Jewish Healthcare Foundation
The Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) is an activist and grantmaking foundation dedicated to advancing healthcare innovation, advocacy, collaboration, and education to improve population health.
Services
The Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) provides a range of services geared toward improving healthcare outcomes. It operates initiatives like the AIDS Free Pittsburgh, aimed at ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Allegheny County, and the Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence (COE) Technical Assistance Project in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh's School of Pharmacy. The foundation also coordinates educational programs such as the BH Fellows program, which offers loan repayment and training for behavioral health workers. JHF supports patient safety through various efforts including the National Patient Safety Board (NPSB) initiative and the Patient Safety Technology Challenge.
Grantmaking and Initiatives
Since its inception, JHF has awarded over $120 million in grants aimed at improving health and healthcare. It has committed substantial funding to projects such as the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh for COVID-19 relief, and the Jewish Association on Aging. The foundation has invested in maternal care, awarding over $4 million in grants to innovative projects focused on reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. JHF also supports programs like the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative (PA PQC) and Pittsburgh: A Safer Childbirth City initiative.
Educational and Training Programs
JHF is dedicated to advancing healthcare education through specialized programs like the Feinstein Fellowships, offering a multi-disciplinary learning environment for graduate students and professionals. The foundation runs an annual Champions Programs to elevate skills and knowledge of healthcare leaders. It also supports training and engagement in patient safety through initiatives such as the Up Next for Patient Safety podcast series and the Teaching Nursing Home Collaborative, which aims to improve outcomes for nursing home residents. The PA Youth Advocacy Network is another key program, bringing together youth and youth organizations to advocate for change.
Public Health and Community Engagement
JHF plays a significant role in public health and community engagement. It serves as the fiscal agent for State HIV/AIDS funding in southwestern Pennsylvania and manages the Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI), which engages HIV-positive individuals who have been lost-to-care. The foundation’s Dementia Friends Pennsylvania initiative educates communities about dementia. JHF has also developed a strategic workplan to address healthcare inequities faced by older women. Community initiatives include the Squirrel Hill Health Center, a federally-qualified health center providing affordable care, and education efforts about Ashkenazi Jewish genetic diseases.
Collaborations and Networks
JHF is involved in multiple collaborations and networks aimed at improving healthcare. It facilitates the HealthChoices Patient-Centered Medical Home Learning Network across Pennsylvania. The Regional Autonomous Patient Safety (RAPS) Initiative is another key effort, aimed at fostering innovation in healthcare safety within the Pittsburgh region. JHF's Teen Mental Health Collaborative provides platforms for youth-serving organizations to share support strategies for teens. Additionally, the Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence (COE) Technical Assistance Project is conducted in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh's School of Pharmacy to tackle opioid addiction.