Health &
Human Services
Health &
Human Services
In the Juniata River Valley, Geisinger Health System remains the cornerstone of health care. As one of Geisinger’s 10 hospital campuses, Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital stands as a 133-bed acute care beacon, delivering a broad spectrum of medical and surgical services to residents of Mifflin and Juniata counties. Since joining Geisinger in 2013, the system has poured resources into enhancing the facility and its offerings, earning repeated accolades. In 2025, it secured U.S. News & World Report recognition as a Best Hospital for high performance in procedures and conditions, alongside its ongoing CMS 5-Star rating since 2021 and a sixth straight Leapfrog “A” Hospital Safety Grade in November – affirming its status among the nation’s elite rural providers.
Building on this momentum, Geisinger unveiled its School of Nursing in the vibrant new downtown Lewistown facility in 2024, doubling enrollment to nurture the next generation of caregivers. The program, now ACEN-accredited, boasts stellar 2025 outcomes: 93% first-time NCLEX pass rates for May graduates and 95% for August, with 100% repeater success – infusing the community with skilled talent and renewed energy.
Complementing these strides, Geisinger 65 Forward in Reedsville opened its doors in 2024, crafting a senior-centric oasis for those 65 and beyond. This spa-like wellness hub streamlines care with same-day appointments, extended physician visits, on-site labs, imaging, mental health support, nutrition counseling, social programs, and cutting-edge fitness amenities – all under one welcoming roof to champion healthy, joyful aging.
For behavioral health, Merakey extends compassionate support across the valley and beyond, aiding children, adults, and families in navigating addiction, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, anxiety, aging, and more through its Juniata River Center in Yeagertown. Nearby, The Meadows Psychiatric Center in Centre Hall provides inpatient and outpatient treatment for children, adolescents, and adults in a serene 52-acre setting, featuring refreshed rooms and recreational spaces completed in late 2025, fostering holistic recovery.
Rounding out vital services, the Central Pennsylvania Clinic in Belleville offers specialized, non-profit care for individuals with rare genetic disorders and special needs, bridging Plain and English communities with tailored medical services. The DaVita Lewistown Dialysis Center delivers essential treatments and guidance for chronic kidney patients. Residents also benefit from abundant pharmacies, hearing and optical specialists, plus dependable ambulance and transport networks – ensuring accessible, top-tier care close to home in the Juniata River Valley.
