Penn State Health: Leading the Charge for Community Health Equity and Well-Being

Community Health Improvement Week, which takes place from June 10 to 14, is an excellent opportunity to recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations working together to enhance the health and well-being of communities and promote health equity. This year’s theme is “Community Strong: Building Healthy Communities Together,” emphasizing the importance of collective action in improving community health.

Penn State Health has been making significant contributions towards this goal, with its hospitals contributing over $7.3 million towards community health improvement in fiscal year 2023. In addition to financial support, Penn State Health hospitals provided over 43,000 community benefit hours through partnerships with local organizations and students, benefiting over 970,000 individuals.

The Community Benefit Inventory for Social Accountability (CBISA) played a crucial role in tracking and reporting Penn State Health’s community benefit activities. The CBISA listed 223 community benefit programs and hosted over 2,102 community events in fiscal year 2023. The program also helped Penn State Health hospitals and the College of Medicine monitor their progress towards improving health equity and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Penn State Health has dedicated Community Benefit Reporters at all its hospitals and the College of Medicine who track and report on community service activities. Currently, the hospitals are conducting their fifth Community Health Needs Assessment to identify the most critical health needs in the region, with results expected to be announced in November 2024. This assessment will help Penn State Health develop targeted interventions that address specific health issues affecting local communities.

Jim George, the Penn State Health community relations director, emphasized the importance of collective effort in advancing health equity and improving the well-being of individuals and communities. He stated that “Healthy communities are built on strong relationships between healthcare providers, policymakers, community leaders, and residents.” By working together towards a common goal, we can create more equitable access to healthy food options and improve overall health outcomes for all members of our communities.

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