The 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health officially opened Tuesday in downtown Johnstown.

The center will identify what health problems are facing people in Cambria and Somerset Counties and how to address them, for example, diabetes, obesity and opioid addiction.

The center’s new executive director said she’s looking forward to making a difference in the community where she lives.

“It really brings it home. Like this is what I’ve worked for in my career. My plan was always to return to rural Pennsylvania and impact people’s health at a population level,” said Trina Thompson, the executive director of the 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health.

Over the next few months, the center will look at data to determine which health areas need the most attention. In the future, they plan to host health fairs and seminars to educate the public about the biggest health risks they face.