Jefferson Health Leads Fight Against Philly's Health Inequity by Centering Communities

Jefferson Health is dedicated to enhancing medical results in Philadelphia’s the most overlooked neighborhoods, writes Kayla Yup for The Philadelphia Inquirer .

This dedication is enhanced through fostering trust and enabling community individuals to take an active role in addressing issues.

In April 2023, Jefferson Health introduced the Community Health Worker Academy A 13-month educational initiative equips local residents with the abilities required to serve as primary public health professionals.

The initiative proves particularly impactful as it enables individuals who have knowledge within their communities to tackle issues extending past physical well-being. This encompasses aspects such as improving access to transport which influences health results.

Lydia King , a new graduate from the program, can confirm this.

She was tasked with assisting a liver transplant recipient who had difficulty securing transport for his two weekly appointments. Carbon County home to Jefferson’s Center City location.

King then arranged a school bus for himself via the county’s Medical Assistance Transportation Program .

"Understanding how stressed he felt throughout the transplantation process, unable to work, and needing to support his family, it was deeply rewarding to assist in closing even a tiny part of that gap," King stated.

Many program graduates are frequently offered opportunities to keep working as community health workers at Jefferson.

Learn more about Jefferson Health's Community Health Worker Academy at The Philadelphia Inquirer .

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Editor’s Note: This article was first released on PHILADELPHIA.Today in July 2025.

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