Geisinger, PA DOH summit examines critical issues facing rural healthcare
Access Pennsylvania Rural Health Association’s newly published 2025–2030 Rural Health Plan.
Geisinger School of Health Sciences’ President and Women of Impact member, Julie Byerley, MD, MPH hosted more than 100 healthcare professionals, elected officials and community leaders gathered in Danville, PA to address urgent challenges facing rural healthcare.
The Susquehanna Valley Regional Rural Health Summit, hosted by Geisinger College of Health Sciences and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, assembled local leaders to address persistent health concerns—particularly elevated rates of obesity, smoking, and suicide—that impact life expectancy and well-being in many area communities.
Discussions centered on a holistic approach to health that includes workforce development, mobile care delivery, behavioral health, transportation access, nutrition, health literacy, civic engagement, and community infrastructures.
Women of Impact member, Mai Pham, President, Institute for Exceptional Care, spoke to the group about IEC’s mission to make healthcare better and safer for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). IEC partners with people with lived experience of IDD, family members, and healthcare professionals to change the way care is taught, delivered, and paid for by creating tools, programs, and campaigns.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen emphasized the importance of data-driven solutions and highlighted disparities—even among neighboring counties—that illustrate the need for locally tailored interventions.
One pressing issue raised was the shortage of healthcare professionals serving rural communities. While Geisinger’s medical center in Danville serves as a regional anchor, surrounding communities face critical gaps in primary care, psychiatry, and maternity services. The College’s Abigail Geisinger Scholars program was launched to address that issue. Summit participants explored strategies to build a sustainable workforce pipeline, including rapid-entry pathways and career ladders for local youth.
Behavioral health, healthy aging, and maternal care were also key topics, with attendees contributing ideas aligned with the Pennsylvania Rural Health Association’s newly published 2025–2030 Rural Health Plan.