Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership (BCHIP) started as a coalition focused on improving the health and well-being of Bucks County residents.
They have been working tirelessly since 1993 to address Bucks County’s most pressing health concerns, such as chronic disease management, mental health, substance abuse, and access to vaccinations and healthcare.
“BCHIP has played a crucial role in responding to public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing education and resources to the community and partnering with local healthcare organizations to improve access to testing, treatment, and vaccines,” said Kimberly Everett, Executive Director.
BCHIP offers a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting healthy behaviors and improving health outcomes. Below are just a few of their programs:
- Advance Care Planning Assistance – Free counseling for completing a healthcare directive.
- BCARES (Bucks County Connect.Assess.Refer.Engage.Support) – Led by Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc., A warm hand off program for patients with Substance Use Disorder. BCHIP supports best practices including Narcan distribution, and universal screening for patients at all Bucks County Hospitals.
- Smoking Cessation Program – Virtual and In-Person groups including Nicotine Replacement Therapy
- FindHelp.org Project – Connecting community agencies and healthcare systems to provide free or low-cost programs for patients needing: food, housing, health, and many other services.
- Bucks County Immunization Coalition (BCIC) – Coordination of COVID vaccines for homebound, senior centers, and childcare centers.
In addition to the programs listed, BCHIP leads the Wellness Partnership, Healthcare Staffing Collaboration, Behavioral Health Collaboration, and Long-term Care Partnership to connect community partners and hospital leaders in providing coordinated and comprehensive care in our community.
BCHIP is a committed advocate for policies and programs that promote health equity and addresses the root causes of health disparities. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life, and they are working hard to make that a reality for all residents of Bucks County.
For more information on BCHP’s programs, contact them at 267-291-7882, or online at bchip.org for a complete list of their services.
PHOTO CAP: BCHIP staff, from left, Hannah Meyers, Public Health Program Manager; Diane Anderson, Administrative Assistant; Colleen Campbell, Long-Term Care Program Manager; Kim Everett, Executive Director; and Samantha Herrera, Public Health Program Coordinator.