COUDERSPORT — UPMC Cole earned its sixth Achievement Award from The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) for its outstanding efforts to improve health care in the state.

UPMC Cole’s entry “Partnering for a Healthier Community” was chosen for the 2018 Community Champion Award. Twelve award recipients were selected from 91 total award submissions, and were chosen for their exceptional work and innovation in patient care, community outreach, and staff leadership.

As part of “Partnering for a Healthier Community,” UPMC Cole led the formation of the Northern Tier Community Health Collaborative, a regional organization designed to be the strategic arm for improving the overall health of the community. The organization works to address social determinants of health including economic stability, education, social and community role, access to health care, and the environment in which people live. In addition to the collaborative, UPMC Cole worked with these agencies and community partners to conduct its most recent Community Health Needs Assessment.

“We are proud HAP has once again recognized the outstanding work being done at UPMC Cole,” said Ed Pitchford, president and senior executive, UPMC Cole. “Our work with the Northern Tier Community Health Collaborative is still in its infancy and we know that the long-term benefit to the region will come from persistent effort by UPMC Cole and its valued partners.”

In addition to UPMC Cole, the collaborative includes partners from Dickinson Center, Inc., Healthcare Council of Western Pennsylvania, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc., Potter County Human Services, Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, and Galeton Area School District.