ISU awarded AmeriCorps grant to serve children and families throughout Idaho

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, according to the Idaho Department of Labor and ISU.

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

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.

For more information on the full grant, click HERE.