HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association (PPA) congratulates the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on securing $193,294,054 grant through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This investment supports Pennsylvania’s plan to strengthen rural health care by expanding access to primary and preventive services, investing in the health care workforce and advancing innovative models of care delivery.
In its RHTP submission, the Commonwealth outlines a comprehensive approach to rural health that emphasizes access to primary and preventive care, workforce development, and innovative models of care delivery. Pharmacists are specifically included in the state’s vision for strengthening the rural health workforce and addressing gaps in care across the Commonwealth. PPA applauds the Commonwealth for prioritizing innovation, collaboration and long-term sustainability in rural health delivery.
As implementation of the RHTP moves forward, PPA encourages collaboration with state leaders and regional partners to fully integrate pharmacists and pharmacy services into program design and execution. PPA has identified several key opportunities to strengthen implementation and maximize the impact of this investment:
- Sustaining Community Pharmacy Access in Rural and Underserved Areas: Protecting the existing network of community pharmacies is essential for rural communities that rely on them as their most consistent and accessible point of care. Sustaining community pharmacy access supports continuity of care, improves medication adherence, and reduces avoidable hospital utilization.
- Paying Pharmacists for Innovative Models of Care: As Pennsylvania advances new care delivery models, PPA supports the creation of reimbursement pathways that recognize the clinical services pharmacists provide. These services include chronic disease management, preventive care, behavioral health support, maternal health, and coordination, all of which align with the Commonwealth’s goals to improve outcomes and reduce health care costs.
- Strengthening and Developing the Rural Health Workforce: Addressing rural workforce shortages requires inclusive, long-term strategies. Investment in rural training pipelines and retention initiatives must include pharmacists and other non-physician providers to ensure a stable, community-based workforce capable of meeting local health needs.
PPA looks forward to continued collaboration with the Commonwealth, regional partners, and stakeholders to ensure pharmacists are fully engaged in the implementation of RHTP initiatives. By integrating pharmacy into rural care models, Pennsylvania can maximize the impact of this historic investment and improve health outcomes for communities across the state.
For information about the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association, visit www.papharmacists.com
For information on RHTP: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/programs-services/healthcare/rural-health
