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Lincoln Trail College and Crawford Memorial Hospital are accepting applications for the 2025-26 Community Health Coaching Program (CHCP), a collaborative initiative that trains students for real-world experience in health care while serving the Crawford County community.
The CHCP prepares students to work under close medical supervision as Community Health Coaches, providing one-on-one support to patients who need encouragement in developing healthier lifestyles. Health coaches meet weekly with their assigned patients to build trust, discuss goals, and help them follow care plans developed by their medical providers. They act as a consistent point of contact, offering motivation, answering questions, and connecting patients to resources, with the aim of improving overall health and quality of life.
“This program provides a unique opportunity for our students to learn directly from health care professionals while making a real impact in people’s lives,” said Tona Ambrose, Lincoln Trail College President and Vice Chancellor of Institutional Outreach. “Students not only develop clinical and interpersonal skills, but they also see firsthand how meaningful relationships can help someone achieve their health goals.”
Students accepted into the program will enroll in HEA 2299, a one-credit course taught by physicians, nurses, dietitians, and other professionals. Classes will be held Tuesdays from 1–3 p.m., Oct. 16–Dec. 18, 2025, at Lincoln Trail College.
After completing the course, students will participate in a skills competency and orientation session at Crawford Memorial Hospital before being paired with a patient in January 2026. Health coaching will run through May 15, 2026. Following the program, students may apply for a paid internship with CMH.
There is no cost for admitted students to take the HEA 2299 course. Applicants must have a high school diploma, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and submit all application materials by Sept. 19, 2025. Requirements include a letter of intent, a letter of recommendation, transcripts, and an interview with the CHCP team.
More information and application links are available at www.iecc.edu/healthcoachCMH or by contacting Dr. Alani Frederick at (618) 544-8657 or fredericka@iecc.edu.
