Making Rural Health a Pennsylvania Priority

January 18, 2024

HAP and the commonwealth’s rural hospital leaders joined the Shapiro administration today for a roundtable discussion about preserving and expanding rural health.

The event—at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network in Harrisburg—served as a forum for rural health leaders to discuss the unique challenges their hospitals and communities face. The meeting was a first step toward new rural health policy recommendations.

HAP supports policies and legislation that ensure rural hospitals can maintain their vital role in their communities. Last month, HAP submitted a letter to the Shapiro administration highlighting some of our key priorities ahead of 2024–2025 budget planning, including:

• Innovative payment models that promote financial stability and support transformation efforts.
• Grant programs to attract and grow workforce pipeline
• Increased investment to address EMS constraints and transportation challenges in rural areas

HAP’s budget and policy recommendations to the Shapiro administration are available online. For more information about HAP’s rural health advocacy, contact Kate Slatt, vice president, policy and care delivery.