Penn State Health - Who We Are

Penn State Health is an integrated academic health system serving patients and communities across 15 counties in central Pennsylvania. Our mission is to improve health through patient care, research, education and community outreach.

The system includes: 

Joint ventures:

Penn State College of Medicine is located on the campus of the Milton S. Hershey Center and partners with Penn State Health to improve lives through research and education.

Our Story

Beginning with Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in 1970, Penn State Health has grown to include five adult acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, a children’s hospital, joint operations and 186 outpatient locations.

In 2015, St. Joseph Regional Health Network in Bern Township, Pa., joined Penn State Health and was renamed Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center.

Physicians’ Alliance LTD, the largest independent physician practice group in Lancaster County, joined the health system in 2017. That same year, Penn State Health partnered with Highmark Health to create a value-based, community care network.

Holy Spirit Health System, based in East Pennsboro Township, Pa., became part of Penn State Health in 2020 and was renamed Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center.

Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center, a $300 million acute care hospital in Enola, Pa., opened its doors to patients in 2021.

One year later, Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center, a five-story acute care hospital in East Hempfield Township, Pa., began operations.

Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, a specialty provider of inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services, in Harrisburg, Pa., was created in 2008 through a joint venture by Penn State Health and another health system. It became fully part of Penn State Health in December 2023.

Mission, Vision and Values

All patients receive world-class care based on our mission, vision and values:

Mission

  • Continually improve the health and well-being of the people of Pennsylvania and beyond
  • Provide excellent, compassionate, culturally responsive and equitable care
  • Educate and train health care professionals
  • Advance evidence-based medical innovation through research and discovery

Vision

Our vision is to be Pennsylvania’s most trusted health care organization.

Values

Penn State Health recognizes its employees for fulfilling the RITE values of the organization:

  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Teamwork
  • Excellence

Learn More About Penn State Health

Find a doctor near you or learn about other Penn State Health locations.