Bethel, Alaska, December 6, 2022 – The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, is recruiting 100 service members to serve in positions across the country as part of the Association’s Public Health AmeriCorps program called HeartCorps. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) in Bethel will add a member to its team to support clients in the improvement and control their blood pressure numbers. High blood pressure is a condition that impacts nearly half of all people living in the U.S. and if left uncontrolled, can cause unnecessary and inequitable disease, disability and death. 

Twenty-six states including Alaska are participating in the program, a joint venture between AmeriCorps and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The domestic service opportunity is intended to:

  • Help meet the public health needs of local communities by providing needed capacity and support in state and local public health settings and advancing more equitable health outcomes for communities who are currently or historically underserved.
  • Provide pathways to good quality public health-related careers by providing exposure through onsite experience, training, and more, with a focus on recruiting AmeriCorps members who reflect the communities in which they will serve. 

“We are excited to collaborate with the American Heart Association to connect our community with additional resources to support the management of blood pressure,” said Patty Smith, Vice President Outpatient Care and Village Health, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. “This is an opportunity for the YK Delta community to benefit from the support of a service member and for someone who is interested in a career in public health or medicine to gain valuable experience.” 

HeartCorps applicants must be 21 years old and will receive the following for their 1,700 hours of service: 

  • A living stipend of $25,500 (pre-tax)
  • Healthcare benefits and a childcare subsidy, if eligible
  • A $6,495 educational award (pre-tax)
  • 200+ hours of professional development
  • Direct access to job opportunities upon successful completion of program

Interested applicants should complete the general application for HeartCorps service members or email their resume, indicating the state(s) where they are interested in serving and/or willing to relocate to for this service experience. All accepted applicants must successfully pass a national criminal background check to become HeartCorps service members. For questions related to HeartCorps, please e-mail HeartCorps@heart.org

“The health challenges in many rural communities are acute, but there are so many organizations and individuals committed to changing that. We’re excited for this program to help support those efforts,” said Tim Nikolai, Senior Rural Health Director at the American Heart Association. 

Learn more about HeartCorps, visit heart.org/HeartCorps

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with the American Heart Association, Alaska via heart.org/Alaska, FacebookInstagram or Twitter.   

For Media Inquiries:

Valerie Koch, valerie.koch@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org