Mercy Health – Youngstown launches three-year Community Health Improvement Plan

# What Mercy Health announced

# Why the plan was made

The assessment paired local feedback with health data and trends to identify issues having the largest effect on health and well-being across the region. Mercy Health says the priorities reflect both the data and community voices.

Leigh Greene, Community Health director at Mercy Health – Youngstown, framed the plan as a response to residents, providers and community partners so the system can focus on areas with the greatest opportunity to improve outcomes and reduce barriers to care.

# The priorities and focus areas

Over the next three years Mercy Health will concentrate on three priority areas:

• Access to care. The plan emphasizes bringing services directly into neighborhoods and trusted community locations to reduce barriers and connect residents to resources.

• Chronic diseases. Efforts will target prevention, management and resource access for conditions identified as priorities, including cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

• Maternal, infant and child health. The CHIP includes expanded pregnancy support services and work with the region's infant mortality coalition.

Behavioral health needs are included through education, referrals and partnerships with Mercy Health Behavioral Hospital.

# Programs and investments described

The CHIP outlines specific strategies and investments tied to the three priorities. Concrete examples named in the announcement:

• Care-A-Van mobile clinic: a mobile health unit that brings services into neighborhoods and community sites to improve access and link residents to care.

• Nutrition and healthy living programs: partnerships with fresh markets, community-based programs and community centers to support healthier choices and prevention.

• Expanded pregnancy support services: targeted to strengthen maternal, infant and child health outcomes through direct services and coalition work.

• Behavioral health support: continuing education and referral pathways coordinated with Mercy Health Behavioral Hospital.

# with partners

Mercy Health stresses that achieving progress will require collaboration across community partners. Key collaborators named include community organizations that host the Care-A-Van, fresh markets and community centers supporting nutrition initiatives, county health departments, and members of the infant mortality coalition. The plan positions Mercy Health as both an implementer and a convenor of these local partnerships.

# Early implementation example

The Care-A-Van is highlighted as an immediate example of the plan in action. By delivering services in trusted local settings, the mobile clinic aims to reduce access barriers and make timely medical attention more available.

# What the announcement means for residents

Residents can expect targeted outreach and services focused on getting care where people live and gather, increased attention to prevention and management of chronic disease, and more pregnancy-related supports. Behavioral health services will remain connected through education and referral networks.

# Bottom line

Mercy Health – Youngstown's CHIP is a three-year, community-informed plan that centers access, chronic disease and maternal/child health. Implementation will rely on the Care-A-Van, nutrition and pregnancy programs, behavioral health partnerships, and local organizations and public health agencies to deliver services and measure progress.