"Community-based participatory research ensures that the community is involved from the start – that those receiving the services have a voice in developing them."
– Dr. Janet Freburger, PT, PhD, Pitt School of Health and Rehabilitation Science
Partners for a Healthy Community (PHC) is a collaboration between Operation Better Block, Homewood Brushton YMCA, Primary Care Health Services, and the University of Pittsburgh. The goal of PHC is to connect with, listen to, and understand the health concerns and healthcare needs of the Homewood community. The tangible result of this community-based research are the free services offered at the Wellness Pavilion, coming to the CEC in Homewood in fall 2019.
Partners for a Healthy Community collaborate with community residents to identify healthcare needs
PHC attended community meetings, participated in community events, and had one-on-one conversations with Homewood residents in order to hear directly from them what the greatest mental and physical challenges are. In response, Pitt will develop free healthcare resources and services that compliment but do not duplicate what is already available in the neighborhood. These services will provide community residents access to healthcare tools to manage stress, improve mental health, and live a healthy lifestyle. Because of the strong partnership and community engagement, these healthcare services will support what residents are already doing to address healthcare challenges and provide additional wellness resources.
The long-term commitment of the Wellness Pavilion and the Community Engagement Center in Homewood will ensure ongoing collaboration and responsiveness of the healthcare services offered resulting in the improvement of the overall health and wellbeing of the Homewood community. View the full list of PHC partners and steering committee members.