My first exposure to the United Way was when a representative spoke to an employee group at St. Luke’s Hospital – Bethlehem.  I was so moved by his story and inspired by the concept that by giving – even a small amount – we can make a difference.  I contributed through our employee campaign, but that notion resonated with me and as I was able, I gave more.

In 2016, I came to St. Luke’s Monroe Campus as the Vice President of Patient Care Services.  I was thrilled about taking on a leadership role at our beautiful new campus but was equally excited to be working in Monroe County.  Having graduated from East Stroudsburg University and worked in the Stroudsburg School District, I knew how community-focused the region was and looked forward to reconnecting with the people in and around Stroud Township.

Serving on Pocono Mountains United Way Board of Directors has allowed me to learn about the needs in our county and the services Pocono Mountains United Way (PMUW) provides.  The organization’s mission, vision and values align with St. Luke’s and we are pleased to partner with PMUW to positively impact the residents (and visitors) of our region.

Committed to our shared priorities of education and health care, St. Luke’s recently partnered with PMUW to form an opioid taskforce, helping to facilitate treatment and recovery for those struggling with addiction.  St. Luke’s provided a drug “take back box” and implemented warm hand-offs, ensuring a seamless transition for overdose survivors from emergency medical care to a drug treatment provider.  As part of this initiative, we also developed a marketing campaign against the stigma of drug abuse.

St. Luke’s Monroe Campus has a significant impact on our community’s health and well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As we care for the community’s physical health, PMUW has focused on providing other critical resources including rent relief, restaurant relief and housing assistance.  Together, we are keeping Monroe County healthy and vibrant.

As a board member I have the privilege of working alongside a group of talented professionals with a wide variety of experience, skills and resources.  This dedicated group works tirelessly to educate and serve our community.  The services provided by the United Way directly impact the most vulnerable of our friends and neighbors.  Without those services, individuals lacking basic needs and resources will likely enter our health care system.  By supporting PMUW, we can ensure a healthy community – physically, mentally and economically.

Please learn more about the needs in our community and find a way to support Pocono Mountains United Way.  Whether you volunteer, advocate or make a financial contribution, remember – by giving a little bit, we can make a difference.

Jill D’Alessandro, Vice President, Patient Care Services, St. Luke’s Monroe Campus
Board of Directors, Pocono Mountains United Way