As the president of the Pennsylvania State Grange, a large rural advocacy organization, I have the honor of advocat- ing to support some of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable populations. From children with emotional and developmental needs to adults fac- ing mental health challenges, the Grange’s mission is to ensure that rural populations have access to compassionate, evidence-based care that helps individuals thrive in their communities.

The mission of behavioral health care in rural Pennsylvania is becoming harder to fulfill. Not because of a lack of need or will, but because of the growing threat posed by lawsuit abuse in our commonwealth.

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Matthew Espenshade is president of the Pennsylvania State Grange.