The Challenge
Located in 16501—Pennsylvania’s poorest ZIP code—Community Health Net serves as a critical safety net provider for the City of Erie. At the start of our engagement, CHN faced leadership transitions, limited patient growth, and stagnant revenue. Despite its reach—serving one in four Erie residents—the organization needed a long-term vision and an actionable plan to expand its impact.
Our Approach
Strategic Arc began by developing a comprehensive strategic plan featuring 10-year aspirational goals and 5-year objectives tied to measurable outcomes. We didn’t stop there. As CHN transitioned leadership, we provided continuity and guidance, helping the organization activate, adapt, and realign the plan as conditions evolved.
Over time, we assumed full responsibility for CHN’s marketing and communications—delivering public-facing campaigns, crisis communications during COVID-19, media relations, and community engagement efforts that reflected CHN’s expanding mission.
The Result
CHN’s transformation was profound. Revenue grew from $9 million to over $12 million. The active patient base grew from under 12,000 to more than 20,000. Today, CHN employs over 100 staff members and continues to expand services that meet the region’s most pressing needs. The organization has emerged as one of Erie’s most trusted healthcare providers—rooted in the community and guided by a clear strategic vision.
What We Delivered
- Strategic planning (10-year goals, 5-year objectives, activation support)
- Executive advisory through leadership transition
- Crisis communications during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Full-service marketing and campaign management
- Community engagement and media relations
- Ongoing plan updates and adaptive support
