Pike County Residents Voice Healthcare Concerns, Collaboration with Northwell Health Underway

Pennsylvania's only county without a hospital or urgent care center seeks solutions to improve healthcare access.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Pike County, Pennsylvania, remains the only county in the state without a hospital or urgent care center, leaving residents facing significant barriers to healthcare access. A recent Community Engagement Session hosted by the Pike County Commissioners in partnership with Northwell Health brought together stakeholders to discuss the challenges and explore potential solutions.

Why it matters

The lack of local medical facilities in Pike County forces residents to travel significant distances for care, creating hardships and potentially delaying critical treatment. The session aimed to identify community priorities and preferences to guide future healthcare development efforts and ensure equitable access to high-quality care for all residents.

The details

The session brought together a diverse group of stakeholders – including federal, state, and local elected officials, school district leaders, healthcare professionals, and community organizations – to discuss the challenges and explore potential solutions. Participants voiced concerns and shared experiences, providing the Commissioners and Northwell Health with valuable insights into the community's needs.

  • The Community Engagement Session was held on November 20, 2025.

The players

Ronald R. Schmalzle

Pike County Commissioner who stated the goal of ensuring every resident has equitable access to high-quality care.

Northwell Health

A healthcare organization that partnered with the Pike County Commissioners to host the Community Engagement Session.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal has always been to ensure every resident has equitable access to high-quality care. This session is a chance to hear directly from our community leaders who share this commitment, and many of whom know firsthand the challenges of limited care in our area. By coming together, we can share new ideas and focus on the necessary steps to reshape healthcare in Pike.”

— Ronald R. Schmalzle, Pike County Commissioner (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.