Streng­then

Discover how together we are strengthening communities — aligning resources and systems for a healthier future.

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Partnership for Playgrounds

Collaboration among the Healthier Together Initiative at CHOP, the Trust for Public Land and Add B. Anderson Elementary School’s principal and other stakeholders — with design help from the school’s students — turned a half an acre of asphalt into a haven that supports active play and encourages spending time outdoors.

The project also brings a safe space to the Cobbs Creek neighborhood, providing a meeting place for community events beyond the school’s operations. Learn More

New playground at Add B. Anderson Elementary School

Shared Goals Benefit Children, Community

Research shows that when kids are active during recess, they can better focus when they return to the classroom. The renovated playground at Anderson Elementary provides different areas for different types of play.

The students at Anderson, and the residents of Cobbs Creek, deserve every amenity that we see in neighborhoods of greater privilege. Everyone should have a welcoming, beautiful and safe place outdoors where they can learn, play and gather with neighbors. We all have a role to play in addressing inequality, and the schoolyard at Anderson represents one step in the right direction.

Anderson Elementary School Principal, Laurena Zeller

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2022

Safe Medication Disposal Saves Lives

Leftover medications in the home, especially opioids, present a danger to a curious toddler or to a youth seeking to use or to harm themselves. By placing secure drug take-back bins near the entrances to our Philadelphia and King of Prussia hospitals, CHOP gives families a simple, anonymous way to keep their entire family safe by getting their old meds out of the house. Learn More

Drug take-back bin in use

A Plus for the Community

Jordan Lewis, PhD, as Policy Director for the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, heads up the state’s take-back bin initiative. Did you know more than 1 million pounds of medications have been safely disposed of via the state's bins?

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2022

Medicine and More: The Family Connects Program

Sometimes, a family visiting the Emergency Department at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has social needs that go beyond their child's immediate medical problem. Families may struggle to have enough food or a safe place to live. CHOP created Family Connects to provide community resources to meet those social needs. Learn More

Dr. VonHoltz standing outside CHOP emergency department

Families' Most-Requested Areas of Need

  • Housing
  • Food resources
  • Baby/child items
  • Utility needs
  • Community mental health resources
  • Child/daycare
  • Transportation
  • Financial assistance
  • Clothing
  • Education resources
  • Applying for social services
  • Employment
  • Health/dental insurance
  • Teen resources
  • Disease-specific information
  • Primary care resources
  • Case management

From its inception in the summer of 2020, Family Connects has:

Reached out to more than 20,500 Families
Distributed 1,300 Free gun locks
Provided resources and
emotional support to
6,000 Families
Seen participation
from more than
300 Student Volunteers
* As of March 2024
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2024