PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health (PORH) launched its 2024-2027 strategic plan, which focuses on enhancing the health status of rural Pennsylvanians and ensuring that they have access to high-quality, affordable health care.

“Pennsylvania is one of the most rural states in the nation,” the plan states. “More than 3.5 million residents live in areas that are designated as rural. These residents are impacted by the cultural, economic and geographic facts that affect the delivery of health care services in rural areas. Challenges include financially stressed health care delivery systems, shortages of primary and specialty health care providers, vulnerable populations, disparities in access to broadband and a lack of public transportation systems.”

In rural PA, residents “experience reduced access to health insurance options, health promotion and disease prevention programs and services to address special health care needs.”

PORH will strengthen the rural health care delivery system through workforce programs, focus on primary care and oral health; and provide technical assistance to rural hospitals and clinics.

Community and population health improvement is vital. 

The plan outlines advocacy strategies for rural health care delivery systems at the local, state and national levels; federal and state payment and delivery system reform; and calls for rural voices to be reflected in the creation of policies, legislation, regulations and programming.

PORH is dedicated to enhancing the health of rural Pennsylvanians to improve access to high quality health care services in the state’s rural areas. PORH is located in the Department of Health Policy and Administration at Penn State University Park. To learn more, visit porh.psu.edu or call 814/863-8214.