The BRHF Bulletin

Issue 4, July 2026

Welcome to the July Issue of "The BRHF Bulletin"!

Each month, we share stories, insights, and resources that highlight the people, partnerships, and initiatives working to improve health and well-being throughout our region. Through this newsletter, we aim to keep our community informed about emerging health and well-being trends, innovative programs, and the collective efforts that are creating healthier, more vibrant communities. We hope these stories inspire, educate, and strengthen our shared commitment to advancing health equity and opportunity for all.

My name is Kimberly Porsch, Director of Grantmaking, and I would like to give an introduction of myself and my role at the Buhl Regional Health Foundation (BRHF).

I joined in 2016; the day it was approved to be a Healthcare Conversion Foundation. Shortly after, I became the foundation’s first Grants Manager (now Director of Grantmaking) led efforts to research, design, develop and implement an Online Grant Application Process along with developing Grant Procedures and a Grant Policy.

In my day to day, I manage that entire grant application life cycle from building new Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Mini-Grant processes to coordinating routine correspondence, collaborating closely with grantees, applicants, Foundation’s Grants Committee Members, Executive Director and Board Members.

It is a privilege working alongside dedicated nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and partners who are addressing some of our region's most pressing health challenges. I also drive the design, building and implementation of our online scholarship application process for high school seniors, visiting all of the Mercer County high schools to promote our scholarships, and present awards to the recipients.

Our July issue is a collection of stories and perspectives that reflect the impact of community-driven solutions and the importance of investing in health and well-being. Within this issue, we explore several topics that underscore the many factors influencing community well-being and health.

In this month’s newsletter you’ll find:

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter and for your continued partnership in building healthier communities in Mercer County. Whether you are a grantee, community partner, volunteer, or supporter, your contributions help advance the work that makes lasting change possible.

We hope you find value in the stories and resources shared in this issue and invite you to join us in continuing the conversation about creating opportunities for all people to live healthy, fulfilling lives!

Kimberly Porsch

Director of Grantmaking

Investing in Wellness:

A volunteer's perspective.

What does long-term community investment really look like? Retired Registered Nurse and longtime BRHF volunteer Tracy Schliep shares a deeply personal reflection on how the Foundation's work has shaped lives—including her own. From advancing health equity during the pandemic to expanding access to free dental care and lifesaving medical equipment, her story offers a powerful reminder that meaningful philanthropy is measured one life, one family, and one community at a time.

"The initiatives funded by the Buhl Regional Health Foundation have had a profound and lasting impact on my life."

-Tracy Schliep, Retired RN and longtime BRHF volunteer

Read Tracy's story and discover the lasting impact of investing in wellness.

7 Vital Conditions:

What does childcare have to do with health?

More than you might think. At BRHF, we believe well-being is shaped by the conditions that surround us every day—from stable housing and lifelong learning to reliable transportation and a sense of belonging.

"Lasting well-being isn't built solely in hospitals or clinics. It's built every day in our homes, schools, workplaces, parks, and neighborhoods."

Learn how The Rippel Foundation's 7 Vital Conditions framework influences our work and why investing upstream creates healthier communities for everyone.

Vision 2 Learn:

Helping Students See a Brighter Future

A child can't fully engage in the classroom if they can't clearly see the board or read their schoolwork. Through its partnership with Vision To Learn, BRHF is helping remove that barrier by bringing free vision screenings, eye exams, and prescription glasses directly into Mercer County schools.

Learn how clearer vision is opening the door to greater confidence, stronger academic outcomes, and brighter futures for local students.

From National Conversations to Local Action:

What National Philanthropy Trends Mean for Mercer County

What if the biggest ideas in health philanthropy could help strengthen Mercer County?

After attending the 2026 Grantmakers In Health Annual Conference, Executive Director Jennifer Barborak shares the emerging trends shaping communities across the country—and why Buhl Regional Health Foundation is already ahead of the curve.

From trust-based philanthropy to smarter use of data and courageous advocacy, discover how these national conversations are reinforcing our local commitment to building a healthier, more resilient future.

MORE THAN LYME DISEASE:

What Pennsylvanians Should Know About Tick Safety this Summer

Most Pennsylvanians know to watch for Lyme disease—but did you know some tick bites can trigger a lifelong allergy to red meat?

As tick activity peaks this summer, learn about the growing risks of tick-borne illnesses, practical ways to protect yourself and your family, and what local medical experts want you to know before heading outdoors.

Learn More

Join the Conversation!

Strong communities are built through shared stories and shared learning. If your organization has news to share, or if you’ve experienced the impact of local programs firsthand, we invite you to reach out and tell us about it.

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