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Meet flu fighters Jennifer Kraschnewski and Andrea Murray. Jennifer and Andrea facilitate the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program at the Pennsylvania State University Hershey Medical Center. Their REACH programexternal icon actively engages members of the community to plan and carry out proven strategies that are culturally appropriate to prevent chronic diseases, promote healthy behaviors and address the root causes of racial and ethnic health disparities. The REACH program tailors practice- and evidence-based strategies locally related to the pillars of nutrition, physical activity and community clinical linkages to reflect the needs of the communities.
Dr. Jennifer Kraschnewski is a primary health care provider who acts as the principal investigator for the REACH program. She serves as a bridge between the community and organizers to promote healthy behaviors, including flu vaccination. In this role, she ensures the program stays on track and can pivot when necessary, like during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Kraschnewski fights flu because as a primary care provider, she recognizes that prevention is key. Flu vaccination is an opportunity to prevent what can be a devastating illness one that, unfortunately, she has witnessed in her own patients. Dr. Kraschnewski believes public health is vital and loves to be part of the community efforts to help improve health equity throughout the state of Pennsylvania.