Throughout the year, I have enjoyed sharing my reflections on the 125th anniversary of Lancaster General Hospital. To honor this milestone, I asked some key community leaders for their perspectives on LG Health’s role in our community.
Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace said LG Health embodies the spirit of community and civic engagement that will ensure the city’s vitality for generations to come.
“Beyond fulfilling your core mission to provide high-quality, compassionate health care to all, LG Health has partnered with others to reduce homelessness and poverty, spearhead investment in our neighborhoods, and enhance overall quality of life in our city,” she said. “At the same time, LG Health has been a generous and reliable supporter of city services with a voluntary contribution in excess of $1 million each year that provides city taxpayers with some much-needed relief.”
Sam Bressi, president & CEO, Lancaster County Community Foundation, said LG Health’s commitment to local good inspires a shared confidence that encourages our entire community to thrive.
“LG Health plays a key leadership role in community-building efforts for all of Lancaster, investing millions of dollars and countless volunteer hours in partnership with others,” he said. “Your world-class college of health sciences provides pathways to high-potential careers. And as the largest employer in Lancaster County, LG Health provides a wealth of family-sustaining, thriving wage job opportunities.”
Marshall W. Snively, president, Lancaster City Alliance, said LG Health spearheads important programs that have helped to shape Lancaster into a world-class community.
“LG Health’s impact extends far beyond the walls of your great medical facilities,” he said. “Programs like Lighten Up Lancaster County, neighborhood healthy food initiatives, and behavioral health programming give residents the opportunity to live healthy and productive lives. The alliance is thankful for this strong partner who understands both the value and impact we have in serving our community.”
Lisa Riggs, president, Economic Development Company of Lancaster County, commends LG Health for bringing our expertise, resources and knowledge to the opioid crisis, mental health, obesity and other community challenges.
“You engage with a broad range of stakeholders, intimately understanding the issues at a personal level and helping to build strong coalitions focused on actionable solutions,” she said. “The community benefits significantly from the deep, caring talent LG Health brings to these issues, including senior administrators, doctors and nurses who give their time and expertise for the betterment of Lancaster.”
Sue Suter, president and CEO, United Way of Lancaster County, who has worked with hospitals all over the world throughout her career, said she has found LGH to be among the best.
“Your work in our community is unparalleled on key issues like mental health, obesity and substance abuse,” she said. “You have been a tremendous partner of United Way, with Jan Bergen among the community leaders who helped launch our Collective Impact model, which has proven to be a national leader in solving problems together.”
I would like to thank my friends and colleagues for sharing their perspectives. It’s gratifying to hear their kind words on the significance of LG Health’s contributions to our community. I am honored to work with them — and each of you — on improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.