PCCE- Drexel University (St. Christopher's Hospital) VISTA

St. Christopher¿s Hospital for Children is dedicated to providing high-quality, family-centered healthcare services to children and youth up to age 21, regardless of ability to pay. The hospital also advances its mission through teaching, research, and innovation, fostering a collaborative, culturally responsive environment that supports the health and well-being of children and families.

St. Christopher¿s serves North Philadelphia neighborhoods where childhood poverty rates far exceed the city average of 36.7%, with several communities experiencing rates above 50%. The majority of families served are Black and Latino, and approximately 70% rely on Medicaid. Recent Social Determinants of Health screenings revealed that 47% of families reported at least one unmet social need, increasing to 64% within a few months, highlighting the urgent need for wraparound supports.

The agency seeks to expand hospital-community partnerships, strengthen community engagement, and increase access to social, educational, and health-related resources that address the root causes of health inequities. A VISTA member will build organizational and community capacity by supporting outreach efforts, strengthening partnerships, coordinating community engagement initiatives, and developing systems that enhance service delivery. These efforts will contribute to sustainable hospital-campus-community collaborations that improve access to critical supports, reduce barriers to care, and advance long-term anti-poverty outcomes for children and families.