(Washington, DC) - U.S. Representative Jason Altmire (PA-4) announced today that he has secured $375,000 to improve health care and education in Lawrence County.  The funding was included in the appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (H.R. 3043) which passed this evening in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 276 to 140.  H.R. 3043 must be approved by the U.S. Senate and the President of the United States before it becomes final and the funding is made available to the recipients, Jameson Health System and Lawrence County Social Services.

"This bill funds two very different projects, but they both invest in the future of Lawrence County," said Congressman Altmire.  "Access to quality education and health care is essential to the well-being and quality of life for our region's hardworking families.  These are critical investments that will help Lawrence County remain as one of our region's top places to live, work, and do business."

Congressman Altmire successfully obtained $250,000 to expand Jameson Hospital's emergency room from 8,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet.  This expansion is necessary due to Jameson Hospital's acquisition of St. Francis Hospital in 2002.  Since the acquisition, Jameson Hospital, now the only health care provider in New Castle, PA, has seen its emergency room visits grow by 30% to over 39,000 patient visits per year.

"We are extremely appreciative of Congressman Altmire's efforts on behalf of Jameson and the people of Lawrence County," said Tom White, President and CEO of Jameson Health System.  "The Emergency Department and Surgical Services projects are critical to the health and welfare of the public.  Because of the close cooperation of Congressman Altmire with Jameson, we will see these projects come to fruition allowing Jameson to continue carrying out its mission to provide quality health and human services to the community it has the privilege of serving."

Congressman Altmire also secured $125,000 for Lawrence County Social Services to cover programmatic and administrative costs associated with the organization, which runs a variety of programs including Head Start, early childhood and parental training, and life skills workshops.

"This funding will benefit 429 children and their families who participate in Lawrence County's Head Start program," said Tom Scott, CEO of Lawrence County Social Services.  "I wish to thank Congressman Altmire, a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, for his support of Head Start and for being at the forefront of the fight to improve education for all of our nation's children.  He is extremely aware of the benefits of early childhood education, and this funding is essential in helping to prepare our students for school and for a lifetime of learning."