Skip to main content
SOPHE 2025 Annual Conference Main banner
Icon Legend
This session is not in your schedule.
This session is in your schedule. Click again to remove it.
Presentation Icons
Entry Level CECH Credit
Entry Level CECH Credit
Advanced Level CECH Credit
Advanced Level CECH Credit
SOPHE Award
SOPHE Award
Fellow
Fellow
NCHEC Award
NCHEC Award
Fries Award
Fries Award
FAHE Award
FAHE Award
National Student Case Study Winners
National Student Case Study Winners
ESG
ESG
ViewAttendees 1

Poster Presentation

Leadership, Mentoring, and Training the Next Workforce

Wednesday Poster Power Hour

WED-017 - Cultivating Public Health Leaders; The Americorps Experience

Wednesday, April 16, 2025
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM PST
Location: Pacific I/II, 2nd Floor
Area of Responsibility: Area VII: Leadership and Management
Subcompetencies: 7.2.6 Evaluate training as appropriate throughout the process., 8.4.7 Engage in service to advance the profession.
Research or Practice: Practice

    Presenter(s)

  • Emilee Drerup, MPH, CHES

    Program Director
    Ohio State University Extension
    Columbus, Ohio, United States

  • Susan Zies, M.Ed.

    Assistant Professor and Extension Educator
    Ohio State University
    Bowling Green, Ohio, United States

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
  • Understand the critical role that AmeriCorps plays in addressing public health workforce shortages and the diverse range of public health projects that AmeriCorps members participate.
  • Discover how the program provides members with valuable skills and experiences that prepare them for successful careers in public health
  • Hear about real life examples of AmeriCorps members improving the health of their communities.
Brief Abstract Summary: Discover how Ohio State University Extension’s Public Health AmeriCorps program is nurturing the next generation of public health leaders through a robust mentorship system. Learn about the program's comprehensive approach, which includes hands-on service experiences, professional development, and leadership training. Gain insights into members' diverse range of public health projects, from addressing chronic diseases to promoting health equity. Recognize the positive impact that AmeriCorps members are making in Ohio’s communities and the valuable skills they are acquiring to succeed in future careers in public health.

Detailed abstract description: As a response to the growing public health workforce needs illuminated by the COVID-19 pandemic, AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention partnered to create Public Health AmeriCorps​.​ In 2022, our university’s cooperative extension received funding to create Extension Public Health AmeriCorps (EPHAC) to bolster organizational capacity and create pathways for AmeriCorps members to quality public health or Health Extension careers.

EPHAC members serve their communities by supporting existing Extension programming and taking leadership roles in new projects. They address various health topics such as diabetes, nutrition, food insecurity, vaccine hesitancy, sustainability, and mental health.

In this presentation, you will:

-Understand the critical role that AmeriCorps plays in addressing public health workforce shortages.

-Learn about the engaging and diverse range of public health projects that AmeriCorps members undertake, from addressing chronic diseases to promoting health equity.

-Discover how the program provides members with valuable skills and experiences that prepare them for successful careers in public health.

-Hear inspiring stories from AmeriCorps members who have made a significant impact in their communities.

-Learn how you can support the Public Health AmeriCorps program and help foster a healthier future for all.

Whether you are a student, a public health professional, or simply someone who cares about the health of your community, this presentation will provide you with valuable insights and inspiration.