Community Partnerships

Aligning Forces for Quality

The Healthy York County Coalition is one of 14 communities around the country selected to receive $1.6 million in funding to help improve the quality of care for those with chronic conditions.  The four-year grant is for participating in Aligning Forces for Quality (AF4Q):  The Regional Market Project, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).  The program, which began in February 2007, is aimed at eliminating the gap between the quality of care that patients with chronic conditions currently receive and the quality of care that patients should expect to receive.

Cribs for Kids

The Cribs for Kids York County program started in June 2005 to help reduce infant mortality in York County and was modeled after the Pittsburgh Cribs for Kids program.  The program promotes safe sleep habits for infants through public education efforts and by working with other area services and organizations.

Health Connect

HealthConnect is a community-based medical outreach program designed to "connect" uninsured families with the medical and health care programs that they need.  The most visible part of the HealthConnect program is a special van that transports health care services throughout the community.  HealthConnect is financed by contributions from community members and organizations and offers free care for those who qualify.

Healthy Adams County

Healthy Adams County is a collaborative partnership of community members dedicated to continuing assessment, development and promotion of efforts toward improving physical, mental and social well-being.  The organization is supported by WellSpan Health.  Through the efforts of 22 affiliated work groups and nearly 650 volunteers, the coalition takes on a variety of community issues.  

Healthy Community Pharmacy

Healthy Community Pharmacy is a non-profit pharmacy and is for eligible Healthy York Network members without prescription coverage, (such as commercial insurance plans, Medicare Part D, PACE and PACENET) and patients of Family First Health.

Healthy York County Coalition

The Healthy York County Coalition (HYCC) is an independent volunteer citizen effort dedicated to improving the quality of life for all who live, work and play in York County.  Supported by WellSpan Health, the coalition collaborates with others to improve the community's capacity for solving problems and affecting long-term, sustainable and measurable change.  Volunteer task forces identify key issues from community health assessments, which are performed every four years.  

Healthy York Network

Healthy York Network (HYN) is a community effort to address the growing needs and concerns of people who are uninsured or underinsured. The network is made up of healthcare providers, hospitals, community service agencies, legislators, funders, and business representatives in York and Adams County. 

Safe Kids York County

Safe Kids York County is one of more than 300 grassroots coalitions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico that brings together health and safety experts, educators, corporations, foundations, governments and volunteers to educate and protect families.  WellSpan Health is the lead agency for Safe Kids York County.

Community Partnership Grants

WellSpan Health is committed to endeavors that improve the health status of the communities and people we serve.  That's why we have a Community Partnership Grant Program that supports health-related community activities through cash contributions.  Non-profit community agencies are eligible for these grants.  To be considered, agencies must submit a written request for "Partnership Grant" funding, not to exceed $50,000. 

Programs should:

• Be consistent with WellSpan Health's vision to improve the health and well being of the people we serve. Health is broadly defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being ... a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capabilities.
• Be relevant to the health status needs as identified in the WellSpan Community Health Assessment. (Issues such as prevention, limited access to health care and other topics.)
• Demonstrate innovation and community collaboration whenever possible.
• Include activities that improve health status in a measurable way based on the health status indicators identified in the WellSpan Community Health Assessment.
• Relate to the Healthy York County Coalition and Healthy Adams County Community Health Assessments.

For more information on this program, contact Maria Royce, vice president, Community Relations, WellSpan Health, at (717) 851-3143.

In 2008, the organization allocated $420,387 to:

• Implement new interactive displays and technology in the Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center Nutrition and Fitness Teaching Theatre.
• Expand the hours of York College School of Nursing Wellness Centers serving six York County residential facilities which house low-income families, elderly and disabled adults.
• Continue to support the development of a high-poverty neighborhood in the City of York by providing the South George Street Community Partnership with both operating support and a grant to expand neighborhood policing services.
• Provide ongoing support to coalitions, including YorkCounts and the Healthy York County Coalition.
• Provide support for Leg Up Farm
• Implement Gettysburg Community Health Center