New Round of Federal Funding Open for Rural Pennsylvania Health Initiatives

(The Center Square) – Maternal health care, obesity, dental care, and substance use disorders are just a handful of crises facing health care providers in rural parts of the state. “Rural health care in Pennsylvania faces some very unique challenges specific to its population and location,” Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, in a policy meeting earlier this year. Rural communities have faced increasing isolation as local health care providers shutter their doors and costly travel to regional medical centers deters many from seeking routine screenings and recommended follow-up care. Meanwhile, many face limited access to the basics required for good preventative care, like nutritious food and health education.