Local Board of Health FAQ

What is the history of the APHC?

The Academic Public Health Corps (APHC) was created in April 2020, when the Massachusetts Health Officers Association (MHOA) coordinated with the state’s Command Center to support the local COVID-19 response by partnering with academic institutions to enlist the help of student volunteers. Over a one year period, more than 800 students from the APHC assisted more than 130 health departments with contact tracing, health communications, health equity efforts, data analysis and more.

In 2021, MHOA applied for Massachusetts Department of Public Health funding to sustain the APHC and was awarded a three-year grant. This funding has allowed the APHC to hire full-time staff, pay its student Corps members, and grow and sustain the program.

The APHC program will sunset on June 30th, 2024. 

 

What does the APHC do?

The APHC is a DPH-funded pipeline program that hires and supervises public health interns (“Corps members”) to complete timely projects for local public health.

We request public health-related projects from local health departments, then hire students to complete these projects based on their interests, skills, and availability. Students are paid for work that builds their resumes and real-life public health experience, and local health departments’ capacity to keep their communities healthy is increased.

How do I begin a project with the APHC?

If you are interested in receiving assistance from the APHC, please fill out a short request form by going to https://bit.ly/APHC-Request. Note: The APHC program in its current form will end on June 30th, 2024. We cannot guarantee that projects requested after April 4th, 2024 will be completed.  Our staff will work closely with you to provide detailed status updates, discuss next steps, and ensure a smooth handover process for any outstanding work.

Once I fill out the request, how long does it take to initiate the project?

Upon receiving your request, we will send you a link within the next 2-3 days to schedule a 30-minute Zoom call in order to learn more about the proposed project. We will then assign the project to an APHC Corps member, based on their interest and availability.

Who are the Corps members?

Corps members are current public health students who attend an institute of higher education in Massachusetts. The APHC serves as an internship program for these students; they complete 160 hours of work on assigned public health projects, learn about local public health in Massachusetts, build their resumes and real-world experience, and are paid $17/hour.

Do Corps members do work remotely or in-person for my health department?

Corps members can work remotely, in-person, or both. Transportation may be a barrier for working in-person, if Corps members aren’t able to travel to a community. 

What kind of work can Corps members do for my LBOH?

Please see our Past Projects page to see some of the work that Corps members have done in the past. Corps members work on a wide variety of projects focused on local public health. Some of the services that Corps members could be asked to provide are listed below.

REMOTE WORK

Health Communication (Print, Signage, Social Media, Websites)

  • Social media messaging development (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)
  • Topic- and population-specific messaging and infographics
  • Graphic design and web development support

Data Analysis & Presentation

  • Data analysis and visualization to highlight disparities and offer insight into public health problems in communities
  • Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping
  • Dataset manipulation
  • Visualized data analysis reports
  • Data analysis consultation

Health Equity Support

  • Highlighting and supporting public health initiatives that promote health equity and service minority or underrepresented communities
  • Community and stakeholder analysis and engagement
  • Supporting health equity projects and research

Research and Administrative Support

  • Meeting minutes
  • Digital file organization
  • Policy guidance
  • Planning and research

Are Corps members paid?

Yes. The APHC pays Corps members $17/hour for completing up to 160 hours of assigned work for the APHC. The 160 hours are typically spent working on 2-5 projects over the course of one semester.

How are Corps members vetted?

To become Corps members, public health students complete a detailed job application. We first screen applicants based on experience, skills, interest, and goals. We then conduct Zoom interviews, identify final candidates, and offer them Corps member positions.

How much do I need to supervise or interact with the Corps members?

APHC staff completely supervise the Corps members through the project process. We understand that your capacity is limited, and only ask that you communicate regularly with APHC staff about your project needs.

What if I don’t use up all 160 hours of the Corps member’s time? Or if my project takes more than 160 hours?

APHC Corps members are paid a stipend for 160 hours of work. If your project takes fewer than 160 hours to complete, that Corps member will be assigned additional projects from another LBOH. If your project takes more than 160 hours, we will assign more than one Corps member to your project.

What is required of me to work with the APHC?

  1. Fill out a request form each time you want to request APHC support for a project.
  2. Complete a 30 minute intake interview over Zoom with an APHC staff person to discuss the goals, timeline, and deliverables for the project.
  3. Respond to any requests for clarification or additional info in a timely manner.
  4. Once the project is completed to your specifications, complete a brief evaluation form about your experience with the Corps member and APHC.

Are Corps members available year round? Or is there a specific timeframe during the year that they can work?

Corps members are available year-round. There are times in the academic calendar when it may take longer to be connected with a Corps member, such as January and September, when new members are being hired and onboarded, or May and December, when final exams and other commitments may supersede APHC duties. We will do our best to accommodate both your projects and Corps members’ schedules.

Have a question you don’t see answered here? Email APHC.internal.ops@mhoa.com!

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