Caring for the Commonwealth: UPMC

Helping People Stay on Their Feet:  UPMC Takes Bone and Joint Prevention into the Community

September 25, 2026

HAP’s Caring for the Commonwealth series showcases the innovative programs led by Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems—and, most importantly, the difference they make for communities. The series brings these stories to life, highlighting how our members are improving health and creating stronger, healthier communities.

For many people, bone and joint problems can become more common with age. But pain and loss of mobility don't have to be inevitable. UPMC, with support from both the Richard King Mellon Foundation and the AMD3 Foundation, is taking a proactive approach to bone and joint health with a new screening program designed to identify risks early and help people maintain their mobility, independence, and quality of life.

UPMC’s program combines five simple screenings with personalized education and follow-up, with a particular focus on people who may have limited access to preventive care, said Rachel Zapf a research writer with UPMC.

Since the program began more than 1,200 people have received education and screening, she said. The program demonstrates how health systems can shift bone and joint care from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, while helping people stay mobile and independent.

Key takeaways:

• Addresses a major health issue:  Bone and joint conditions contribute to pain, disability, falls, fractures, and loss of independence, particularly among older adults and underserved populations.
• Moves care upstream:  Rather than waiting for injuries, worsening arthritis, or functional decline, the program identifies risks early and connects people with appropriate follow-up care.
• Makes prevention accessible:  Screenings were offered free of charge in community settings, eliminating common barriers such as transportation, insurance, and referrals.
• Reaches underserved communities: The program held 72 screening and education events across 26 underserved communities. From those screening events, 270 people were identified as at risk and referred for additional care.
• Focuses on independence, not just disease:  The program connects bone and joint health to everyday life—being able to move safely, participate in activities, and remain independent. Participants received individualized scorecards, recommendations, and activity-based guidance, rather than simply being handed test results.
• Long-term goal:  The program could eventually expand beyond screening and education to provide on-site care within community settings.

HAP's Caring for the Commonwealth series presents impactful programs led by our members. If you have an interesting story to share, please contact Kim Yakowski, HAP’s manager, media relations