CHOP Earns National Recognition for Exemplary Community Service
Published on in CHOP News , CHOP Talk: A Voice for Children
Published on in CHOP News , CHOP Talk: A Voice for Children
January 15, 2015 — In honor of its broad-based efforts to improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of its community, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) was named a finalist of the prestigious 2014 Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service, one of the most esteemed community service honors in healthcare. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is the first children’s hospital to be named a finalist for the Prize.
The Foster G. McGaw Prize is sponsored by The Baxter International Foundation and the American Hospital Association (AHA) and Health Research & Educational Trust. As a finalist, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia will receive $10,000 to support its community health initiatives.
“The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia takes pride in reaching out into the communities they serve, working in partnership with families and community groups to promote health and wellness among children,” said John O’Brien, chair of the Foster G. McGaw Prize Committee. “The Hospital’s initiatives address the many health issues that face this very vulnerable population throughout Southeast Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, including medical and dental services for children and families in homeless shelters, a children’s intensive emotional and behavioral health program, and a healthy weight program.”
Founded in 1855 as the first pediatric hospital in the United States, CHOP consists of a main hospital with 535 beds and the CHOP Care Network, the largest pediatric healthcare network in the country. The Care Network includes three urban primary care locations for children in CHOP’s immediate communities where a high percentage of the patient population is covered by medical assistance. The organization is a world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children by integrating excellent patient care, innovative research and quality professional education in all of its programs, and ranks No. 1 on the U.S. News & World Report 2014 Honor Roll for children’s hospitals.
“The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is steadfast in its investment in programs that benefit the community, a significant aspect of our mission,” said Steven M. Altschuler, MD, chief executive officer of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “CHOP’s efforts extend well beyond the walls of our Hospital into the communities we serve through our CHOP Care Network, which comprises more than 50 locations in Philadelphia, its suburbs and Southern New Jersey.
"Through our community partnerships and incredible commitment by our employees, we have created and sustained impactful programs that aim to prevent illness, and increase health and well-being," he added. "We can think of no better way to ensure the livelihood of children and their families than identifying and then meeting the needs of the community to ultimately ensure that future generations of children grow up to become healthy adults.”
CHOP was recognized for the following innovative community service initiatives:
“The Foster G. McGaw Prize recognizes healthcare organizations that serve as role models for improving the health and well-being of the people in their communities,” said O’Brien. “This year’s winner and finalists exemplify what it takes to meet the unique needs of their communities. Through leadership and collaboration with community partners, they enhance the lives of their vulnerable populations and all those they serve.”
In addition to CHOP, other finalists include Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan and White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation’s first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Children’s Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 535-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents.
The Foster G. McGaw Prize, celebrating nearly 30 years of honoring excellence in community service, recognizes healthcare organizations committed to community service through a range of programs that demonstrate a passion and continuous commitment to making communities healthier and more vital. The prize, first awarded in 1986, inspires hospitals, health systems and communities to assess and implement programs that improve their communities.
The American Hospital Association is a not-for-profit association of healthcare provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the improvement of health in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, healthcare systems, networks and other providers of care. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for healthcare leaders and is a source of information on healthcare issues and trends.
The Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX), helps organizations expand access to healthcare in the United States and around the world. The foundation, established in 1981, focuses exclusively on increasing access to healthcare particularly for the disadvantaged and underserved in communities where Baxter employees live and work. Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets products that save and sustain the lives of people with hemophilia, immune disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma and other chronic and acute medical conditions. As a global, diversified healthcare company, Baxter applies a unique combination of expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to create products that advance patient care worldwide.
Founded in 1944, the Health Research & Educational Trust (HRET) is a private, not-for-profit organization involved in research, education, and demonstration programs addressing health management and policy issues. An affiliate of the American Hospital Association, HRET collaborates with healthcare, government, academic, business, and community organizations across the United States to conduct research and disseminate findings that shape the future of healthcare.