FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2024

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For Public Health Management Corporation
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Philadelphia Housing Authority and Joseph J. Peters Institute Introduce Partnership to Address Trauma and Healing (PATH) at Vaux Community Building

Program provides evidence-based trauma treatment services to the North Philadelphia community

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) and Public Health Management Corporation subsidiary Joseph J. Peters Institute (JJPI), a regional leader in trauma treatment, today hosted a community open house to introduce Vaux Partnership to Address Trauma and Healing (PATH), a new program to provide evidence-based mental health and trauma treatment services in an outpatient setting at PHA’s Vaux Community Building in the Sharswood neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Vaux PATH provides mental health treatment to children and adults who have experienced trauma and are having emotional, behavioral, and/or social challenges. The program, first launched in April 2024 in response to an expressed need for mental health support within the community, serves individuals and families living, working, or attending school in the 19121 and 19132 zip codes of North Philadelphia with Medicaid insurance, with a focus on individuals residing in PHA housing near the Vaux Community Building, those living in adjacent neighborhoods, or individuals participating in programming at Vaux.

“PHA's housing communities foster economic development, support services for those in need, and amenities like open spaces and community centers,” said Kelvin A. Jeremiah, President and CEO of PHA. “Partners like the Joseph J. Peters Institute play a vital role in this holistic approach, which extends well beyond housing. Our new Vaux Partnership to Address Trauma and Healing with JJPI provides evidence-based trauma treatment services at Vaux Community Building, meeting residents' needs and strengthening community relationships."

“Vaux PATH is a testament to the comprehensive solutions that can be achieved through strong, cross-sector partnerships,” added Michael Pearson, President and CEO at PHMC. “The combined determination of JJPI, PHA, and our funder, TD Bank, along with local stakeholders and elected officials will increase access to high-quality mental health treatment in North Philadelphia.”

“Vaux PATH, combined with the work of PHA’s other community-based partners, will substantially increase access to much-needed wraparound services and a full continuum of high-quality care,” said Ivan Haskell, Executive Director of JJPI. “The need for comprehensive mental health care has never been greater, and we are proud to partner with PHA to provide the local community with expert clinical care to residents in Sharswood and surrounding neighborhoods.”

Vaux, a historic building located at 2300 W. Master Street in North Philadelphia, is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) designated EnVision Center, which is a centralized hub to provide people with the resources and support needed to excel. In addition to the JJPI partnership, PHA’s partners at the site offer a wide range of services, including health and wellness programming, financial and entrepreneurship services, job training, after school programs, and creative writing and reading programming for youth.

JJPI is a regional leader in providing trauma treatment services and therapeutic care to children, adolescent, and adult survivors of all types of trauma, including traumatic grief and separation, exposure to community violence and gun violence, physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, military trauma, and more. On-site evidence-based treatments include Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

"At TD, we are committed to supporting initiatives focused on access to care for vulnerable communities," said Paige Carlson-Heim, Head of Social Impact at TD Bank. "We support JJPI's innovative work to offer mental health treatment to children and adults in Philadelphia who have experienced trauma and are having emotional, behavioral, and/or social challenges. The PATH program is critically needed in our communities and TD is proud to support JJPI in this important work."

For additional information, referrals, or to schedule an appointment at Vaux PATH, please call 445-289-0398. Support for the program was provided by TD Bank.

About Joseph J. Peters Institute
JJPI, a subsidiary of Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and their families heal in a safe environment that promotes both recovery and resiliency. JJPI is a regional leader in the treatment of trauma and is one of only a few organizations that treats the entire cycle of sexual abuse, providing treatment for survivors of sexual abuse as well as those who have exhibited problematic sexual behavior. For more information on JJPI, visit www.jjpi.phmc.org.

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 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.

About Philadelphia Housing Authority
The Philadelphia Housing Authority’s mission is to open doors to affordable housing, economic, opportunity, and safe sustainable communities to benefit Philadelphia residents with low incomes. To learn more visit www.pha.phila.gov.

About TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®
TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. by assets, providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Auto Finance, a division of TD Bank, N.A., offers vehicle financing and dealer commercial services. TD Bank and its subsidiaries also offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit www.td.com/us. Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/TDBank_US/.
 
TD Bank is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a top 10 North American bank. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol "TD". To learn more, visit www.td.com/us.

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STATEMENT OF RECORD RELEASE

Contact:
For Public Health Management Corporation
Carly Bianco, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
215-801-3534

Health Promotion Council Awarded Funding to Develop, Expand, and Enhance Ability to Operate as Community Care Hubs

PHILADELPHIA (June 5, 2024) — Health Promotion Council (HPC), a subsidiary of Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), was selected as one of 20 grantees for USAging’s Center of Excellence to Align Health and Social Care (COE). With the funding received through the COE, Health Promotion Council will expand its capacity to operate a community care hub. The COE is supported by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) and will support community care hubs in their work to assess and address individuals’ health-related social needs and promote whole-person care.

The intent of these awards is to provide infrastructure funding to the selected CCHs, like Health Promotion Council, in support of their contracting efforts with health care organizations for coordinated access to and delivery of social care programs and services (including support for hospital-to-home care transition programs) that assess and address health-related social needs and improve health equity and inclusion for individuals, families, and/or caregivers. These efforts will also enhance Pennsylvania No Wrong Door access systems and coordinate with local and/or state public health departments.

“This is an exciting opportunity for HPC to lead the way in a groundbreaking new model for health and social care coordination,” said Gina Trignani, Director of Training and Capacity Building at Health Promotion Council. “We are proud to be at the forefront of this important initiative, bringing a collaborative approach to our community-based partners and extending our work to improve health outcomes among vulnerable populations.”

"USAging is thrilled to award grants to these 20 outstanding Community Care Hubs," said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. "CCHs provide critical administrative and operational supports for networks of Area Agencies on Aging, Centers for Independent Living and other community-based organizations providing services addressing the health-related social needs of individuals with complex care needs and their caregivers. This funding will bolster the vital work CCHs do in their communities every day to align health and social care to meet people’s needs." Markwood continued.

“Health care providers and plans are increasingly prioritizing screening for health-related social needs such as food insecurity, housing instability, unaffordable utilities and lack of transportation, and the aging and disability networks are critical partners in connecting people to the services and programs needed to address them,” said Alison Barkoff, who leads ACL. “It has been truly amazing to see the speed at which this work has advanced, thanks in large part to our network’s creation of community care hubs, which are establishing partnerships and contracts between community-based organizations and health care organizations across the nation. ACL looks forward to ongoing collaboration with the Center of Excellence to continue growing community care hubs across the entire country.”

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About Health Promotion Council
The mission of Health Promotion Council (HPC) is to promote health, and prevent and manage chronic disease, especially among vulnerable populations, through community-based outreach, education and advocacy. For more information on HPC, visit https://www.hpcpa.org/

HPC is a subsidiary of Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities. PHMC uses best practices to improve community health through direct service, partnership, innovation, policy, research, technical assistance and a prepared workforce. For more information on PHMC, visit www.phmc.org.

About USAging
USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. For more information, visit usaging.org and follow @theUSAging on Facebook, X and Instagram.

About the Center of Excellence to Align Health and Social Care
The Center of Excellence to Align Health and Social Care (COE), part of the Aging and Disability Business Institute at USAging, is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through a cooperative agreement totaling approximately $12 million over a three-year period with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS.

Media Contact:
Emily White for Public Health Management Corporation | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Philadelphia Tree Plan Partners Celebrate $12 Million Funding for Implementation of the Philly Tree Plan  

The Philly Tree Plan reflects input from more than 9,000 residents, local stakeholders, and environmental experts; marks the city’s first strategic plan to equitably build tree canopy.

September 18, 2024 – Philadelphia, PA -- On September 19, 2024, representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will join key project partners in Philadelphia to celebrate the award of a $12 million USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry grant to support the implementation of the Philly Tree Plan, a ten-year strategic plan to equitably grow the city’s tree canopy.  In partnership with Parks & Recreation, Public Health Management Corporation, and others, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) led the effort to apply for and secure this major investment in Philadelphia’s urban forest.

The event, held at Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC)’s Public Health Campus on Cedar in West Philadelphia, focuses on the impact of the strategic plan and progress on implementation. Guests will tour nearby Malcolm X. Park to see newly planted street trees by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and tree maintenance done by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and PowerCorpsPHL, who are part of the coalition of partners dedicated to growing Philadelphia’s urban forest.

Progress to Date
In the first year of implementation, the key partners have focused on planning and capacity building to support and grow existing tree programs. This includes efforts to grow tree canopy and protect existing trees, build workforce skills around tree care and maintenance, develop community trust, and ensure ongoing community engagement in the Philly Tree Plan.

The Philly Tree Plan key partners have also laid out the initial structure and governance for the Philly Tree Coalition, a dedicated organization responsible for coordinating project implementation among the key partners and continued fundraising efforts for the Philly Tree Plan. The Philly Tree Coalition will be housed at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

This USDA Federal Grant for the Philly Tree Plan is made possible through the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history. This grant is one of the largest federal funding grants ever received for urban forestry in Philadelphia. It is specifically dedicated to urban forestry and tree canopy equity. The Philly Tree Plan outlines a transformative investment in public health and quality of life for Philadelphia neighborhoods, representing a significant commitment to creating a resilient, equitably distributed urban forest and ultimately a safer, cleaner, and greener Philadelphia. 

“The Forest Service is proud to partner with the City of Philadelphia, Public Health Management Corporation, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and other partners in implementing the Philly Tree Plan. Through President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, the Forest Service is supporting communities, such as Philadelphia, in becoming more resilient to climate change and combatting extreme heat through increased urban tree canopy,” said Meryl Harrell, Deputy Secretary for USDA Natural Resources and Environment.

"PHS is committed to using horticulture, including growing trees, as a tool for improving health and well-being across the Greater Philadelphia Region. The Philly Tree Plan is more than just a strategic plan; it's a catalyst for transformative change in Philadelphia. By fostering collaboration among communities, organizations, and government, we're following our past model for success and creating a new paradigm for environmental justice. This $12 million grant will empower partners to expand tree canopy in seven priority neighborhoods, improving air quality, reducing heat-related illnesses, and enhancing the overall well-being of residents. PHS is only able to lead this work thanks to the incredible support of our PHS Members, Volunteers, Corporate Partners, and Philadelphia Flower Show Supporters. Together, we're building a greener, healthier, and more equitable future for our city," said Matt Rader, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

“The expansion of Philadelphia’s tree canopy is directly aligned to the heart of PHMC’s mission of building healthy communities. Trees are fundamental to our health: they make our air cleaner, our summers cooler, our streets safer, and they improve our mental health and quality of life. We are confident that all the partners can contribute to achieving these goals of a greener Philadelphia.” said Michael Pearson, president & CEO, Public Health Management Corporation.

"Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is very proud of the Philly Tree Plan, from the community engagement that was crucial to its development, to its goal of a healthy and equitable urban forest for all," said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner, Susan Slawson. "The Philly Tree Plan is a critical part of achieving Mayor Parker’s vision of a safer, cleaner, and greener city. Through our implementation efforts we will continue to increase communication about trees, reduce the burden of tree care on our residents, and improve commercial corridors where businesses and residents can both see and feel the benefits of an increased tree canopy. We are thrilled to receive this grant and to continue our efforts in enhancing quality of life for Philadelphians.”

Press Conference Information
PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar
501 S 54th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Entrance through main entrance on 54th St or attached parking garage. Parking is free. The press conference will be in the atrium on the ground floor.

WHEN: Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 10:45 a.m.

• 10:45 – 11:30 am: Press conference in the Atrium of the PHMC Cedar Campus.
• 11:30 – 12:15 pm: Walking tour of Malcolm X Park. *

*The tour will feature a stop to view street trees that were recently planted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and trees that will be maintained through this grant. In Malcolm X. Park, PowerCorpsPHL’s workforce development participants will be available to share their experiences learning how to take care of trees.

About the Philly Tree Plan
The Philly Tree Plan includes goals to reach a benchmark of 30% tree canopy in 30 years. Research by the USDA Forest Service estimates that achieving 30% tree canopy would prevent over 400 premature deaths per year in Philadelphia, including over 200 premature deaths in areas of lower socioeconomic status.

According to a study conducted in 2018 by The City of Philadelphia and University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Lab, the city’s tree canopy declined by 6% from 2008-2018. The citywide average is approximately 20% tree canopy, with some Philadelphia neighborhoods having as little as 2.5% tree canopy. This award marks a pivotal step toward securing the future of Philadelphia’s urban forest.

The Philly Tree Plan identified seven priority geographic areas where City and non-profit partners will increase investment in tree planting and maintenance efforts. These areas were identified using environmental justice criteria, including tree canopy cover, heat exposure, air quality, income, and asthma rates. The Plan also identifies pathways towards growing a more equitable tree canopy, where residents in these communities do not suffer disproportionately from the effects of little or no tree canopy.

To achieve these aims, The Philly Tree Plan established eight goals:

• Coordinate support for trees
• Protect the existing and future urban forest
• Grow the urban forest equitably across the city
• Reduce the burden of trees on residents
• Invest in people and communities
• Communicate with residents and improve customer service
• Advocate for communities to benefit from the urban forest
• Celebrate and support the ways communities are engaging with trees

Key to this work is the continued input of community and resident stakeholders who helped to shape the creation of the Philly Tree Plan with input from over 9,000 individuals.

Philly Tree Plan Key Partners

• Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC)
• Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
• Parks & Recreation, City of Philadelphia
• Office of Clean and Green Initiatives, City of Philadelphia
• Fairmount Park Conservancy
• PowerCorps PHL
• School District of Philadelphia
• Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia

The Philly Tree Plan coalition of partners are equal opportunity providers. Funding for this project is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program.

To learn more about the Philly Tree Plan, please visit: Philly Tree Plan

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
For Public Health Management Corporation
Carly Bianco, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
215-801-3534

PHMC’s Attorney General Candidates’ Forum Addresses Key Public Health Crises Impacting Pennsylvanians

PHILADELPHIA (April 5, 2024) – Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), the region’s largest public health institute, convened four Pennsylvania Attorney General candidates on April 4 to discuss the critical public health issues impacting the Commonwealth as part of “Public Health in Pennsylvania: A 2024 Attorney General Candidates’ Forum,” held in partnership with Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH.

Pennsylvania Attorney General candidates Keir Bradford-Gray, partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP; Eric Settle, former senior counsel at AmeriHealth Caritas; Jared Solomon, Pennsylvania State Representative, 202nd Legislative District; and Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County District Attorney, participated in the forum. WHYY host and producer of The Pulse, Maiken Scott, moderated the conversation at PHMC’s Philadelphia headquarters.

The candidates gathered during National Public Health Week (April 1-7, 2024) to answer questions submitted by the public and discuss how they would use the office to confront pressing public health concerns, including substance use and gun violence. Each of these issues, often underscored by interconnected crises of security, poverty and safety, pose a significant challenge for Pennsylvania’s next attorney general.

“As a leader in public health, PHMC is honored to host several of Pennsylvania’s Attorney General candidates for an important discussion about the public health problems impacting communities across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania,” said Michael K. Pearson, President and CEO, PHMC. “These crises are complex, and closely connected with social determinants of health, including poverty, education and access to care. Our goal is to help foster open dialogue and identify cross-section solutions to improve outcomes and quality of life.”

The key issues discussed are outlined below:

Substance Use, Treatment & Recovery
The substance use epidemic has proliferated into communities across the state with more individuals dying annually from overdoses than from shootings. In 2021, 5,168 Pennsylvanians died from overdoses – an average of 14 Pennsylvanians every day. At the same time, a historically underfunded treatment and recovery system has become extraordinarily strained, disincentivizing providers and forcing closures of much-needed programs.

To hear how the candidates addressed substance use challenges, please click here to view their responses, starting at 23:26 in the video.

Gun Violence
Gun violence impacts every member of the Commonwealth, but disproportionately harms communities of color, those experiencing poverty, housing insecurity, and a lack of access to health care. In Philadelphia in 2021, the number of juvenile homicide victims was more than three times that of youth under 18 killed in 2015. This striking trend is also reflected across the state, with more than 1,500 Pennsylvanians dying from gun violence each year.

To hear how the candidates addressed gun violence challenges, please click here to view their responses, starting at 50:05 in the video.

As the leading public health institute in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, hosting this forum is essential to ensure residents understand the Attorney General candidates’ perspectives on pressing public health issues before going to vote in the Pennsylvania primary election on April 23, 2024.

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About PHMC

Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities. PHMC uses best practices 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.