IN Shaler Spring 2020 | Page 19

Welcome to the Healthy Food Center The Healthy Food Center at West Penn Hospital is the fi rst of its kind in western Pennsylvania. In partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, this center provides healthy food, nutrition counseling, and other educational materials to patients who are aff ected by food insecurity. After being referred to the center by a provider, patients can stop by to learn family-friendly recipes, how to shop for healthy foods on a budget, and get tips on managing health conditions and weight. Thanks to generous donations from Gateway Health and Traveler’s Aid, patients can also receive kitchen utensils and transportation to and from the center. Allegheny Health Network has recognized that health outcomes are more often driven by social determinants of health — like access to nutritious food — rather than medical care. The Healthy Food Center was created to make nutritious meals a reality for more families in the region. Find out more about our healthy food and nutrition services by calling 412-578-5922. Collaborating for better patient outcomes DANIELLE WILLIAMS, CRNP, SEES THE VALUE THE HEALTHY FOOD CENTER GIVES HER PATIENTS. As part of the AHN Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Health team, Danielle Williams, CRNP, helps patients with diabetes understand and manage their conditions. A big part of this education is learning proper nutrition. “To better manage diets, I regularly refer patients to the team at the Healthy Food Center,” Danielle said. “They provide compassionate care to my patients and give helpful insights on how patients can improve their nutrition, how to shop, and how to cook healthier meals.” Danielle has seen fi rsthand how the Healthy Food Center can have a positive impact on her patients’ lives — just like it has for Julia. “Julia was facing multiple challenges in her life and managing her diabetes had become overwhelming. Through counseling, and with help from the Healthy Food Center, she is now back on track, eating well, and her A1C is coming back down.” DANIELLE WILLIAMS, CRNP AHN CENTER FOR DIABETES AND ENDOCRINE HEALTH BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING (412) DOCTORS OR GET MORE INFO AT AHN.ORG/WESTPENN.