This week is National Public Health Week (NPHW) and a time to reflect on the last 30 years of progress made in advancing health equity, overall community well-being, and advocacy.

Just as NPHW celebrates, Center for Population Health (CPH) has been passionate about equitable health access and community well-being since its inception in 2017.

CPH was founded as a collaborative resource center focused on population health and disease prevention to benefit the citizens living in Cambria and Somerset counties.

Through education, outreach, data, and a community health worker program, CPH has been able to connect directly with the most vulnerable populations to meet people where they are and bring them the resources they need.

Community Care HUB and Community Health Workers
CPH launched the Community Care HUB in September of 2020 with a goal of improving health outcomes of vulnerable populations in the two-county radius. A HUB is an organized, outcome-focused network of Care Coordination Agencies (CCAs) who hire and train Community Health Workers (CHWs) to reach out to those at greatest risk.

The CHWs meet with participants face-to-face, preferably in their homes, then guide them through one or more of 21 Pathways designed to address their needs. Through collaboration of all community resources, CHWs work to reduce both medical and social barriers to care, like employment, housing, and transportation for individuals with complex health needs.

Anyone can make a referral to the HUB by visiting Community Care HUB – Center for Population Health or by calling the HUB at 814.535.5156 ext. 1.

Currently HUB eligibility:

  • Pregnant people who live in Cambria or Somerset County and receive (or are eligible for) medical assistance and/or diagnosed with gestational diabetes
  • Parenting (0-18 months) living in Cambria or Somerset County and receives (or are eligible for) medical assistance
  • Greater Johnstown Elementary School and Somerset Area School District families with social determinants of health needs
  • Individuals living in Cambria County who receive medical assistance with a mental health and/or substance use diagnosis
  • Housing insecure (direct referrals from the Community Help Center or Johnstown Housing Authority)

Educational Sessions and Lunch & Learns
Providing quality educational sessions to a variety of populations and demographics is a goal of CPH.

By scheduling directly with the Johnstown Housing Authority (JHA), the Soup Kitchen, and more, CPH can connect topic-specific speakers and organizations with resources to individuals who may be in need:

  • JHA educational sessions: CPH connected JHA with Rachel Allen of YogaSong. Rachel teaches residents in Connor, Vine Street, and Town House towers and Loughner Plaza chair yoga exercises and mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress. The residents were excited to participate in each session and more have been scheduled. CPH also connected with Pitt-Johnstown’s nursing program to provide educational sessions on mental health and nutrition. 60 residents attended four sessions. CPH is working to schedule other sessions like fall prevention, asthma, and more to the residents.
  • Soup Kitchen education and resources: CPH created a schedule of organizations who are visiting the Soup Kitchen multiple times every month to educate attendees on resources
  • Lunch & Learn series: CPH is working with Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce and Somerset County Chamber of Commerce to schedule monthly Lunch & Learn sessions for the business community. The series is a way for business owners and employees to learn more about resources and challenges in the area. The first session was on emergency preparedness for businesses with speakers Sharlene McCoy and Joel Landis from Somerset County EMA. The second session is on childcare challenges. Dr. Leah Spangler, President and CEO of The Learning Lamp.

Food Insecurity
Addressing social determinants of health, like food insecurity, is a major initiative of CPH. Through education, outreach, and a dedicated Local Food Systems Coordinator position CPH has been assist people with a myriad of food needs:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits sign-ups
  • SNAP at the Johnstown Farmers Market
  • Community gardens
  • Venison to local food distribution sites through Hunters Sharing the Harvest
  • College food pantries

In addition to many initiatives, Center for Population Health advocates for equitable health access for all, CHW sustainable funding, and more.

Learn more about CPH by visiting, Home – Center for Population Health.