What PA’s $50.1 Billion Budget Does for Rural Hospitals, Communities

The state budget, which was passed for $50.1 billion after a four-month impasse, is a foundation for support to rural hospitals by preserving program spending.

However, long-lasting barriers and challenges remain for health care access in rural communities.

Spotlight PA discusses how the state budget supports rural communities by preserving rural care networks. 

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Why Philly Youth Voters are Showing Up in Historic Numbers

In 2024, 18–24-year-olds made up about 10 percent of voters in Philadelphia, with an increasing number of young voters becoming civically engaged in both national and local elections over the past year.

Across Pennsylvania a higher number of 18–24-year-olds engaged in the 2024 election than in previous years.

This article explains why an increasing number of young voters are participating in civic activities, and how the organization PA Youth Vote is helping young residents become more politically active. 

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NEPA Medical Students Head No One Dies Alone Program

Students in several NEPA medical schools are partnering with Allied Services Hospice to participate in the No One Dies Alone Program.

Founded in 2012, the national program provides company and palliative care to hospice patients who may not have a family or support system by medical students.

The program has been operating in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton since 2022 and now runs year-long volunteer cohorts with groups of around 10 medical students at a time.



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Where Can Solar Investments Reduce Energy Burdens?

With the increase of data centers and artificial intelligence implementation, the demand for electricity in the United States has increased for the first time in decades.

The increase in demand and operations has caused both infrastructure expansion and raised costs for most consumers.

The Urban Institute discusses how distributed solar investments can help lower energy bills and reduce energy burdens for households across the nation. 

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How Regions Can Build and Sustain Coalitions to Grow a Good-Jobs Economy

Although regional leaders across the nation are attempting to expand economic mobility for all residents, no single organization has the resources or influence to deliver on this mandate independently.

Studies have shown that cross-sector coalitions can help regions maintain strategic alignment, efficiently handle resources, and succeed economically.

Brookings Research explains the value of cross-sector coalitions that combine innovation, talent, and strategic planning when adopting transformational economic mobility expansion. 



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A New Orleans Nonprofit is Guiding At-Home Caretakers

According to a survey by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, 63 million people in the United States, or approximately one quarter of American adults, provided care to another person with a medical condition or disability in 2024.

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans are also expected to be 65 or older by 2030, with demand for at-home caregivers skyrocketing since the pandemic.

KFF Health News highlights how New Orleans nonprofit Wake is focusing on supporting family caregivers giving end-of-life care and death care by helping to fill the knowledge and training gaps that many family caregivers face. 



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