Network

Erin served two AmeriCorps terms before becoming the first full-time staff member of the Food and Health Network. She shares her thoughts on nineteen years of AmeriCorps contributions to FaHN in an article below.

Melissa Sumpter, Administrative Services Coordinator

"My AmeriCorps service allowed me to gain valuable real-life experience working in the human services and healthcare sectors. I have come full circle from directly serving the community to helping those that continue to do so."  Melissa served in 2011-2012 with the former Lourdes Hope Dispensary.

In recognition of the unique and transferable skills that participants develop during national service, Employers of National Service builds a talent pipeline to connect AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni with employers from every sector to create recruitment, hiring, and advancement opportunities. Through this initiative, employers have access to a pool of dedicated, highly qualified, and mission‐oriented talent, and national service alumni have opportunities to translate their skills in the workplace.

Public Health AmeriCorps Spotlight:

Mobile Grocery Bus Assistant 

Our Public Health AmeriCorps partner, Broome County Council of Churches, is seeking an individual to join their team as a Mobile Grocery Bus Assistant. The Greater Good Grocery Bus is a mobile market that sells fresh, healthy, and affordable food in different communities across Broome County. The Public Health AmeriCorps Greater Good Grocery Bus Assistant is responsible for ensuring safe, timely, and efficient operations at each site as assigned by their daily route and schedule. Daily responsibilities include loading/unloading, restocking the bus, driving the van used for excess stock, providing exemplary customer service, handling money and other transactions with the point-of-sale system, and data collection. 

Public Health AmeriCorps members at Broome County Council of Churches will serve 30 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $11,000, an education award of $3,447.50 and college loan forbearance while serving. A driver's license, full COVID vaccination and the ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for extended periods of time are requirements of this position. 

For more information about this position and others within our program, please visit our website or contact Haley Desilet or Alexis Sankofa.

Reflecting on Nearly Two Decades of Growth

Since the Food and Health Network (FaHN) was formed nearly two decades ago, AmeriCorps and VISTA national service members have been integral to our growth and impact. Over the years, 19 AmeriCorps and VISTA members have joined our team, with several (myself included) serving for multiple terms. In my role as Director of the Food and Health Network, I have had the privilege of working directly with 15 members. I have seen the immense impact that each of their unique skills and shared dedication has on our work to improve food and nutrition security, strengthen regional food systems, and build strong, collaborative networks and lasting partnerships.

Currently we have two VISTA members and two Public Health AmeriCorps members serving with FaHN. Below are a few highlights.

-Erin Summerlee

Director, Food & Health Network

In this throwback photo from 2013, Erin Summerlee (fifth from the right with the fluffy scarf) is shown with other AmeriCorps members participating in a community service project.

Strengthening Volunteer & Community Engagement

AmeriCorps VISTA members are often charged with capacity building during their service. In my first year as a VISTA serving the Food and Health Network, engaging the community was a major goal. Really, for the Produce Prescription Program (PRx), it was a need. Each program season, tens of thousands of labels with unique participant ID #s need to be adhered to the PRx vouchers. In order to be able to serve hundreds of patients with PRx vouchers, we needed the community to help.

As a VISTA, I organized multiple days for volunteers to help with the labeling, including collaborating with United Way of Broome County’s Day of Action. Through these efforts, we have successfully engaged community members in our program, expanded their knowledge, and been able to serve more people. It is great that last year's volunteers can’t wait to help again this season! It is so rewarding to be a part of a community so eager to help each other! 

- Cat Marchione, Produce Prescription VISTA

VISTA Members Lani Kosick Ames, Cat Marchione and Natalie Lowin are pictured with Alexis Sankofa, RHSC Program Coordinator. The group recently visited Russell Farms for a videography project highlighting the partnership between Russell Farms and Food & Health Network programs. We will feature the video in a future issue.

Building Capacity through Resource Development

and Communications

Serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA member is a meaningful fellowship opportunity to expand professional skills and knowledge in organizational processes such as grant writing, program development, capacity building, and communications. I've witnessed the power of collective action and collaborative leadership across Food and Health Network programs.

Assisting in drafting over $1.2 million in federal and private grant prospects has refined my technical writing abilities, enhancing my potential impact in future organizations. Through social media, websites, and newsletters, I have shared our mission and vision with the community, sparking dialogue and driving engagement. The experience gained as a VISTA member will transcend my time at FaHN and the Rural Health Network as a professional catalyst and personal glimmer.

- Lani Kosick Ames, Program Assistant VISTA 

The 5 Components of Farm to School

Public Health AmeriCorps Members

School Garden Maintenance: We help with planning, planting, and maintenance of school gardens, teaching students about gardening techniques, and encouraging hands-on participation.

Community Outreach: We engage with parents, community members, and stakeholders to raise awareness about Farm to School programs, and build partnerships to support program sustainability.

Evaluation and Reporting: We collect data, conduct surveys, and assess the impact of Farm to School initiatives on student nutrition, contributing to program evaluation and improvement efforts.

Cultural Integration: We work to integrate cultural relevance into Farm to School programs, ensuring that diverse cultural traditions and food preferences are honored within the school community.

Social Media Awareness: We share resources, such as recipes, lesson plans, gardening tips, and funding opportunities, supporting educators, parents, and community members in implementing Farm to School initiatives. In addition, we share information about the benefits of locally sourced food, school garden projects/grants, nutrition education, and community events.

-Brooke Traver, Public Health AmeriCorps Member

More About Rural Health Service Corps

Last month, the New York State Commission on National and Community Service featured Rural Health Network AmeriCorps activities in their monthly newsletter What's Getting Done. Look for us on pages 3 and 6.

Share our Program Flyer with anyone who may be interested in a national service opportunity or in becoming a future host site.

Learn more about AmeriCorps service opportunities on our website.

Current Public Health AmeriCorps positions.

Current VISTA positions.

Advocacy Alert

Healthy School Meals for All

The Healthy School Meals for All coalition continues to advocate for universal school meals for all New York state schools. Both one-house budgets include full funding for universal school meals so no child would have to go to school hungry. We encourage you to ask NY State leaders to maintain this critical investment in the final state budget.

Schuyler Center Next Look

The Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy have prepared a Next Look at the NY State 2024-2025 Budget proposals and how they intersect with policy priorities critical to the health and well-being of low-income families and children.

News, Articles of Interest, and Resources

2024 Total Eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday, April 8th. We're not far from the path of totality. Enter your zip code and explore this NASA map. It is not safe to view the eclipse without special glasses. Find out where to get yours and review these health and safety tips in advance.

Beyond Generations Podcast Series on Keys to Financial Success

The American Society on Aging Beyond Generations six episode podcast series features topics including Financial Resilience Across the Lifespan, Promoting Healthier Futures to End Alzheimer's, and Helping Women Thrive in Retirement.

Rural Mental Health Connections Webinar: Resilience Program Launch

This one-hour webinar on Wednesday, March 27th at 7 PM ET will include a brief demonstration of how to easily access the Rural Mental Health Resilience Program materials on the program’s webpage, as well as firsthand experience and best practice tips shared by people who have used the program.

25 Small, Powerful Ways to Take Action for Mental Health

This Mental Health First Aid article includes tips for taking charge of your mental health. And, if you select #21 - earn your Mental Health First Aid Certification - contact Julianne Lee for information about future courses we offer.

If you would like to make a gift to support our Rural Health Service Corps program, click the drop down arrow next to "Please use my donation to support" and select "Rural Health Service Corps."