ISU awarded AmeriCorps grant to serve children and families in Idaho, including Treasure Valley

Idaho State University’s HealthCare for Children and Families AmeriCorps program has received a $345,915 federal grant to provide basic health screenings for children and connect underserved families to community resources that can improve their lives.

The screenings will be conducted at various nonprofit, health-related sites in Idaho, including Boise, Caldwell, Pocatello, Fort Hall, Hailey and Moscow.

Up to 62 AmeriCorps members will conduct the screenings which include sight, hearing, and body measurements for children and blood sugar checks for adults. Those with health issues are referred to health providers and educators for follow-up care, said Dr. Barbara Cunningham, senior grant project coordinator and ISU’s AmeriCorps program director.

AmeriCorps members also provide health education and help families navigate the state’s health care system.

The grant, which began Sept.1, will run through next August. In that time, the program expects to serve 7,000 uninsured and economically disadvantaged people through health screenings and provide health education to 7,500 clients, Cunningham said.

“A year without the Idaho HealthCare for Children and Families (program) would mean a year without participation between AmeriCorps members and our most valuable members in society – our children – who are our future,” she added. 

The ISU AmeriCorps award is part of a $977,983 grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service, administered through Serve Idaho, a state commission that promotes service and volunteerism. Serve Idaho is housed in the Idaho Department of Labor.

AmeriCorps members receive a modest living stipend and education award that can be used to pay for college or to pay back qualified student loans. 

Cunningham is looking for one last placement site to host an AmeriCorps member this year for a nominal cash match. If you are a nonprofit, health-related organization interested in community service and volunteerism, contact her at 208-282-4560 or email cunnbarb@isu.edu.

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