population health

Second week of April is Black Maternal Health Week

As we aim to improve overall health outcomes, health equity needs to be at the forefront of those conversations, especially when it comes to maternal health and low birth weight disparities. Health disparities are connected to social, economic, and environmental conditions known as social determinants of health (SDOH) – nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes. [...]

National Public Health Week promotes health equity

The first week in April is National Public Health week (NPHW) and is dedicated to the people, services, and systems that work tirelessly to promote health in every community across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “strengthening the public health infrastructure in our nation means helping protect people from [...]

Make your vision a priority in March

National Save Your Vision Month is observed every March by the American Optometric Association and is a reminder to make your vision a top priority. In rural communities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that roughly one-third of adults live with a disability and 1 in 12 adults report having three or [...]

Which snacks are healthy for your teeth?

Did you know that the bacteria that causes cavities is contagious through saliva? This is especially important for parents and caregivers. The best practice is to avoid sharing a plate of food or blowing on your child’s food to help prevent spreading cavity-causing bacteria. Remember, the best way to prevent cavities is to brush every [...]

I get to help people in need: Meet new CHW Sonya

Tell me about yourself. My name is Sonya. I recently moved to Johnstown from Philadelphia. I used to be an income maintenance caseworker in Philadelphia. I enjoy being a Community Health Worker because I get to help people in need. I love to take walks, read, travel, and listen to music. How do you see [...]

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Developing good dental hygiene and visiting the dentist from an early age is important for lifelong healthy teeth and gums. Every February the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of dental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cavities are the [...]

Health-related social needs, a top priority

Understanding how social determinants of health (SDOH) and health-related social needs (HRSN) affect a person’s overall health is critical to reducing health disparities. Social determinants of health are the conditions in the environment where people are born, live, work, and play. Healthy People 2030 categorizes SDOH into five groups: Economic Stability Education Access and Quality [...]

3,000 pounds of venison donated to food pantries through partnership

Approximately 3,000 pounds of venison has been delivered to five Cambria County food pantries this year thanks to efforts made by Center for Population Health Local Food Systems Coordinator Nan McNinney and her partnership with Hunters Sharing the Harvest. “So many people are grateful to have this extra source of protein on their table, “said [...]

1889 JCPH to become Independent 501c3 Organization

The 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health, originally established through funding from 1889 Foundation to Thomas Jefferson University, will become an independent 501c3 organization as of July 1, 2023. The Center was established in 2017 as a collaborative research and resource center to benefit the citizens living in Cambria and Somerset counties. Its mission is [...]

County Health Rankings released

Each year, the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute releases its County Health Rankings. The rankings give a closer look at how the health of a county is influenced by habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, exercise, physician access, and other factors called Social Determinants of Health. Cambria County now ranks 64 out of 67 counties [...]

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