Healthcare

The ‘Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures’ maternal health strategic action plan, launched by the Shapiro Administration, aims to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity supported by community input and a five-year grant.

Tenor Health Foundation purchased the financially struggling Community Health Systems-owned Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Regional Hospital in Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. Executives are optimistic about the hospitals’ futures three months after the sale.

Pennsylvania received $193 million this year from the Rural Health Transformation Program, which will inject $50 billion over five years to the states. But the state’s rural health leaders worry that the money won’t be enough to fill the financial gaps rural health systems already face and the ones to come with Medicaid changes slated to start in 2027.

The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by state Sen. Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill County), convened a public hearing at Benco Dental in Luzerne County to discuss dental workforce shortages and their impact on the state's health.

This week, WVIA's Sarah Scinto and healthcare reporter Lydia McFarlane talk about a recent study from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania which found 23 of the state's 67 counties do not have a hospital with a labor and delivery unit.

Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, opened Lehigh Valley Hospital- Pocono Creek in January. The hospital is located in Bartonsville, Monroe County.

The Northeast Regional Crisis Stabilization Center opened its walk-in service in December. Now, its crisis residential program is open and ready to serve the community with eight beds where people can stay for up to 10 days.

Pennsylvania State Police, Pike County detectives and the Pike County Area Agency on Aging conducted an investigation of Belle Reve Senior Living Facility in Milford Borough after receiving an anonymous tip alleging medical neglect of residents.

About 85,000 Pennsylvanians dropped their health insurance so far this year after the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies that covered monthly premiums. A bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives in January to extend them by three years, but has since stalled in the Senate.

Years of uncertainty about the future of Commonwealth Health-owned Wilkes-Barre General, Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton have taken their toll on anxious employees, but a pending sale to Tenor Health Foundation has staff and community leaders cautiously optimistic about the next steps.