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Primary Health Network Lobbies Harrisburg for Help
SHARON, Pa. -- Officials at the Primary Health Network are back at work this week following a trip to Harrisburg to meet with representatives of the state department of Health, Public Welfare and Aging.Jack Laeng, executive director of Primary Health Network, and Susan Piccirilli, deputy director, discussed health-care issues affecting western Pennsylvanians including the shortage of dentists and high cost of prescription drugs. The Primary Health Network operates community health centers that provide accessible and affordable health-care to residents of Mercer, Lawrence, Crawford, Clarion, Beaver and Butler counties. Its operations are subsidized by charitable donations and government grants."We are the safety net for the underserved and uninsured populations," Laeng said. "It is important to keep state agencies informed of the obstacles we face in our respective counties so we can better meet the health-care needs of Pennsylvanians." During a meeting with representatives of the Pa. Department of Health, Laeng and Piccirilli reported Primary Health Network is facing a shortage in dental practitioners. "Our region is in need of quality dental care, which we are trying to provide," Laeng said. "But it has been extremely difficult finding dentists to fill available positions."The dental shortage was also a major topic of discussion in a later meeting with officials at the Department of Public Welfare. Piccirilli recommended an excellent incentive for recruiting dentists would be enhancing the student loan repayment program to make it comparable to the program for physicians."In addition to recruitment, obtaining equipment has also been an obstacle for The Primary Health Network," Piccirilli said. "State funding allocated for [dental site] start up costs would help us to better serve our population." Welfare officials alerted Laeng and Piccirilli to economic development funds that could be accessed through the state Department of Community and Economic Development and the governor's office. Another important issue is the need for affordable prescription drugs, Laeng said. "The counties we serve have a high population of low-income, elderly residents," he explained. "Although we have a few onsite pharmacies offering qualified patients discounted prescription medications, we need state assistance to expand the program." Founded 20 years ago, the Primary Health Network dispenses health care from 25 locations. It employs more than 200, including 53 physicians. Visit Primary Health Network at www.primary-health.net"