February 27, 2025 - Sayre, PA
Governor Shapiro and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones visited Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Bradford County to highlight the Governor's 2025-26 proposed budget, which strengthens his commitment to addressing Pennsylvania's rural health care workforce shortage and supporting rural hospitals.The Governor's budget proposal makes targeted investments to expand the health care workforce, ensure rural communities have access to care, and help to keep hospitals open. It includes $10 million to support rural hospitals facing service cuts or closures and expands loan repayment programs for health care workers, simialr to the successful substance use disorder (SUD) loan repayment program at DDAP. Since taking office, the Shapiro Administration has successfully invested more than $40 million in helping nearly 675 professionals working in Pennsylvania's drug and alcohol field through DDAP's student loan repayment program."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. By strengthening our rural health care workforce pipelines, my Administration is taking action to support the dedicated professionals who care for our communities and ensure no one is left behind."List of Speakers:Guthrie Clinic President and CEO Dr. Edmund SabaneghKevin Gibbs, a former patient at Guthrie Robert Packer HospitalGovernor ShapiroSecretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP)Barbara Vanaskie, SUD loan repayment program awardeePennsylvania Treasurer Stacey Garrity,Deb Raupers, Chief Nurse Executive for Guthrie Robert Packer HospitalSenator Gene Yaw,Representative Tina Pickett
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