Pennsylvania
The PCO and the PCA function collaboratively in Pennsylvania in many regards: the PCA has served on the PCO’s Loan Repayment Review Committee as well as the State Health Improvement Program Committee for many years; the PCO contracts with the PCA for community development activities; and, the PCA communicates PCO funding opportunity announcements to health centers across the Commonwealth. Through the support of the Prescription for Pennsylvania initiative and collaboration with the PCA, the PCO has been able to expand a number of its programs, including: the Enhanced Loan Repayment Program; the Nurse Loan Repayment Program; and the Community Primary Challenge Grant Program. In addition, the PCO supports various statewide initiatives with active participation from the PCA, such as the Pennsylvania Asthma Partnership, the Pennsylvania Diabetes Action Partnership, and the Pennsylvania Cancer Education Network.
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
