Rural Health
Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania
1084 Rte. 315, , Wilkes-Barre, PA,
18702
570-825-8741
www.rhcnepa.com
In the late 1960s,
many small towns in Northeastern Pennsylvania were facing the loss of medical
care as an increasing number of physicians in rural communities were moving to
or establishing their practices in our region’s cities and suburbs. Few
were interested in a career as country doctors — solo practitioners, long
working hours and no partners to share coverage. For many rural residents
without transportation or insurance, accessing healthcare became a
hardship.
To meet the
needs of the residents of the rural areas of Wyoming and Luzerne Counties for
quality healthcare, concerned citizens and community leaders collaborated with
the Federal Office of Health Affairs. In 1970, Rural Health Corporation
was established, becoming part of a national network of community health
centers.
Between 1971
and 1979, five family practice health centers, 3 of which continue to also
provide dental care, were established in the rural communities of Wyoming and
Luzerne Counties.
A sixth
practice site specializing in pediatrics was also established during this period
and pharmacy services were made available to our patients. Rural Health
Corporation’s last expansion was to the center of Wilkes-Barre where in 1988 a
special clinic was established to serve the area’s homeless.
Today, Rural Health
Corporation provides comprehensive healthcare to children, adolescents and
adults at six locations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. We offer many
insurance options which include most commercial insurances, CHIP, Medicare and
Medical Assistance. We also have a sliding fee program for lower income
families.