UPMC Partnering with the Community in North Central Pa.

Partnerships to Foster a Healthy Community

UPMC hospitals in north central Pa. are proud to partner with other organizations in the community in the hopes of strengthening our area and improving the health of our neighbors.

UPMC's commitment to improving the health of the people we serve has led to the development and implementation of many programs and partnerships that help foster a healthy community. Resources including dedicated service partners and medical staff, education, facilities, time and money are invested and reinvested to benefit the community and improve quality of life.

Our commitment to improving the health of the people we serve has led to the development and implementation of many programs and partnerships that help foster a healthy community. Resources including dedicated medical staff, education, facilities, time, and money are invested and reinvested to benefit the community and improve quality of life, with programs like our Nurse-Family Partnership.

Community Health

Every three years UPMC partners with more than 10 local agencies, institutions, and organizations within our counties to complete a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to better understand the community and its unique chronic health issues and needs.

Community Wellness

UPMC's LifeCenter serves more than 30,000 people through special wellness programs and screenings to achieve a healthy lifestyle often at a reduced fee or free of charge, to the community. The LifeCenter’s offerings include:

• Consultations on nutrition, weight and cholesterol management, and stress reduction.
• Daily heart rate, oxygen level, and blood pressure screenings.
• Bone density screenings, body fat percentage checks, hearing, vision, and BMI tests.
• Height and weight checks for infants, children, and adults.
• Physician-led programs on a variety of health topics.
• Referrals to special services and community agencies.
• Self-care reference materials.
• Safe Sitter® program for teens.

In addition, The LifeCenter, the River Valley YMCA, along with several individuals and organizations, partnered with the Salvation Army to grow a Red Shield Community Garden. More than 14 local organizations and individuals sponsor and grew their own plots. Fresh produce is donated to feed local families, and to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in Williamsport to reduce food insecurity across the area.

Community Athletics

For more than two decades, UPMC in the Susquehanna region has partnered with the Little League Baseball® World Series to provide a team of medical professionals to offer health care to the young athletes, coaches, and umpires during the summer games. Medical team preparation for the Little League Baseball® World Series games begins months in advance with strategic planning meetings, health reports, and medical supply inventories.

Year-round sports medicine coverage is also provided to young athletes with certified athletic trainers to area school athletic programs. Twenty-nine athletic trainers work onsite in 17 area high schools and two colleges to provide health care to student athletes. This community benefit includes a $224,000 investment in our local high schools.