The mission of the Health Federation of Philadelphia is to improve access to and quality of health care services, particularly primary care, for underserved and vulnerable individuals and families. The Health Federation carries out its mission through activities that enhance effective service delivery, strengthen communities and support or coordinate the work of federally qualified health centers and other related organizations dedicated to a similar or complementary mission.
The Health Federation was founded in 1983 as a forum for community health centers and the City’s Department of Public Health to collaborate on their shared goals of access to health care for underserved populations. Over the past 25 years, HFP has stayed true to its mission while experiencing dramatic growth. While continuing to serve its member community health centers, HFP has also developed a number of direct service programs and a training and technical assistance arm that supports organizations throughout the Philadelphia area.
Programs and activities of the Health Federation are funded through government grants and contracts, foundation grants, and contracts with other healthcare organizations. In addition, member organizations pay dues that help to support HFP operations.
Natalie Levkovich has held the position of Executive Director of the Health Federation of Philadelphia since 1987 and served as Director of Program Development for the three years prior to that. During this tenure, she has led a number of notable community oriented collaborative initiatives and has overseen the organization’s growth from a budget of less than $200,000 to more than $10 million. A highly qualified management team assists Ms. Levkovich in leading the organization.
The majority of members of the HFP Board of Directors represent the organizations that are Federation members. As such, they oversee the development of policies and programs of HFP to assure that the mission is furthered in an accountable and effective manner.
Patricia Deitch, Board Chair
President/CEO
Delaware Valley Community Health Center, Inc.
Ronald Heigler, Board Vice-Chair
Executive Director
Greater Philadelphia Health Action
Phyllis Cater, Board Secretary/ Treasurer
Chief Executive Officer
Spectrum Health Services
Fred Carey
Executive Director
Sayre Health Center
Marcella Lingham
Executive Director
Quality Community Health Care Center
Michael G. Lucas
Executive Director
ChesPenn Health Services
Dorothy Mann
Executive Director
Family Planning Council of Southeastern PA
Susan Post
Executive Director
Esperanza Health Center
Rosetta Smith
Executive Director
Covenant House Health Services, Inc.
Thomas Storey, MD
Director of Ambulatory Health
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Donna L. Torrisi, MSN
Network Executive Director
Family Practice & Counseling Network