UPMC Health Plan

Contact: Denise Hughes, UPMC Health Plan

Phone: 412-983-3836

E-mail: HughesDR2@UPMC.edu

Contact: Karen Beardsley, UPMC

Phone: 814-392-3362

E-mail: BeardsleypetitKL@UPMC.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Erie, Pa., July 31, 2025 – UPMC Health Plan, in collaboration with community partners, opened the doors today to the new UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center with a ribbon cutting and guided tours of the 4,000-square-foot facility, located at 803 East Avenue, Erie, Pa.

The Neighborhood Center will serve UPMC Health Plan members and all individuals and families in the Erie region, providing a wide range of essential services including:

A marketplace-style food pantry in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania
Job search and application assistance services offered UPMC Pathways to Work and PA CareerLinks®
Literacy and educational resources
Hamot Health Foundation health insurance navigators
Referrals to support services and community connections

“Today’s ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates what we believe is a reflection of our collaborative, community-based approach to support health and well-being, especially in areas impacted by health inequities,” said Mary Beth Jenkins, president and CEO of UPMC Health Plan.

Jenkins continued, “As an integrated health system, we recognize that good health depends upon so much more than just the medicine you take. The Neighborhood Center’s combination of services — specifically in demand in this part of Erie — reflects this whole person approach to health care.”

Gregory D. Hall, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, shared: “We are proud to partner with UPMC Health Plan to bring nutritious food directly to community members. Food insecurity is a major barrier to good health, and this new center will help ensure individuals and families in Erie have access to the resources they need to thrive.”

In addition, on Sunday, Aug. 10, the Neighborhood Center will host a community open house from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. as a part of the 4th Annual Wayne Community Health Fair led by BUILD CDC.

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About UPMC Insurance Services

The UPMC Insurance Services Division serves more than 4.1 million members and is owned and operated by UPMC, a world-renowned health care provider and insurer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The UPMC Insurance Services Division provides commercial products through UPMC Health Plan for both groups and individuals. Its commercial products also include workers' compensation and employee assistance from nationally known Workpartners^®. Government products include Medicare Advantage plans (UPMC for Life); special needs plans for those who are eligible for Medicare and Medical Assistance (UPMC for Life Complete Care and UPMC Community HealthChoices); a Medical Assistance plan (UPMC for You); and Children's Health Insurance Program plans (UPMC for Kids). Community Care Behavioral Health Organization—one of the nation's largest nonprofit managed care behavioral health organizations—is also part of the Insurance Services Division. Community Care offers a full range of services to commercial and Medical Assistance members. For more information, visit upmchealthplan.com.

About UPMC

UPMC is a world-renowned, nonprofit health care provider and insurer committed to delivering exceptional, people-centered care and community services. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC is shaping the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research, and education. Dedicated to advancing the well-being of our diverse communities, we provide nearly $2 billion annually in community benefits, more than any other health system in Pennsylvania. Our 100,000 employees — including more than 5,000 physicians — care for patients across more than 40 hospitals and 800 outpatient sites in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland, as well as overseas. UPMC Insurance Services covers more than 4 million members, providing the highest-quality care at the most affordable price. To learn more, visit UPMC.com.

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UPMC Health Plan and Community Partners Celebrate New UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center in Erie