Health in action

How UHS champions public well-being

Each day the dedicated team of healthcare professionals at UHS cares for those who are sick or injured. But sometimes, healing requires more than medical treatment—it calls for a deeper level of support to help patients live healthier, more fulfilling lives. That’s where the UHS Population Health team comes in.

UHS takes a holistic approach to health—one that ensures that the people we serve are not just treated, but truly supported in their journey toward long-term wellness. By addressing everything from chronic disease management to food access and social determinants of health, UHS is committed to giving every patient the opportunity to thrive.

Meet the UHS Population Health team

The UHS Population Health team is dedicated to meeting patients where they are—helping them address the challenges that matter most to their overall well-being. Through a range of innovative programs, the team supports patients beyond the clinical setting, assisting with housing, food insecurity, transportation or any other essential needs that impact their health and quality of life.

“The care coordination from the Population Health team is all about making sure we are caring for our patients and providing them what they need most,” said Annie DePugh, director of Population Health Management at UHS. “We want our patients to feel safe, supported and secure—knowing we’re here to help them navigate challenges. It’s about living the UHS Values every day through the care we provide.”

With the demand for these essential services growing, the UHS Population Health team has launched several new initiatives to better meet patients’ needs. For example, the team operates an in-house food pantry to address food insecurity and provide meals for patients in need. In support of this effort, the team has also cultivated strong relationships with local organizations, like CHOW and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, that work to fight food insecurity in our community.

The Population Health team also works to secure necessary funds to help patients pay for any housing needs, including rent, security deposits or housing maintenance projects. Recently, the team helped a local UHS patient secure a necessary grant to renovate the roof of her home. The roof was beyond repair, so the team leaped into action to complete the paperwork needed for her to receive necessary maintenance on her home.

The Population Health team embodies our UHS values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork and Innovation, continuing to go the extra mile to care for patients. The remarkable collaboration between clinical and nonclinical staff ensures our community can feel happy and healthy in all aspects of their lives.