Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania hospitals are ‘more challenged’: Q&A | Chief Healthcare Executive

Published

3 weeks ago

January 21, 2026

Pennsylvania hospitals are ‘more challenged’: Q&A | Chief Healthcare Executive

Q: The report suggests that more than a dozen Pennsylvania hospitals could be at risk of closing over the next five years, and Pennsylvania has already seen some hospital closures in the last few years. If there are some more hospital closures, what would that do to access for Pennsylvanians?

A: “Access in Pennsylvania has already been strained, and so if we continue on this current trajectory, unfortunately, we will see service closures and hospitals closed. And that also means not just access to health care being impacted, but jobs and economic activity in our local communities would also be impacted. So this report, we believe, is really a call to action that we can do something about this trajectory and better support our hospitals and their sustainability.”

Q: Well, the report seems to suggest that Pennsylvania hospitals are facing significant challenges, but perhaps challenges that are maybe even more daunting than hospitals are facing in some other states. Is that your perspective?

A: “Yes. We commissioned this report to better understand how the strain that our hospitals were facing compared to those and other states, and the report clearly demonstrates that Pennsylvania’s hospitals are more challenged. It’s more difficult to operate in Pennsylvania than many other states, and the result is really serious financial strain that could impact access to care into the future.”

Q: Was that surprising? Because, it’s one thing to suspect that maybe Pennsylvania hospitals are facing different challenges, but was it a little bit surprising or even just sobering to see that play out in the report?

A: “Our members have been raising these concerns for quite some time, but it was important for us to bring in an outside expert to really validate what we believe to be true. But yes, it was sobering to see how far below our Medicaid reimbursement is to that of our peer states, to see how low our commercial reimbursement is compared to others, our regulatory environment, our medical malpractice environment, all of these things together are really painting the picture of the reality for Pennsylvania’s hospitals.

“But this report also wanted to take that important look forward and to say, without change, if policymakers don’t put things in place to more closely align reimbursement to the cost of providing care, what does that mean for hospitals, for access, for jobs and for local economic activity?”

Q: I’ve been talking to a number of hospital leaders that say they’ve already been taking steps to deal with some of those Medicaid changes that are coming in the next few years. Some are ratcheting back on programs, some are doing layoffs. What are you hearing from Pennsylvania members in terms of how they’re preparing to deal with the changes in Medicaid?

A: “All of our hospitals are evaluating a variety of scenarios and making plans which can include, unfortunately, service reductions, labor reductions, and even perhaps closure.

“I think what this report, though, points out is that Pennsylvania’s hospitals have been doing their part with respect to identifying cost containment and efficiencies. The report demonstrates how efficient Pennsylvania’s hospitals are. The report demonstrates the high quality of care across our hospitals, but it also aligns with that sobering fact that reimbursement is so far below. So Pennsylvania is really falling behind.”

Q: We talked already about the possibility of more than a dozen hospitals closing over the next five years, if some of these trends aren’t addressed. Beyond the threat of closure … you also have the potential that hospitals may be scaling back some of those services, due to financial stress. Is that a real concern that even if some of the hospitals were able to keep the doors open, they might have to really significantly curtail some of the programs they offer?

A: “Yes, we tend to see the need to scale back services over time before a hospital ultimately has to close. But let me be clear, our hospitals are doing everything that they can to continue to provide those services to the communities that they serve. It’s our hope that policymakers will also do what they can.”

Q: Is there something else affecting the financial landscape of hospitals in Pennsylvania that we didn’t want to leave off the table?

A: “I think I would just kind of restate that this report demonstrates that it’s significantly more challenging in Pennsylvania to operate a hospital. No one wants Pennsylvania to continue to fall behind, so we look forward to partnering with the administration and with lawmakers to put appropriate policies in place.”

Source link

Pennsylvania

3-alarm fire engulfs home in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania

Published

6 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Press Room

3-alarm fire engulfs home in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania

Monday, February 9, 2026 4:17AM

HANOVER TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — A three-alarm fire engulfed a home in the Lehigh Valley on Sunday night.

Flames broke out along the 400 block of Sugar Maple Court in Hanover Township, Northampton County around 9:30 p.m.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames coming from the back of the home, spreading to the roof.

Officials have not yet announced a cause or said if anyone was injured.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Source link

Pennsylvania

Donald G. Bailey Obituary February 8, 2026 – Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc.

Published

18 hours ago

February 8, 2026

Press Room

Donald G. “Don” Bailey, 74, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in 1951 in Johnstown, Don was a pillar of the community whose influence reached far beyond the classroom and the football field.

Family and Legacy

Don was the devoted husband of Diane Rose (Carson) Bailey, with whom he shared a beautiful 53-year journey. Above all, Don was a family man who loved spending every possible moment with Diane. Together, they shared a love for travel, especially retreating to their second home in Marco Island, Florida, where they found peace and joy by the water.

His legacy lives on through his sons, Brandon (Heather) Bailey and Derek Bailey; and his five cherished grandchildren: Karsen, Morgan Rose, Koby, Adriana Rose, and Leo. He is also survived by his sister, Chyrle Kormanik, and her husband, Dave. Don was preceded in death by his parents, George L. and Nadine (Hillegas) Bailey, and his sister, Linda Bailey.

A Life of Perseverance

Don was a man defined by grit and faith. He fought a long and courageous battle with atrial heart disease, prostate cancer, metastatic melanoma, and the effects of a stroke. He faced each medical challenge with unwavering strength, supported every step of the way by his wife, Diane. Her selfless and devoted care throughout his illnesses was a testament to their enduring bond, allowing him to face his final years with dignity and comfort.

Education and Athletics

A pioneer in his family, Don was the first to graduate from high school, attend college, and earn advanced degrees. A 1969 graduate of Forest Hills High School, he was a standout three-sport athlete, earning nine varsity letters. He attended Southern Illinois University on a football scholarship before graduating from California University of Pennsylvania with both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He furthered his commitment to leadership by earning his Principal certifications and his Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Penn State University.

Professional and Coaching Career

Don dedicated his entire professional life to the Forest Hills School District, serving as a teacher, principal, and ultimately, Superintendent. On the sidelines, he became a legend as the Head Football Coach for 45 years, compiling 375 wins, 11 Laurel Highlands championships, and 10 District 6 championships. His contributions earned him inductions into the Pennsylvania Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Football Foundation.

Faith and Character

A man of profound faith, Don was a faithful member of the Salix Bethel Church for over 42 years. He was known for his fierce loyalty to his students and players. Though he had only two sons by birth, Don famously mentored thousands more whom he considered his “sons by choice.”

He lived his life by the words of 2 Timothy 4:7–8:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Service Information

Friends and family will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork. Visitation at Salix Bethel Church from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday at Salix Bethel, Dr. Chad Brown, presiding. Interment, Mount Hope Cemetery.

Source link

Pennsylvania

Popular Pennsylvania brewery just announced it is closing for good

Published

1 day ago

February 8, 2026

Press Room

Popular Pennsylvania brewery just announced it is closing for good

It’s not an easy time for the beer business these days.

Breweries are having a difficult time due to stiff competition, higher labor and product costs, not to mention consumers’ changing attitudes toward drinking.

Over 250 breweries in the U.S. shuttered in the first six months of 2025, with more closings following in the second half of the year.

One example of a brewery having such problems is the struggling craft brewery and beer brand 21 Locks Brewing Company, which shut down its taproom, restaurant, and facilities in early January, due to financial difficulties the company couldn’t overcome.

The Morrisville-based brewery, which boasted a taproom, coffee shop and restaurant, turned to social media and its website to break some bad news to the public in a posted message on Dec. 31.

“Closed Indefinitely,” the brewery’s message to its customers stated. “This is not the message we thought we’d be sending. After much thought, we’re sharing that 21 Locks Brewing Company will be closing its doors.”

“In the end, there were challenges we couldn’t overcome, despite meeting them with energy and intent.

“That said, in the short time we had, this place became something very meaningful to us. Built around a simple idea of coffee, pizza, beer, 21 Locks was created to be a welcoming space for our community to gather, connect, and celebrate,” the message continued.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us this year: our guests, regulars, staff, musicians, vendors, neighbors, and friends. Your encouragement, conversations, and presence made every long day worth it.

“Though our time was brief, the memories and relationships will stay with us always. Thank you for being a part of our story,” the post concluded.

Source link