ACTION Health is adding Susquehanna University to its network of partners that provide community health outreach and education to residents of the Susquehanna Valley. The university joins the six area hospitals already in the network–Berwick Hospital Center, Bloomsburg Hospital, Evangelical Community Hospital, Geisinger Health System, Shamokin Area Community Hospital and Sunbury Community Hospital—in addressing unmet health and wellness needs. 

This partnership provides new opportunities for community and academic engagement for Susquehanna students, faculty and administration. Students will have access to numerous health-related programs during the fall 2010 semester, as well as unique internship and service-learning opportunities. Faculty will have the opportunity to work directly with ACTION Health’s recent needs assessment data, “Rural Pennsylvania Counts,” which can supplement existing research initiatives focused on health care needs in the central part of the state.

Ed Clarke, director of foundation and government relations at Susquehanna, and Terry Winegar, dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences and professor of psychology, have recently joined the ACTION Health Board of Directors and will be working directly on organizational initiatives.

“Susquehanna is excited to partner with ACTION Health,” Clarke said. “We recognize the value they bring to the region and look forward to the many opportunities for collaboration that we hope will ultimately strengthen programs benefitting children, families and seniors in our communities.”    

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to work more closely with Susquehanna University,” said Allison Clark, executive director of ACTION Health. “This new partnership expands our ability to reach out to new populations, including students and faculty, as well as increase our research initiatives and build new programs and partnerships.”

ACTION Health has worked with Susquehanna in the past at health-related events.  This coming year will establish more programs hosted by ACTION Health and its four task forces.  The presentations will be for students, faculty, and the community. The programs are free and offer important information on health and wellness.

Founded in 1858, Susquehanna University is a national liberal arts college that prepares students for achievement, leadership and service in a diverse, interconnected world. Academic excellence, study away and service learning, student-faculty collaboration, and rich opportunities for creative and personal growth are hallmarks of a Susquehanna University education. Susquehanna students come from 36 states and 13 countries, and more than 90 percent of them find jobs or pursue graduate study within six months of graduation. The university is located in central Pennsylvania, in the town of Selinsgrove, along the banks of the scenic Susquehanna River and about three hours from major East Coast cultural, financial and recreational centers.

To learn more about Susquehanna University, visit Susquehanna_University’s_website.