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Social determinants of health and the impact of COVID-19

Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. The global, national, and local distribution of money, power, and resources influences these conditions. The social determinants of health play a significant role in shaping health outcomes and overall well-being. Factors such as income, education, and social support can profoundly impact an individual’s health and quality of life. In more technical terms, social determinants of health are a wide range of social, economic, and behavioral factors impacting an individual’s health ...

Carbon capture and storage can keep rural economies strong

Rural communities have an important role to play in advancing and shaping the transition to low- carbon energy and manufacturing across the United States. The significant growth of natural gas in Tioga County and other Marcellus Shale communities over the last two decades demonstrates how collaborative policymaking between state and local leaders can harness affordable, cleaner sources of energy to create good paying jobs and expand economic development across our region. In 2024, our Commonwealth has an opportunity to take another giant step forward. With smart investments, emerging ...

Education with students at the center

It is no secret that higher education institutions across our state and across the country stand at a crossroads. With costs rising, the number of college-bound students declining, and many students and families questioning the value of a college degree, colleges and universities bear the responsibility of remaining relevant and demonstrating the inherent value in earning a degree. In my own college experience, it took time and mentorship for me to fully appreciate how a degree would forever alter the trajectory of my life. My professors and coaches at Bloomsburg University saw ...

Misusing the Bible to justify maligning political opponents is wrong

I have read several opinions provided by Mr. Tim Mannello, in The Sun-Gazette in which he uses Bible verses to challenge the sincerity of conservative Christians with whom he politically disagrees. The truth is that biblical social justice does not fit well into either liberal or conservative categories. It straddles them and mixes these elements. And we, as Christians, dedicated to improving the world in the name of Jesus Christ, must not hijack specific verses from the Bible to support our political ideology. In the recent past, he has suggested that conservative Christians are ...

When history repeats itself

Have you ever watched the old news reels of the run up to World War II in Spain, Italy, and Germany? Tightly knit, well organized squads of fascist youth are seen marching down the streets in military fashion. They have a leader who shouts out the call and the young would-be soldiers cry out a rhythmic response in unison. This was the build up to the fascist enterprise that was the cause of World War II and the ultimate death of over 50 million people. At the time, people like Charlie Chaplin, just made fun of the youth inspired by Spain’s Franco, Italy’s Mussolini, and Germany’s ...

Biden’s assault on American energy

The Biden Administration’s misguided, out-of-touch decision to pause pending approvals of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports is just the latest assault from this President on American energy. Our Congressional District, Pennsylvania’s Ninth, encompasses a large part of the Marcellus Shale natural gas region – one of the largest reserves of clean natural gas in the world. Not only does the natural gas industry support over 123,000 jobs in Pennsylvania, but it also contributes $25 billion a year to the Commonwealth’s GDP – meaning Biden’s continued assault on American ...