document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By She will being her new role in the new year. . Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Stakeholders should be engaged with planning and in helping to . Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Noe Ortega and Acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter visited a vaccine clinic for students and local residents this afternoon at Shippensburg Area . Mr. Toth was named Legislative Director for the Department of Aging and in March of 2019 his role expanded to Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs. Read More Ortega's efforts on diversifying the education workforce and expanding post-secondary education access "will undoubtedly continue to impact our learners for years to come," the governor said. A Pennsylvania native, Marley Parish covers the Senate for the Capital-Star. Klinepeter previously worked as the executive deputy secretary for the health department and as special advisor to the secretary of health. "We encourage anyone who feels they need or wants a test, especially if they think they have been . In a statement, Wolf called Ortega, who previously served as the Education Departments deputy secretary and commissioner of postsecondary and higher education, a dedicated advocate for all students. Ortega joined the agency in 2017 after serving as an administrator at the University of Michigan. Ms.Iqbal has a background in public health, healthcare policy, and journalism. 23 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17101-1606. The state is also prioritizing protecting vulnerable populations from coronavirus. For children ages 5 to 11, this clinic will provide the first dose, and the second dose is scheduled for January 17, 2022. Ortega. I am honored to lead the department during this transformative time in public health and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the tremendous employees at the Department of Health and ensuring our health remains a top priority throughout the commonwealth.. Ortega is taking this time to focus on family and to consider his next professional pursuit, administration spokesperson Elizabeth Rementer told the Capital-Star. She previously reported on government, education and community issues for the Centre Daily Times and has a background in writing, editing and design. "He led the department through unprecedented times, ensuring a safe return to in-person learning and providing access to COVID-19 testing and vaccines.". Kristen Rodack is the Director of the Policy Office at the Pennsylvania Department of Health. At a recent PA House Health Committee hearing, Keara Klinepeter, Executive Deputy Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, was asked whether medical (chemical) abortions require a face-to-face appointment with a physician. Klinepeter shared her bias on the issue of abortion during her testimony, claiming abortion is a safe and essential procedure and encouraged legislators to provide more funding to abortion facilities. March 3, 2023, By Susan Coble is the Deputy Secretary of Quality Assurance at the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Acting Sec. HARRISBURG, Pa (WTAJ) New guidelines to allow hospitals to implement new innovative care delivery models, were announced by Acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By Her fiscal management experience began in the Department of Health, where much of her professional growth occurred over the course of twenty years. Prior to Acting Secretary, Klinepeter served as the Executive Deputy Secretary for the Department of Health and as Special Advisor to the Secretary of Health, where she worked extensively on the COVID-19 response and vaccine administration. HARRISBURG Acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter recently provided an update on the commonwealth's response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted preparations being made to . Updated: Mar 3, 2022 / 04:06 PM EST. Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Secretary KearaKlinepeter will be leaving the post. The Governor's Acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter on Monday called it an "acute situation." "COVID-19 hospitalizations remain at historically high levels and healthcare workers need some support to get . Thank you to Governor Wolf, the Wolf Administrations leadership team, and the incredibly dedicated Department of Health employees, Klinepeter said in a statement. 2020 Carnegie Mellon University. Hagarty has overseen a number of education issues for the administration, including the state's "Level Up" program, which steers additional state money to . "Keara has been an asset to the Department of Health and the Wolf . - April 18, 2022, Outgoing Pa. acting Health Secretary Keara Klinepeter, left; and her successor, Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson, right. Prior to transitioning to state government, Ms.Race provided fiscal leadership to local non-profits, including serving as CFO for Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children and as Fiscal Manager for Mental Health Association in Pennsylvania. HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam and Executive Deputy Secretary Keara Klinepeter will host a virtual media briefing to provide a COVID-19 vaccine . In this role, she worked closely with program staff and helped determine their policy needs and assisted with various procedures. And Klinepeter said its likely the state Health Department will follow those recommendations, which rely on COVID-19 hospitalizations, beds occupied by COVID-positive patients, and new cases per 100,000 people over the previous week. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Dr. Debra L. Bogenis the Acting Secretary of Health. Klinepeter was named Acting Secretary in December 2021 following the resignation of Alison Beam, who later joined UPMC as the hospitals Vice President of Government Affairs and Chief Government Relations Officer. . Tim Stuhldreher is the editor of OneUnitedLancaster. The latest news from the Levittown, Pa. area. The pandemic has changed many aspects of public health here in Pennsylvania and nationwide. This hospital was Klinepeter's second stop of the day after a visit to the AMI Expeditionary Healthcare (AMI) Centre County COVID-19 testing site in State College. Prior to that, she created a public health curriculum for medical students and raised awareness on racial biases and inequities in medical education and the healthcare industry. Acting state Health Secretary Alison Beam is stepping down at the end of the year, Gov. Pennsylvania women and families deserve better. Keara has been an asset to the Department of Health and the Wolf Administration throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, providing necessary leadership and guidance to prepare for the endemic phase of the pandemic, said Wolf. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (Matt Rourke/AP) At a recent PA House Health Committee hearing, Keara Klinepeter, Executive Deputy Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, was asked whether medical (chemical) abortions require a face-to-face appointment with a physician. Shortly after Fridays press conference, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new COVID-19 guidance to determine whether someone should wear a mask, practice social distancing, and avoid crowded indoor spaces. Her clinical research focused on the impact of mental health and substance use on families. An independent news publication of United Way of Lancaster County. Alison Beam, Pennsylvania's acting health secretary, will depart at the end of December. Acting Secretary Klinepeter has worked extensively on the state's COVID-19 response, including helping to lead the state's vaccine roll-out and working closely with hospitals to manage patient surges. The Democratic governor has tapped his deputy chief of staff, Eric Hagarty, to serve as the agencys acting secretary as the administration heads into its final months. This Week in Pennsylvania: Marc Stier, Nate Benefield, Zabel resigns from committee after sexual harassment, DeSantis to speak in Harrisburg next month, Lobbyist names PA lawmaker she says sexually harassed, PA lawmakers to propose assisted suicide bill, Bipartisan train derailment disasters bill introduced, District III swimming championships final results, Cumberland Valley falls in OT in district championship, Greencastle captures schools second District III, Cedar Cliff wins first District III basketball title, Delone Catholic falls in District III 4A title game, Home offers place for families near local hospital, Local artist draws rescue cat portraits for a good, Mission BBQ donates nearly $370k to Wreaths Across, Cargill at the Harrisburg Ice and Fire Festival, Match Madness with the Partnership for Better Health, Trout Stocking with the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Second, in response to the House hearing, Planned Parenthood boldly touted their use of telemedicine abortion. Dr. Bogen earned her medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and completed both her pediatric residency and general academic pediatrics fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Planned Parenthood Keystone proudly provides abortion through telemedicine in their video response (starting at the 9:40 mark) to the hearing. She added that the state Health Department is focused on maintaining a state of readiness and empowering individuals to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations and be informed about community spread. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. Johnson, the physician general and anob-gyn, thanked the governor for appointing her and Klinepeter for her leadership. When it comes to declaring an endemic a disease thats always present and usually predictable Pennsylvania is looking to the World Health Organization to make that call. Keara Klinepeter will resign as acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Health on Friday, Gov. Klinepeter is leaving to prepare for the birth of her child, her first, in June, the health Department said. Schwank has asked Klinepeter to keep the center open. Ms. Iqbal oversees the Bureau of Health Statistics and Registries, the Office of Drug Surveillance and Misuse Prevention, the Health Research Office, the Primary Care Office, and the data modernization initiative. Hazmat, fire crews called to fire in Lancaster Co. Tim Stuhldreher Wolf and Acting Secretary Klinepeter for their steadfast leadership, especially during this trying time for all Pennsylvanians, said Dr. Johnson. Val Arkoosh "Testing is the best way to identify whether you are infected with the virus," Acting Secretary Klinepeter . He graduated from The Pennsylvania State Universitys Dickinson School of Law in 2006 as a member of the schools Woolsack Honor Society. Good morning, Chairs Stefano, Muth, Boback, Sainato and members of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committees. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Ribbon cutting held for Founders Hall in Hershey, Winter games for Special Olympics begin in York, Man intentionally sets motel room on fire: Police. He served as an attorney for the Department of Health since 2007. Tim Stuhldreher The state's Acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter emphasized these points of information Wednesday during her visit to Geisinger-Lewistown's COVID-19 vaccination clinic. She will be succeeded by Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson, the governor's office said in a statement Monday. They are the ones who declared a pandemic. May 2018 - Jan 20201 year 9 months. Senator Scott Martin, Majority Chair, Education Committee . School of Information Systems & Management, College of Fine Arts Joint Degree Programs. Dr. Ortega is the second member of the Wolf administration to resign this week following the resignation of the Department of Health Acting Secretary Keara Klinepeter on April 18 as she prepares . The Governors office says Klinepeter is choosing to resign to take time to prepare for the birth of her first child in June. Tom Wolf has announced that Department of Health Acting Secretary Keara Klinepeter will resign her position with the commonwealth on April 22. Before working at the state level, Dr. Braund was employed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, first in the Office of the Assistant Secretary, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and then at the Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions.Dr. Thank you, Acting SecretaryKlinepeter, for your leadership. - Just four months into the high-profile job in Gov. In a teleconference with reporters, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said that the overall risk of severe disease is generally lower. Pennsylvania acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter said Tuesday that strike teams will be sent to hospitals in areas hit hardest by the latest COVID-19 surge.This comes after Gov. You have successfully joined our email list. I dont believe we allow telemedicine abortions.. Planned Parenthood not only admits it, but brags about it. Keara Klinepeter, the Health Department's executive deputy secretary, will take over as acting secretary. Regardless of what we call the phase that were in, I think this is a moment to pause and reflect on the great work that has been done to get us to this place and to encourage people to continue doing those good public health actions, Klinepeter told reporters Friday. Prior to becoming Deputy Secretary for QA, Ms.Coble was the Director for the Bureau of Community Program Licensure and Certification, where she managed various programs including home health, intermediate care, tanning and the drug devices and cosmetic act. Philadelphia (Comly Road) an occupancy survey conducted onsite on September 6, 2019, and offsite December 5, 2019 for PPSP Far Northeast. Cindy Findley is the Deputy Secretary, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention On Monday, the Wolf administration said acting Health Secretary Keara Klinepeter was resigning ahead of the birth of her first child. The state saw a 22.6 percent increase in available adult intensive care unit beds, with a hospitalization rate thats 27 percent lower than last week. Priorto this role, she served 35 years with the Commonwealth which culminated with her appointment as Deputy Secretary for Administration with the Department ofMilitary and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). Pennsylvania acting Health Secretary Keara Klinepeter speaks during a press conference on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. One United Lancaster is an independent, nonpartisan source of Lancaster County community news, founded and sponsored by United Way of Lancaster County. Tim Stuhldreher The Pennsylvania Capital-Star is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news site dedicated to honest and aggressive coverage of state government, politics and policy. Tom Wolf announced Monday. Prior to replacing Beam, Klinepeter had served as executive deputy health secretary. In 2020, she transitioned to an Executive Policy Specialist and later served as the Deputy Policy Director. Klinepeter called testing one of the most important ways to combat the spread of COVID-19. Tom Wolf announced Monday that Department of Health Acting Secretary Keara Klinepeter will resign her position with the commonwealth on April 22. Keara has been an asset to the Department of Health and the Wolf Administration throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, providing necessary leadership and guidance to prepare for the endemic phase of the pandemic, said Gov. Rivera was the superintendent of School District of Lancaster when he was tapped to take the state job; he stepped down as education secretary to become president of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. My name is Keara Klinepeter, and I serve as the The state saw a 22.6 percent increase in available adult intensive care unit beds, with a hospitalization rate thats 27 percent lower than last week. DEIJ Policy | Ethics Policy | Privacy Policy. Ms.Findley has over 20 years of Social Work experience in the fields of long-term care and acute care hospital settings. Wolf's Deputy Chief of Staff, Eric Hagerty, will serve as acting secretary. - Beam, 35, took over the role in January, when then-Secretary Rachel Levine departed to serve in the Biden administration. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the Department of Health's role as the regulator of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and our critical work Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Noe Ortega and Acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter visited a vaccine clinic for students and local residents Tuesday afternoon at Shippensburg Area Senior High School in the Shippensburg Area School District. - - Her previous work in global health sparked an interest in tackling barriers to healthcare access. Opening remarks. You have permission to edit this article. Senator Scott Martin, Majority Chair, Education Committee . Prior to coming to the department, Ms. Rodack worked to address health disparities and contributing social determinants of health at the local level through work with a county health department and in various non-profit organizations. 10:00 a.m. - 10:05 a.m. Keara Klinepeter is currently serving as the Executive Deputy Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Health.During COVID breakout, she worked extensively on pandemic response, including leading the Technical Planning and Guidance Development team to issue guidance.She also has experience working with Long-Term Care Facilities throughout the pandemic, leading the procurement of a $28.5M testing partner. Tom Wolf's administration announced. A veteran Pennsylvania journalist, he previously worked at LNP | LancasterOnline, reporting on city government, business and education; and the Central Penn Business Journal, covering finance, energy and Lancaster County. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) - Gov. Director of Rural Health Innovation. Thank you to Gov. These determinations are impossible to make over the course of an online visit, and doctors shouldnt be encouraged to prescribe drugs without performing an accurate risk assessment.. at the Pennsylvania Department of Health. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. HARRISBURG Nearly six months into the school year, the majority of Pennsylvania schools have not opted into a free, on-site COVID-19 testing program provided by the state health department.