Dallas County Public Health has been selected as one of six host sites for the new Iowa Community Health AmeriCorps Program (I-CHAP).

It’s part of the Iowa Heathiest State Initiative and a partnership with Drake University.  The program is expected to launch at the end of the month.  It will place one full time and one part time AmeriCorps member at each host site.  These people will work with the local communities to foster the establishment of smarter lunchrooms, safer walking routes to schools, community gardens and tobacco free workplaces.

Iowa Healthiest State Initiative Executive Director Jami Haberl says “In order for Iowa to become the healthiest state in the nation, we need to enhance local capacity.  I-CHAP provides the resources we need to build capacity for healthier communities, schools and workplaces.”

The estimated value of the human and financial resources included in each site is $43,500 though the local cost share is only $7,000 per year.

Those who would like more information on how to become a host site CLICK HERE   For information on becoming an I-CHAP service member CLICK HERE.