MILFORD, PA ― “The time for action is now,” is the takeaway message from the launch of the Pike Medical Foundation, which was held on June 7.

The Pike Medical Foundation Fund, part of the Greater Pike Community Foundation, was created to raise and distribute funds to “support, sustain and enhance existing and future medical services” in Pike County, according to a press release.

It was created by the Pike County Commissioners: Matthew Osterberg, Ronald Schmalzle and Tony Waldron.

A board composed of the three commissioners and community leaders was established to determine whether applicants are eligible—and will be responsible for the allocation of funds.

The Pike Medical Foundation board members are Mickey Black, Michael Geitz, Justin Genzlinger, Charles Gillinder, Jennifer Hamill, Pete Helms, Bob Keisendahl, Ken Klipstein, David Lender, William Lovejoy, Jim Pedranti, Bill Rosado and Jessica Zufall. 

The commissioners allocated $2 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to establish the fund through Greater Pike Community Foundation.

“Establishing the Pike Medical Fund sets Pike apart from other counties, but we have a strong consensus that improving access to quality medical services is extremely important to our residents and visitors,” said Schmalzle. “We have stepped out of our comfort zones on a number of occasions to move our priorities forward and will continue to do so.”

“In recent years, the county had invested and committed nearly $5 million toward the improvement of county medical services. We felt the logical next step was to create this fund,” said Waldron.

The commissioners also intend to donate land located off Route 739 in Blooming Grove Township to a provider willing to construct a 24/7 medical facility.

“We need these services. We cannot wait for Washington or Harrisburg. It must be the county and the community working together to deliver results,” Osterberg said. “If anyone is going to help create medical services in Pike County, it is Pike County.”

Donations to the Pike Medical Foundation Fund can be made online at www.greaterpike.org/fund_list, or by check. Donations by check should be made payable to GPCF-Pike Medical Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 992, Milford, PA 18337.