Crozer-Keystone Health System's (CKHS) overall mission is to improve the health status of its community and to measure that status on a regular basis.  CKHS has done that every two years for the last 12 years.

Many programs and services are developed as a result of the CKHS Needs Assessment report.  Over the last decade, CKHS has worked toward achieving Healthy People 2010 goals - benchmarks set forth by the federal government for achieving better health - for Delaware County.  Achievements have been made in healthier lifestyles, greater use of preventative care, and advances in medicine. 

The people of Delaware County have a significantly lower rate of coronary heart disease than the rest of Pennsylvania; however, their rates of stroke and all cancer-related deaths are higher.  Delaware Countians also use cancer screenings at a very high rate and have achieved Healthy People 2010 targets for mammograms, fecal occult blood and sigmoidoscopy screenings.  However, continued attention is needed to improve cervical cancer screening and smoking rates.  Delaware County is a healthy community, but many challenges lie ahead for bringing quality health care to all CKHS constituents.