Detailing financial challenges and continued increases in costs, Penn Highlands Healthcare has announced it is laying off three dozen workers at Penn Highlands Mon Valley and Penn Highlands Connellsville. According to the Observer-Reporter, the Clearfield County based healthcare system says it is looking for financial stability and long-term strength. In a statement, Penn Highlands said it has struggled in the post-pandemic years with soaring inflation and rising costs of medication and equipment. In fiscal 2024, the healthcare company reported a $16 million operating loss. Some 26 layoffs are in leadership and non-clinical service positions. Anyone who is laid off is encouraged to apply for jobs elsewhere in Penn Highlands’ system. The company says that before laying off employees, they attempted to find other alternatives to reduce operating costs. That included eliminating positions through attrition, renegotiating contracts, restructuring management and consolidating office locations. Penn Highlands, which was formed in 2011, includes nine hospitals, pharmacies, surgery centers, senior living facilities and an ambulance service in 26 counties.