Jann Shanaman, left, a master gardener, gives tips to Steelton resident Gordon Hill as they join others working in the Steelton Community Gardens in May, 2024.
Penn State Health will focus on three top-priority community health needs as it continues to work toward its broader goal of improving health equity in the communities it serves. Mental well-being, food and nutrition security, and physical well-being were identified as the most pressing concerns across the six-county community service area: Dauphin, Cumberland, Lancaster, Lebanon, Berks and Perry counties.
June 17, 2025Penn State Health News
These priorities will guide Penn State Health’s Implementation Strategy for the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) during the next three years. Health equity is defined as fair access to health for everyone, removing barriers such as poverty, discrimination and lack of access to health services.
The strategy was developed with input from key community stakeholders, Penn State Health medical center leaders, the Community Health team, and CHNA task forces. The Department of Public Health Sciences at Penn State College of Medicine coordinated the effort. The Penn State Health board of directors approved the Implementation Strategy on May 7.
“By identifying and understanding the unique health needs of our communities, Penn State Health partners with local organizations to implement strategies that advance health equity, improve outcomes and promote the overall well-being of the populations we serve,” said Amber Coleman, Penn State Health director of community health.
The health priorities were selected based on the severity and scale of each need, contributing social issues, community input, community partnerships and assets, accomplishments of the current Implementation Plan, and alignment with the expertise and resources of Penn State Health.
Learn more about what Penn State Health is doing to advance health equity in the 2024 Community Benefit Report.
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