PinnacleHealth System has enjoyed being a part of Harrisburg for more than 140 years. What makes our city so wonderful is that, through good times and bad, individuals and organizations have stepped up to give back to the communities they call home.
A story in TheBurg epitomizes this spirit—a spirit where one person encounters a challenge and seeks a solution (“Let There Be Lights,” June 2014, p. 19).
After falling along a poorly lit section of Front Street, Stacia Zewe decided to do something about it. She didn’t have to, but, in that moment, she wanted to make a difference. Working with Historic Harrisburg Association and Lighten Up Harrisburg, she helped organize a 5K run to raise money to restore some of the streetlights along Front Street. More than 600 participants wore something that glows—like a glow stick—and ran off into the dusk to help illuminate the city they love.
This effort won’t fix all the lights in the city or even all the lights on Front Street, but it will raise awareness of a problem that affects more than one individual. And little by little, working together, we can build consensus and momentum to truly address the problem.
Stacia is a model for us all. Whether we work or live here in the Burg, we share in its services, amenities, culture, dining, arts and sports. We share in the life of the city. This means we also share a responsibility to help make the city a better place.
How can we do that? We may consider ourselves “ordinary,” but ordinary people partnering for a positive change can elicit extraordinary results. We may look around our cities, homes and neighborhoods and feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do. We may want to throw our hands up and say, “What could I possibly do to make a difference?”
You can find that answer in several ways. First, figure out what affects you and your family on a day-to-day basis. Are transportation issues a problem? Do you pass city blight on your way to work? Are you or someone you know suffering from a disease? Do you share a passion for abused or homeless animals? Do you want to help children?
Tap into your passion, and your calling will become clear. Then you’ll know where you would best serve your community and your personal needs. The next step is to begin reaching out to others. It all begins with a question or a conversation. When you find those who share your passion, you’ll be surprised just how quickly the wheels are put into motion.
This philosophy has been at the heart of PinnacleHealth’s mission. We are always reaching out into the community, talking to people, listening and sharing. Many great ideas have resulted from that approach. Harrisburg has been very good to us, and we are proud to support many programs that give back to the city and its residents.
It feels great to be part of such a dynamic and caring community. Together, we are able to support the well-being of our residents in every aspect: medically, socially, spiritually.
Everyone wants to feel as if they belong. And you’ll find no better way to build a stronger connection to your community than by giving back. Get out and talk to your neighbor, local grocer, physician or faith provider about your community. It’s been said before, but “change begins with you.”
I am very fortunate in my job. Every day, I see how giving back to others fuels a greater sense of self, a greater sense of empowerment and a greater sense of hope. I hope you consider joining everyone at PinnacleHealth and giving back to the city.
Michael A. Young is president and CEO of PinnacleHealth System, one of TheBurg’s Community Publishers.
