Sangamon County seniors could volunteer as community health workers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Seniors in Sangamon County could soon learn how to become community health workers thanks to a federal grant and a new effort by the HAP Foundation. HAP's AmeriCorps seniors workforce program is partnering with multiple providers in Springfield and Chatham to train up to 15 workers.

Local leaders told reporters in Springfield Monday that seniors could benefit from this opportunity to rejoin the workforce and help their neighbors with healthcare resources. The HAP Foundation and AmeriCorps want to train people 55 and older to become workers for healthcare or community-based organizations throughout the county.

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"We see this potentially as a pipeline for community health workers in the future, really looking at this senior population," said Rachel Telleen, Executive Director of Workforce Development for the HAP Foundation. "They have so many lived experiences, and that is another component of a community health worker."

People accepted into the program could work with the Alzheimer's Association, Senior Services of Central Illinois, Salvation Army, Illinois Assistive Technology Program, Traditions Health and Ollie Home Care. Volunteers would make $200 per month while they participate in the program. However, Telleen explained seniors could make up to $1,000 if they continue working in this field thanks to a grant from the Illinois Public Health Association.

Rachel Telleen, Executive Director of Workforce Development for the HAP Foundation speaks alongside Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher.

"Currently, there are 45 million Americans that are 65 years of age or older," said Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher. "By 2030, that number will be at 73 million. Our seniors are our future."

Advocates told WAND News that seniors could be perfect for the job if they are respected in the community, promote healthy living, and show empathy and compassion for others.

AmeriCorps leaders said over 8,000 Illinoisans volunteered to help their neighbors last year through the same senior health worker program. They noted that the program can open career doors for people and provide extra money for necessities.

"It also incorporates our cross agency public health initiative to co-fund pilot projects around the country, exploring how we can help support new pathways into public health careers and new ways to make healthcare accessible to community members who need it," said Courtney Geib, senior portfolio manager with AmeriCorps.

If you or anyone you know would like to become a senior community health worker in Sangamon County, the application deadline is June 21. You can find the application and more information by clicking here.

The HAP Foundation hopes to expand the senior community health worker program to Knox, Macon and Rock Island counties over the next three years.