2019

June 25, 2019

Contact: Veronica Mikitka Reed This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 215.434.7194

PHMC Releases 2018-2019 Southeastern PA Household Health Survey Results

Region’s largest health survey launches; data portray health access, health outcomes and health behaviors in five Pennsylvania counties.

PHILADELPHIA—The 2018-2019 Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Household Health Survey (HHS), conducted by Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), focuses on timely data and health indicators, including vaping, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, obesity, various chronic conditions, health screening, older adult daily limitations, and prescription pain medications. The survey has been conducted every two to three years since 1983 to offer a window into social determinants of health for the region’s residents.

“The Household Health Survey provides a unique, one-of-a-kind local snapshot of community health in the region. Findings from the survey can help us better understand how social determinants of health, or social, economic and environmental factors can impact an individual’s wellbeing,” said Mary Harkins-Schwarz, Senior Project Director in the Research and Evaluation Group at Public Health Management Corporation. “Data gathered through the Household Health Survey help us to understand why some individuals and communities are healthier than others. It is a critical resource for assessing health inequities, and informing responses to address these inequities.”

The HHS is the most comprehensive health survey in the SEPA region and the largest sample from a concentrated local population in the country, covering 7,500 households in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. The collected data are weighted and analyzed at regional, county and even smaller geographical levels. Data are based on ZIP code or census tract clusters, offering comparable information and opportunity to improve community health, starting with and informed by SEPA area residents.

A few notable findings from the HHS, examining SEPA as a whole, include:

Prescription pain medication use/misuse was added to the survey in 2018 with findings that demonstrate the continued need to address misuse regardless of residential region.

o One-third of adults have taken a prescription pain medication in the past year. Among these adults, 26% report misusing the prescription pain medication (taking a prescription pain medication without a prescription).

o There are marginal differences among adults from suburban (28%) and urban (25%) neighborhoods in misuse of prescription pain medication.

There is a gap in care for individuals diagnosed with a mental health condition. More research is needed to understand where and why these gaps exist.

o Twenty-two percent of adults have ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition and 57% of these adults are currently receiving mental health treatment.

o Among the insured, of those who had a mental health condition, 59% were currently receiving treatment compared to 41% among the uninsured.

Cigarette smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States; the scientific community is beginning to identify harmful effects caused by e-cigarettes.

o Fifteen percent of adults in the SEPA region currently smoke. Among current smokers, 50% tried to quit in the past year.

o The proportion of adults who used an e-cigarette/vaped is increasing. In 2015, 7% of adults used an e-cigarette compared to 8% of adults in 2018 (responses based on “past month”).

Obesity levels continue to be key factors in Philadelphia and across the nation contributing to physical and behavioral health issues.

o Three of 10 adults are considered obese.

o Children between 6-11 years of age experienced a slight drop in levels of obesity; in 2015, 30% of 6-11 year olds were obese and in 2018, 28% were obese.

Despite access to insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace, the uninsured population is growing; and important preventive health services are being missed.

o The percentage of uninsured adults (18-64) rose from 9% in 2015 to 11% in 2018.

o 17% of uninsured adults have not seen a dentist in the past 5 years compared to 7% of insured adults.

“PHMC is proud to conduct the longest running, most comprehensive health survey of its kind that informs local government agencies, hospitals, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits so they can better understand the public health needs of the region,” said PHMC President & CEO Richard J. Cohen. “Throughout PHMC’s history, data driven solutions have always been important to us in creating scientific-based programs to better meet the public health needs of our communities, including the treatment of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health and physical health issues.”

The HHS survey is the largest and most in-depth local survey in the country, covering areas such as mental health, barriers to care, sources of care, health behaviors, health status, screenings, disease prevention and more.

About Public Health Management Corporation
Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities. PHMC uses best practices and evidence-based guidelines to improve community health through direct service, partnership, innovation, policy, research, technical assistance and a prepared workforce. PHMC’s Research & Evaluation Group (R&E) is dedicated to helping clients understand their communities, improve their programming, and strengthen their impact by offering a range of methods and technologies to meet the needs of a shifting public health landscape. The R&E Group conducts the Household Health Survey, the largest and most in-depth local survey in the country. To learn more, visit www.phmcresearch.org

Contact:
For Public Health Management Corporation
Emily Charles, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 215-589-7183

Public Health Management Corporation Presented “A Practical Approach to Understanding the Opioid Epidemic” for National Public Health Week

PHILADELPHIA – Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities, recognized National Public Health Week with “A practical approach to understanding the opioid epidemic.” The leading public health agency convened local partners and stakeholders to discuss the elements of the opioid epidemic and foster sustaining collaborations. The event included an Opioid 101 session, expert-led panel discussion and training on how to properly administer Narcan^®, the nasal spray medication used to reverse opioid overdose.

PHMC’s Senior Research Scientist and Director of the Center on Addictions, Karen Dugosh, PhD, and Keli McLoyd, JD, Policy Analyst were joined for the panel discussion by Allison Herens, LSW, Harm Reduction Coordinator at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Chris Tjoa, MD, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. The back-to-the-basics conversation took an in-depth look at the opioid crisis, examining how we got here and strategies for more collaboration, prevention and treatment. Laurie Corbin, MSS, MSLP, Senior Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives and Adam Brooks, PhD, Director of Research at PHMC moderated the discussion and led the Opioid 101 training.

“During a week dedicated to the health and wellness of our communities, we found it critically important to address the opioid epidemic as it continues to devastate families and communities in Philadelphia and beyond,” said Richard J. Cohen, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of PHMC. “We are hopeful that today’s event provided an opportunity to cultivate a greater understanding of the epidemic as it exists today, and garnered more insight into how we can come together as a community to expand research, advocacy, prevention and treatment practices.”

In Philadelphia alone, the Department of Public Health reports that fatal drug overdoses have increased by more than 50 percent from 2013 through 2015 – with 80 percent involving opioids. In partnership with government and community-based organizations, PHMC has undertaken a number of initiatives to address this epidemic and create a healthier region through advocacy, research, integrated care and evidence-based treatment approaches.

Most recently, PHMC celebrated the launch of the PA Opioid Prevention Project, a youth-developed, multi-media opioid misuse prevention campaign designed to empower youth and parents with the education, knowledge and resources to make healthy choices.

National Public Health Week is recognized annually during the first full week of April to highlight the issues that are important to improving the health of our nation.

About PHMC
Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities. PHMC uses best practices and evidence-based guidelines to improve community health through direct service, partnership, innovation, policy, research, technical assistance and a prepared workforce. PHMC has served the region since 1972. For more information on PHMC, visit www.phmc.org, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 12, 2019

Contact:
For Public Health Management Corporation
Emily Charles, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 215-589-7183

Public Health Management Corporation Launches PA Opioid Prevention Project
The youth-developed campaign empowers teens and parents statewide to make healthy choices and serve as community advocates

PHILADELPHIA – Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities, today celebrated the launch of the PA Opioid Prevention Project, a youth-developed, multi-media opioid misuse prevention campaign designed to empower youth and parents with the education, knowledge and resources to make healthy choices. PHMC leaders were joined at a kick-off event by Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Attorney General, key City and State officials and young adults from the PA Youth First advisory council. Funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the campaign educates youth and parents on opioid use disorder, linking them to preventive strategies, resources and actionable steps.

PHMC assembled a statewide youth advisory council, PA Youth First, to develop the campaign’s creative approach, style and messaging. The youth were involved in all aspects of campaign development and dissemination, including the name, logo, branding, tagline and tone of communication. The multi-faceted campaign includes a comprehensive website with resources, preventive strategies and calls to action along with youth and parent social media advertisements, youth-targeted videos and outdoor advertisements throughout Allentown, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and York.

“When it comes to substance use disorder, prevention is an often overlooked, yet integral component of the continuum of care for someone,” said Richard J. Cohen, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of PHMC. “The teens’ passion and commitment to enacting positive change in the local community by spreading the word about opioid misuse is a huge step in curtailing this public health crisis and eliminating the stigma in simply having the conversation.”

According to a 2017 Pennsylvania State Health Assessment, 13 individuals died every day from drug overdose in Pennsylvania and 85 percent were result of prescription or illicit opioid use.
The campaign uses a powerful tell-it-like-it-is tone and encourages teens and parents to learn more about opioid misuse and serve as advocates for prevention, safety and wellness with the tagline, “It’s your move.”

"The opioid epidemic is my top priority as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Pennsylvania, and I know that educating and empowering children is a key tool in this battle," Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. "As my Office works to take drug dealers out of our communities and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable, I'm thankful PHMC is also doing its part to keep Pennsylvanians safe. Having information on substance use, prevention and intervention readily available to our youth is imperative to helping them make good choices in the moment.”
“In order to have meaningful and lasting impact on the opioid crisis, we need to devote time and resources to educating the community about the risks of opioid use and provide strategies that children and parents can use to protect themselves,” said PCCD Acting Executive Director Derin Myers. “As a leader and strong supporter of prevention efforts, PCCD looks forward to working with PHMC on this initiative and examining the results of this campaign.”
The PA Opioid Prevention Project was funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. To learn more about the PA Opioid Prevention Project, please visit https://paopioidprevention.org. Paid for with Pennsylvania tax payer dollars.

About PA Opioid Prevention Project
Launched by PHMC, the PA Opioid Prevention Project is a statewide multi-media, opioid misuse prevention campaign targeting youth, ages 14-18. Funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the campaign’s goal is to empower teens and parents with education, knowledge and resources to make healthy choices. The project is developed by teens, for teens. For more information, visit www.paopioidprevention.org, like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 13, 2019

Contact:
For Public Health Management Corporation
Emily Charles, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 215-589-7183

Public Health Management Corporation Named As Restore Repair Renew Project Intermediary
Restore Repair Renew helps Philadelphia homeowners improve their homes and strengthen communities through access to low-interest home repair loans

PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA) have announced Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities, as one of three Project Intermediaries for the Restore Repair Renew program. The initiative helps low- and middle-income Philadelphia homeowners access low-interest loans to invest in their properties.

Lenders participating in the program offer 10-year, three percent interest loans ranging from $2,500 to $24,999 to eligible homeowners. The loans will be used to fund a range of home repairs focusing on health, safety, weatherization, accessibility, and quality of life.

“There is an undeniable correlation between physical and mental health and financial stability,” said Richard J. Cohen, President and Chief Executive Officer of PHMC. “Helping individuals access the funds to improve the safety and quality of their homes increases individual wellness, stabilizes neighborhoods and supports overall community health. We are proud to partner with the City and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to assist local homeowners to maintain and improve one of their most important assets.”

PHMC will provide program participants with support throughout the entire home loan process, connection to a participating lender, and if needed, financial counseling.

Restore Repair Renew will cover health and safety related repairs, such as mold and randon mitigation, lead-based paint treatments, electrical repairs, HVAC or water heater replacements, adaptations to allow for easier access or mobility, and repairs/replacements of windows, doors, stairs, fixtures, plumbing, sewer and waterlines. Philadelphia homeowners must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the program, including, but not limited to, credit scores above 580, home insurance and paid property taxes.

To learn how to apply or for questions regarding eligibility, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 877-515-0575 or go to restorerepairrenew.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 19, 2019

Contact:
For Public Health Management Corporation
Emily Charles, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 215-589-7183

Public Health Management Corporation Introduces “Code for Success” with Hopeworks 'N Camden

Program provides at-risk youth in Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey with technology-based workforce development

PHILADELPHIA (February 19, 2019) – Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities, introduced the Code for Success program in partnership with Hopeworks Camden, a nonprofit youth training and development organization in Camden, New Jersey. Funded through a $775,000 TD Ready Challenge grant, Code for Success will help at-risk youth obtain high-paying careers in the health care and technology industries.

Code for Success blends evidence-based work readiness curriculum, real world technology skills training, and comprehensive health and human services to provide young adults with the resources and education needed to achieve lifelong financial independence and security. The year-long program will serve 175 at-risk and low-income individuals from the Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey regions.

“The Code for Success program provides our region’s youth with a ‘super-vitamin’ combination of skills training, job readiness and wellness support to excel in today’s evolving and technologically accelerated workforce,” said Christina Miller, Managing Director, Health Promotion Services. “We can’t thank our friends at TD Bank and Hopeworks enough for their continued support and collaboration as we work to help build bright and financially secure futures for our region’s youth.”

To kick-off the program, more than 45 young adults attended a resource fair at Hopeworks to learn about the different programs available through PHMC’s continuum of health, human and social services. Students were able to meet with representatives whose work focuses on job readiness and placement, parenting education, health care and behavioral health services, empowerment and leadership initiatives, trauma support and treatment, along with services to support successful transitions for individuals aging out of foster care.

“When our youth win and move on to productive employment, our whole region wins,” shared Dan Rhoton, Executive Director, Hopeworks. “This focus on youth success really means success for our whole region.”

PHMC was named as one of 10 grant recipients of the inaugural TD Ready Challenge in October 2018. With a focus on financial security, all TD Ready Challenge grant recipients will create innovative solutions to increase income stability and help prepare people for the economy of the future. TD Ready

Challenge is part of The Ready Commitment, a multi-year program targeting $775 million in total community giving by 2030.

"The changing workplace presents new opportunities for prosperity, but we must provide everyone with a chance to succeed," said Michael Carbone, TD Bank's PA/NJ Regional President. "TD established The Ready Challenge grants to fund innovative training and education solutions like those offered through PHMC's "Code for Success" program. This program is providing youth with the skills necessary to excel in the technologically-driven workplace and achieve financial security."

Additional details on the TD Ready Challenge can be found at www.td.com/readychallenge.

About PHMC
Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities. PHMC uses best practices and evidence-based guidelines to improve community health through direct service, partnership, innovation, policy, research, technical assistance and a prepared workforce. PHMC has served the region since 1972. For more information on PHMC, visit phmc.org, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

About Hopeworks 'N Camden
With a focus on education, technology, and entrepreneurship, Hopeworks provides a positive, healing environment that propels young people to build strong futures and break the cycle of violence and poverty in Camden, New Jersey. Hopeworks trainees learn state-of-the-art computer applications such as geographic information services (GIS) and website development, as well as the necessary professional skills to land future employment.

Since its founding in 2000, nearly 3,000 young people have become Hopeworks trainees and become connected to life-changing opportunities where their growing technology skills go to work for enterprising businesses within the community. Hopeworks has been recognized regionally and nationally by organizations such as The Scattergood Foundation and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

About the TD Ready Challenge
Acting as a springboard for social innovation, TD established the TD Ready Challenge to identify and support scalable solutions to a specific issue identified within The Ready Commitment. In its inaugural year, the TD Ready Challenge encouraged organizations across North America to create innovative solutions to help increase income stability and give people the skills they need for the economy of the future. In total, TD awarded $10 million (CDN) for the 2018 Challenge.

From more than 200 submissions, TD shortlisted 15 finalists who presented their solutions on September 7, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario. Applications were judged in two rounds by a panel composed of TD executives and external subject matter experts, including Linda Nazareth, economist and trends expert, and Jennifer Tescher, president and CEO, Centre for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI).
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