Policy Committee Spotlights Indiana County as Blueprint for Overcoming Challenges in Rural Health Care
INDIANA—The Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. David H. Rowe (R–Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), convened a hearing last Thursday at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) focused on Overcoming Challenges in Rural Health Care, bringing together leaders in health care, higher education, and workforce development to examine solutions to Pennsylvania’s growing rural provider shortage.
“Rural communities across Pennsylvania are facing a serious shortage of physicians and health care professionals,” Rowe said. “This is not only a health care issue — it’s an access issue, a workforce issue, and an affordability issue for families that depend on timely care close to home.”
The hearing was hosted by Rep. Jim Struzzi (R–Indiana), who emphasized the collaborative model taking shape in Indiana County through partnerships between IUP, Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), and local stakeholders.
“The work being done here is a model for the rest of the Commonwealth,” Struzzi said. “Innovation and cooperation will be essential to overcoming the challenges facing rural health care.”
Left to Right: Representatives Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland), Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana), David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), and Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford). Testimony highlighted major workforce and infrastructure initiatives underway in the region, including IUP’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine, which would expand the rural physician pipeline and strengthen access to care.
IRMC President and CEO Steven Wolfe speaks to State Representatives.
“This initiative is about more than producing doctors — it’s about addressing Pennsylvania’s rural health care crisis with long-term, community-based solutions,” IUP President Michael Driscoll said.
Hospital leaders also outlined the financial and regulatory pressures facing rural facilities, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable reimbursement, workforce pipelines, and regional collaboration.
“Rural hospitals are anchors of stability in their communities,” said IRMC President and CEO Steven Wolfe. “We need a sustainable path forward that keeps care local and communities strong.”
The committee also heard from frontline physicians, including IRMC residency graduate Dr. Kelly Meyer, who credited rural training programs with keeping more health care professionals in Pennsylvania.
“Five of our six current residency graduates have signed to stay in Pennsylvania,” Meyer said.
Rowe emphasized that this discussion is far from over as the committee seeks to advance policies that strengthen rural health care and workforce pipelines statewide.
Representative David H. Rowe
85th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact:
Nancy Nilson
Executive Director, House Republican Policy Committee
nnilson@pahousegop.com