UPMC Kane reports continued successes in the community
scoring by the Planning Commission. This ensures that the allocated funds are directed towards addressing the most pressing needs within our county. Following this evaluation, the Planning Commission will make recommendations for project funding to the Mckean County Commissioners, who will ultimately make the final decisions regarding fund distribution.
These vital funds are earmarked to provide additional support to Greenways Projects and At-risk Bridge Projects. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofit organizations, area-wide agencies, and public authorities, all of whom are encouraged to apply.
To be considered for funding, all applications must be submitted no later than December 31, 2023. Comprehensive application details and additional information can be conveniently accessed on the official Mckean County website under the Planning Commission link.
Applications can be submitted via mail to 17137 Route 6 Smethport, PA 16749 or via email to rfry@mckeancountypa.org. For any inquiries or if additional information is required, please contact Richard Fry, Director of Planning, Mckean County Planning Commission, at 814-887-2754 or rfry@ mckeancountypa.org.
KANE - UPMC Kane President Mark Papalia presented the status of the hospital and its progress working within the community on Wednesday evening on at CJ’S
Spirits in Kane.
At the Kane UPMC Annual Meeting during the Kane Chamber’s Business After Hours, Papalia reported in the Fiscal Year 2022, UPMC Kane contributed $1.9 million in
Papalia explained that through the hospital’s participation in PA Rural Health Model (PARHM), the collaboration has been the key to the hospital’s success within the community. UPMC Kane joined PARHM in 2019 and is one of five hospitals to participate with PARHM.
PARHM is a 5-year demonstration project with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. The goal is to stabilize rural hospitals while they work on initiatives to transform their business by developing an innovative delivery model that sustains all levels of services and doing it in a way that doesn’t jeopardize patient safety or quality, but reduces costs and thus providing a long-standing viable model for the community.
He mentioned several of the programs that are provided throughout the year to benefit the community. As non-profit organization designated as a 501c3, the hospital is required to provide a level of community benefit, such as partnering with the local Rotary Clubs for multiphase blood screenings, monthly Better Breathers meetings, wellness screenings, free women’s health and wellness screenings (funded through area businesses and other community groups), free blood pressure clinic, flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine clinics, community fairs and expos and supporting the community blood bank drives.
Papalia reported that the addition of Telemedicine in 2021 has also been a significant improvement in reaching out to all areas of the community.
Board-certified specialists deliver care to UPMC Kane patients virtually through highresolution cameras and digital stethoscopes and otoscopes. Telemedicine provides live consults in the patient’s room, working in collaboration with the patient’s attending physician.
“Telemedicine allows UPMC Kane patients to have ready access to the highest levels of care without having to leave town and opens the door for many other specialties,” he said.