to 60-minute drive away. For residents facing poverty and a lack of transportation, that distance can turn a simple health concern into a crisis.
But the community isn't waiting for outside help to solve the problem. Instead, local leaders are training everyday citizens to become Community Health Workers, helping their neighbors navigate the healthcare system and find the resources they need.
This grassroots solution was one of 19 showcased at a regional Community-Driven Research Day, hosted by Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) in partnership with Penn State Schuylkill.
Building on past events in 2023 in Northern Dauphin County, in 2024 in Schuylkill County and in 2025 in Berks County, the 2026 gathering united 87 community leaders, healthcare providers and Penn State researchers from all three regions for the first time.
