Creating a healthier and more connected community
Adams County is home to many; some live here their whole lives and others only for a short time. Surrounded by our scenic views and historical landmarks are individuals making a living and writing their own stories.
Healthy Adams County recognized the need to prioritize the health of its residents to ensure the overall health of Adams County. “We work to provide accessible and trustworthy information to those who need it,” says Kathy Gaskin, executive director of Healthy Adams County. “Knowledge can help the community thrive.”
Founded in 1996, Healthy Adams County emerged from the idea that improving local health requires getting the whole community involved. “Giving back creates a sense of purpose,” says Gaskin. “It makes you feel good, and it helps people. Win-win.” Through partnerships, hardworking staff, volunteers and dedication to the community, the organization supports the physical and mental well-being of local residents.
Much of the organization’s work is conducted through task forces, which consist of volunteers and professionals collaborating on specific areas of need. Once comprising roughly 20 task forces, the organization now focuses its efforts on nine. That change does not stem from a lack of help; the mission to support community health has only grown. By supporting outside organizations, Healthy Adams County can ensure the community receives the same amount of assistance while honing its own efforts on areas that need more attention.
The Adams County Food Policy Council is one of the task forces. Its mission is to make healthy food accessible to everyone through programs such as Healthy Options, Fruit and Vegetable Bucks, and Double Dollars. From October through May, Fruit and Vegetable Bucks recipients can receive discount produce at Kennie’s Markets. During the summer, the program operates through the Adams County Farmers Market to support local small businesses. “The Fruit and Vegetable Bucks started as a program for SNAP recipients,” says Gaskin. “But we include people who may be eligible for SNAP and don’t receive it.”
Healthy Adams County also has task forces focused on physical and mental health. The Adams County Women’s Cancer Coalition works to educate about and increase access to screening and treatment options for female cancers. The task force partners with WellSpan Health to bring mobile mammography events to Adams County. The Physical Fitness Task Force hosts walking and hiking events to promote physical activity while enjoying the outdoors. The Adams County Walking Routes resource provides information on trail locations, length, conditions and more, aiming to influence the community to be more physically active. The Behavioral Health Task Force works to educate the community on terminology, risk factors and warning signs, mental health providers and support groups.
The 2025 Adams County Community Health Needs Assessment enables Healthy Adams County to identify stress factors and direct its efforts toward addressing them. According to the assessment, poor community health is linked to inadequate nutrition, reduced physical activity and poor mental health. Since 2022, there has been an increase in stress related to access to food and financial resources. “We laid out our goals for the next three years based on the results of the community health assessment,” says Gaskin.
Looking to the future, Healthy Adams County aims to place a greater focus on providing resources for seniors. With the county’s senior population growing, the organization aims to address challenges such as seniors’ ability to afford housing and how to help seniors facing isolation. It also aims to provide end-of-life resources, despite how challenging those conversations can be. “No one wants to think about death,” says Gaskin, “but planning for the end can make you and your family feel more at ease.” The end-of-life resource booklet addresses estate planning, hospice providers, funeral homes and provides multiple checklists, among other topics.
The organization is more than just promoting physical and mental health; it serves as a powerful reminder that we can only thrive when we work together. Supporting Healthy Adams County means supporting the community, especially with all donations going directly into the programs. Through donations and volunteering, the organization and the Adams County community can work together to create a better and brighter future. “My dream is for everyone to have access to the things they need: housing, food, wellness services—everything,” says Gaskin.
Healthy Adams County
Learn more about Healthy Adams County and support its mission by visiting www.healthyadamscounty.org
424 S. Washington St., Gettysburg
717-337-4137
Learn More
Direct links to the following guides and assessments can be found on the organization’s website. Some of the resources include:
2025 Adams County Community Health Needs Assessment
Adams County Walking Routes
Adams County Local Foods Guide
Adams County Mental and Behavioral Health Providers Resource Guide
End-of-Life Care Information and Resource Booklet
