Approximately one year after joining forces to create one of the United States’ leading integrated academic health systems, Jefferson and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) are celebrating the progress on delivering “More for You.”

“One year ago, we promised to give our communities more, and today I’m proud to say we’re delivering on that commitment,” said Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson.

“Together, we have brought new treatments to patients and invested in the health of our neighborhoods. Most importantly, we remain unwavering in our mission to improve lives. There is much more to come as we continue building the future of care.”

During the past year, Jefferson has expanded access to care through new and enhanced services across the region:

Patients now benefit from the region’s first Women’s Health Center at Tower Place in Bethlehem; a new Health Center at Tower Place offering primary and specialty care, and additional ExpressCARE walk-in locations in downtown Allentown and Tower Place.

Jefferson is preparing to open Hanover Hill Behavioral Health Hospital, a joint-venture project with Universal Health Services, near LVH - Muhlenberg, while construction continues on an expanded emergency department at LVH - Muhlenberg and new neighborhood hospitals in Tannersville and Hellertown.

Jefferson has also introduced advanced treatment options to the region, including CAR-T cell therapy for certain cancers; liver transplant services in the Lehigh Valley; histotripsy to destroy liver tumors without surgery or radiation, and focused ultrasound for essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease.

In addition, Jefferson became one of the first health systems to offer elbow joint implants, further expanding access to innovative care close to home.

Beyond expanding care, the combined organization is investing in healthier communities in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Jefferson Health Plans now offers affordable, high-quality coverage to more residents. Jefferson colleagues are advancing their education to better serve patients through opportunities at Thomas Jefferson University. Jefferson Health has 10 hospitals that have earned “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group for safety.

Jefferson continues to grow local economies through initiatives such as the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic, an official PGA TOUR Champions event coming to Lehigh Country Club in the fall of 2026, and community partnerships with ArtsQuest SteelStacks and the Turn & Grind redevelopment project. These investments strengthen the region by supporting local businesses and fostering vibrant, healthy communities.

“We’re breaking down barriers and expanding access so patients can count on seamless, high-quality care close to home,” said Baligh Yehia, MD, MPP, MSc, FACP, President, Jefferson Health.

“This integration is about aligning our strengths, coordinating care, and investing in the services and partnerships that build healthier communities, one collaboration and one patient at a time,” Yehia said.

About Jefferson

Jefferson is reimagining health care and higher education to create unparalleled value throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. More than 65,000 people strong, Jefferson is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients; making communities healthier and stronger; preparing tomorrow’s professional leaders for 21st-century careers, and creating new knowledge through basic-programmatic, clinical and applied research.

Thomas Jefferson University, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson College of Nursing, and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, dates back to 1824 and comprises 10 colleges and three schools offering 200-plus undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 8,300 students.

Jefferson Health, nationally ranked as one of the Top 15 not-for-profit health-care systems in the U.S. and the largest provider in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas, serves patients through millions of encounters each year at 32 hospital campuses and more than 700 outpatient and urgent care locations throughout the region.

Jefferson Health Plans, through Health Partners Plans, Inc., is a not-for-profit managed health-care organization offering a broad range of health coverage options to more than 370,000 members for more than 35 years.

Information on Lehigh Valley Health Network: https://www.lvhn.org/