Punxy Gets $2 Million for New Medical Center

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) have announced that a $2 million state grant has been awarded to build a medical center in Punxsutawney Borough.

The State Redevelopment Assistance Capitol Program (RACP) awarded $2 million dollars for the project, which will be put towards the building of a Federally Qualified Health Care-anchored multi-service, three-story 45,000 square-foot medical facility.

According to the legislators, Primary Health Network (PHN) of Sharon, PA will own and operate the facility. PHN has worked closely with Punxsutawney Hospital, the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce, the Jefferson/Clarion Community Action Commission, the Borough of Punxsutawney, and other social service providers and individuals to collaboratively develop plans for the facility.

“This project is an exciting development for our community and will offer local residents increased access to important health services,” Scarnati said. “I am confident that this medical facility will also bring new visitors to the area, which will help provide greater economic development for the region.”

PHN estimates that this project will bring 70,000 to 90,000 visits to the building annually, employ approximately 100 workers and create $6 million a year in new economic revenue.

According to Smith, the building will create a focus on health care and social services designed to improve family health outcomes. Services to be located within the building include primary care, behavioral health, pharmacy, drug and alcohol treatment as well as social services case management.

“This health center is a facility that is needed in our community and one that I think people in our area and surrounding areas will use,” Smith said. “Navigating through the health care system can be a challenging and often frustrating process. My hope is that placing numerous health care services under one roof, and close to home, will improve access and affordability to quality primary health care needs in our community.”

The total amount of the project is $11,957,000. Of that amount, $2 million will be awarded from the RACP grant, $5,460,000 from The Reinvestment Fund Loan, $3,397,000 through Tax Credit Equity and the remaining $1,100,000 through Primary Health Network Equity.

The building will be located on seven acres of land at the corner of Pushnock and Lever Streets and is expected to open in the summer of 2014.