Social Drivers of Health - Center for Population Health

CPH works to address Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) needs in Cambria and Somerset counties.

SDOH are the non-medical factors that have an influence on health outcomes and equity. The factors include, economic stability, education, healthcare access, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context.

By participating in a variety of health initiatives, CPH is working to improve overall community health and reduce health inequities.

Preparedness and Resiliency

The Cambria and Somerset Counties Preparedness and Resiliency Partnership was created to build preparedness and resiliency within our communities. This collaborative group creates the ability for the two counties to withstand, adapt to, and recover from challenges, such as natural disasters, economic difficulties, pandemics, or other crises that would arise. The partnership includes multiple key community stakeholders (e.g., government agencies, local organizations, businesses, and residents) all working together to improve our collective ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters or challenges in ways that benefit all members of the communities that we serve. The Partnership meets the 1^st Thursday of every other month at 10am, online, to accomplish its intended objectives.

If you are interested in learning more or joining the meetings, please email jmcmillan@centerforpophealth.org.

Mental Fitness and Resiliency

CPH, 1889 Foundation, and Outdoor Odyssey have partnered to provide Mindful Pause, a free training for first responders, health and human services personnel, educators and any front-line workers who wish to deepen their understanding of mental fitness, further develop resiliency skills, and share these lessons with their families, teams and communities. Individuals eligible to receive the training include a variety of front-line professionals in Cambria and Somerset counties.

Additional sessions are being scheduled and, if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please email info@centerforpophealth.org.

Mindful Pause

Learn more about Outdoor Odyssey

PENNIE Healthcare Enrollment

PENNIE is the official health insurance marketplace for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania where residents can apply, shop, and enroll in health insurance and qualify for financial assistance to reduce monthly premiums and cost-sharing. Through a partnership with Health Market Connect (HMC) and the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health at Penn State University, a CPH Pennie Enrollment Assister is available to provide outreach and enrollment activities for Cambria and Somerset counties.

Individuals can schedule an appointment by emailing info@centerforpophealth.org for more information.

Veteran Suicide Prevention

The Center for Population Health is proud to partner with the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU) through support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to expand veteran suicide prevention outreach activities in Cambria and Somerset counties. CPH is collaborating with Outdoor Odyssey, Cambria County Suicide Prevention Task Force, Veteran Community Initiatives, and other organizations to expand mental fitness and resiliency training, suicide risk screening tools, outreach at community health fairs and connections to health and human service resources.

Building Dental Capacity

Lack of oral healthcare opportunities in our region is identified as a significant health need through the Community Health Needs Assessment process. Through a collaborative effort between the University of Pittsburgh Dental School, 1889 Foundation, Hyndman Area Health Center, Conemaugh Health System, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, CPH, and others, plans are underway to bring a dental training program to the community. This collaboration will not only provide individuals with better access to dental care in the region but will also create training and job opportunities for individuals seeking oral healthcare as a profession.

More information will be shared on this initiative in early 2026.

Safe Spaces

Center for Population Health is a proud collaborator with the Safe Spaces initiative, an effort dedicated to transforming the lives of youth in our region by providing safe, structured environments for growth and development. The Safe Spaces partners offer a wide range of programs each week focused on education, fitness, mentorship, and community engagement.

Partners include, Big Shots Elite (Tri-State), Coaches 4 Kids, Flood City Youth Academy, Johnstown YMCA, New Day, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, and Ramblers.

To learn more about their work, please visit Safe Spaces.