Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health Presents the 2014 Rural Health Awards

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to
recognize one individual and one organization from Pennsylvania's Fifth
Congressional District that during the past year made substantial
contributions to rural health in support of the communities our
hospitals and caregivers serve each and every day.

The Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health, which is funded by the
Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, the Pennsylvania Department of
Health, and the Pennsylvania State University, is a public partnership
designed to expand data-driven health care outcomes for rural
communities.

Each year, the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health's ``Rural Health
Awards'' recognize individuals and organizations in the Commonwealth
that have gone above and beyond in their respective field or program
and made significant improvements towards improving health outcomes.

Mr. Daniel Blough, chief executive officer of the Punxsutawney Area
Hospital in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, received the 2014 State Rural
Health Leader of the Year Award. Mr. Blough was recognized for 28 years
of dedicated service to the health and well-being of the residents in
and around Punxsutawney, which is located in Jefferson County,
Pennsylvania.

As a founding Pennsylvania member and president of the Pennsylvania
Mountains Healthcare Alliance, a collaboration of 18 rural hospitals,
Mr. Blough's leadership served to strengthen clinical outcomes for
residents throughout the region.

Additionally, the Total HEALTH Program at the Dickinson Center,
Incorporated, in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, which is also located in the
Fifth District, received the 2014 Rural Health Program of the Year
Award.

The Total HEALTH Program, a regional collaboration of health service
providers encompassing Penn Highlands-Elk, Dickinson Center,
Incorporated, and an independent physician in Elk County, aims to
provide primary and behavioral health care services to individuals with
physical, mental, and behavioral health needs.

Total HEALTH received the recognition for innovative programming in
Elk, Cameron, and McKean Counties that resulted in both improved
patient coordination and clinical outcomes.

Madam Speaker, I offer my thanks, my congratulations, and my praise
to Mr. Daniel Blough of the Punxsutawney Area Hospital and the
professionals and the staff represented through the Total HEALTH
Program for their commitment to strengthening and improving the quality
of care in the communities of our region.

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