Durbin, Duckworth Announce Over $1.3 Million For Illinois Americorps Programs

Durbin, Duckworth Announce Over $1.3 Million For Illinois Americorps Programs

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $1,303,609 in federal funding going to three organizations in Illinois as a result of the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) AmeriCorps State and National Public Health grant competition. Using funds provided by theAmerican Rescue Plan and CARES Act, these programs will support Illinois' public health workforce by addressing mental health, chronic disease prevention, and public health readiness. Public Health AmeriCorps members will gain hands-on experience in the public health field while supporting local health efforts and community-based organizations.

"For decades, our national service programs have provided valuable assistance and services to communities that needed it the most. These programs have been pivotal in bringing people together who share a common spirit of giving back to the community," said Durbin. "Today's announced funding will support a stronger public health workforce that makes communities across our state healthier."

"AmeriCorps national service programs bring together people from all walks of life to address pressing challenges in local communities and strengthen our nation," Duckworth said. "Just as enlisting in the military to defend our country is 'American Service,' so is volunteering to help lift up communities. I will continue to advocate for greater investments in national service opportunities and our public health workforce so that every Illinoisan who wants to serve has the opportunity to do so."

Individual awards are listed below:

· Gardeneers (Healthy Kids, Healthy Families, Healthy Communities): $675,000

· Association House of Chicago (Association House of Chicago): $229,5000

· Sinai Health System (Sinai AmeriCorps Initiative): $399,109

-30-