Latest news with #DebraBogen
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Capitol Roundup: State calls for strategic investments in recruiting, retaining nurses
May 11—WILKES-BARRE — The Shapiro Administration this week highlighted its efforts to recruit and retain more nurses in Pennsylvania as part of National Student Nurse Day. Departments of Health, Labor & Industry, and Human Services leaders visited HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, to promote Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed budget that includes funding to strengthen the nursing workforce through tuition assistance, loan repayment and apprenticeship opportunities. "Nurses are the backbone of our health care system," said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. "It is important that we celebrate the significant role Pennsylvania's institutions of higher learning play in preparing the next generation of nurses for this rewarding career." Pennsylvania is facing a nursing shortage. According to a Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) survey, Pennsylvania hospitals reported 14% of nursing positions are unfilled, leaving existing nurses stretched thin and working longer hours. The situation is projected to worsen, with the state expected to face a shortage of 20,000 nurses by 2026. Offering incentives to nurses has proven a successful strategy for recruiting and retaining high-quality practitioners. The Department of Health's Primary Care Loan Repayment Program has accomplished this by financially assisting 219 health care professionals — physicians, nurses, dentists, nurse practitioners and other health care providers throughout the Commonwealth — in the past two fiscal years. Seventy-eight of those health care professionals are working as nurses. "With this proposed investment and the work underway at L&I to expand nursing and health care apprenticeship opportunities, we are taking the necessary steps to build strong nursing pipelines, so that Pennsylvanians in every community across our Commonwealth can have access to the quality health care they deserve," Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker said. Meuser supports 'Made in America' manufacturing U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week co-sponsored H.R. 3174 — the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act of 2025 — to help unleash the full potential of American industry and rebuild the nation's industrial base. Meuser said the bipartisan bill expands access to capital for small manufacturers by doubling the loan limits available through two major Small Business Administration (SBA) programs — from $5 million to $10 million under the 7(a) Loan Program and the 504/CDC Loan Program. Meuser said these higher loan caps will give manufacturers greater financial flexibility to modernize equipment, expand facilities, scale production, and hire more workers. Meuser said the bill defines "small manufacturers" as businesses whose primary operations fall within U.S. manufacturing sectors and whose production facilities are entirely located in the United States. This ensures that increased lending authority is reserved for domestic manufacturers committed to "Made in America" production. The bill also increases allowable export loan amounts from $5 million to $10 million specifically for small manufacturers, and allows up to $8 million of SBA-backed loans to be used for working capital, inventory, and supplies — flexibility that can make or break a growing business. "We're advancing smart legislation to help small manufacturers grow, compete, and create good jobs," Meuser said. "By expanding access to capital, we're giving them the tools to modernize equipment, meet larger contracts, and invest in long-term growth. As someone who helped grow a small business into a larger business, I understand how critical this financing is to overcoming real-world challenges and bringing American manufacturing back." H.R. 3174 has been referred to the House Committee on Small Business. Pugh to hold concealed carry event May 15 Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, this week announced she will host a Concealed Carry Seminar on Thursday , May 15 . The event will be held at the Luzerne Volunteer Fire Department, 66 Tener St., Luzerne, from 6 to 8 p.m. "Many people have questions about Pennsylvania's concealed carry laws and the Castle Doctrine," Pugh said. "I'm hopeful this event will help provide answers and clarity about firearm owner rights." The seminar, led by Sam Sanguedolce, Luzerne County district attorney, will provide information on state laws and a time to ask questions. No concealed carry permits will be offered. Reservations are required by calling 570-283-1001 or visiting Watro's cursive bill wins committee approval Legislation that would require cursive handwriting instruction in Pennsylvania schools was unanimously approved this week by the House Education Committee, according to the bill's sponsor, Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton. "In our digital world, cursive has fallen by the wayside, but there are many reasons for students to get a basic grasp on cursive writing," Watro said during the committee meeting to consider House Bill 17. He said studies have shown writing in cursive stimulates areas of the brain linked to memory, language and thinking and it has been found to support fine motor development, strengthening hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Additionally, many historical documents — such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution — are written in cursive, so having the skills to write and read cursive preserves the ability to access and comprehend important historical sources, which is vital for an informed, engaged citizenry. Cursive also plays a role in everyday life, such as signing a check or a legal document. It's a skill that remains relevant in both professional and personal settings. "At least 24 states have laws requiring cursive instruction because those states understand cursive provides students another way to learn, express themselves and be better prepared for their future academic, professional and personal lives," Watro said. The legislation now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Capitol Roundup: State calls for strategic investments in recruiting, retaining nurses
May 11—WILKES-BARRE — The Shapiro Administration this week highlighted its efforts to recruit and retain more nurses in Pennsylvania as part of National Student Nurse Day. Departments of Health, Labor & Industry, and Human Services leaders visited HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, to promote Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed budget that includes funding to strengthen the nursing workforce through tuition assistance, loan repayment and apprenticeship opportunities. "Nurses are the backbone of our health care system," said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. "It is important that we celebrate the significant role Pennsylvania's institutions of higher learning play in preparing the next generation of nurses for this rewarding career." Pennsylvania is facing a nursing shortage. According to a Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) survey, Pennsylvania hospitals reported 14% of nursing positions are unfilled, leaving existing nurses stretched thin and working longer hours. The situation is projected to worsen, with the state expected to face a shortage of 20,000 nurses by 2026. Offering incentives to nurses has proven a successful strategy for recruiting and retaining high-quality practitioners. The Department of Health's Primary Care Loan Repayment Program has accomplished this by financially assisting 219 health care professionals — physicians, nurses, dentists, nurse practitioners and other health care providers throughout the Commonwealth — in the past two fiscal years. Seventy-eight of those health care professionals are working as nurses. "With this proposed investment and the work underway at L&I to expand nursing and health care apprenticeship opportunities, we are taking the necessary steps to build strong nursing pipelines, so that Pennsylvanians in every community across our Commonwealth can have access to the quality health care they deserve," Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker said. Meuser supports 'Made in America' manufacturing U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week co-sponsored H.R. 3174 — the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act of 2025 — to help unleash the full potential of American industry and rebuild the nation's industrial base. Meuser said the bipartisan bill expands access to capital for small manufacturers by doubling the loan limits available through two major Small Business Administration (SBA) programs — from $5 million to $10 million under the 7(a) Loan Program and the 504/CDC Loan Program. Meuser said these higher loan caps will give manufacturers greater financial flexibility to modernize equipment, expand facilities, scale production, and hire more workers. Meuser said the bill defines "small manufacturers" as businesses whose primary operations fall within U.S. manufacturing sectors and whose production facilities are entirely located in the United States. This ensures that increased lending authority is reserved for domestic manufacturers committed to "Made in America" production. The bill also increases allowable export loan amounts from $5 million to $10 million specifically for small manufacturers, and allows up to $8 million of SBA-backed loans to be used for working capital, inventory, and supplies — flexibility that can make or break a growing business. "We're advancing smart legislation to help small manufacturers grow, compete, and create good jobs," Meuser said. "By expanding access to capital, we're giving them the tools to modernize equipment, meet larger contracts, and invest in long-term growth. As someone who helped grow a small business into a larger business, I understand how critical this financing is to overcoming real-world challenges and bringing American manufacturing back." H.R. 3174 has been referred to the House Committee on Small Business. Pugh to hold concealed carry event May 15 Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, this week announced she will host a Concealed Carry Seminar on Thursday , May 15 . The event will be held at the Luzerne Volunteer Fire Department, 66 Tener St., Luzerne, from 6 to 8 p.m. "Many people have questions about Pennsylvania's concealed carry laws and the Castle Doctrine," Pugh said. "I'm hopeful this event will help provide answers and clarity about firearm owner rights." The seminar, led by Sam Sanguedolce, Luzerne County district attorney, will provide information on state laws and a time to ask questions. No concealed carry permits will be offered. Reservations are required by calling 570-283-1001 or visiting Watro's cursive bill wins committee approval Legislation that would require cursive handwriting instruction in Pennsylvania schools was unanimously approved this week by the House Education Committee, according to the bill's sponsor, Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton. "In our digital world, cursive has fallen by the wayside, but there are many reasons for students to get a basic grasp on cursive writing," Watro said during the committee meeting to consider House Bill 17. He said studies have shown writing in cursive stimulates areas of the brain linked to memory, language and thinking and it has been found to support fine motor development, strengthening hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Additionally, many historical documents — such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution — are written in cursive, so having the skills to write and read cursive preserves the ability to access and comprehend important historical sources, which is vital for an informed, engaged citizenry. Cursive also plays a role in everyday life, such as signing a check or a legal document. It's a skill that remains relevant in both professional and personal settings. "At least 24 states have laws requiring cursive instruction because those states understand cursive provides students another way to learn, express themselves and be better prepared for their future academic, professional and personal lives," Watro said. The legislation now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania Department of Health reports measles case in Lancaster County
EPHRATA, Pa. (WHTM) — A visitor to Lancaster County coming from Texas tested positive for measles, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said Sunday. The patient was visiting Lancaster County and was contagious between April 3 and April 11 and had visited after a trip from Texas. They visited the WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital Emergency Department between 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. April 8 and anyone who was there at the time may have been exposed. Measles exploded in Texas after stagnant vaccine funding. New cuts threaten the same across the US 'Our team took all necessary precautions when managing this patient, but outreach has been conducted and completed with any other patients that may have been in this individual's presence in our emergency department,' WellSpan Health said in a statement to abc27 News. The Department of Health said they live out-of-state and became infected after visiting Texas. The risk to the general public is low due to high vaccination rates across Pennsylvania, the department says. People who are fully immunized are at very low risk of contracting the measles. People unsure of their vaccination status should contact their health care provider. 'The best protection against measles is vaccination,' said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. 'With two MMR vaccines, residents are at low risk of getting and spreading the measles. Knowing the signs of sickness and places people may have been exposed will help protect individuals and communities from this disease.' People who believe they were exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider or call the Pennsylvania Department of Health toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH. All residents are encouraged to monitor for symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) people most at-risk are: Infants less than one year old who are too young to have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine; Individuals who are unvaccinated; and Individuals from parts of the world where there is low vaccination coverage or where there is circulating measles. Earlier this week, a measles case was reported in Philadelphia County. The Philadelphia Department of Health reported that a patient tested positive for measles and had visited the Pennsylvania Hospital Emergency Department in Philadelphia on Sunday, April 6 between 3:55 p.m. and 11:20 p.m., and the Holy Redeemer Hospital Emergency Department in Meadowbrook on Tuesday, April 8 between 6:05 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. 'As vaccination rates across the country continue to drop, there are more and more opportunities for people who cannot be vaccinated to be exposed to this deadly disease,' said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Department of Public Health. 'However, because Philadelphia has high rates of immunity against measles, we are hopeful that this case won't spread further. For us to keep that protection, it is critical for everyone who isn't already immune from measles and can be vaccinated, get vaccinated as soon as possible.' Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices That case in Philadelphia County came while travelling abroad and is not connected to the outbreak out west. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Shapiro Admin visits Blair County, hopes to help rural healthcare
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – In Governor Shapiro's proposed 2024-2025 proposed budget plan, $10 million is being allocated to rural Pennsylvania hospitals, and in a visit to Tyrone, his administration spoke on their plan to use that money to help. This investment will also leverage an additional $25.1 million in federal matching funds, bringing the total support to $35.1 million. The Shapiro Administration visited Penn Highlands Tyrone to talk about what the proposed money would go towards, including helping EMS personnel with obstetrics care, citing the recent closures of many maternity clinics in the area. Moms feeling impacts of Penn Highlands, UPMC labor and delivery closure 'We also are working again on the EMS issue, really to make sure that our EMS providers in those communities are well trained in obstetric care because if they have to transport patients farther, we want to make sure they're comfortable making sure our emergency departments across the state are prepared to handle OB as well,' Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Debra Bogen said. They also say the money would help these hospitals stay open because, without them, officials believe rural communities would fall into ruin. Currently, healthcare professional shortages are most affecting rural communities. In rural areas, there is only one primary care physician for every 522 residents. This is opposed to the 222 residents that primary care physicians in cities are seeing. 'We are working on making sure there are, you know, we can't prevent hospital closure. That's not the role of the department. But we certainly are looking at ways to support hospitals in the future to, to really remain robust,' Bogen said. Funding rural hospitals would also help the community flourish. 'We play a significant role in attracting business and industry to spur economic development. And without hospitals, many small towns would not exist. Having a hospital nearby is a sign of community vitality,' Penn Highlands Healthcare Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Trina Abla said. Governor Shapiro is also adamant about using the budget to recruit healthcare workers by investing $5 million to expand the Primary Care Loan Repayment Program offering loan repayment for healthcare providers that serve in rural communities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Allegheny County lab to help efficiently address public health threats
A brand new Allegheny County Public Health laboratory was unveiled on Monday. The $30 million state-of-the-art facility promises faster and more accurate testing for all public health concerns. Allegheny County officials and public health leaders cut the ribbon on a 40 thousand square foot public health laboratory that aims to detect, prevent and better respond to public health threats. 'This facility will play a critical role in identifying outbreaks, tracking emerging health threats and ensuring that timely, data driven decisions are made to protect the residents,' said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. The need for an upgraded and expanded facility became apparent during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. 'Our team had to move closet space and do everything to make do with whatever they could to get the smallest space in the lab to be able to do COVID testing,' said Kim Joyce, with the Allegheny County Health Department. Federal funding from the American Rescue Act helped pay for the multimillion-dollar lab, along with county funds. 'This new lab, it is a prime example of how we can best use federal funding, strategically to improve our counties health infrastructure,' said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. 'We will be able to very quickly and very nimbly be able to readjust our work flows to be able to provide testing for that particular infectious disease, environmental threat or any other public health threat,' said Dr. Iulia Vann, the director of the Allegheny County Health Department. The lab, located in Warrendale, was strategically placed to be easily accessible by highway and numerous counties. It's one of three in the state. 'Not only will [it] save lives, but it will reduce costs for other clinics, and it will make Allegheny County a regional hub for public health excellence,' Innamorato said. There will be a transitional period as the old labs close. The goal is to have everything operating from the Warrendale location by the end of June. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
