Health care professionals, policymakers, and community members convened at Pennsylvania College of Technology on November 12 for the Northern Tier Regional Rural Health Summit. The event was co-hosted by The Guthrie Clinic and Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport.
The summit brought together leaders from several counties in northern Pennsylvania to discuss issues impacting rural health care delivery. Topics included access to care, maternal health, workforce development, and strategies for maintaining quality services in rural communities.
Dr. Edmund Sabanegh, President and CEO of The Guthrie Clinic, commented on the importance of collaboration: “We were privileged to host this significant summit in partnership with Penn College. It was inspiring to witness so many leaders from a wide range of fields come together with a shared commitment: Strengthen healthcare in our rural communities. We are grateful to all speakers and participants for their insights and engagement, which will help advance collaboration, innovation, and access to care. At Guthrie, we remain dedicated to ensuring that high-quality healthcare is available to every patient we serve, regardless of location.”
Dr. Michael Reed, President of Pennsylvania College of Technology, highlighted the institution’s role: “Penn College is proud to collaborate with Guthrie and fellow participants in this important Health Summit. We welcome the opportunity to contribute to meaningful conversations that drive progress in rural healthcare. Our robust nursing and health sciences programs, combined with our hands-on, industry-focused approach, uniquely position us to support the healthcare sector in addressing workforce challenges and advancing solutions that meet industry needs.”
Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen discussed state efforts: “During my time as Secretary of Health, I have visited more than a dozen rural hospitals throughout the Commonwealth to gain a better understanding of the challenges facing these facilities. The Shapiro Administration is working collaboratively with health care providers, community-based organizations, local government, and the business community to find solutions to the issues facing rural hospitals. One of the solutions we are focused on is providing workforce and recruitment incentives, such as the Department of Health Primary Loan Repayment Program, to encourage physicians, behavioral health specialists, and dental providers to serve in our rural communities. Governor Shapiro’s 2025-2026 budget seeks to significantly increase funding for this program, helping even more health care providers in rural Pennsylvania. Rural communities and the hospitals and health care providers that serve them need our support, which is why we continue to participate in regional rural health summits.”
Human Services Secretary Arkoosh emphasized partnership: “Pennsylvania’s rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to public health and access to health care. A strong, accessible, affordable health care system is the foundation of any healthy community, and health care is essential to the economic growth, population revitalization, and stabilization of our rural communities. Now more than ever, we must come together and build partnerships and solutions. The Shapiro Administration is committed to working alongside partners Guthrie to protect access to health care for rural Pennsylvanians, and we look forward to the continued work and collaboration that will come from today’s summit.”
Nicole Stallings from HAP addressed hospital challenges: “We can’t have healthy, vibrant, and economically competitive communities without strong hospitals. Yet across rural Pennsylvania, hospitals face significant challenges maintaining services that communities need to thrive,” HAP President and CEO Nicole Stallings said. “Thank you to The Guthrie Clinic and Penn College for convening this important conversation about growing our health care workforce and supporting access to health care in our rural communities.”
Attendees participated in interactive sessions focusing on practical approaches for improving service delivery. Tours included stops at the Guthrie Maternity Oasis Mobile Unit as well as key educational facilities at Penn College.
The event aimed at strengthening future cooperation among regional leaders responsible for delivering healthcare services across northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Guthrie Clinic operates as a non-profit multispecialty system serving areas across northeastern Pennsylvania and upstate New York. It includes six hospital campuses along with outpatient sites spanning 14 counties within nearly 11 thousand square miles.
Guthrie provides acute rehabilitation services along with skilled nursing facilities and hospice programs, offering comprehensive post-acute options for patients.
As part of its commitment toward education and training new medical professionals, Guthrie maintains multiple residency programs covering various specialties.
