Congressman Joyce Visits Conemaugh Nason Medical Center

U.S. Congressman John Joyce (PA-13th District) visited Conemaugh Nason Medical Center on July 2 to meet members of the medical staff and hospital and board leadership, and tour the hospital's Cath Lab and Special Delivery Obstetrical Unit. Congressman Joyce was meeting with officials at rural hospitals across Pennsylvania's 13th District that week.

Congressman Joyce applauded the board and hospital leadership for the successful opening of the Cath Lab in January 2019. Since the opening, the Cath Lab has performed nearly 350 catheterizations and evaluated more than 450 patients, while consistently delivering high quality outcomes and ensuring patient satisfaction, according to the hospital.

While touring the Special Delivery Obstetrical Unit, Joyce discussed the closing of obstetrical services at other area hospitals and how it negatively affects residents of the 13th District. He said that he recognizes the importance of choice for patients in the healthcare delivery market. Conemaugh Nason delivers more than 350 babies a year.

"We're thrilled to have Congressman Joyce visit our hospital as part of his tour of area healthcare facilities," Tim Harclerode, chief executive officer of Conemaugh Nason Medical Center, said. "It is particularly crucial to have a representative who understands the importance and challenges of rural healthcare delivery, and we are thankful to have such an engaged partner on our side as we continue to advance our mission of Making Communities Healthier."

During his visit, Joyce provided information on legislation regarding prescription drug costs and the Ensuring Timely Access to Generics Act of 2019. This bill would curb the use of tactics employed by brand drug manufacturers that often delay generic medications from accessing the market.

The congressman also discussed the labor crisis in Pennsylvania's dairy industry and a related bill introduced by the congressman. The bill seeks to expand the H-2A visa program that will allow farmers to hire more temporary foreign-born workers.

"It was a pleasure to tour Conemaugh Nason Medical Center today and get to see first-hand some of the high quality services that the hospital provides to the community," Congressman Joyce said. "Tim Harclerode and the rest of the Conemaugh Nason team have been great advocates for our efforts in congress to try to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible for patients, and I look forward to continuing to partner with them on those issues.

"Additionally, the commitment that Conemaugh Nason Medical Center has made in opening a cardiac catheterization facility less than six months ago has further elevated the level of care available to southern Blair County. It is my goal to continue to work with Conemaugh Nason as we seek to improve rural health care throughout the 13th District," Joyce said.