CHAMBERSBURG – Healthy Franklin County will host the Franklin County Health Summit on Oct. 14 at Wilson College.
The free, full-day event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a light breakfast and lunch.
The summit opens with a screening of the documentary “Join or Die,” which examines America’s civic decline through social scientist Robert Putnam’s research in “Bowling Alone.” The film emphasizes community connections’ role in bolstering democracy.
A panel discussion follows, featuring local civic leaders Nathan Neil of the Free Masons, Linda Boeckman, a Rotarian, and Amy Hicks of the United Way of Franklin County. They will discuss how civic engagement fortifies communities and enhances individual well-being.
Civic participation includes activities such as volunteering, voting, joining recreational groups and community gardening. These efforts build social capital, expand networks and foster purpose, all tied to better physical and mental health, according to research.
After lunch, Berwood Yost from the Franklin & Marshall Center for Opinion Research and Stephanie Voight from WellSpan Health will present findings from the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment. Conducted every three years by WellSpan Health, the assessment helps identify health priorities and strategies for local healthcare and organizations.
Healthy Franklin County unites stakeholders to craft a joint action plan for improving residents’ health and well-being. The summit will include presentation of the Community Health Champion Award to individuals and organizations impacting the community.
Registration is required by Oct. 7. For details, readers may contact [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/46CFSvo.
