Page 48 - LIN_February_2024_web-version

Photo 1: Finance Bonheur, AmeriCorps Member
Photo 2: Leticia Manon, AmeriCorps Member
Location: Coalition of Immokalee Workers

AmeriCorps and Healthcare Network:

Improving Healthcare Access in Collier County

by By Antonello Castaldi
Volunteer Program Manager for Healthcare Network

ealthcare Network, which since its AmeriCorps members need to have a high school diploma
founding in 1977 in Immokalee or GED and their age range from 17 to 99. They will serve
Hhas pursued a mission of combating through July 2024 for the current cycle, but new opportunities
healthcare inequity across Collier County, has will be available alongside Healthcare Network’s Outreach Team
partnered with AmeriCorps and Volunteer performing various tasks, including:
Florida to help connect the underserved to Serving as translators to resolve any barriers of communication.
health services. Providing valuable information to those who would benefit
Healthcare Network is one of two from Healthcare Network’s resources and services.
organizations in Florida that were selected to receive a grant Building connections with the community to increase trust
to start an AmeriCorps Public Health program. AmeriCorps towards clinics and health care providers.
members serve as community liaisons in Immokalee and Naples, Following up with patients to ensure they have received care/
helping to improve access to care through community health information.
services for the community, increasing health knowledge and Scheduling appointments.
improved access to medical care. Serving in community events to provide information, services
“As someone who is from Immokalee and has received services and connecting potential patients with Healthcare Network
from Healthcare Network, and having previously served as an providers.
AmeriCorps member, I am thrilled to have this program within Gaining skills and experience working within health-related
the community of Collier County and being the AmeriCorps careers.
Program Coordinator for Healthcare Network said Diosili Salazar Collaborating with community outreach to increase awareness
AmeriCorps Program Coordinator. “Being able to represent of Healthcare Network.
AmeriCorps within community efforts has been rewarding, and Serving the communities where they live.
helping others ensure that they receive vital health resources Volunteer Florida administers the AmeriCorps program across
reinforces the mission of Healthcare Network.” the state. AmeriCorps is a national service program that provides
AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle opportunities for individuals to serve their communities. in
the country’s most pressing challenges through national service. exchange for a living stipend, educational award and valuable on-
AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors serve with the-job experience.
organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. “My experience with the AmeriCorps program has been
AmeriCorps members are selected and managed by their host insightful, inspirational and encouraging,” said AmeriCorps
organization and spend a year addressing issues critical to the member Leslie Escalante. “I have made connections with
organization’s mission. Healthcare Network’s grant specifically various people. Through all the abilities to achieve certifications,
targets the areas of Immokalee and Golden Gate City in Collier I can continue to grow into what I aspire to become, which is a
County, which are historically underserved communities. This registered nurse. I am grateful that they have allowed me to be part
grant will ensure that access to health is given to those who need of something meaningful and contribute towards the community.”
it most, with emphasis on ensuring that they receive the care they About the Author
need. Antonello Castaldi manages the volunteer program for Healthcare
“My experience with the AmeriCorps program has been very Network. To learn more about AmeriCorps or other ways to get
good to me,” said Leticia Manon, AmeriCorps member. “I’m involved with Healthcare Network, email acastaldi@healthcareswfl.org
learning many new things, and I have the opportunity to do what or call 239.658.3730
I like, which is help people in my community. I’m very grateful
that this program exists because it helps me, and I can help
others in need.”

239-658-3000 HealthcareSWFL.org SUPPORT: healthcareswfl.org/donate/

48 Life in Naples | February 2024