The Buhl Regional Health Foundation’s (BRHF) mission and purpose is best described by our leadership, who live in our community in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. In this series of stories in their words, we will illuminate the foundation’s commitment to improving health outcomes and overall well-being, primarily of youth in our region, by strategically investing in community-driven initiatives that make a lasting impact. BRHF’s efforts are changing lives, addressing health disparities, and overcoming inequities.
This month, we are highlighting the story of Tracy Schliep, a retired Registered Nurse and a Mercer County Community Advocate, who played a vital role with the Buhl Regional Health Foundation’s COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Team Steering Committee.
Tracy Schliep, alongside additional volunteers at the 2025 BRHF/RAM Dental Clinic.
By Tracy Schliep, Registered Nurse (Retired), BRHF volunteer
BRHF’s Vision and Origins
Buhl Regional Health Foundation was established as a philanthropic organization dedicated to addressing factors that influence the overall well-being of the Mercer County community. Establishing the foundation was also a way to preserve the philanthropic intentions of Frank and Julia Buhl for the Shenango Valley.
Many of the directors who sat on the Buhl Legacy Trust Board when the Buhl Regional Health Foundation was established, serve or served on the BRHF board of directors. As stewards of the foundation, they ensure that it is delivering on its mission and that the funds are used as intended so the legacy will continue in perpetuity, indefinitely.
“ … initiatives funded by the Buhl Regional Health Foundation have had a profound and lasting impact on my life.”
Strategic Investment
The foundation works to enhance the wellbeing of the greater Shenango Valley by:
- Working with community organizations to identify ways to improve overall well-being
- Funding relevant programs and services
- Creating, operating, and managing targeted initiatives
BRHF’s board of directors of the foundation are responsible for the sustainable and responsible stewardship of the funds that support its programs and Mercer County. The board has the responsibility to ensure that the trust remains the legacy for which it was named. The Foundation must manage a fair and equitable granting process that awards agencies and organizations that are addressing a community health or wellness-related need, have a clearly documented plan, measurable objectives, and are sustainable. BRHF must perform periodic audits to ensure that the awardee is meeting expectations. Additionally the Foundation may choose to fund its own programs to address community needs, as has been the case with the free Community Dental Clinic and The HubSpot local resource.
One Program at a Time, Changing Lives
The foundation has provided grants to expand and support early childcare programs at St. John’s Academy at Zion Education Center, the Baughman Family Community Center at the Buhl Club, and Building Blocks Child Center. It also created The HubSpot local resource and referral network, operates Camp Courage, and recorded a number of Health Chats related directly to infant, child, and adolescent health.
I would like to highlight three initiatives funded by BRHF that have had a profound and lasting personal impact on my life. While these are not the only programs deserving recognition, I have selected them as representative examples.
- The foundation facilitated the establishment of a Health Equity Team during the pandemic to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccination for all individuals. I was appointed to this role, which directed my life’s trajectory; though now retired, I remain active as a volunteer and view this work as part of my enduring legacy. Adopting an equity-focused perspective has influenced board compositions, led to the formation of a monthly Health Equity Council, and amplified the voices of marginalized populations.
- The foundation sponsors the free Community Dental Clinic that has evolved from a yearly event to an ongoing and consistently available service. The dental clinic has relieved the suffering of hundreds of individuals, some in my own family. I have volunteered for the clinic since its inception and have recruited numerous volunteers from my circle of friends and family.
- The Foundation provided grant funds for the Medical Equipment Recycling Program (MERP). Through MERP people we were able to borrow medical equipment at no cost. I found myself in dire need of this service when my husband survived a very serious illness that left him with significant disabilities. MERP provided every piece of equipment that my husband needed, allowing me to care for him at home during not one, but two occasions and avoiding institutional care both times.
The Buhl Regional Health Foundation’s Commitment
As your neighbor, I value the Buhl Regional Health Foundation because they are invested in our community for the long haul.
About the Author
Tracy Schliep, a retired Registered Nurse and a Mercer County Community Advocate, played a vital role with the Buhl Regional Health Foundation’s COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Team Steering Committee. Her involvement focused on addressing vaccine hesitancy and access within the BRHF service area, leveraging her extensive nursing experience and work as the lead coordinator for the Mercer County Health Equity Team. She also volunteered with the Foundation’s initiatives, including the free Remote Area Medical (RAM) Dental Clinic and Camp Courage.