Harrisburg, PA – Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen signed up with leaders from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) recently to recognize the expansion of healthy food services offered by health centers participating in the Great Food, Healthy Healthcare facilities program.
This year, Einstein Medical Center in Elkins Park, Montgomery County, joined the program, increasing overall participation to 51 health centers in 26 counties. Next year, Self-reliance Health System’s three Westmoreland places plan to join the program.
Great Food, Healthy Health centers participants develop a culture of health by offering healthy foods and beverages to patients, staff members, and visitors, while promoting locally-sourced and sustainably-produced items.
“To genuinely move the needle on health in Pennsylvania, we should focus on avoidance,” stated Dr. Bogen. “Eating healthy foods is a crucial element of prevention. Eating a healthy diet plan is connected with lower threat for heart problem and other persistent conditions. I applaud the cumulative accomplishments of the healthcare facilities and health systems that take part in the Great Food, Healthy Medical facilities program, and I hope much more will join this important effort.”
Healthcare facilities taking part in Excellent Food, Healthy Health centers promise to voluntarily embrace food, drink, and procurement standards in all locations where food is bought, served, or sold. These requirements include, to name a few:
· suggesting vegetarian, heart healthy, and entire grain options on client menus,
· placing healthier drinks and treats at eye level for consumers,
· prominently displaying nutrition info of foods and beverages,
· replacing regular fried chips with baked ranges,
· promoting water as a healthy and required drink choice throughout the health center,
· purchasing locally-sourced and sustainably-raised foods where possible, and
· acquiring rBGH-free dairy products.
The healthcare facilities work closely with the Good Food, Healthy Medical facilities team, including the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and HAP, for technical support and collaboration with taking part healthcare facilities. ”
Medical facilities throughout Pennsylvania are necessary partners in keeping individuals healthy,” said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole. “This year, we celebrate more than 50 healthcare facilities that have actually committed to making it much easier for clients, staff, and visitors to consume a nutritious diet plan. Having simple access to healthy excellent food assists individuals get and remain well.”
“Offering access to healthy food and educating patients, staff, and visitors about healthy eating are amongst the manner ins which hospitals work proactively to enhance the health of their communities,” HAP President and CEO Nicole Stallings stated. “HAP is proud to partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Philadelphia Department of Public Health to expand the Good Food, Healthy Hospitals program statewide so that more neighborhoods can gain from fresh, healthy food.”
Considering that 2014, the growth throughout Pennsylvania has been made possible by the State Exercise and Nutrition (SPAN) Program grant and Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant.
More details on healthy consuming is readily available on the Department of Health’s website at www.health.pa.gov. To learn more about Great Food, Healthy Healthcare facilities, check out www.foodfitphilly.org/gfhh and Great Food Healthy Health centers (haponline.org).
MEDIA CONTACT: Mark O’Neill – ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov!.?.! # # #
