Author: Dulce Mendoza

In a recent ASTHO podcast, a host site supervisor and member of the Public Health AmeriCorps (PHA) program, a collaboration between AmeriCorps and the CDC, share their experience with the program, shed light on the program's benefits, and offer valuable advice for prospective applicants. 

Jennifer Aquilante, Food Policy Coordinator at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, emphasizes the program’s role in addressing community needs, such as food and nutrition security, social connectedness, and health equity. Ousmane Diarra, PHA member and pre-med student at the University of Pennsylvania, speaks of the dynamic nature of his role and how each day presents new opportunities for learning and skills development. 

Their story illustrates the program's benefits for both members and host sites. Jennifer highlights the opportunity to support emerging public health professionals and introduce them to various focuses, such as chronic disease prevention. By partnering with PHA, host sites gain fresh perspectives from their members as well as valuable support in advancing public health initiatives.  

Ousmane emphasizes the hands-on experiences and diverse skill sets acquired through the program, shaping his aspirations to become a public health physician. From community outreach to project management, PHA offers a platform for personal and professional growth, paving the way for future public health leaders. 

For those considering engaging as members or host sites, Jennifer and Ousmane offer their advice. They emphasize the importance of being open-minded, adaptable, and willing to learn. Jennifer encourages host sites to provide space for creativity and initiative, while Ousmane urges applicants to seize every opportunity for growth and exploration.  

PHA offers a unique pathway to meaningful engagement in public health, as do other pathway programs. Whether as a member or host site, participants stand to benefit from hands-on experiences, networking opportunities, and the chance to make a tangible difference in their communities. 

Visit AmeriCorps for more information on and how to get involved! For more information about other pathway programs, check out the National Consortium For Public Health Workforce Development webpage, Health Career Connection, and Public Health Careers website.  

About the Author  

Dulce Mendoza is a first-generation college graduate. She holds a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration from Arcadia University. Dulce has completed several internship and fellowship programs, including the CDC Lewis Scholars Program at Columbia University, an abroad internship with Moorfields Eye Charity, an internship with the Veterans Health Administration, and the CDC Public Health Associates Program (PHAP). While in PHAP, she worked within the Communicable Disease Bureau at the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services and responded to public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic.