One million lives touched: Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine advance health equity, strengthen our communities through community health efforts
Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine employees touched more than one million lives through community health programs in fiscal year 2024. Our successful efforts to improve mental health, health equity, and wellness and disease prevention are powerfully brought to life in the 2024 Community Benefit Report, “Advancing Health Equity. Strengthening Our Communities.”
“The care we provide doesn’t stop within the walls of our hospitals and medical practices,” said Deborah Addo, Penn State Health interim CEO, president and chief operating officer. “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.”
The health system also contributed $165,936,729 in community benefits and financial assistance during fiscal year 2023, the highest amount in its history. This “total community benefit,” required by the IRS for hospitals to maintain their nonprofit status, includes effective programs, charity care, unreimbursed Medicaid costs, and supplemental medical, dental and pharmaceutical services.
The Community Benefit Report webpage features audio recordings of five highlighted stories, making it accessible for individuals with vision impairments or those who prefer to listen.
Ways to get involved
Consider taking an active role in improving community health. Here are a few volunteer opportunities:
Community Health Needs Assessment Task Force – Join one of five task forces that address our priority areas. Meetings held virtually.
Community Health Team – Join a team of individuals across the health system and community leaders who all have a passion for community outreach. Meets the last Tuesday of each month from 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Internal and external volunteer opportunities:
Hershey Farmers Market
National Night Out
United Way Day of Caring
Volunteer at a community health fair, support group, community health board or continuing education symposium or have a student shadow you at work. See more volunteer opportunities on the Community Relations Infonet page.
- Department projects – Many of our departments offer annual volunteer events such as Drug Take-Back Day (April and October), Independence Day Concert (July) and RecFest (August). The Office for Diversity Equity and Inclusion also coordinates several Business Employee Resource Groups that participate in annual community events such as Veterans Day and PRIDE events. See the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Infonet page.
- Community Relations grants – If you have an idea for a new program that will make a positive impact on community health, apply for a grant. See the Community Relations grant application page.
Share your community work
Share your community activities with our Community Benefit Inventory for Social Accountability (CBISA) reporter by filling out this form. This helps Penn State Health measure and track our community benefit efforts. Learn more here.
If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email the Penn State College of Medicine web department.