Penn Highlands DuBois Frank Varischetti Trauma Center Receives Prestigious PA Rural Health Award

On December 9, 2024, the Level II Trauma Program at Penn Highlands DuBois received the Rural Health Program of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health for the opening of the Frank Varischetti Trauma Center at the hospital.

The Rural Health Program of the Year award recognizes an exemplary health program that addresses an identified need in a rural community. The hospital’s Frank Varischetti Trauma Center was accredited as a Level II Trauma Center by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF), effective August 1, 2023.

Accredited trauma centers must be continuously prepared to treat the most serious life threatening and disabling injuries. The Frank Varischetti Trauma Center is the only Level II Trauma Center in Central Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Will Chinn, FACHE, President of Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Clearfield, explained how the opening of the Trauma Center impacted the entire hospital and the Northwestern and Central Pennsylvania regions. “With the opening of our Trauma Center, people in many counties throughout the region can receive high-quality care without the need to be transported to a facility in another part of the state. Having care closer to home can have a positive impact on outcomes.”

Upon accepting the award, Philip S. Vuocolo, MD, MHA, FACS, Trauma Program Medical Director for Penn Highlands DuBois, thanked the team that helped make the Trauma Center a reality. “It is truly an honor to accept this award on behalf of the Penn Highlands DuBois Frank Varischetti Trauma Center and the entire trauma team. Trauma care is truly a team effort -- I do not mean just the trauma providers -- I mean all of those people involved in the planning, funding, development, staffing and support of our trauma program.”

Each year, the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health presents awards to individuals and organizations that have made substantial contributions to rural health in the state. Nationally, Pennsylvania ranks as one of the states with the highest number of rural residents, with 26% of the state's residents living in rural areas.