According to the NYU School of Medicine, Chicago has one of the largest life expectancy gaps in the U.S. The City Health Dashboard shows that not all residents have access to equitable and preventative health services and education, resulting in challenges such as finding quality care for substance use prevention, obesity/physical inactivity, violence, student absenteeism, lack of walkability, and a diminished quality of life for older adults. National Health Corps (NHC)’s Public Health Leadership Corps is an AmeriCorps National Service program that recruits, trains, and places 117 members in resource-limited organizations called “host sites.” NHC Chicago members join unique public health teams by serving at federally qualified health centers, in hospital systems, at community-based clinics, and with other important organizations. NHC Chicago members are vital community champions who elevate community members’ voices and implement action with and for residents and organizations striving for health equity. NHC members need to meet certain AmeriCorps eligibility criteria. These include:

• Members must be at least 18 years of age by the start of service.

• Members must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents.

• Members must have achieved a high school diploma or GED by the start of service.

• Members must not have previously served four AmeriCorps State or National terms.

For more information about becoming a member, visit http://www.nationalhealthcorps.org/.