Promoting Health Equity with the Health Promotion Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania
In a recent live interview, Katrina Pratt Roebuck, Founder and CEO of Uplifme, spoke with Ayana Bradshaw, Executive Director of the Health Promotion Council (HPC) of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Ayana shared the impactful work HPC is doing to promote health, prevent chronic diseases, and address health-related social needs across Pennsylvania and parts of Delaware.
About the Health Promotion Council (HPC)
Founded in 1981, the Health Promotion Council (HPC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health equity through culturally responsive services. HPC is a subsidiary of the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), yet it operates independently as a 501(c)(3) organization. Each year, HPC reaches over 40,000 people, providing essential health education and services to improve the overall well-being of communities.
HPC fulfills its mission through three main strategies:
- Health Education and Direct Services: HPC employs Health Navigators, Community Health Workers, and trained Health Educators who work directly in communities to provide targeted health education and support.
- Capacity Building: HPC offers training, technical assistance, curriculum development, and other services to strengthen the ability of other organizations to address public health issues.
- Policy and Systems Change: HPC develops and implements policies that promote healthier behaviors and support community health.
Key Departments and Programs at HPC
HPC has five main departments that provide a wide range of services:
- Nutrition and Active Living: This department focuses on promoting healthy eating and physical activity through educational programs. HPC educators work in schools, health centers, homeless shelters, and community-based organizations to teach individuals how to make healthier food choices and engage in regular physical activity.
- Tobacco Prevention and Control: This department builds regional infrastructure to prevent tobacco use and promote cessation. Activities include merchant education to prevent sales to minors, compliance checks, and community education on the dangers of tobacco use.
- Family Services: This department supports maternal, child, and family health through programs like home visiting for families with special healthcare needs and parenting programs like “Focus on Fathers.” These services include case management, navigation support, and job skill development.
- Training and Capacity Building: This department offers training and technical assistance to other organizations, particularly around chronic disease prevention and management, such as diabetes education.
- Advocacy Institute: A youth engagement program that empowers young people to become advocates for public health issues in their communities.
How HPC Works on the Ground
HPC’s work varies depending on the community’s needs and the department involved. For example:
- In Schools and Shelters: Nutrition educators teach healthy eating and conduct food demonstrations. In contrast, community health workers provide in-home support for families, helping them connect with medical care, resources, and services to meet their needs.
- In Community Engagement: Programs like Focus on Fathers provide a structured 10-week course for fathers or father figures in Philadelphia, offering support in parenting, job skills, and personal development.
How to Access HPC’s Services
Organizations and individuals can learn more about HPC’s programs and find specific eligibility requirements on their website, hpcpa.org. The website includes detailed information on how to get connected with various programs, making it easy for both individuals and organizations to reach out for support.
What You Might Not Know About HPC
HPC offers programs that cater to individuals across all stages of life, from prenatal care to senior support. Their affiliation with PHMC allows them to connect people to a wide range of resources, even if HPC does not directly provide the needed service. This network approach ensures a comprehensive safety net for those in need.
Upcoming Goals and Initiatives
Looking forward, HPC aims to expand its impact through several new initiatives:
- Tobacco Prevention Innovations: HPC plans to continue innovating its tobacco prevention efforts, including using targeted social media campaigns to educate youth and merchants about tobacco laws.
- Home Visiting Program Expansion: HPC seeks to expand its home visiting services in collaboration with Managed Care Organizations to reach more families.
- Expanding Parenting Programs: With growing demand, HPC hopes to extend its parenting programs, including Focus on Fathers, to other parts of Pennsylvania.
- Community Care Hub: HPC recently received a grant to develop a Community Care Hub that will connect individuals to services that address their health-related social needs, utilizing their Medicare and Medicaid contracts to enhance service delivery.
How to Support HPC
HPC welcomes donations and volunteers to support their ongoing work. Donations can be made through their website via PayPal or by mailing a check. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in community events, tabling activities, and other outreach efforts. Signing up for HPC’s quarterly newsletter is a great way to stay informed about volunteer opportunities and upcoming events.
Conclusion
The Health Promotion Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania plays a crucial role in advancing health equity and supporting communities with a wide range of services. Through innovative programs and a commitment to meeting community needs, HPC is making a significant impact across the region.
To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit hpcpa.org. Thank you, Ayana Bradshaw, for sharing the incredible work of HPC and for your dedication to promoting health and well-being in our communities!
