The WCMC first implemented a medical advocacy project (MAP) with Abington Memorial Hospital in 1993. Established as one of three pilot projects funded in Pennsylvania, our Abington Memorial Hospital partnership became a national prototype for suburban hospital settings and was recognized in 2007 by the GlaxoSmithKline Impact Awards committee for its contributions to the healthcare community.
We currently provide onsite staffing at Abington/Jefferson Healthcare sites at Abington Memorial Hospital and Abington-Lansdale Hospital, as well as Holy Redeemer Hospital. Additionally we provide support to Bryn Mawr Hospital, Pottstown Memorial Hospital and Einstein Healthcare.
Over the past 25 years, our medical advocacy has evolved and adapted to include the unique challenges and requirements of each institution. Initially established to promote universal screening and training, our medical advocacy efforts also promote advocacy for underserved populations such as elder abuse at Abington Jefferson Health and child advocacy, maternity care and human trafficking at Holy Redeemer. Our Abington MAP, working with the hospital’s Gerontology Department, is viewed as the premiere resource in our county for identifying and responding to elder abuse.
The goals of our MAP are to provide:
- Professional training to medical providers to promote universal screening, identification and early intervention.
- Systems advocacy and technical support to the hospital in developing and improving protocols/procedures.
- Seamless transition to counseling, legal and supportive services for victims identified by the medical providers.