HERMITAGE – Buhl Regional Health Foundation promotes health and wellness throughout our community.
In early 2021, in response to the inequitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, the foundation worked with county officials and Primary Health Network to create a vaccine equity team. The team developed a three-point approach to addressing vaccine equity: collaboration, scheduling, and education. Working with churches, organizations, and businesses, they ensured vaccine access to anyone who wanted to be vaccinated.
Soon, it was determined there was no longer a vaccine distribution problem; so, focus shifted to providing credible education related to COVID-19, vaccination, and testing. The team conducted community outreach events, providing credible information to thousands of individuals. The work continues with the addition of boosters and the arrival of new variants.
Aside from COVID-19 related work, BRHF staff reviewed Mercer County data from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and determined the following health related needs for 2022: obesity, poor physical activity, women’s health, cancer, access to care and public health education.
Based on the data, BRHF determined future grantmaking and programming will primarily support six “pillars” of community collaboration: Health Education, Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Women’s Health, Transportation, Healthy Lifestyles, and Medical Access.
To adapt to emerging challenges, BRHF’s Executive Director, Jennifer Barborak, restructured internal operations. The team added an executive team assistant, Jessica Koss, in December. The director of community outreach and education, Donna Smith, provides credible information to the community regarding COVID-19, vaccination, and testing. Ms. Smith also collaborates with local agencies and health care providers to create health chats and lunch and learns.
The director of grantmaking, Kimberly Duncan, works with BRHF-funded community organizations to ensure their projects help BRHF meet the goals related to the six “pillars” of collaboration. Ms. Duncan also oversees the BRHF scholarship program.
Kateri Linn, the newly hired director of programming, is working to collaborate with organizations in an effort to improve healthy living in our area. Ms. Linn is also planning a free dental clinic for June 2022. The team works closely with Angela Palumbo, the BRHF board chair, and the 17-member board of directors.
Non-profit community agencies that share in the BRHF mission “to identify and address the diverse health care needs of the greater Sharon regional area” and have projects that fit into one of the six “pillars” are encouraged to apply for funding. BRHF accepts Letters of Inquiry twice per year, with funding in March and September. To learn more about the grant application process, visit www.buhlregionalhealthfoundation.org.
BRHF scholarship funding will be available to high school seniors who reside in the foundation’s service area and are pursuing a registered nurse degree, or a bachelor’s degree or higher in another health-related field. For more information, please visit www.buhlregionalhealthfoundation.org/scholarships.
In 2021, BRHF awarded grant funding to 19 community projects within the six collaboration pillars totaling $783,817.00. The foundation also awarded 12 scholarships totaling $29,000 to students pursuing a career in the health care industry. Since beginning grantmaking in 2017, BRHF has granted nearly $2.8 million to community non-profit agencies.
Established in 2016, BRHF was formed as the result of the sale of the former Sharon Regional Health System. The foundation is committed to improving the health and well-being of the neighbors we serve. We believe through partnerships, education, and grant making, we can improve the quality of life in our communities.
Buhl Regional Health Foundation, 1955 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage; phone 878-202-4149
