UPMC, while often associated with urban centers, provides necessary services in many of Pennsylvania’s rural communities. As a leader in women’s care services, the UPMC Magee-Womens teams across the state deeply understand the unique challenges their patients in rural communities face, including limited access to specialized care, preventive services, and maternal health resources. These challenges often result in higher rates of chronic conditions. Collaboration is key to healthy communities that thrive.
Patti Jackson-Gehris, president, UPMC in North Central Pa., recently presented alongside Dr. Debra Bogan, Health Secretary, Pa. Department of Health (DOH), at a community baby shower event promoting the Pa. DOH’s new State Health Center in Lock Haven.
“Ensuring quality care is accessible and meeting the needs of the community is a tall task – it’s systemic, and overcoming the significant challenges is too much for any one organization to tackle alone,” said Jackson-Gehris. “That is why we focus so much on being a good neighbor and being involved in the communities we serve. A lot of what health care is about now re-looking at what are the true needs of the community and how can we partner and collaborate and bring things together to deliver care in a different way, and that’s what this pilot does.”
In bringing this health center to the community, UPMC, DOH, Pa. Department of Human Services, and other local partners are collaborating for a two-year, $1.3 million pilot project. The goal is to develop a model for providing a variety of physical, mental, emotional, and social health resources for women in regions with limited access to pre- and post-pregnancy care.

Pictured from left: Robert Edwards, M.D., chair of Ob-gyn, UPMC Magee-Womens, speaks with Dr. Debra Bogen, health secretary, Pa. Department of Health.
“The state is funding and leading this pilot project because of our deep commitment to improving care for mothers and babies, not only in rural areas like Clinton County, but in every region where access to pregnancy care is limited,” said Dr. Bogen. “Our goal is simple: to develop a local network that provides easier access to basic pregnancy and postpartum care services that support mothers, babies and families. This pilot project is the latest effort in the Administration’s ongoing work with health care and community leaders: to find commonsense solutions to support and sustain our rural health care system.”
The pilot is an innovative model of care that UPMC and the DOH hope inspires others to adopt similar approaches across the state.
“I am hopeful that today’s event will showcase an innovative model of care and inspire others to adopt similar approaches across the state. This pilot program is just the beginning of a larger, ongoing dialogue aimed at developing sustainable solutions to ensure every woman has access to the care she deserves,” said Jackson-Gehris.
Clinton County was selected for this pilot due to the limited number of ob-gyn providers and the long distance for travel to the closest birthing facilities. DOH’s community health nurses involved in the pilot have extensive experience in pregnancy and newborn care and the partnership with UPMC and other local organizations created a ripe environment to pilot a
project that could be duplicated in other regions. Other local partners include the YMCA, WIC, and members from Safe Kids PA Lycoming County and Lycoming County Cribs for Kids who are committed to preventing injuries to children through education, collaboration, and advocacy.