SC New York News

Every April, the American Public Health Association (APHA) organizes National Public Health Week in the United States. This initiative aims to honor public health contributions and raise awareness about public health issues on local, state, and national levels. UHS, a healthcare provider in Greater Binghamton, aligns with this mission through initiatives that promote healthier communities.

APHA celebrates the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week this year. APHA provides resources and campaigns to educate the public, policymakers, and practitioners on public health issues. The themes for this year include climate action, health equity, advocacy, and strengthening the public health workforce.

Public health professionals work continuously to protect and improve community health through organized efforts and informed decisions. Their responsibilities encompass tracking disease outbreaks, setting safety standards, and developing nutrition programs for schools.

UHS is committed to public health by prioritizing patient well-being. The UHS Population Health team aims to meet patients' needs regarding non-clinical care, such as housing, food insecurity, and transportation. Director of Population Health Management at UHS, Annie DePugh, stated, “The care coordination from the Population Health team is all about making sure we are caring for our patients and providing them what they need most.”

The Population Health team has introduced initiatives like an in-house food pantry to combat food insecurity. They collaborate with local organizations, including CHOW and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. The team also assists patients with housing needs, including securing funds for renovations.

Ms. DePugh mentioned, “Every day, we see how needing basic things like food and housing can leave a lasting impact on a patient’s overall health.” The Population Health team adheres to the UHS values of compassion, trust, respect, teamwork, and innovation.

UHS offers support for those struggling with food insecurity or housing issues. They also publish a Community Impact Report detailing their commitment to fostering a healthy community. Information about this can be accessed through UHS.