FOUNTAIN HILL, Pa. — An area health system is on the receiving end of a statewide achievement award.
St. Luke’s University Health Network is included in winners of the 2024 Achievement Award, which the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, or HAP, hands out once annually.
“This recognition reflects St. Luke’s longstanding commitment to go above and beyond to consistently meet the needs of the communities we serve.”Rajika Reed, Community Health Vice President, St. Luke’s
St. Luke's was awarded the Community Champions Award "for utilizing strategic partnerships and sustainable initiatives to improve food access and address health equity in underserved communities," HAP said.
St. Luke’s Community Health Vice President Rajika Reed said, “We are proud to be the only health care network in the Lehigh Valley to earn a HAP Achievement Award.
“This recognition reflects St. Luke’s longstanding commitment to go above and beyond to consistently meet the needs of the communities we serve.”
The Community Champions category celebrates hospitals’ and health systems’ efforts to improve community health and access to care, advance health equity, and advocate for the health of the community and patients.
'Strong health systems make strong communities'
St. Luke’s earned the recognition for its project titled Utilizing Strategic Partnerships and Sustainable Initiatives to Improve Food Access and Address Health Equity for Underserved Communities.
“St. Luke’s Department of Community Health addressed food access in various ways including hosting new food distribution programs such as on-site pantries, mobile food distribution, emergency food bags, boxes and meals," a St. Luke's statement read.
"Additionally, the initiative provides referrals to existing food bank programs, food pantries and connections to SNAP, WIC and other food programs."
“We are proud to announce the winners of HAP’s 2024 Achievement Awards, showcasing innovative, patient-centered projects that are making a difference in Pennsylvania. Strong health systems make strong communities and hospitals are central to our shared mission for a healthy Pennsylvania.”HAP Chief Executive Officer Nicole Stallings
The awards recognize 13 projects led by Pennsylvania health care teams that personify hospitals’ mission to provide high-quality care and improve their communities’ health, according to HAP.
“We are proud to announce the winners of HAP’s 2024 Achievement Awards, showcasing innovative, patient-centered projects that are making a difference in Pennsylvania,” HAP Chief Executive Officer Nicole Stallings said.
“Strong health systems make strong communities and hospitals are central to our shared mission for a healthy Pennsylvania.”
There were 93 entries for the 2024 HAP Achievement Awards.
Other winners for the 2024 Achievement Award winners include Workforce Innovators Award for Reading Hospital, for a high school internship program to expand the pipeline for students interested in health care.
