Pitchford Appointed to RHA Board

The Pennsylvania Rural Health Association recently announced the appointment of Ed Pitchford, president and chief executive officer of Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, to its board of directors. Pitchford is active in promoting rural health issues as a member of the executive committee of the hospital and Health Systems Association of Pennsylvania Small and Rural Council and its Public Policy Committee.

“Citizens who chose to work and live in rural areas should have access to the same level and quality of basic healthcare services as those who are in urban or metropolitan areas. Obviously there will be differences in availability when it comes to specialized care that is only provided in certain cities. This reality raises the importance of patient transportation in rural areas such as Coudersport. PRHA has a significant voice in the state and I look forward to working with my fellow board of directors to ensure that this state has a rural healthcare delivery system second to none,” he said.

According to its website, PRHA is a non profit organization dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of Pennsylvania’s rural citizens and communities. Through the combined efforts of individuals, organizations, professionals, and community leaders, the association is a collective voice for rural health issues and a conduit for information and resources. PRHA serves as an advocate for rural health issues and development at the local, state, and federal levels, it provides continuing education and leadership development opportunities for rural health professionals and it fosters cooperative partnerships to improve rural health.