Northwest PA News

U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson revealed today that the Punxsutawney Area Hospital will receive $761,000 in federal funding to replace its Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit (MRI). The funding is part of a larger expansion project aimed at enhancing health equity and improving patient health outcomes in rural Pennsylvania.

"A new MRI unit at Punxsutawney Hospital will help serve the community and will keep in-demand health care services local," stated Rep. Thompson, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to high-quality care in rural areas. "This funding is a partnership between the federal government and local community and will improve the quality of service for patients for years to come."

The Punxsutawney Area Hospital plays a crucial role in providing healthcare to a significant number of Medicaid-eligible and Social Security Income-eligible patients. As a Sole Community Hospital, it offers community-based primary care to rural patients, particularly those who are elderly, low-income, and face challenges in accessing transportation. Additionally, the hospital is the sole provider in Jefferson County offering acute inpatient surgical, cardiac intensive, and maternal care services.

This investment in the Punxsutawney Area Hospital reflects a commitment to ensuring that essential healthcare services are accessible and of high quality for residents in rural Pennsylvania.