Industry: The Southwest region, once the industrial backbone of the world with steel, coal, glass and other industries, fell on hard times as those industries declined in the 1970’s. Many of those old “steel towns” have not recovered and are empty shells of their once-dynamic selves. Other parts of the region have re-invented themselves with a diversified, vibrant economy based on health care, financial services, hospitality and tourism, information technology, and manufacturing. Recreation: Much of the recreational activity centers around the three major rivers that run through the region. One of the positive sides of the decline of the steel industry has been that the region has been able to reclaim the rivers. Shorelines that once housed miles of steel mills and railyards are now lined with hiking and biking trails, boat docks and tourist destinations. Other popular outdoor activities include golf, ice skating, hunting, fishing, skiing, and camping. Culture: “Cultural” offerings run the gamut from major sports teams, opera, ballet, symphony, and plays to antique shops, flea markets, and county fairs. Population: Approximately 2.5 million people call southwestern PA “home.” Pittsburgh, with its many academic and health institutions, has a diverse population, ethnically and racially. The outlying areas tend to be much less diverse. The region, in general, has an aging population. Health Care: Pittsburgh is recognized as a world-class health care and transplant center. The region’s health care is delivered in a variety of settings from large urban hospitals to rural community hospitals, from community health centers to private practices. There are many residency programs and health professions schools in the region Underserved Populations: Industrial decline, mountainous terrain, cultural and socioeconomic issues all contribute to a sizeable portion of the population being underserved. Even in the shadow of Pittsburgh's renowned medical centers, isolated urban neighborhoods have adverse birth outcomes that rival those of third-world countries. In rural areas, topography and population density present challenges to maintaining an adequate health workforce where it is needed. There are 26 designated Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas, with nearly ½ million people, in the southwest region.
