Community Health Corps Montana

Engaging individuals in meaningful service to Montana through community partnerships to advance sustainable solutions to the state’s most pressing health challenges.

What is AmeriCorps

CHCM Member Information

CHCM Host Site Information

Program Overview

Community Health Corps Montana (CHCM) is an AmeriCorps program administered by the Montana Office of Rural Health and Area Health Education Center at Montana State University.

CHCM was built through extensive outreach across Montana. Over 100 public health leaders, rural hospitals, tribal health partners, nonprofits, and community stakeholders contributed input through discovery calls, focus groups, and data review. The result is a program grounded in real community-identified needs and designed to strengthen local capacity in sustainable ways.

Rather than creating parallel systems, CHCM strengthens what already exists — expanding local capacity, improving coordination, and supporting community-led outreach and education.

We believe sustainable health improvement happens when communities are supported, not prescribed to.

Program Goals

Using real input from montana communities, three major goals were identified.

Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Management

Through community education, outreach, and other initiatives, members help local organizations build capacity to serve their communities.

Connor Knobel Recovery Friendly Montana Tabling

Strengthen Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services

Members serve with organizations across Montana to expand access to Mental Health First Aid, strengthen recovery resources, and reduce stigma.

Willow Purvis Hands in dirt at Plant baby plant event

Address the Social Drivers of Health

From improving transportation access to strengthening food systems, members increase access to essential resources and reduce barriers to care.

Our Impact

CHCM's first cohort served January to August 2026. Here's a look at what they accomplished:

"My service has reinforced my passion for helping others and supporting individuals in accessing education, resources, and opportunities that can improve their lives.” - CHCM post-service survey

8500+

Service Hours Completed

500+

Individuals Served

52

New Volunteers Engaged

"It's amazing to see people from all different backgrounds coming together for a common goal of progressing Montana's health!” - post-orientation survey response

Meet Our Current Members

Community Health Corps Montana’s second cohort is now serving across the state — embedded in rural and tribal communities, members serve alongside community organizations to strengthen local systems and expand impact.

Curious who they are, where they’re serving, and what brought them to this work?

Visit our Member Page to meet the cohort and hear, in their own words, why they serve.

Join the Next Cohort – Launching September 2027

We are preparing for our next cohort of AmeriCorps members, who will begin service in September 2027.

Applications for both Members and Host Sites will open in Spring 2027.

Become a Member

Are you looking for a meaningful way to serve your community, gain real-world experience, and build your leadership skills? This opportunity is open to individuals of all majors and backgrounds— from health and education to communications, social work, and beyond.

AmeriCorps members receive:

A biweekly living stipend
An education award
Ongoing training & professional development
Experience serving rural and tribal communities in Montana

The 2026-2027 CHCM cohort is in full swing. Check out who is serving, where, and why from our member page. And sign up here to be notified when our September 2027 applications open.

Become a Host Site

Is your organization working to improve community health?

Hosting an AmeriCorps member can expand your capacity to:

Deliver outreach and education
Strengthen referral and resource systems
Engage harder-to-reach populations

Learn more on our host site overview page. September 2027 applications will open in Spring 2027.

CHCM Advisory Committee Members

CHCM is supported by a statewide advisory committee made up of leaders from public health, healthcare, higher education, and community-based nonprofits.

These partners played a critical role in shaping the program, helping ensure it reflects real community needs, aligns with existing efforts, and remains responsive as it grows. Our advisory committee continues to provide insight, connection, and strategic guidance to strengthen CHCM’s impact across Montana.

This program is stronger because of the collective knowledge, experience, and commitment of these partners.