Current Public Health Issues

Pennsylvania hospitals are focused on issues that safeguard or could jeopardize the health and wellness of their communities.

The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, along with its member hospitals, health systems, and public stakeholders, advocates for legislative policies that will nurture and support a healthy Pennsylvania.

Gun Violence

Hospital staff rushing patient to treatment

Hospitals and health systems know too well the terrible toll gun violence takes on our communities. Emergency room staff see first-hand the harm and destruction of life caused by firearms. 

HAP’s ongoing work to combat gun violence includes:

  • Supporting legislation intended to address the issue
  • Working with partners like the American Hospital Association to ensure our communities and workplaces are safe

Resources:

Human Trafficking

Female teen talking with doctor

Currently, Pennsylvania does not have legislation mandating a state task force to combat human trafficking. However, regions in the state have organized coalitions, as well as a task force to bring together the expertise, training, and law enforcement different authorities need to help identify human traffickers.

Resources:

Women's Health

Group of women

    Maternal mortality and health equity, access to abortion, breast, and cervical cancer. These are some of the primary public health issues affecting women today. HAP and its network are building and implementing ongoing initiatives to ensure women can access, and receive, the best possible care no matter their circumstance.

    Resources:

  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) offers resources surrounding these and other women’s health topics
  • HAP: Advancing Health Equity


HAP Contacts

For more information, contact Laura Stevens Kent, senior vice president of advocacy and external affairs, or Jeff Bechtel, senior vice president, health economics and policy. Media inquiries should be directed to Liam Migdail, HAP's director, media relations.



HAP News


September 11, 2023

Who Americans Trust for Health Information

The nation’s health misinformation challenge continues to grow, but there’s an opportunity to take action before false claims become entrenched, according to a new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation.

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