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Get to Know: Sterling
Q&A WITH STERLING DUNLAP
Director, Membership & Business Development
Q: What is a bit about your background and career history that brought you to your current role at YCEA?
I grew up in York Haven and graduated from Northeastern High School in 2001 (insert dinosaur noises here) so I am familiar with York County. I’ve been in sales for just over 10 years now and covered a territory from D.C. to Maine at one time. It’s nice to focus on York County and travel less.
Q: What is your role with the YCEA?
I am the Director of Membership and Business Development. I aim to keep our current members engaged, bring on new members, and help promote businesses with our events and marketing teams.
Q: What inspires you about the work that the YCEA does?
I genuinely enjoy seeing our members engaging with each other at events. They aren’t just there to network; they are there to be with friends.
Q: What do you love best about the work you do?
I love it any time I get to “think outside of the box” for the company. The number one job of anyone working in sales is to provide solutions. I’m an idea man.
Q: What motivates you to do the work you do? What is the “why” behind it?
I enjoy connecting with new people. And I get to meet a lot of new people at our events. If I do my job well, those events will continue to be successful. I want people to enjoy the work we do at the YCEA.
Q: How do you enjoy your downtime in the County?
In the downtown area?
On a golf course. Hot. Cold. I don’t care so long as it isn’t raining too much. Downtown – I enjoy any place that serves beverages. Gotta stay hydrated.
Interested in joining the YCEA or want to learn more about your membership and sponsorship opportunities?
Reach out to Sterling at sdunlap@yceapa.org.
Q: A favorite go-to lunch or dinner spot?
Crimson (Steak Gorgonzola dish) or Victor’s.
Q: For someone interested in relocating to York County, what would be your selling points to them?
You can always find something to do, either downtown, or in the smaller towns throughout the county. In the summer, you can find plenty of baseball to watch.
Big Science in a Small-Town Lab
How Aptagen Labs is Advancing the Global Biotech Industry
By Sterling Dunlap Director, Membership & Business Development
Southern Pennsylvania’s only biotech company has roots that stretch back to a local classroom. Founded in 2004, Aptagen Labs, LLC began as the vision of Dr. G. Thomas Caltagirone, whose passion for science was first sparked in the Dallastown School District. After earning his degree from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science and completing a PhD at Drexel University, Caltagirone returned to Jacobus—bringing world-class scientific expertise back to the community where it all began.
Aptagen develops synthetic antibodies that are used to bind to targets for diagnostics and therapeutics called “aptamers.” These customizable aptamers can be created quickly and designed to recognize a wide variety of targets, binding to their targets with high specificity. Being a synthetic product means they are re-creatable without the risk of batch variations. Aptamers are driving innovation throughout the diagnostic landscape and enable rapid detection of biomarkers, environmental contaminants, and even food safety hazards. Big tech companies and government agencies from all over the world utilize Aptagen’s services.
“I believe if you have the right talent, tools, and space, you can innovate and do incredible things.”
Dr.
Tom Caltagirone
Dr. Caltagirone (aka “Dr. Tom”) is creating more than these antibodies in his lab; he is creating opportunities for high school, college, and graduate students in the biological sciences to learn and gain experience in the industry. His six-month internship program usually consists of six or seven students from all over the United States, as well as countries around the world. The training and resume building have helped numerous students with a path to graduate and medical school.
The interns and college students stay at the forefront of Dr. Tom’s mind, assisting them with housing within walking distance of his current lab to accommodate those without a car. In the future, he envisions a center-city location in Downtown York that includes both lab space and housing, allowing interns to immerse themselves in the area’s attractions—from Central Market to theaters and trendy restaurants “I think being able to offer the staff access to a young professional social life will help attract even more talent,” said Dr. Tom.
In addition to Aptagen, Dr. Tom has created a spin-off company called AptAvian. The focus of the company is to use aptamers focused on the testing and detection of avian flu. The testing can have massive implications for farmers in agriculture. Currently, when avian flu is detected, the farmer may lose the entire flock. Dr. Tom’s testing can narrow the issue to a specific area, helping farmers avoid unnecessary losses.
Dr. Tom remains committed to helping the community by being a member of the local Rotary Club of York and attending Economic Insight breakfasts with the YCEA. His company is small (only six full-time employees), so he “wears many hats” for the operation.
However, it is not about the size of his company, as Dr. Tom said, “I believe if you have the right talent, tools, and space, you can innovate and do incredible things.”
And in a small manufacturing warehouse space in Jacobus, Aptagen Labs is a science laboratory that is doing just that. Learn more at aptagen.com
Strengthening Community Health from the Heart of Downtown York
The Work of Family First Health in Improving Access to Care
By Sarah O’Brien | Director, Downtown Inc
For more than 55 years, Family First Health has been a cornerstone of care in York County. Today, its impact is felt more than ever, where access, innovation, and trust intersect to strengthen both individual health and the vitality of the community.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Family First Health provides accessible, high-quality, patient-centered care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. But its role extends far beyond traditional healthcare delivery. Increasingly, Family First Health serves as a stabilizing force in the local health ecosystem in York County by connecting services, addressing social and economic barriers, and building pathways that make care easier to access and sustain.
“We see ourselves not only as a provider of care, but as a connector and stabilizer within the local health ecosystem,” said Jenny Englerth, CEO of Family First Health.
Downtown York plays a critical role in that mission. The recent opening of Family First Pharmacy directly responds to York County’s growing pharmacy desert, restoring a trusted and convenient option in the urban core. By improving medication access and coordination of care, the pharmacy strengthens health outcomes while reinforcing Downtown York as a place where essential services remain accessible and community-focused.
Family First Health’s integrated model also sets it apart. Patients can receive primary medical and dental care, behavioral health and substance use support, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy services, and expanded
community health programs…all under one umbrella. This whole-person approach reduces fragmentation and ensures continuity, especially for families navigating complex health or life circumstances.
That commitment to meeting people where they are is central to Family First Health’s identity. Through its Community Medical Team and other mobile teams, care is delivered not just in health centers, but in partnership with organizations like LifePath Christian Ministries, Bell Socialization Services, Affordable Housing Advocates, senior centers, and schools throughout York County. In Downtown York and beyond, these partnerships bring care directly into the community, removing transportation barriers and building trust.
“Health is built long before someone enters an exam room—and Downtown York is where many of those foundations are formed.”
Jenny Englerth, Family First Health CEO
Education-based access has also expanded in meaningful ways. In 2024, Family First Health opened its second school-based health center at William Penn Senior High School, providing integrated care directly to students. This model reduces missed class time, supports working families, and addresses health needs before they become obstacles to learning or long-term success.
“Health is built long before someone enters an exam room—and Downtown York is where many of those foundations are formed,” shared Jenny.
Family First Health’s recent milestones reflect a deliberate strategy to address gaps where systems often fail. The addition of podiatry services and urgent dental care at the Springwood Road Dental Center, along with the launch of the Transitions in Care reentry program for individuals returning to the community from York County Prison, demonstrates a focus on continuity, dignity, and stability— especially during vulnerable moments.
Equally important is how community voices shape the organization’s direction. As an FQHC, more than half of Family First Health’s Board of Directors are patients or consumers of services. Feedback from its Consumer Advisory Board and staff who live in the communities they serve ensures that care remains culturally responsive, relevant, and grounded in lived experience.
Looking ahead, Family First Health is focused on sustaining access amid shifting insurance coverage, strengthening its healthcare workforce,
and deepening partnerships that support affordability and care coordination. From its Downtown York presence to its countywide reach, the organization continues to demonstrate that strong communities are built through trust, collaboration, and accessible care.
In YoCo, Family First Health is not just delivering healthcare—it is helping build a healthier, more resilient future for the entire region.
Hub for Wellness
UPMC Pinnacle Foundation Farm to Hospital Program combines the three pillars of wellness: exercise, emotional health, and nutrition
The UPMC Pinnacle Foundation Farm to Hospital program was imagined by Dr. KimberLee Mudge, breast surgeon at UPMC Leader Surgical Associates, as a way to rethink health care by addressing the root causes of illness through nutrition, movement, and whole-person wellness. “Hospitals can treat illness, but they can also be hubs for wellness,” shares Dr. Mudge.
Located on the UPMC Memorial campus in York County, the initiative is one of the first hospital-based farms of its kind in the region and reflects a growing focus on preventive, upstream care.
Funded and spearheaded by the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, with founding support from the Powder Mill Foundation, York Excavating Inc., First Capital Federal Credit Union, and the Memorial Health Fund, the program aligns with a multi-year strategy to strengthen food and nutrition security for patients, families, and the broader community. Through access to fresh food, health education, and strong community partnerships, the initiative supports both clinical care and community wellness by integrating locally grown produce into hospital food services while expanding access to healthy, affordable food across York County.
The farm features three solar-powered, temperaturecontrolled high tunnels designed for year-round growing. Crops are selected and rotated seasonally in collaboration with York Fresh Food Farms, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing food deserts and food insecurity in the region. Daily operations are managed by a fulltime farm manager whose position is supported by the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation.
“What we grow literally comes up the hill and into our kitchen.”
Dr. KimberLee Mudge
Produce grown through the Farm to Hospital program is distributed through multiple channels to maximize community impact. It is integrated into meals served through UPMC Memorial Food Services, sold and distributed by York Fresh Food Farms throughout York City, provided through Community Supported Agriculture programs, distributed via York Fresh Food Farms’ mobile produce vehicle, donated to local food banks and pantries, and shared with UPMC Hanover Food Services to extend the program’s reach. “Everything is right here on our campus, and that really creates a model of wellness,” shared Dr. Mudge. “We lead by example. When people come to or drive past our campus, they see the walking trail, the Breast Cancer Garden of Hope, and our greenhouses along a main corridor into the hospital. What we grow literally comes up the hill and into our kitchen.”
By harvesting an estimated three to four tons of produce annually, the program helps address food insecurity while reinforcing the role of food in preventing and managing chronic disease. The Farm to Hospital initiative is part of UPMC Memorial and the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation’s broader commitment to healthy living, which also includes walking trails, healing spaces, and a culture that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. “Our campus is unique because it supports the three pillars of wellness: exercise, emotional health, and nutrition,” said Dr. Mudge.”
Fresh produce is available for purchase by the community and visitors should bring photo ID to respect security protocols.
While there aren’t set hours, produce is usually set out around 10 a.m. each weekday.
Supply is seasonal, and UPMC encourages community members to come on Tuesdays in the afternoon for the best selection.
For many, the image of healthy living is tied to a gym, pounding away on a treadmill and lifting weights under fluorescent lights. While gyms certainly have their place, they are not the only path to feeling strong, balanced, and well. Often, health begins outdoors, with fresh air, room to roam, and the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other.
That’s what makes hiking such a powerful and accessible activity, and one we are fortunate to have a lot of right here in York County. From the scenic Susquehanna Riverlands to the Heritage Rail Trail, miles of trails offer opportunities to explore, unwind, and move at your own pace. Best of all, hiking is not a test of speed or strength, but an adventure meant to be shared.
One Step at a Time: Finding Health, Community, and Connection on York County’s Trails
By Katelin Tyler | Events & Marketing Manager
York Hiking Club
Community plays a vital role in making the outdoors welcoming, and organizations like the York Hiking Club help lead the way. Open to all experience levels, the club encourages people to step outside, try something new, and see the world from a fresh perspective.
Founded in 1932, the York Hiking Club began as a group of outdoor enthusiasts looking for ways to get back to nature. Nearly a century later, the club continues that tradition, with experienced members leading outings that emphasize responsible outdoor recreation and support for both new and seasoned hikers.
York Hiking Club typically offers hikes most weekends, with an average of 8 to 15 participants per outing. The hikes vary in length and difficulty, ranging from easy 2–3-mile walks at a relaxed pace to longer, more challenging hikes with additional miles and a faster pace. Outside of the health benefits, hiking with a club “…has the additional benefits of visiting new places and experiencing varied scenery, which is a great way to discover more of York County and the surrounding areas,” shares York Hiking Club President, Bernard Frick.
Beyond their weekend outings, volunteers with the York Hiking Club are actively involved in trail maintenance. Participants can join a Thursday morning work group that maintains sections of a trail. “As one of thirteen original Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs, we are responsible for a roughly seven-mile section, including a shelter, on the east side of the river across from Duncannon,” says Frick.
Keystone Trail Association
While local efforts have a significant impact, they are part of a broader network of trail stewardship. At the statewide level, the Keystone Trail Association promotes and protects Pennsylvania’s hiking trails through collaboration with state parks, forests, and private landowners. Since the 1950’s, the association has helped maintain long-distance trails to ensure their accessibility for future generations.
Through seasonal hiking and outdoor weekends, the Keystone Trail Association connects the public with the state’s trails and natural beauty. Weekend-long events take place throughout Pennsylvania’s diverse conservation landscapes each spring and fall, giving participants opportunities to reconnect with nature and explore the region’s history. Over the past two years, Kate Prisby, Manager of Events & Programs, has seen spring weekend attendance increase by about 20-30 percent, attracting newcomers eager to explore local outdoor recreation and connect with fellow hikers.
This year, the Keystone Trail Association returns to the Susquehanna Riverlands to host their Fall 2026 Hiking and Outdoor Weekend, October 23–25. Open to the public, the weekend will feature guided hikes and walks, along with educational programs, serving as an outlet for both physical and mental health.
Kate has experienced firsthand how time on the trail fuels creativity and problem-solving. “I have found there’s a lot more creativity that I can harness when I’m thinking about a problem that maybe seems difficult at my desk,” she shares. “If I get up and go for a hike or a walk outside, it just gets my mind to think differently and to flow differently.” Even just a short time spent outdoors can refresh the mind, inspire new ideas, and enhance overall health.
Together, the York Hiking Club and the Keystone Trail Association highlight how hiking is more than just exercise. It’s community, conservation, and connection. Proof that sometimes the healthiest step forward begins outdoors.
yorkhikingclub.com | kta-hike.org
7 BLOOM BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY
By Marlena Schugt | BLOOM Program Manager
From fitness and nutrition to holistic care, graduates and grant awardees of the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center are making it easier to prioritize your health. Here’s how these local entrepreneurs can support your wellness goals.
Dani, a 2025 BLOOM Class Graduate, operates her fitness studio a little differently than others. With her space in New York Wire Works, she emphasizes her client’s unique individual needs in each training program or workout plan. You’re in the right spot if you’re seeking someone who helps women build strength, confidence, and faith to thrive in body, mind and spirit.
Ariel was awarded a BLOOM Grant in 2024 to further enhance the studio she created in Red Lion where women are encouraged, and empowered, to take up space, navigate their self-love journey, and experience what their body is capable of in a truly judgement-free zone. Between Your Personal Hype Woman, dance classes, aerial yoga, sound meditation and much more, it will likely be the most fun workout you’ll ever have.
Gregory’s fitness facility in West York offers personal training designed to fit all bodies, no matter their age, weight, or size. Both he and Marilyn Gould, his wife and owner of Phoenix Rise, are 2025 BLOOM Class Graduates and always looking to do good in the community. By supporting their businesses, you can achieve your fitness goals and give back at the same time by participating in their neighborhood food and clothing drives.
janellemancusocounseling.com
Janelle, a licensed psychotherapist and 2025 BLOOM Class Graduate, offers trauma-informed, integrative behavioral health care in-person in York County, as well as virtually across the state along with Maryland and Washington, DC. She partners with her clients, whether individuals or communities, to understand the symptoms and patterns which better guide a multi-faceted approach for lasting growth.
aunifiedmind.com
A Unified Mind, led by 2025 BLOOM Grant Awardees
Stephanie and Jennifer PageWise, provides mental health care that prioritizes nature, healing, and community. Between Stephanie’s experience as a clinical social worker and Jennifer’s as a certified sound practitioner, the pair is well-equipped to guide their clients in walk & talk therapy sessions, transformative sound meditation experiences, an LGBTQ+ support group held in a Tree House, and more.
As a 2025 BLOOM Grant Awardee, Monisola and her team at Leaders Homecare provide professional, personalized home care services that enable their patients to live a fulfilling, independent life while safely remaining comfortable in their own home.
Kelsey brings over 10 years of experience to her practice which recently utilized a 2025 BLOOM Grant to relocate to the East York Historic District. With specialized expertise in craniosacral therapy, deep tissue, and intuitive bodywork, Kelsey welcomes clients from across the region who are ready for consistent, intentional bodywork designed to support long-term wellness.
To learn how the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center can help you and your business, visit BLOOMYork.org
What new laws and budget decisions mean for Medicaid, ACA coverage, and
prescription drug prices
By Brendan Salyards
The 119th Congress recently enacted several federal decisions that are changing how people get health coverage, how much they pay for insurance, and how prescription drugs are priced. These changes affect Medicaid, Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, and some Medicare services, with different impacts depending on income, location, and health needs. Below is a highlevel overview of the most significant changes, with references provided for readers who want more detail.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (PL 119-21)
Key Provisions Include:
Most of the health care provisions in PL 119-21 focus on Medicaid and are designed to reduce federal spending to offset tax cuts included elsewhere in the law.
NEW MEDICAID WORK REQUIREMENT: Beginning January 1, 2027, able-bodied adults ages 19–64 without children under age 13 must work or participate in approved job training programs for at least 80 hours per month to maintain Medicaid coverage. The Secretary of Health and Human Services may delay implementation until January 1, 2029
NEW COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: The law establishes a $35 copay for most Medicaid medical services. Exemptions apply to primary care, mental health and substance use services, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and rural hospitals
SUPPORT FOR RURAL HOSPITALS: To help offset the impact of these changes, the law provides $50 billion over four years for rural hospitals.
Together, these Medicaid changes are projected to reduce federal spending by $990 Billion over 10 years (Euhus, et. al, 2025).
| Manager, Economic Initiatives & Analysis
Expiration of Enhanced ACA Subsidies
The enhanced ACA premium subsidies—originally expanded under prior legislation—have expired. According to the Congressional Budget Office, extending these subsidies would have cost
Without the enhanced subsides:
approximately $335 billion over 10 years and would have resulted in about 3.4 million additional people having health insurance each year (Swagel, 2024).
- Some individuals and families are expected to remain enrolled in marketplace plans.
- However, monthly premiums increased significantly for many households that previously qualified for the expanded tax credits—in some cases more than doubling (Luken et al., 2025).
Health Care Changes Included in the 2026 Federal Budget
Some of the White House’s health care proposals were enacted through the federal budget for 2026 rather
LOWER DRUG PRICES:
The government formalized pricing agreements with drug companies and expanded access to over-the-counter medications, with the goal of making prescriptions more affordable.
than as separate laws. These changes focus mainly on prescription drug costs and access to care.
MORE OVERSIGHT OF DRUG MIDDLEMEN:
New rules increase transparency for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and limit their ability to profit from drug rebates that can drive up prices for consumers.
A separate proposal to replace ACA subsidies with direct contributions to Health Savings Accounts was not included but may be considered in future legislation. (Read more: bit.ly/4rdzDqO)
According to the Congressional Budget Office, these changes are expected to save the federal government
EXPANDED TELEHEALTH ACCESS:
Medicare coverage for telehealth visits was extended, especially for patients served by rural and community health clinics.
about $4 billion over 10 years. Supporters say the reforms could also help reduce prescription drug costs for consumers, though the full impact remains unclear. These efforts build on TrumpRX.gov, a new platform that allows consumers to purchase certain prescription drugs directly.
To read more and this feature’s citations, visit bit.ly/HealthCarePolicyChanges or scan the QR Code above.
Events
Entering its 18th year, Go Green in the City is a fun, family-friendly festival that celebrates green, healthy, and local living!
This interactive street fair, presented by PA Health and Wellness & The York Water Company, is happening in Downtown York on Saturday, April 18, from 10 am-3 pm. This event features more than 50 vendors, live music, food, children’s activities, and much more!
For more information, visit downtownyorkpa.com/go-green-in-the-city
For details, visit YCEAPA.org
APRIL
Tuesday, April 14, 11:30 am–1 pm
Changing the Narrative: Women Leading, Innovating, and Challenging Expectations, A WBCO Luncheon presented by UPMC
Heritage Hills Resort, Terrace Room, 2700 Mt. Rose Ave.
Tuesday, April 21, 5-7 pm
YCEA Mixer at Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association
338 S. Front St., Wrightsville
Wednesday, April 29, 7:30-8:30 am
Local Stages, Local Growth:
The Business of Live Music in York County, An Economic Insights Series presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group
Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd.
For details, visit DowntownYorkPA.com
Friday, April 3, 5-9 pm
First Friday presented by WellSpan Health
Downtown York
Thursday, April 30 & Friday, May 1, 7:30-9 am
Give Local York & First Friday
Downtown York
MAY
Tuesday, May 12, 11:30 am–1 pm
A Focus on Mental Health, A WBCO Luncheon Event presented by UPMC Heritage Hills Resort, Terrace Room, 2700 Mt. Rose Ave.
Wednesday, May 27, 7:30-8:30 am
Non-Profit Resiliency & Capital Campaigns, An Economic Insights Series event presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd.
Wednesday, May 6, 7:30-9 am
Downtown Update presented by Statewide Partners
Keystone Kidspace, 10 Hamilton Ave.
Keeping your employees well at work.
We're reimagining how health care works. Now, let us work for you.
Backed by WellSpan Health, the region’s largest and most comprehensive health system whose roots are right here in central Pennsylvania, Well at Work provides smart employer solutions and programs designed to positively impact the cost and quality of your employees’ health.
Our services include:
Corporate wellness services featuring a wellness platform powered by WellRight, wellness coaching, biometric screening, flu vaccines and more
Onsite and near-site clinics offering convenient, accessible care right where your employees need it
Occupational health services to manage workplace safety and your employees’ health
Let’s explore how we can support your organization. Get started by emailing WellatWork@WellSpan.org or call (717) 851-6981.
Direct Connect, our direct primary care solution, providing affordable and unlimited access to WellSpan primary care providers
Bundle program powered by MDsave, delivering cost savings for certain procedures provided by WellSpan
York College of Pennsylvania welcomes Jennifer Geubtner-May to lead its new lifelong learning initiative
“It is a privilege to lead this new chapter in York College’s community engagement, positioning itself as a permanent home for curious adults. This lifelong learning initiative will prioritize the voices of our members and volunteers, value curricular autonomy and organizational agility, celebrate our local connection, and embrace the College as a vital partner in our initiative’s intellectual, social, and cultural growth.”
- Jennifer Geubtner-May, Director of Lifelong Learning
To learn more about York College’s new lifelong learning initiative, visit ycp.edu/lifelong-learning
