Just over a year ago the 1889 Foundation announced a new partnership with the Jefferson Center of Population Health to create the 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health in Johnstown. It’s been an exciting year of planning and preparation — and on Mar. 23, a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the Crown American building in downtown Johnstown, where the new Center will be housed.

More than 100 invited guests, elected officials, 1889 staff and board, and stakeholders in the community gathered to take part in an open house, ceremony and reception. Tim Rigby of WJAC served as emcee. Speakers included James Hargreaves, President of the 1889 Foundation Board of Directors; David B. Nash, MD, MBA, the founding dean of the Jefferson College of Population Health;  and Trina Thompson, BSH, DrPH, who is serving as the Center’s inaugural executive director.

“The good news is, we have a very special partnership,” Hargreaves said. “The bad news is, there’s no lack of challenges. But in the world of population health — whether it’s diabetes, opioids, obesity etc. — our goal is to dramatically improve those conditions among the citizens of Cambria and Somerset Counties.”

The 1889 Foundation is delighted that this initiative is now formally underway! Links to local press coverage and a media release are featured below.

March 21, Tribune-Democrat: “Johnstown health center will be the first of its kind”

March 22, Tribune-Democrat: “‘We are all in this together’: Population health center opens in Johnstown”

Press release: Commitment to rural health realized with ribbon cutting for 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health