LG Health's community efforts receive national recognition

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health was honored to receive the prestigious 2018 Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service for its leadership role in improving the health and well-being of individuals and families in our community.

The Foster G. McGaw Prize recognizes hospitals that have distinguished themselves through efforts that improve the health and well-being of everyone in their communities. The prize was founded by the Baxter Allegiance Foundation and the American Hospital Association with the belief that the relationships formed between hospitals and their communities are unique and should be celebrated. The prize committee praised LG Health for its innovative and bold approaches to enhancing community health.

LG Health understands that social determinants of health - sociocultural, built, and economic environments - have a significant impact on communities, and through collaboration with community partners, the hospital can improve the health status of the community," said Robert O. Valdez, Ph.D., Chairman of the Foster G. McGaw Prize Committee. “The impact and effects of its initiatives is a model for all hospitals and local organizations when going above and beyond to respond to its community’s identified health priorities and address access to care.”

The prize accompanied a $100,000 award to use toward programs that further community service goals.

During the American Hospital Association's Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., Jan Bergen, President & CEO, accepted the award on behalf of the health system. This video was played during the ceremony, highlighting LG Health's community health impact and partnerships.