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.

New survey results from NORC, a non-partisan research institute at the University of Chicago, highlights the increasing hardship of high medical bills on Americans and their families, and explore the use of social media and online crowdfunding sites as a viable means for help paying medical bills.

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.