At MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, we recognize that a person’s health is strongly linked to the health of the community. Based on our community health needs assessment conducted at MedStar Georgetown, we have developed programs and services that address these priority areas.
Our community health initiatives include health and wellness initiatives, including our Pediatric and Family Outreach and ongoing health education programs that provide access to care and services, including access to medical experts in the community and linkages to resources.
We have partnerships with many Washington, D.C., community-based organizations that address lack of access to healthy food and transportation, food insecurity, or other social determinants of health.
Please click here to view our Washington, D.C., Community Health brochure. If you have questions about community health, community benefit, or would like to partner with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital on community health initiatives, contact Khaleelah Cohen at khaleelah.l.hardie@medstar.net.
Better choices, better health online program
Living with a long-term health condition? Connect with others to stay healthy and connected while managing chronic conditions. Join a 6-week online Better Choices, Better Health workshop to get support from people just like you. And it's FREE to Washington, D.C., residents. MedStarHealth.org/LiveWell.
Community health needs
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is proud to release its 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and its implementation strategy, along with our Community Benefits Report. The CHNA uses a community-driven approach that supports the hospital in planning and carrying out community-based programming to more effectively handle the health needs of underserved and vulnerable populations. The three-year implementation strategy identifies the hospital's community benefit service area, the most important health priorities, and activities with measurable outcomes.
Report to the community
Learn about some of the most effective community-based programs and services we offer throughout the region.
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View the 2023 Report to the Community
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View the 2022 Report to the Community
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View the 2021 Report to the Community
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View the 2020 Report to the Community
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View the 2019 Report to the Community
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View the 2018 Report to the Community
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View the 2017 Report to the Community
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View the 2016 Report to the Community
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View the 2015 Report to the Community
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital’s 340B Program
Congress created the 340B drug savings program to help those hospitals serving vulnerable communities expand access to prescription drugs and support essential services for their communities. The savings generated from the 340B drug discount program are used to help offer needed services to our community such as the ones described below.
Access to care for Vulnerable Populations
MedStar Health is committed to providing care to the communities we serve when they need it most. Hospitals provide pathways for financial assistance for individuals that are unable to afford their treatment services. MedStar Health also provides innovative approaches to support District of Columbia and Maryland health goals.
- Prescription assistance funding and assistance with accessing prescription medications for patients in need are available.
- Patient Financial Services provides financial assistance to uninsured patients who reside within the communities we serve by assisting with enrollment in publicly-funded entitlement programs, refer patients to state or federal insurance exchange navigator resources and assist with securing funding that may be available from other charitable organizations.
- Transportation in partnership with Uber, Medstar has created a convenient program with a reliable means of transportation for vulnerable patients to travel to and from medical appointments and health education activities.
- Physicians in the Community MedStar Health invests in physicians, nurses, specialists and other clinical leaders to provide services in the communities we serve.
Health and Wellness
MedStar Health outreach teams offers classes, events and activities to support a healthy body, mind and spirit. We also recognize that at-risk, high -needs individuals living in our communities need access to peer outreach, chronic disease management, screenings and prevention education.
- Chronic Disease Prevention & Management Programs are offered throughout the year at low or no cost to the participants to influence education, self-management and promote a living healthy.
- Living Well Self-Management Programs offers evidence based six-week workshops for adults who have long lasting health problems with ideas to help them take charge of their health and live active and enjoyable lives. Family members and caregivers are also welcome.
- Diabetes Prevention Programs offers evidence-based year-long programs to help community members prevent diabetes through life balance and weight management.
- Smoking Cessation Programs are offered to provide community members a forum increase awareness and the intention to quit among smokers
- Cancer Screenings MedStar Health recognizes the importance of early detection for cancer and has programs available for those who may not be able to afford these lifesaving screenings on their own. Our community outreach teams focus on empowering the community with information and screenings for the most common types of cancer in the communities we serve.
- Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) a universal screening program for screening and identification of substance use disorder; with a goal of providing referrals for substance abuse treatment. Peer Recovery Coaches provide brief intervention and referrals to community support services and treatment centers.
- The Opioid Overdose Survivor’s Outreach Project (OSOP) a field based initiative, statistics show that those who survive an opioid overdose have a 60% mortality rate unless they are actively engaged in treatment. MedStar Health sends peer recovery coaches in the field to see recent overdose survivors and link them to treatment services, naloxone trainings and provide a consistent point of contact should someone wish to enter care.
- Support Groups MedStar Health offers many support groups for caregivers and the community to support each other and promote health, independence, and well-being.
Social Determinants of Health
MedStar Health invests in programs and partnerships that address the social needs of patients and community members.
- Community Health Workers provides advocates who work with patients to connect them to resources in the community, such as food pantries, paying for prescription medications and transportation assistance.
- Universal Social Needs Screenings MedStar Health’s social needs screening tool helps to identify the social issues that affect individuals health outcomes and facilitate sensitive conversations about nonmedical needs that maybe a barrier to good health.
- Food as Medicine Initiatives address food insecurity and contribute to reducing hunger and improving health through joint programmatic solutions in the communities served by MedStar Health.