Pike County, Pennsylvania, has long been without a hospital or primary care facility, but that changed this week with the opening of a new healthcare center. Northwell Health, a nonprofit based in New York, has inaugurated its first primary and immediate care center in the state, located in Dingmans Ferry. This facility is set to welcome residents and visitors starting January.
Dr. Michael Mandarano, who will manage the new center, stated, “Our goal is our new practice will be your family’s medical destination.” The center will offer a range of basic healthcare services, from blood tests to x-ray imaging, meeting the needs of a region that has been medically underserved.
Pike County Commissioner Ronald Schmalzle expressed gratitude to Northwell Health for addressing the local healthcare deficit. Schmalzle highlighted that Pike County’s population of 65,000 swells to nearly three times that number in the summer months, with many residents and visitors needing to travel across state lines for urgent medical care.
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Schmalzle also mentioned future plans for Northwell Health in the region, noting their excitement about upcoming facilities near Lake Wallenpaupack and a hospital in the area. He emphasized the commitment shown by Northwell Health to be an integral part of the Pennsylvania community.
Northwell Health has further plans, including a new primary care center in Hawley by late Spring 2026 and a micro-hospital in the Milford-Matamoros corridor. These micro-hospitals function like community hospitals with emergency services but on a smaller scale. Brahim Ardolic, Northwell’s executive vice president and president of its metro market, noted that micro-hospitals typically have eight to 12 inpatient and ER beds and offer full-service radiology, including CT scans.
Healthcare for a better future in the Poconos
State Representative Tarah Probst (D-Monroe) read a proclamation from the State House, acknowledging Northwell’s contribution to Pennsylvania’s healthcare infrastructure. She remarked on the pressing need for medical services in the area.
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Probst, who grew up near Dingmans Ferry, recounted how she and her friends in Pike County often had to travel outside the county or state for medical care, leading to tragic outcomes in some cases. She expressed optimism that Northwell will bridge this gap for future generations.
“Pike County is the fastest growing county in Pennsylvania,” Probst remarked, noting the significant increase in the senior population requiring medical attention. She also emphasized the potential for job growth, which could attract younger families to the area.
State Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) conveyed her best wishes to Northwell Health, acknowledging the six-year effort to bring a healthcare provider to serve Pike County’s residents.
Mandarano: Serving patients during ‘life’s unexpected moments’
Dr. Mandarano, a pediatrician and internist from Dunmore, is leading Northwell’s first venture in Pennsylvania. He aims to provide comprehensive care across all stages of life, from infants to the elderly.
The center will provide regular check-ups and physicals, as well as immediate care for acute issues like sprains, strains, and seasonal illnesses. “Please know that while today is a celebration of the opening of a new office, it’s bigger than that — we’re here to celebrate community and bring the power of Northwell to Pike County,” Mandarano said.
Patients at Northwell Health will have access to specialty care at its hospitals in New York and can share medical information with other Pennsylvania-based healthcare providers through the MyChart system.
