Jeannine McMillian to lead 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health

Updated on August 12, 2021

The promotion, which will bring about the ‘Center 2.0,’ is effective on August 16.

Thomas Jefferson University is pleased to announce that Jeannine McMillan has been promoted to lead the 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health, a collaborative research and resource Center focused on population health and disease prevention located in Johnstown, Pa.

In the two years since McMillan joined the Center, she helped bolster the renowned Community Care HUB which, established in September 2020, “aims to impact health outcomes by addressing risk factors associated with poor health outcomes.”

McMillan, who served as the HUB’s executive director since September 2019, said its mission will expand to focus on community collaborations to address social determinant of health needs development of an updated Community Health Needs Assessment, research and health education. 

She noted that COVID-19 made many of these initiatives an even greater importance for their work in Cambria and Somerset counties.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead the center, see opportunities for growth and expanded offerings,” she said. “We are well positioned to establish the ‘Center 2.0’ now that the HUB is up and running. I am very excited about the next chapters ahead!”

Dr. Billy Oglesby, interim dean of Thomas Jefferson University’s College of Population Health (JCPH) in Philadelphia, said he sees a bright future for the Center.

Jeannine has done a remarkable job establishing the Community Care HUB as a trusted resource in the community,” he said of the McMillian and the Center, which is a collaborative venture between the 1889 Foundation Inc. and JCPH. “I have no doubt she will excel in this new role leading the development of new initiatives that improve population health in the region.”

The Community Care HUB coordinates services to members of the community who face complex health needs. Following a national model that has a proven track record, the HUB expands upon existing resources, eliminates barriers to care, and builds capacity in the community. This is particularly important in Cambria and Somerset counties, which currently rank 62nd and 47st in Pennsylvania for health outcomes in 2019 respectively. 

The HUB is currently focused on coordinating care for at-risk pregnant women and youth in the Greater Johnstown School District in its communities, but looks to expand this model to additional populations this year and beyond.

Susan Mann, president of the 1889 Foundation Inc., agreed. She noted that McMillian’s leadership helped launch the HUB, hiring and training six community health workers during a very challenging time.

“I have full confidence in Jeannine’s leadership skills to grow and enhance the work of the Center to help bring innovative solutions to address the complex public health issues, including the socio-economic and cultural factors, that are influencing the health of our region,” Mann said.

Prior to serving as HUB executive director, McMillan served as manager of strategic planning for Duke LifePoint/Conemaugh Health System, where she coordinated the Community Health Needs Assessment. 

Her community activities include sitting on the boards of directors for the Cambria County Drug Coalition and The Learning Lamp. In addition, she serves on the Health and Wellness Committee of the Vision Together Johnstown Redevelopment Strategy. She holds an M.Ed. in adult education from Penn State University. 

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