Andrew Oravecz, Workforce Development Program Manager

 CHCACT’s Service to Improve Community Health (STICH) AmeriCorps Program is approaching its midpoint, with most members having completed 50% of their 1,700-hour commitment to national service. Members are forging community connections, offering health insurance literacy trainings, health education interactions, and serving in various FQHC departments from Women’s and Behavioral Health to Dental and Outreach offices.

Members and site supervisors are continuing to learn through training sessions with CHCACT and partner organizations. On February 14th, in partnership with UConn’s Health Disparities Institute, site supervisors met with Ms. Denise Smith, Research Associate and Project Manager, to reflect upon tactics related to health insurance literacy implementation in the community and how to best prepare members for successful presentations. Additionally, last Friday, February 23rd, STICH members participated in a networking session which emphasized the importance of professional relationship building. CHCACT staff from all levels had one-on-one discussions with members about their respective responsibilities, identified areas of mutual interest, and spoke about opportunities for future collaboration. The exercise enabled members to practice valuable communication and public speaking skills that will assist them during service and years beyond. On all fronts, our program is striving to improve knowledge and skill to more effectively serve Connecticut’s residents.

STICH AmeriCorps members also began planning for AmeriCorps Week 2018. We will be hosting events in Bridgeport, Norwich, and Waterbury from March 11th through 17th to emphasize the value and impact their service is having on local communities. Be on the lookout for #AmeriCorpsWeek, #GetThingsDone, and #DayoftheA from all participating health center social media outlets and CHCACT.

Lastly, recruitment efforts for the 2018-2019 next program year are underway! Please contact me at aoravecz@chcact.org for more information.