infrastructure availability. “Right now the only place we’re seeing developments coming in is if it’s a private development, in areas where there is existing water and sewer available,” he conveys. “A perfect example is a 34-unit low income elderly housing project coming into Tunkhannock Borough. Construction of the project is well underway and expected to be completed in Spring.” HEALTH CARE AND RESILIENCE Like many rural communities, Wyoming County has faced barriers in maintaining healthcare services. “About three years ago, we lost our only hospital, and included in that was the emergency room,” Wilbur recounts.“Now the building has finally been reopened. It’s been bought by a foundation, but we still do not have an emergency department. We’ve got 30 miles to the nearest hospital. So it’s taxing our EMS system with transporting patients. I’m hopeful that someday we have an emergency room again.” Henry underscores that even without a full-service hospital in Wyoming County, residents still have access to important healthcare services. Both Guthrie and Geisinger have established convenient care facilities in the area, allowing patients to be stabilized locally before being transferred if needed. “The hospital is doing tremendous things,” he highlights. “They’re doing medically assisted treatments. Their programs are endless with children, crises, and stuff like that. So hopefully we’ll get up to the same status as before, but they’re doing a lot of new, creative things and that is great.” 221 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 WYOMING COUNTY, PA
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