Rural hospitals are significant contributors to their communities, but many rural hospitals are operating in the red. Two new reports released this month reveal that more than 450 U.S. hospitals in rural areas are in danger of closing.

Pennsylvania is home to a diverse community of world-class hospitals and health systems, with leadership and health care teams laser-focused on providing excellent care to their patients. HAP’s Achievement Awards program highlights the innovative projects that these teams undertake to continuously improve upon the quality of the care they deliver, as well as the health of their communities.

As the 2020 primary election season ramps up, so, too, does the discussion about the country’s health care system. Candidates in Pennsylvania and across the United States are discussing everything from sweeping proposals to bring fundamental change to the system to efforts to address more granular issues, such as stemming the cost of health care and protecting patients from surprise balance bills.