There's a New Director In Town: Dustin Arceneaux

In October, the members of National Health Corps Florida welcomed Dustin Arceneaux as our new Program Director. It’s been several months since he’s stepped into the shoes left by former director Jennifer Larramore, so we decided to check in with Mr. Arceneaux and see how he is liking the new position.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background before coming to the National Health Corps (NHC)?

Sure! I graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Health and Human Performance in 2013 with a Master’s of Science in Health Education & Behavior. I received my Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) license in 2014. I coordinated sex education programs in regional North Florida for 2 years before taking this position with The NHC AmeriCorps Program.

What do you do in your leisure time?

I enjoy going to the gym as well. Ropes are a full body workout! I enjoy visiting my friends but I have to plan well in advance to see them as most of my closest ones live in other countries. Usually, if I’m not traveling or working out then I’m just reading and drinking tea. 

How did you get involved with health and healthcare?

One of my first jobs was working as a community pharmacy technician, so I can definitely relate to anyone in a patient advocate role here at National Health Corps Florida. From there, the majority of my education has been in the communications and technology fields. It was only in graduate school when I started focusing on the intersection of health, communication, and technology. After graduate school, I worked in family planning for 2 years and decided it was time for a change as I care about more areas of health than just one. Now, I’m with the NHC Florida AmeriCorps Program and couldn’t be happier to share my experience and knowledge with members!

What drew you to join AmeriCorps and the NHC Florida?

I’ve heard a lot about AmeriCorps from other people who have been through and AmeriCorps program in the past and said they had great experiences performing National Service. When I heard about National Health Corps, I realized it was a great opportunity for students of medicine, public health, and the biological sciences  to use their talents and knowledge to help their communities and to gain valuable experience for whatever direction they choose to take their professional careers. 

What do you like the most so far about your position or the Corps?

I enjoy seeing all of the different and unique personalities in our program. Everyone likes to have fun, laugh, and learn. National Health Corps- Florida really is a big family of people from all over the nation who come to their operating sites to provide needed health services. I’m also gaining a vast amount of knowledge in the position that I wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else. In that sense, I can relate to the experience the members are having.

Why should someone join AmeriCorps and specifically NHC Florida?

Join AmeriCorps because you want to serve your community and you’ll see what great things your community gives back to you. If you are interested in National Health Corps- Florida, join because we have beaches, national parks, and a tight knit group of host site mentors, in all areas of public health and medicine that are incredibly passionate about their fields and helping you grow as a professional.

What do you think makes a good AmeriCorps/NHC FL member?

A passion to serve your community and battle against health inequality. I don’t think it’s incorrect to say that the National Health Corps  Florida attracts future leaders in the health field who are going to have a big impact on society. Our Florida members always tend to be very innovative. We thrive on raising the bar for what the National Health Corps is doing nationally as well as what our position descriptions entail.

What’s one piece of advice you have for people looking to go into service with AmeriCorps or to go into a career in healthcare?

Don’t be afraid to not know, just always ask questions. It’s ok to not know what you want to do or which direction you want to take in life. It’s ok to want to change directions and not know exactly how to do that. You are never stuck in one role for your entire life. A career in healthcare mirrors the different dimensions of health, so there are a lot of directions you can go.

What do you look forward to most in the upcoming years of NHC FL?

More diverse host sites, new members, and expanding the reach of our services.

What would you like the world to know about NHC FL?

I might be biased, but It’s the best operating site in the entire national program ;-)

This blog post was written by NHC Florida members, Eric Bethea and Alec Kinczewski- blog committee.