SC New York News

Guthrie was highlighted as a model for rural health care improvement during a news conference at Robert Packer Hospital, attended by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. The Governor emphasized budget proposals aimed at addressing workforce shortages affecting hospitals and health systems in the state.

Governor Shapiro expressed his commitment to enhancing rural health care through initiatives like loan repayment for healthcare workers. He commended Guthrie as an exemplary rural system in Pennsylvania. "Here in Pennsylvania, we are facing shortages of health care professionals – especially in our rural communities," said Governor Shapiro. "My budget takes concrete steps to recruit more health care providers and incentivize them to work in great communities like this one in Bradford County."

He further praised Guthrie's environment, stating, "Guthrie has a wonderful environment where you can not only make a great wage but you have a wonderful culture and a great place to be working with wonderful colleagues."

Dr. Edmund Sabanegh, President and CEO of the Guthrie Clinic, remarked on Guthrie's dedication to quality patient care. "Guthrie's commitment to quality, safe patient care and experience drives us to be a national model for rural healthcare," he said.

Dr. Sabanegh also acknowledged Governor Shapiro's initiatives for developing the rural workforce: "We are grateful to Governor Shapiro for his many initiatives to develop, nourish and sustain a rural workforce."

Deb Raupers, Chief Nurse Executive at Guthrie, discussed the importance of investments such as the Nursing Shortage Assistance Program. This program sponsors tuition for students from top state schools who commit to working at systems like Guthrie.

"This program is without question effective and produces future nurses," Raupers noted. She mentioned that 17 registered nurses are currently part of this pipeline with plans to add 25 more through the initiative.

The event included remarks from DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones; State Senator Gene Yaw; State Representative Tina Pickett; Barbara Vanaskie, LCSW; and Kevin Gibbs, a trauma patient at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital.