At ACH, we believe that internships should be meaningful launchpads for the next generation of community health champions. Brent Dramstad, a junior at James Madison University, took a deep dive into health policy and community health, working side-by-side with Membership & Grassroots Advocacy Director Sami Noble and the ACH team. As his ACH internship wraps up, Brent reflects on what he’s learned—and how he plans to keep the flame of community health center advocacy burning bright.
Q: What did you learn from your experience at ACH?
BR: My time at ACH has given me more insights into the relationship between the public and private sectors, particularly within healthcare. Additionally, I’ve gained professional skills like policy research, persuasive writing, and others that help further the ACH mission. All of the skills I’ve gained will help me be successful professionally after I finish my education.
Q: What was a highlight of your internship?
BR: The highlight of my internship was the Annual Member Meeting in March. The meeting was filled with great speakers who had valuable insights into the government affairs that will affect community health centers. Additionally, the meeting gave me the opportunity to get to know our members better who are truly inspiring. Talking to them gave me another perspective on the important work community health centers do for Americans and the healthcare system.
Q: What is one thing that people should know about community health centers?
BR: Beyond the essential role community health centers play in keeping people healthy, I think it’s important people know how smart an investment they are. I often hear Amanda [Pears Kelly] and our policy team say that, “Community health centers are the best investment in health care,” and I’ve come to really believe that. Community health centers are not only incredibly efficient and effective with their care, but they also generate economic activity through creating jobs, supporting local industries like manufacturing and transportation as well as a number of other avenues.
Interested in interning with ACH in the future? Reach out to Sami Noble.