In this compelling episode of At the Core of Care, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of rural healthcare with Lisa Davis, director of the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health. From Pennsylvania’s shifting definition of “rural” to the urgent realities of hospital closures, provider shortages, and broadband gaps, Lisa sheds light on the unique challenges and promising innovations reshaping care in rural communities. Listeners will learn how community health workers, telehealth, and local investment transform access, while Medicaid policies and healthcare consolidation continue to shape the future. Lisa reminds us that rural health isn’t just a policy issue—it’s the backbone of our food, economy, and daily lives.
Lisa Davis serves as the Director of the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health and is an Outreach Associate Professor of Health Policy and Administration at Penn State University Park. As the Director, she ensures that the state office exceeds its federal mission of being a source of networking, coordination, and technical assistance to advance rural health care delivery. On national, state, and university levels, Lisa serves on a wide range of boards of directors, advisory committees, and task forces focused on rural health policy, rural health research, economic development, outreach and education, health disparities, and vulnerable populations.
She is a recipient of state and national awards for rural service, rural health leadership, and health equity. The Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health received the Award of Merit and the Award of Excellence from the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health.
Lisa and her husband live in Boalsburg, PA, the birthplace of Memorial Day. They have one daughter who is a junior in college majoring in restorative justice with the goal of ending human trafficking and sexual assault.
