The Center for Population Health (CPH) was developed, through funding and in collaboration with the 1889 Foundation, as a population health resource center to benefit Cambria and Somerset counties. CPH work focuses on improving health through collaboration, outreach, and education. Current strategic initiatives of the CPH include:
- Community Care HUB (HUB), Community Health Worker (CHW) program
- Social determinant of health priorities including food, housing, mental health and Covid-19
- Community health outreach and education
- Health policy advocacy
- Data analysis and research
The HUB program works to enhance care coordination and social determinants of health (SDOH) intervention efforts. The HUB has been active for four years and, in that timeframe, has seen positive maternal and infant health outcomes, with significant improvements among Black or African American participants. 183 babies have been born to HUB participants working with CHWs with 85% of babies being born at term and 87% with a normal birthweight.
Over the years, HUB participants have expressed how support from CHWs have significantly improved their access to healthcare, provided valuable health education, and assisted in navigating complex social services. Through participant feedback, we are increasing trust in healthcare systems and health and human services. The HUB is also improving engagement with health-related social activities and improving access to care.
In 2024, CPH was awarded $750,000 by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to expand the Community Care HUB’s work. ARC’s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative directs federal resources to economic diversification projection in Appalachian communities that were affected by job losses in coal-related industries.
A CPH initiative addressing social determinant of health needs in the community is through a dedicated Local Food Systems Coordinator position. Nan McNinney has been working to advance local food systems through a myriad of initiatives, including:
- Developing food-related resources guides
- Expanding nutrition and education
- Addressing food insecurity
- Using food as an economic driver
- Promoting and expanding farmer’s markets
- Exploring grants and best practice opportunities
McNinney has also worked with both The Women’s Help Center and The Community Help Center to build community gardens. Residents have been excited to plant, grow, and eventually cook their own food – all of this is being done while addressing food insecurity.
Another priority focus area for CPH is community health outreach and education. Every year, CPH staff coordinates a variety of community fairs to spread the word about health and human services resources to support at-risk populations. CPH works closely with community partners including the housing authorities, senior centers, and libraries to bring health education and presentations to individuals with the goal of resource sharing and health knowledge building.
To better build knowledge of health information and social services resources, CPH launched the Health Minister Initiative in the Fall of 2024.
Through the initiative, church leaders appoint a person or people in their congregation to serve as a Health Minister. The Health Minister works directly with CPH Communications Coordinator Allie Byers to decide which health information their congregation needs. Allie works to find vetted health information that is given to the Health Minister to present before, during, or after mass.
Each Health Minister is also provided with a packet of local human services resources, such as housing and food that is available if someone in the congregation needs assistance.
Through collaboration, outreach and education, CPH will continue working to ensure Cambria and Somerset County residents have the knowledge to make the best decisions for their health.
To find out more about Center for Population Health, visit Home – Center for Population Health.
