Pictured left to right: Bucks IU’s Rebecca Roberts-Malamis, Esq., Deputy Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel; Dr. Rachel Holler, Assistant Executive Director, Dr. Jen Hertwig, Assistant to the Executive Director for Operations; Kim Permar, BCHIP Executive Director handing the award to Dr. Mark Hoffman, Bucks IU Executive Director. (Credit: BCHIP)
At the annual Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership (BCHIP) celebration, the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU) was honored as a Distinguished Partner of the Year. BCHIP is an organization that brings together leaders from healthcare, public health, education, and community organizations throughout Bucks County.
The award was presented on June 5, 2025, at BCHIP’s annual celebration, held at Bucks County Community College in Newtown. The event drew leaders from across the county to highlight collaborative efforts aimed at improving public health.
BCHIP works to bring together hospitals, public health officials, schools, and community groups across Bucks County to address critical health and wellness needs. By fostering collaboration and building strong partnerships, BCHIP helps create lasting improvements in the lives of county residents.
“This award symbolizes the strength of our partnership, built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to serving the health needs of our community,” said Kimberly M. Permar, BCHIP Executive Director. “The Bucks IU is an invaluable partner, offering support for BCHIP initiatives, facilitating executive retreats and comprehensive planning, hosting key meetings, liaising with districts and agencies, partnering with the immunization coalition, and providing guidance across many aspects of our work.”
The Bucks IU, an educational service agency serving Bucks County’s schools and the broader community, has long worked to bridge education with other sectors to strengthen and grow inclusive cultures where all can learn, flourish, and contribute. Its work with BCHIP directly reflects the IU’s mission and vision.
“We are honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Mark Hoffman, Executive Director of the Bucks IU. “We value the opportunity to work alongside BCHIP and so many others in our community who are committed to making a difference in Bucks County.”
About the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU):
Celebrating over 50 years of service! The Bucks IU supports improvements and advancements in student learning by providing exceptional educational programs, innovative professional development, and advanced business/technology services. We serve people from ages birth through adults, students in public and private schools along with their staff and administrators, and the community of Bucks County. The Bucks IU is also the liaison between local schools and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. For more information, go to www.BucksIU.org or call 215-348-2940.
