Equal opportunity must be ensured in sports

To the Editor:

We are writing to express our deep disappointment that the Burnham Bulldogs special needs football team was denied the opportunity to play their Super Bowl game at the same time as the Central Keystone League teams.

It was a wonderful celebration of youth football at the beautiful new Chapman Field at Mifflin County High School on Nov. 8 and 9. Unfortunately, the special needs players, who have participated in the event for years, didn’t get to enjoy their time in the sun.

This decision sends an unfortunate message to some of our most inspiring people — that their efforts, dedication, and love for the game are somehow less worthy of celebration. These players practice hard, show great sportsmanship, and bring unmatched joy to the field. They deserved a fun experience at the new stadium while proudly wearing the brand-new jerseys purchased specifically for the occasion.

Holding all the bowl games together would have demonstrated true community spirit and inclusion — values our area has always claimed to stand for. It would have given every player, regardless of ability, a chance to share in the excitement, applause, and memories of championship day.

We urge league organizers to reconsider decisions like this in the future. Inclusion isn’t just about allowing participation; it’s about ensuring equal opportunities to shine. Our children are watching how we treat one another — let’s show them that every player matters.

Sincerely,

Noah Wise

Ron Aurand

Mifflin County at risk of losing access to pharmacies

To the Editor:

Mifflin County is facing a growing health care challenge that cannot be ignored. Pharmacies, the most accessible health resource for many residents, are vanishing at an alarming rate. Since 2020, more than 800 pharmacies have closed across Pennsylvania, and counties like Mifflin are at the most significant risk of losing local access altogether. For communities that rely on small, independent pharmacies for prescriptions, vaccines, and health advice, every closure deepens the divide between those who can get care and those who cannot.

Mifflin County has one of the highest rates of diabetes in Pennsylvania, affecting nearly 14% of adults, well above the state average. Managing this chronic disease requires regular medication, blood sugar monitoring, and ongoing communication with pharmacists. When the nearest pharmacy is miles away, even routine care becomes a hardship. On top of that, nearly 13% of residents are uninsured, and many live on limited incomes, making travel for basic medications both costly and time-consuming.

According to the PA Pharmacists Association, a major driver of these closures is the role of pharmacy benefit managers, the middlemen that control how pharmacies are reimbursed. Many independent pharmacists report that benefit manager payments fail to cover their costs, forcing them to fill prescriptions at a loss until they can no longer afford to operate. This practice has already pushed dozens of pharmacies out of business in central Pennsylvania, leaving large areas underserved.

For Mifflin County, the stakes could not be higher. Our lawmakers must act to reform benefit managers, ensure fair reimbursement, and protect local access to care. Losing more pharmacies would mean losing one of the few remaining lifelines for residents who depend on them to manage their health.

Jennifer Riley

Malvern, Pa.