Allegheny Health Network Receives $61,000 Grant from the McElhattan Foundation to Launch Trauma Prevention Program in Clarion and Venango Counties

PITTSBURGH, Pa – Allegheny Health Network (AHN) is kicking off a trauma and injury prevention program in Clarion and Venango counties thanks to a generous grant received from the McElhattan Foundation.

Titled the “Community Injury & Violence Prevention Promoter (CIVPP)” program, the initiative taps into the expertise of the AHN trauma and prehospital teams, as well as local emergency medical services professionals to raise awareness around the leading causes of traumatic injury and promote injury prevention.

Over the course of two years, the initiative will stand up a robust network of community events and recruit program ambassadors who will educate the public with injury prevention information, toolkits and tailored course curriculum.

“AHN has a long history of treating patients throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, and this new initiative complements that care by focusing on the importance of prevention and safety education,” said Allie Quick, Allegheny Health Network’s chief philanthropy officer. “To that end, we’re beyond grateful for the McElhattan’s ongoing support and generosity that has made this effort possible. Together, we’re going to truly make a positive impact in these communities.”

CIVPP will look at the primary causes of trauma including motor vehicle accidents, violence, opioid abuse and pediatric injuries and develop useful materials that will equip Clarion and Venango County residents with information that can help to prevent injuries.

The community network and program will be designed in a sustainable way so its reach is extended beyond two years and can be replicated throughout surrounding counties.

“The McElhattan Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that work to ensure that the family’s hometowns of Knox and Franklin, PA are economically vibrant, safe and healthy places to live and work,” said executive director, Lesley Carlin. “We are proud to support AHN’s program that aims to empower all to build and maintain safer communities.”

AHN is home to two trauma centers, both accredited by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation to meet high standards of care – Allegheny General Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and Forbes Hospital is a Level II Trauma Center. AHN’s programs provide care to over 6,000 trauma patients annually from all points across the western Pennsylvania, southeastern Ohio and northwestern West Virginia regions.

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