INSPIRE PA

Increasing Networks of Specialty Providers to Improve Rural Engagement in PA

INSPIRE PA, led by the Center for Advancing Health Equity in Rural and Underserved Communities (CAHE-RUC), connects with specialty care providers across health systems in rural and underserved communities in Pennsylvania, improving access to critical services like dermatology, ophthalmology, cardiology, and endocrinology.

Why does it matter?

Rural communities face significant barriers to specialty care, contributing to poor health outcomes in areas like diabetes, cancer, and maternal-child health. INSPIRE PA bridges these gaps by coordinating care across systems and targeting regions with the greatest need—ensuring that no community is left behind.

Our Strategy

INSPIRE PA uses a data-driven, community-centered approach to expand access to specialty care in rural Pennsylvania.

• Data-Driven Targeting: We use health indicators—such as diabetes prevalence, cancer rates, and maternal-child health outcomes—to pinpoint rural areas most in need of specialty services.

• Coordinated Specialty Provider Mobilization: By aligning health systems, we bring specialists directly to underserved regions, fostering integrated, silo-free care.

• Community Outreach & Education: Through mobile units, local events, and trusted partners, we engage residents to build trust and promote the value of specialty care.

• Continuity of Care Through Follow-Up Tracking: Initial outreach showed 30% of participants needed follow-up care. We use this insight to refine referrals and ensure ongoing support.

Impact

Launching in 2025, INSPIRE PA has reached multiple counties across central PA such as Franklin, Huntingdon, Perry, Northumberland, and Dauphin. We are continuously engaging with the community and with specialists to create a multisystem collaboration that brings specialists to the areas that need it the most.

Current Partners

• LION Mobile Unit

• Penn State Community Outreach

• Rural Health Coalition

• Penn State Health

We want to hear from you!

If you need a specialist in your area or have ideas for other health needs, please fill out our survey or email us at inspirePA@psu.edu.