Health care workers continue to be in demand in New York State. According to a 2021 study, states need to increase health care worker jobs by 80% to meet minimum service needs in communities. The fellowship is his one solution to supporting infrastructure across the state.
This fellowship is through the New York State Public Health Corps. Fellows' backgrounds span a variety of fields, including nursing, IT, and data science.
Emani Gonzalez is a woman nearing the end of a one-year program.
“I'm very shy and reserved, so this role forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and speak in public, something I don't normally do,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez has been an Allyn Foundation Fellow for almost a year.
“A typical day includes creating social media content such as infographics. I'm working on a podcast,” Gonzalez said.
She is working on a campaign called “Layla's Got You,” which focuses on promoting the sexual health and well-being of Black women ages 18-25.
Gonzalez is one of 378 researchers currently working across New York, according to the Department of Health.
“Public health fellows have really given us employment opportunities at a time when recruiting and hiring has been difficult,” said Michelle Mignano, deputy director of the Onondaga County Health Department.
Like many things, the New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“New York state was tapping into American Recovery, ARA funds. The goal is obviously to get our country, our nation, our state to think locally and ask, “How can we employ people?'' How can we stay on track?'' Mignano said.
According to the Ministry of Health, 626 researchers have been hired so far and are working in 50 counties. Mignano said the initial funding set aside for the fellows is likely to run out in June.
“But the state recognized how positive it was for our community as a whole and provided additional funding. So this first year, we're going to have even fewer and far fewer allies. We expect it to be less, but we still have some guys,” Mignano said.
“It gives young people an opportunity to step up, make a difference and use their voice,” Gonzalez said.
Mignano also said the company is hiring fellows for full-time positions. A total of $127,945,550 was made available to support the Fellows program, according to the Department of Health.
Recruitment is scheduled to begin this spring.
