Geisinger receives statewide award for community health initiatives

Allison Hess, Vice President of Population Health and Quality at Geisinger Community Medical Center
Allison Hess, Vice President of Population Health and Quality at Geisinger Community Medical Center
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Geisinger was recognized on Apr. 13 with a statewide award for its efforts to improve community health and connect patients to resources that support healthier lives.

The Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) named Geisinger as one of twelve organizations honored in its 2026 Achievement Awards, which recognize hospitals and health systems for innovative approaches to care quality and public health partnerships.

Allison Hess, Vice President of Population Health and Quality at Geisinger, said, “This recognition reflects our deep commitment to addressing not just the medical needs of our patients, but also the social factors that profoundly impact their health and well-being.” She added, “By partnering with community organizations and leveraging data to help guide intervention decisions, we’re breaking down barriers to health and creating sustainable pathways to better health for the communities we serve.”

Geisinger’s recognized program includes several components such as the Neighborly platform—a network connecting individuals with more than 11,000 organizations offering assistance with food, housing, transportation, employment opportunities, and educational resources. The system also uses social needs screenings combined with data from Community Health Needs Assessments to identify areas where interventions are needed most.

The approach has led to measurable outcomes: over 75,000 people have received food access support; more than 1,500 have been connected with housing assistance; over 43,000 rides have been coordinated for clinical or social appointments; and upwards of 150 people enrolled in GED support programs. Central to these efforts is Geisinger’s Social Needs Resource Hub launched in August 2025—providing virtual personalized support by linking real-time data with trusted community partners.

Nicole Stallings, HAP President and CEO said,”The 2026 HAP Achievement Awards highlight the innovative ways hospitals are delivering outstanding results for patients. Hospitals are vital to Pennsylvania, working inside and outside their walls to improve health and strengthen the communities they serve.”

Founded in 1915 by Abigail Geisinger,the organization now serves around 1.2 million people across central and northeastern Pennsylvania through a network including ten hospital campuses,and has an estimated economic impact of $16.8 billion on Pennsylvania’s economy.In addition,it joined Risant Health in 2024,a nonprofit aiming at expanding value-based care nationwide.



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