On April 23, 2024, more than 70 residents, public officials, and health care professionals gathered at Punxsutawney Area Hospital to break ground on a $23 million renovation project. The renovations funded through a USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan will allow for upgrades to the emergency department, outpatient service center entrance, laboratory and phlebotomy services, woman’s health center, and imaging services.

“It was inspiring to see the tenure of leadership that exists here and recognize that they are invested in Punxsutawney and in rural America. President Biden also recognizes the importance of that, and through the emergency world health care grants as well as through community facilities, will continue to invest in rural America,” USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small said.

In addition to the patient impact these investments will have, the hospital management team expects these funds will help support hospital staff long term. There are currently 400 employees at the hospital. With the new renovations there is an anticipation of additional hires based on the increase in productivity, efficiency, and a larger working space. 

“We do anticipate that with the modernization of the physical spaces we will have an easier time recruiting and retaining employees to work in those departments,” Jack Sisk, president of Punxsutawney Area Hospital said. 

“Also, the patient experience will dramatically improve,” he said.

This is the third investment USDA Rural Development has made to help keep rural healthcare thriving in Punxsutawney. The other two investments included a $868,500 Emergency Rural Health Care Grant and an $838,749 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant.

“This is another great example of USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities program helping the rural areas that need it most,” State Director Bob Morgan said. “I thank everyone on my staff and in this community that made this project possible.”