To highlight the wide range of issues affecting rural health, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro declared November 18-22, 2024 as Rural Health Week in Pennsylvania. This declaration comes at the request of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Association (PRHA) and the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health (PORH).
Governor Shapiro aims to raise awareness about the various issues impacting rural health care and the health status of rural Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania ranks among the states with the highest number of rural residents, with 26 percent of its population living in rural areas. To address the diverse needs of rural communities, the Commonwealth has supported the establishment of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health, and other initiatives focused on improving rural health.
The week also includes November 21, which is National Rural Health Day. Established in 2011 by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), National Rural Health Day aims to showcase rural America, raise awareness of rural health issues, and promote the efforts of NOSORH, State Offices of Rural Health (SORHs), and other organizations addressing these issues.
“Nearly 59.5 million Americans, including 3.4 million Pennsylvanians, live in rural communities,” said Lisa Davis, director of PORH and an outreach associate professor of health policy and administration at Penn State. “These small towns and communities are driven by the creative energy of citizens who step forward to provide a wealth of products, resources, and services.”
Penn Highlands Huntingdon is a small rural hospital located in the mountainous region of Huntingdon, PA. In addition to serving Huntingdon County, the hospital provides services to the surrounding counties of Bedford, Blair, Centre, Franklin, Fulton, Juniata, and Mifflin.
The population of Huntingdon County is approximately 6,927, an increase of 1.7 percent since the 2020 U.S. Census. Penn Highlands Huntingdon is continuously expanding its medical services and is committed to improving the quality of inpatient and outpatient care for the community.
According to 2024 U.S. News data and the Huntingdon County Community Health Needs Assessment, the prevalence of diabetes in Huntingdon County is 9.4 percent, which is slightly lower than the national rate of 10.6 percent. The percentage of individuals facing food and nutrition challenges in the county is 6.8 percent, higher than the national rate of 5.9 percent. The obesity rate in Huntingdon County stands at 38.4 percent, compared to the national rate of 37.4 percent. Notable nutrition-related issues include poor food options that are high in sugar and fat but low in nutritional value.
Bethany Stough, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a leading health care provider in Huntingdon County, has observed trends in diabetes care and has taken a crucial role in developing effective solutions. Her goal is to improve health outcomes for her patients—especially those who must travel more than sixty minutes to see an endocrinologist—and to provide comprehensive education on diabetes and nutrition.
In her treatment of diabetes patients, Dr. Stough emphasizes identifying the appropriate treatment for each patient, acknowledging their current situation, and collaborating towards a shared goal. More than 90 percent of Stough’s patient population has achieved an appropriate diabetic hemoglobin A1C result, demonstrating that her patients are compliant with dietary and medication recommendations.
“Engaging patients in making lifestyle changes is crucial for effective treatment,” noted Stough. “This process requires time and a personalized approach and is critical to providing effective care for every individual.”
Lannette Fetzer, quality improvement coordinator at the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health added, “Recognizing the importance of providing excellent quality care is crucial for achieving optimal patient outcomes, particularly for diabetic patients. The work that Dr. Stough is doing is having a profound impact on the patients she serves.”