The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) recently announced a significant investment of $1.7 million from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Pennsylvania, aimed at bolstering crucial community programs designed to address various health-related needs for families in the Philadelphia region. This funding will enhance initiatives under CHOP's Center for Health Equity, the Office of Community Impact, and the Center for Violence Prevention.
Dr. Tyra Bryant-Stephens, the Medical Director of the Community Asthma Prevention Program, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, "This funding will help expand crucial programs that directly benefit the health and well-being of local children and families, ensuring they have access to resources and support to thrive in our community."
Impactful Community Programs
The allocation of funds will allow for the expansion of several key health initiatives, which include:
- - Community Asthma Prevention Program: This initiative offers free educational resources and support for children suffering from asthma and their caregivers. The aim is to enhance asthma-related health outcomes while reducing reliance on emergency services through home visits and school-based programs.
- - CAPP+ Home Repairs Program: The program focuses on creating healthier living conditions for children affected by asthma by addressing significant structural issues in homes. Collaborating with local repair agencies, an average of $25,000 is invested per household to eliminate asthma triggers such as mold and pests.
- - Mobile Food Market: A weekly mobile food truck service delivers fresh produce, proteins, and dairy products to families in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood, addressing food scarcity in this region identified as a food desert.
- - Youth Summer Employment Program: Aimed at helping teens gain essential job skills and financial literacy, this program also keeps them positively engaged during the summer months.
- - Firearm Safety Initiative: Focused on mental health and community safety, this initiative incorporates firearm safety education into clinical settings, providing counseling and distributing gun locking devices.
- - Housing Stabilization for Families: The funding supports security deposits for at least 100 families at risk of housing insecurity, helping to stabilize their living situations in West Philadelphia and reducing homelessness.
The Role of UnitedHealthcare
Blair Boroch, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Pennsylvania, expressed pride in collaborating with CHOP, stating, "Our goal is to empower children and families to live healthier lives by providing them with access to vital programs and services that address both medical and social needs. By recognizing the social determinants of health, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on the community."
CHOP’s Commitment to Community
Founded in 1855, CHOP holds the distinction of being the nation’s first pediatric hospital and is a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering exceptional healthcare. Through extensive research initiatives and diverse pediatric programs, CHOP has made significant contributions to child health on both a national and international scale. The hospital operates over 50 primary care practices and specialty care centers across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, continuing its legacy of providing advanced pediatric care within the community.
As CHOP moves forward with this funding, the hospital reaffirms its unwavering commitment to not only treating medical conditions but also fostering environments where children and families can thrive by addressing the multifaceted aspects of health and well-being.