PCCE- Juniata College VISTA

PCCE
- Juniata College VISTA

Juniata College aims to work with Broad Top Area Medical Center (BTAMC) to build capacity for providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to underserved populations in Huntingdon County, with a focus on health access for all. BTAMC is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). FQHC's are nonprofit health centers that receive funding from the U.S. federal government and are designed to ensure that individuals, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured, have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.

With this project, BTAMC specifically seeks to expand access to preventive and restorative dental care, ensuring that all residents, regardless of income, can receive the services they need. The project is anchored in addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH), specifically Health Care Access and Quality, one of the five key SDOH recognized by the CDC. BTAMC has a foundation of primary healthcare services and is now focused on expanding dental services, with the goal of providing care within a 20-minute drive of every resident in the county.

This includes increasing service capacity, enhancing outreach efforts, and ensuring low-income and uninsured individuals have access to essential dental care. Huntingdon County faces significant health disparities, especially in dental care access. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.

Member Duties :
The Y2 Ameri Corps VISTA member will support expanded dental care access for low-income individuals in rural Huntingdon County, PA, through Broad Top Area Medical Center (BTAMC). They will develop educational campaigns (brochures, flyers, social media) to raise awareness about dental services and preventive care. The VISTA will organize workshops, health fairs, and school-based programs to promote oral health. They will also create or enhance referral and navigation systems to connect individuals with care, addressing barriers like transportation.

The VISTA will track service data and patient outcomes to improve outreach efforts. They will build sustainable partnerships with local organizations and assist with fundraising and grant writing to ensure long-term support for BTAMC's dental services. VISTA will assist the community by improving access to essential care, reducing health disparities, and fostering long-term partnerships to combat poverty as a social determinant of health.

Program Benefits :
Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Housing , Campus Housing; campus facilities , Training , Stipend , Living Allowance , Childcare assistance if eligible , Relocation Allowance , Education award upon successful completion of service , Health Coverage* .

Terms :

Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended , Permits attendance at school during off hours .

Service Areas :

Community and Economic Development , Health , Education , Community Outreach .

Skills :

General Skills , Non-Profit Management , Social Services , Recruitment , Public Health , Community Organization , Medicine , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Communications , Writing/Editing , Leadership , Business/Entrepreneur , First Aid , Team Work .