 
BCHIP
History of the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership Inc. (BCHIP)
St. Mary Medical Center is among the founding members of BCHIP.
The Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership, originally called Bucks County Health Improvement Project, began in June of 1993 when Bucks County’s seven community hospitals, the county Health Department, and local Medical Society collaborated on a study of health needs of Bucks County. The report, issued in November 1994, led to the incorporation of this unique non-profit organization to address unmet health needs. The CEO’s of the seven hospitals, the Director of the Health Department and a Board member of the Medical Society provided the initial leadership. The current BCHIP Board of Directors includes these healthcare executives along with several additional community leaders. A second health and human services needs assessment, conducted in partnership with United Way of Bucks County, was completed in October 2002, which led to expansion of BCHIP’s initiatives.
The underlying problem of insufficient access to basic health services – medical and dental – remains BCHIP’s primary focus. With the assistance of a three-year federal grant in 2002, BCHIP opened a free health clinic for uninsured adults, a dental network for uninsured children and adults, a health promotion program to reduce cardiovascular risks, an enrollment program for Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance Program as well as support for mental health counseling at a teen center.
BCHIP has countywide task forces that work together non-competitively to address gaps in service and to improve the health status of residents, including the Domestic Violence Task Force, the Child Health Committee, and the Wellness Partnership which focuses on health promotion activities. BCHIP works in close partnership with human service providers, insurers, employers, faith communities and schools to enhance the quality of life in Bucks County. During its history, BCHIP has collaborated with more than 65 organizations/agencies and over 150 community members.
BCHIP Programs include:
- BCHIP Adult Health Clinic in Bensalem (using space donated by St. Mary Medical Center) serves low-income, uninsured adult residents of Bucks County
Call for appointment or
information: 215-633-8397
- BCHIP Children’s Dental Program serves low-income, uninsured children of Bucks County
Call for
appointment or information: 1-800-347-6803
- BCHIP Tobacco Control Program provides smoking
cessation and education classes at hospitals throughout Bucks County.
Call for information: 215-710-2264.
- BCHIP Hearts and Soles Program promotes regular activity and healthy
nutrition through walking clubs and community groups. Call for information:
215-710-2264
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