Community Health Connections
June 2022 - Vol.3, Issue 6
Community Care HUB releases video
The Community Care HUB, an initiative of the 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health, has released a video to explain its work in Cambria and Somerset counties.

Special thanks to Amy Bradley, Cambria Regional Chamber President/CEO, for providing the voiceover.

Current HUB eligibility:
  • Pregnant women living in Cambria or Somerset County receiving or eligible for Medical Assistance
  • Pregnant women living in Cambria or Somerset County diagnosed with gestational diabetes
  • Greater Johnstown Elementary School families with social determinants of health needs
  • Somerset Area School District families with social determinants of health needs
June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month
This June for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, everyone should take time to learn more about brain health.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s and 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.

In Cambria County, the Department of Health reports that from 2015-2019 the Alzheimer’s death rate is 25.7 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the state average of 21.2 deaths per 100,000. In Somerset County, the report shows that 37.5 Alzheimer’s deaths occur per 100,000. Somerset County is also higher than the state average.
Mental Health episodes in youth on the rise
Although Mental Health Awareness Month wrapped up at the end of May, it is still important to call attention to how it affects adolescents and young adults in the United States. In 2020, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reported:
  • 1 in 6 adolescents (aged 12-17) experienced a major depressive episode
  • 3 million adolescents (aged 12-17) had serious thoughts of suicide
  • 1 in 3 young adults (aged 18-25) experienced a mental illness
  • 8 million young adults (aged 18-25) had serious thoughts of suicide
International Men's Health Week is June 13-19
During International Men’s Health Week, June 13-19, it is important to raise awareness of preventable health issues and encourage early detection and treatment.
Men are at higher risk for heart disease, lung cancer, and HIV. They also have unique health problems like prostate cancer.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health's statistics for Cambria and Somerset County show that men are at a higher risk for most cancers.
News Bites
Community Health Summit to take place Aug. 9 at UPJ
The 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health, 1889 Foundation, Conemaugh Health System, and United Way of the Laurel Highlands will be hosting a Community Health Summit at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown's Living-Learning Center August 9. The event will take place from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Attendees will hear updates on health and human service initiatives in the community, results of the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment, and help prioritize an action plan for the next three years.

If you are interested in attending, please email CPHInfo@jefferson.edu.
1889 JCPH hosting event at Johnstown Mill Rats baseball game
The 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health is teaming up with the Johnstown Mill Rats to host a Health and Wellness/Social Services night Friday, July 8.

The night out is an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the health, wellness, and social services available to them.

Stop by and learn more about the services all while taking in a ball game!

To purchase tickets, visit https://millrats.com/tickets-promotions/ or buy them at the main gate before the game begins.
COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ending soon
The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration will soon be ending. During the PHE, Pennsylvania has continued Medical Assistance (MA) coverage for most residents, unless they moved out of state, passed away, or asked to end their MA. Once the PHE ends, the Department of Human Services (DHS) will be responsible for determining who is still eligible for MA. Recipients will have to complete a renewal to maintain their coverage.

Since this will be a long process, DHS and their partner Pennie® (Pennsylvania’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace) are seeking trusted partners to assist in the PHE process through means of communication to individuals who need to maintain MA coverage. Work will be done to make sure that Pennsylvanians get coverage through either MA, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or affordable coverage available through pennie.com.

The 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health (1889 JCPH) has signed up to become a “helper” through this process. 1889 JCPH will release information via its social media platforms, newsletter, and website to be sure Pennsylvania residents are aware of the upcoming changes.
1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health attends Juneteenth Health Fair
1889 JCPH set up at Johnstown's Juneteenth's Health Fair June 16.

It was a great opportunity to participate in a joyous occasion and spread the word about what the Center for Population Health and the Community Care HUB do in the community.
1889 JCPH receives 2,000 at-home Covid test kits
1889 JCPH has received a large order of at-home, rapid COVID-19 Antigen Home Test kits.

The tests are easy to use and provide quick results.

If your organization needs test kits for your staff or clients, please contact us at 814-535-5156 or by emailing CPHInfo@jefferson.edu.

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