Penn State Health, College of Medicine advance health equity in central Pa.

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Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine employees advanced health equity in fiscal year 2024, affecting more than 1 million lives through community health programs, according to a Community Benefit Report. 

“Advancing Health Equity, Strengthening Our Communities” reported that the organization’s efforts to improve mental health, health equity, and wellness and disease prevention touched more than a million lives in FY 2024. The 2024 Community Benefit Report reveals how the health system brings health services to people beyond its hospital walls. 

“The care we provide doesn’t stop within the walls of our hospitals and medical practices,” Deborah Addo, Penn State Health interim CEO, president and chief operating officer, said in a statement. “Our employees partner with schools, faith-based organizations, shelters, food pantries and more to help give every adult and child the opportunity to live a healthy life.” 

In addition, the health system contributed $165,936,729 in community benefits and financial assistance during fiscal year 2023, the highest amount in its history. The community benefit includes effective programs, charity care, unreimbursed Medicaid costs and supplemental medical, dental and pharmaceutical services. 

To help guide its community health strategies, Penn State Health conducts a needs assessment every three years, according to a release. The assessment identified three primary health issues: mental health, health equity and wellness/disease prevention. Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine employees join with community partners to address these issues by connecting low-income people to health care services, offering free flu shots and teaching children about stroke and skin cancer. 

“Penn State Health goes beyond the traditional role of health care provider,” Addo said. “As an integrated academic health system, we collaborate with Penn State College of Medicine on groundbreaking clinical trials and train the next generation of health professionals. Penn State Health and the College of Medicine are addressing the disparities that create health inequities and helping to build healthier, stronger communities for everyone.” 

Penn State Health serves patients and communities in 25 counties across central Pennsylvania.