Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s dedication to improving community health extends well beyond the walls of its hospitals, into corner stores, fire halls and for more than 25 years, schools. LG Health partners with the School District of Lancaster to offer four school-based health centers. These primary-care centers provide convenient locations for students to access medical care in Lancaster city’s most vulnerable neighborhoods. During the 2017-2018 school year, the on-site clinics provided more than 2,600 visits that included physicals, immunizations, immediate medical attention for illnesses and injuries, and general health education. Care When and Where Needed Although the Fulton Elementary School Health Center was originally funded by a federal grant, LG Health continued to provide free health services once the grant expired. Following the success of the Fulton health center, LG Health expanded access to include two additional free primary-care centers at Washington and Carter & MacRae Elementary schools. In 2016, LG Health opened an extension of Family Medicine Downtown at McCaskey High School. In addition to medical services, clinical staff assist families and students navigate insurance options and the billing and payment process. “Students may not have the ability to see a primary-care provider due to scheduling conflicts, access barriers, transportation or insurance issues,” said Jessica Klinkner, LG Health manager of Community Health. “Our school-based clinics provide access to students where and when they need it, which helps them stay in school and their parents stay at work.” Beyond Health Care Clinicians not only provide traditional medical care, they also work closely with the School District of Lancaster and community organizations to fill children’s social needs, such as clothing and transportation, and ensure access to healthy food and safe places to be physically active. “ We encourage families to visit their primary-care provider or work to connect them with a primary-care provider if they do not have one. However, when barriers arise the health centers are there to fill the gap and meet the needs of the students. ” Klinkner said. Throughout its 125-year history, LG Health has focused on meeting the most pressing health needs of its community. The American Hospital Association recently recognized LG Health’s commitment to improving community health with the 2018 Foster McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service.