Hearing the stories of communities coming together over the past 18 months has given me a sense of hope, more specifically, a sense of hope about what our country can accomplish when we work toward a shared goal.
During this difficult time, I have had the privilege of working closely with HealthCorps, the 20-year-old not-for-profit organization my wife and I founded to improve teenager health in underserved communities across the country. Through innovative wellness lessons, peer mentoring, and service learning, HealthCorps has empowered the next generation to be change agents for health in their community. Throughout the pandemic, HealthCorps served over 68,000 meals to those in need, supplying meals to students who were out of school, in addition to providing wellness resources to support virtual learning.
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We were literally feeding the student body (and mind). I am inspired by the passion of these young people who choose to work with HealthCorps and make an impact in at-risk communities across the country. And as we set our sights on tackling the substantial challenges that America faces, I urge us to expand these models. Why?
For one reason, the health of America’s democracy, the civic fabric of our society, is at risk.
A May 2021 report from More in Common found that low levels of trust in institutions, including government, business, and media, is the norm, and less than 4 in 10 feel that most people can be believed. Throughout history, when faced with daunting challenges, it is the quilt of humanity that brings us together and lifts us up. Each time I speak with someone working with HealthCorps and serving students in need, I feel hopeful about their generation. They are the mentors and leaders our nation needs to overcome our differences, and I believe the time is right to advance an idea that allows every young person in America to serve our country.
Similarly, national service can restore a level of responsibility and shared sacrifice in America. Empowering the next generation with the ability to serve their communities and make a difference on issues they are passionate about can unlock the idealism and energy of our young people. For nearly a decade, I have supported the idea of universal national service that is championed by retired Gen. Stan McChrystal.
I share McChrystal’s belief that every 18-year-old in America should have the opportunity to spend a year in service to our country in return for helping them pay for their education or get a permanent job. These young people could improve public health, education, food insecurity, and much more.
They’re currently on the ground responding to the pandemic and helping with vaccine distribution. McChrystal’s Serve America Together campaign advocates for 1 million national service opportunities annually, which would allow 1 in 4 high school graduates in America an opportunity to serve. Service at this scale would bring the public together around a shared experience, allowing them an opportunity to work toward a common goal alongside people from different backgrounds — building trust, empathy, and understanding along the way. This idea would transform our country, our communities, and our young people.
If we truly want to create a healthier America, we must start with healing our divisions and rebuilding trust. National service is a powerful way to start that healing and can create experiences for the next generation that will ultimately improve the health of our nation.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is chairman of the board of HealthCorps, host of The Dr Oz Show, and attending physician at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University.
