RurAL CAP BIRCH Program
The Building Initiatives in Rural Community Health Program is a community service program designed to help rural Alaska communities address local health and wellness concerns. Fifteen full-time positions are available each year to rural Alaskans interested in serving their villages as an AmeriCorps member. The program year begins in January each year.
BIRCH is sponsored by RurAL CAP, the State of Alaska Department of Health
and Human Services, and the Corporation for National and Community Service.
BIRCH YDA Program Leader
Margaret David – AmeriCorps Program Coordinator
Phone: 907-865-7396
Teleconference #: 1-866-316-1519, passcode #15522691
2009 BIRCH AmeriCorps Accomplishments:
- 1,495 cultural and healthy recreational out-of-class enrichment activities were held with 1,492 adults and 1,429 youth participating. Activities included Native dance practices and performances, traditional subsistence activities, culture camps, arts and crafts, gardening, exercise groups, reading programs, sports, youth programs.
- Members hosted 185 wellness gatherings where people were counseled related to health and family matters. 831 youth and 169 adults participated. Activities included tobacco prevention and cessation groups, Students Against Drunk Driving meetings, a walk for diabetes prevention, and car seat inspections.
- Provided 162 school/community education activities attended by 252 adults and 700 youth. Some of these activities included presentations about Meth 360, bus and pedestrian safety, gun safety, bear safety, Kids Don't Float, peer mediation/bullying, recycling, and an herb propagating class.
- Organized 6 health fairs that were attended by 158 adults and 99 youth.
- Arranged 276 community service opportunities for their communities during which 1,451 volunteers completed 7,365 hours of service.
Wellness Programs:
