Scranton Area Community Foundation Celebrated Its New Home at the Historic Century Club of Scranton The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Board of Governors joins President & CEO Laura Ducceschi in officially cutting the ribbon. The Scranton Area Community Foundation proudly celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday, May 15, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting and open house ceremony marking the official opening of its new permanent headquarters at the historic Century Club of Scranton. More than 250 guests, including donors, community partners, elected officials, and nonprofit leaders, joined Foundation staff and board members for the celebratory event. The evening featured guided tours of the newly renovated space, meaningful remarks from the Foundation’s leadership and community partners, and the dedication of several named spaces made possible through generous philanthropic support. “This new home is more than just a building—it’s a long-term investment in the future of philanthropy, collaboration, and community impact in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to our donors, partners, and the community for helping make this vision a reality.” During the program, special thanks were extended to the Foundation’s Board of Governors, staff, and the architectural team at Fancy Parsley for their commitment to honoring the building’s rich history while enhancing its functionality for modern use. Deep appreciation was also shared for our generous donors, whose support made this vision possible, and for the talented construction team, whose hard work brought the project to life. A warm recognition was given to the Century Club membership, especially the family of the late Maureen Pesavento, for their meaningful support and partnership throughout the transition. Members of the late Maureen Pesavento’s family were honored during the Ribbon Cutting & Open House in recognition of the Century Club’s support and partnership in the Foundation’s transition to its new permanent home. Their presence was a meaningful tribute to Maureen’s legacy and the shared vision that helped make this moment possible. The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Board of Governors and President and CEO Laura Ducceschi proudly accepted a congressional proclamation presented by the Office of U.S. Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr. during the Foundation’s Ribbon Cutting & Open House. The proclamation, delivered by the Congressman’s Outreach Director, Francene Dudziec, officially commends the Foundation on the grand opening of its new home and recognizes its decades of dedicated service to the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. A full house also gathered inside the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Auditorium at the Century Club to celebrate the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Ribbon Cutting & Open House—marking the official opening of its new permanent home and a new chapter for philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania. In a special moment during the evening, the Office of U.S. Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr., presented the Scranton Area Community Foundation with a congressional proclamation, officially commending the Foundation on the grand opening of its new home and recognizing its decades of service to the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. “The proclamation was received with deep gratitude and is a meaningful reminder of the Foundation’s role as a trusted civic partner and leader in regional philanthropy,” Ducceschi added. The new location at 612 Jefferson Avenue features flexible meeting spaces, collaborative work areas, and dedicated rooms to support nonprofit growth and learning. During the event, many of the Foundation’s signature spaces—including the Welcome Concourse, President’s Foyer, the Hawk Family Foundation Hall, the Garden Room, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Auditorium, and named rooms honoring generous supporters—were unveiled. The Scranton Area Community Foundation looks forward to continuing its work to connect people, ideas, and resources to create lasting, positive change from its new home in the heart of Scranton.
Scranton Tomorrow, Floral Displays Downtown Join us! Celebrate the upcoming Electric City Flower Show during Scranton City Pride (May 27 to June 7) with a self-guided tour of floral displays in Downtown Scranton at First Friday in June, and a chance to vote for your favorite displays! Here’s How it Works: While you’re enjoying the festivities in Downtown Scranton on June 6 between 5 and 9 p.m., take a self-guided tour of businesses displaying floral container arrangements (click here to find the locations). Note which designs really catch your eye. Then, visit our Facebook page and vote for your favorite. QR Codes linking to our page will be posted at each site on the tour! The displays are part of the Downtown Business Class category of the show presented by Scranton Tomorrow. The contest celebrates the upcoming Electric City Flower Show on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Nay Aug Park in Scranton. In partnership with the Everhart Museum, Scranton Tomorrow will honor first, second and third place winners on Friday, June 20, at the Flower Power Happy Hour at the Everhart Museum from 5 to 8 p.m. Winning arrangements will be on display at the Electric City Flower Show at Nay Aug Park on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We can’t wait to see you there!
Geisinger School of Nursing Receives ACEN Accreditation On May 8, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) awarded initial accreditation to Geisinger School of Nursing. The accreditation signals that the school has met or exceeded standards and criteria for educational quality set by ACEN. “We are delighted to receive this accreditation from ACEN,” said School of Nursing Director Beth Finkbiner, RN, MSN. “Our program was thoroughly evaluated by a panel of our peers who visited our school, reviewed our curriculum and met with faculty, staff and students. The accreditation means our school adheres to the highest standards and can be trusted to deliver quality education.” The ACEN is recognized as an accrediting body by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The ACEN is one of the largest specialized accrediting agencies accrediting nursing programs throughout the United States, its territories and internationally.
Geisinger School of Medicine Student Wins Prestigious Sarnoff Fellowship The Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation has selected Geisinger School of Medicine’s Emily Halbedl, MD ’26 as a 2025-26 Sarnoff Fellow. She and 19 other medical student fellows were introduced at the Foundation’s 45th Annual Scientific Meeting held May 2–4 in Cambridge, Mass. “This fellowship is highly prestigious and a wonderful accomplishment for Emily and for our school,” said Sonia Lobo, PhD, RYT, Halbedl’s sponsor and the associate dean for research and scholarship at Geisinger College of Health Sciences. “As a Sarnoff Fellow, Emily will work with top cardiovascular scientists and investigators and have the chance to conduct cutting-edge research. Best of all, as an Abigail Geisinger Scholar, she will return to Geisinger and share her expertise with our communities.” Fellows are guided by the Sarnoff Scientific Committee, consisting of the nation’s preeminent physician-scientists in cardiovascular science. The research, however, is conceived, designed and conducted by the fellow. Halbedl, a member of Geisinger School of Medicine’s Medical Research Honors Program, is involved in research with Geisinger’s pediatric weight management program and its effects on childhood obesity and comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension. She also spent time between her first and second years at Geisinger at the NIDDK Medical Student Research Program in Diabetes at Vanderbilt University, where she researched a novel treatment for atherosclerosis. The mission of the Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation is to engage medical students and young investigators in a personalized research experience with preeminent cardiovascular scientists, and to foster the next generation of leaders in the field. Emily Halbedl Recognized as a Sarnoff Fellow
Geisinger College Leader Completes Prestigious Fellowship Program Valencia P. Walker, Geisinger Colleges’ vice dean for health equity and inclusion with Julie Byerley, president of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and chief academic officer. Valencia P. Walker, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger College of Health Sciences’ vice dean for health equity and inclusion, recently completed the prestigious Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) fellowship program at based at the Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. The ELAM leadership development program was specifically created for senior faculty with great potential to attain executive leadership positions within academic medicine. Acceptance into the ELAM fellowship is determined through an annual competitive and rigorous selection process. Act with integrity and authenticity Spread joy with your work Act with empathy and respect Listen to truly understand Work collaboratively and uplift others Stretch and challenge others positively Support, encourage and exude optimism Recognize and celebrate others’ strengths Commit to lifelong learning ELAM fellows undertake an institutional action project meant to lead organizational change at their own institutions in areas such as education, professional development, research or quality improvement. For her project, Dr. Walker chose to create “Candid Convos” at Geisinger and assist in promoting a culture of psychological safety and professionalism. “The opportunity to participate in ELAM transformed my thinking about leadership, and I look forward to using what I gained from the experience to make a positive contribution at Geisinger,” she said.
Scranton Area Community Foundation, Women in Philanthropy Awards $35,000 to Local Nonprofits Women in Philanthropy (WIP), the initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation that focuses on empowering and transforming the lives of women and girls in the Lackawanna County region, proudly announces the recipients of its 2025 grants cycle. After a competitive grant process, $35,000 in grant funding was awarded to seven local nonprofit organizations. The awards were announced during the Women in Philanthropy Spring Grants Meeting held at the Hilton Scranton on Thursday evening, May 8, 2025. The recipients included Penn State Scranton (Financial Literacy Lunch & Learn Series for High School Students), Scranton School District (Girls in STEM), Scranton Primary Health Care Center (Confident Smiles Program), Providence Pregnancy Center (Casa de Maria Renovations), Black Scranton (Black Maternal Health Awareness), CASA of Lackawanna County, and The Philharmonic Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania (RxArts NEPA), all to support innovative projects and programs that work to transform the lives of women or girls across the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. The grant award recipients and amounts were selected during the Spring Grants Meeting by Women in Philanthropy supporters, who had the opportunity to vote after hearing presentations from each nonprofit organization. Women in Philanthropy (WIP) is a collective of more than 125 dedicated supporters committed to transforming the lives of women and girls in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since its launch in 2014, this initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation has raised over $2 million and partnered with nearly 30 community organizations to create a measurable, lasting impact across the region. Women in Philanthropy proudly advances economic mobility in the area by addressing barriers to success, fostering leadership, and helping women build financial stability and independence. To learn more or become a supporter, visit www.supportnepawomen.org. Penn State Scranton accepts a Women in Philanthropy grant to support its Financial Literacy Lunch & Learn Series for high school students. Pictured from left: Amy Betts, Community Impact Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Desiree Voitek, Senior Director of Campus Development, Penn State Scranton; Nonna Sorokina, Assistant Professor, Penn State Scranton; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation. Scranton School District students accept a Women in Philanthropy grant supporting the Girls in STEM program. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation; students Hazel Pacheco, Aryanee Sanchez, and Mirka Richeme; and Katona Miller, STEM Program Supervisor, Scranton School District. Scranton Primary Health Care Center receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support the Confident Smiles Program, providing restorative dental care to women in need. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Joseph Hollander, CEO, Scranton Primary Health Care Center; and Amy Betts, Community Impact Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation. Providence Pregnancy Center accepts a Women in Philanthropy grant to support renovations to Casa de Maria, a safe and supportive housing space for women. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Anne O’Brien, Heather Murphy, Cecelia Carr, and Jessica Freyne, Providence Pregnancy Center; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation. Black Scranton receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support Black Maternal Health Awareness programming. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Glynis Johns, Founder and CEO, Black Scranton; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation. CASA of Lackawanna County receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support advocacy efforts for children in the foster care system. Pictured from left: Brittany Pagnotti, Director of Donor Relations and Communications, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Donna Kurzweil, CASA volunteer; Joan Peterson, Executive Director, CASA of Lackawanna County; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support the RxArts NEPA program, promoting healing through music and the arts. Pictured from left: Christine Zike, Board of Directors and VP of Development, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic; Chason Goldschmitz, Executive Director, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation.
Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Fire & Emergency Services Earns Firefighting Credentials (Photo credit: Nicolo Manzo) Three members of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Fire & Emergency Services team have obtained prestigious firefighting credentials through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Fire Chief Daryl Gebhardt has earned Chief Fire Officer designation and Firefighter Matthew Miller and Firefighter Stephen Motil have both earned Fire Officer designation. Per the Center for Public Safety Excellence’s social media, as of February 2025, there were only 2,030 Chief Fire Officers and 848 Fire Officers worldwide. The three esteemed members of Team Tobyhanna earned these designations after a rigorous process that took the trio about five years to complete. The application process includes conducting an internal review audit to build the submission, getting approval to submit the application, and oral and written reviews by neutral party peer assessors. Those applying for the designation must satisfy educational, years of service, and self-development criteria. Applicants must also prove their commitment to continuous improvement and community service in addition to proficiency in several technical competencies. Gebhardt said achieving this credential helps to bring the department and the personnel who comprise closer to one of the core tenets of the organization. “One of the main principles of obtaining a credential through the Center for Public Safety Excellence is continuous improvement. Just because you’re good today doesn’t mean you can’t be better tomorrow,” said Gebhardt. “It’s one thing to say I’m a firefighter, I’ve done all my training, and I meet all the normal training requirements. It’s another thing to say I continuously do more to improve myself not just on the job but outside of the job as well.” Achieving and maintaining the credential is a continuous endeavor. The credential is good for three years and applicants must identify short-term and long-term goals as well as how they plan to go about accomplishing them. Maintaining the credential requires follow-through on the plan. The development and implementation of a peer fitness program is just one concrete example of continuous improvement spurred on by obtaining and maintaining the credential. Per DoD Instruction 6055.06, “DoD F&ES individuals are encouraged to obtain and maintain professional credentials from nationally accredited or recognized organizations.” However, the obtaining of these credentials is voluntary and represents the employees’ commitment to going above and beyond to improve themselves, their department, and the entire organization. Motil said working to achieve this credential has been rewarding and positively impacted several facets of the Fire & Emergency Services mission. “Credentialing is about personal and professional growth through a commitment to the profession and your organization. It significantly benefits the department. Outside of meeting our job requirements, we’re demonstrating that we’re going above and beyond to fulfill our duties, be a mentor, and show a commitment to departmental improvement,” said Motil. Miller, who has also earned a prestigious position on Federal Emergency Management Agency Pennsylvania Task Force 1, agreed with Motil’s assessment. “Credentialing and accreditation show your commitment to emergency services, your installation, and the people we serve – the workforce, visitors, and the community. The reason we choose to undergo an audit like this is to show we’re exceeding the standards worldwide,” said Miller. Through obtaining these credentials, each of these members of Team Tobyhanna send a strong message of commitment to those whom they protect on the installation and in the community through several mutual aid agreements. They have raised the bar for themselves personally but also helped to bolster an already strong culture of dedication to mission. Miller lauded Gebhardt’s leadership by example and said it motivates everyone on the team to want to achieve more. “When you have a department head that pursues designations like this it speaks volumes amongst the members of our fire stations and other fire stations. He’s holding himself accountable to show improvement when nothing makes him do that,” said Miller. “Not only does it make us want to improve, but it shows the dedication to us as firefighters. Here’s our fire chief, the guy who is in charge of everybody, dedicating himself to constant improvement. Having him constantly raise the bar for himself gives us the motivation to keep going.” Employees investing in personal and professional growth to positively impact themselves, the organization, and the community is directly aligned with Tobyhanna Army Depot’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035, and specifically the Invest in Our People line of effort. The plan, which has three additional focus areas, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
Johnson College to Host Free Community Resource Fairs Johnson College will host two free Community Resource Fairs on its Scranton campus this summer. These events are open to the public and are designed to connect current and prospective college students with local resources and support services. The fairs will feature a variety of community organizations offering guidance and assistance on topics such as education, employment, health, and wellness. The fairs will be held on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Both events will take place inside the Moffat Student Center Gym at the Johnson College Scranton campus, located at 3427 North Main Ave., Scranton. “The Community Resource Fair is an opportunity for students to learn about services available to them both on and off campus,” said Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs at Johnson College. “We’re proud to bring together organizations that are making a positive impact in our region.” Participating organizations include: Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA American Water Community Services for Children County of Lackawanna Transit System Educational Opportunity Centers of PA Goodwill Industries of NEPA Greater Scranton YMCA Maternal and Family Health Services Inc. Outreach Center for Community Resources PA Careerlink Lackawanna County Parent Pathways of NEPA RISE NEPA Scranton Area Community Foundation The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement And many more For more information, please contact Sam Lehman at slehman@johnson.edu or 570-702-8341.
Mount Airy Casino Resort Earns AAA Four Diamond Designation for 15th Consecutive Year Luxury Gaming and Resort Destination Recognized as Pennsylvania’s First Casino Resort to be Ranked a Four Diamond Property AAA North Penn presents Mount Airy Casino Resort with the coveted Four Diamond award in the luxury hotel lobby. From left: Brian Miller, Glenn Zumbach, Nina Waskevich, Lisa DeNaples, Todd Greenberg, and Peter Hernandez For the 15th consecutive year, Mount Airy Casino Resort has earned the coveted AAA Four Diamond designation, an exclusive classification that represents the top tier of the hospitality industry across North America. Mount Airy was the first Pennsylvania property to earn the prestigious Four Diamond rating, a testament to the extensive amenities, luxury accommodations and unparalleled service the casino resort continues to provide guests year after year. “Receiving the AAA Four Diamond Designation for the 15th year in a row is a significant achievement for our team,” said Lisa DeNaples, Mount Airy owner and managing trustee. “This recognition reflects our relentless dedication to delivering a world-class experience for every guest who walks through our doors.” Throughout the years, Mount Airy Casino Resort has won multiple awards and continues to earn top accolades for its outstanding vacation experiences. In the past year alone, Mount Airy received 21 Best of Gaming awards from Casino Player Magazine, and was once again designated as one of the Top Ten Casino Hotels in the Country by USA TODAY. “We are honored to receive the Four Diamond rating again this year, which is the direct result of our team’s dedication and commitment,” said Todd Greenberg, Mount Airy General Manager and COO. “This latest recognition, among many other awards, highlights the success of our ongoing commitment to exceeding our guests’ expectations and validates our efforts to be the best.” In addition to almost 300 guestrooms and luxury suites, Mount Airy features a variety of signature restaurant options, including Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen and the award- winning Bistecca by Il Mulino. From casual eateries to upscale dining, there’s something to suit every palate. This all-encompassing, adults-only getaway pampers guests even further at the Spa at Mount Airy, which provides a perfect retreat after a day – or night – filled with excitement. The resort also features a 20,000 square-foot convention center and ballroom for those seeking the perfect wedding venue or conference space, while the four-season pool complex offers private cabanas, a poolside bar and lounge, and an outdoor deck area that oversees the resort’s award-winning, 18-hole golf course. For those seeking the ultimate gaming experience, the heart of Mount Airy is its impressive casino floor. Boasting more than 1,600 slot machines, including both classic and modern favorites, as well as a wide selection of table games, the casino also features a dedicated poker room and a multi-media sports betting lounge. When it comes to entertainment, Mount Airy’s upcoming shows include Hollywood Nights: The Bob Seger Experience (June 14); Earth to Mars: The Bruno Mars Experience (July 12); and Springsteen tribute Bruce in the USA . For more information or to make reservations, visit MountAiryCasino.com.
Shapiro Administration Reminds Drivers to Put Down the Phone, ‘Paul Miller’s Law’ Signed by Governor Shapiro last year, the new hands-free law bans hand-held cell phone use while driving and increases transparency and accountability at traffic stops Today, in keeping with Governor Shapiro’s commitment to safety on Pennsylvania roads, the Shapiro Administration urged drivers to put down the phone while driving, ahead of the June 5 effective date for “Paul Miller’s Law,” which makes it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), and Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) joined Senator Rosemary Brown and national advocate Eileen Miller to urge drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel. As part of his mission to provide a safe transportation system for all Pennsylvanians, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 37 into law on June 5, 2024. Effective June 5, 2025, the law – known as “Paul Miller’s Law” – prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other momentary delay. Pennsylvania already enforces a texting-while-driving ban that prohibits drivers from using mobile devices to send, read, or write text-based communications while their vehicle is in motion. Beginning June 5, 2025, law enforcement will begin issuing written warnings for violations of Senate Bill 37. Law enforcement will have the ability to issue summary citations to violators beginning June 6, 2026. “Paul Miller’s Law is about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever. Make the safe choice. Put your phone out of reach and don’t text and drive. One text, one glance down – it could kill someone. And it’s not worth it.” Under Paul Miller’s Law, drivers can still use their phones to alert emergency responders and, if they are using hands-free technology, to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music. “The Pennsylvania State Police will enforce the new law to its full extent,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “Distracted driving is not a minor offense. Just one second of inattention can result in irreversible consequences. We urge all drivers to stay focused behind the wheel.” “Distracted driving is a serious issue that undermines PennDOT and the PA Turnpike’s collective effort to create safe driving experiences for our travelers,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “Safety is the driving force of what we do at the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and the Paul Miller Law is a meaningful step towards safer roads for everyone.” “Focusing on the road while driving is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “Safe driving can also help reduce the cost of your insurance as insurers factor your accident and driving history into their ratemaking. We encourage consumers to speak with their insurance provider to learn more about the benefits of safe driving, the discounts they could receive, and how they can start saving today.” “As the Prime-Sponsor of Senate Bill 37, now Act 18 of 2024, seeing this law go into effect is incredibly rewarding knowing it will save lives,” said State Senator Rosemary Brown (R- Lackawanna, Monroe, Wayne). “Since day one I have always believed in this commonsense policy. It’s important that drivers remember that the cell phone has become the most consistent, repetitive, and lengthy distraction behind the driver’s wheel causing significant public safety concerns. This law will change behaviors and save lives. The legislature passed Senate Bill 37, now Act 18, with overwhelming bi-partisan support, and I am confident that my efforts, along with the efforts of my friend Eileen Miller, have Pennsylvania going in the right direction for public safety.” The law is named for Paul Miller, Jr., who was tragically killed in a crash with a tractor trailer in 2010 in Monroe County, as the result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving. Since his death, Paul’s mother Eileen Miller has become a national advocate for stronger laws to curb distracted driving. “Nearly 15 years ago, two Dunmore state troopers knocked on my door to tell me that my son was killed,” said Eileen Miller, Paul Miller, Jr.’s mother. “My son did everything right – he was killed by someone else’s unsafe choices behind the wheel. This law is for every family in Pennsylvania that doesn’t have to experience two state troopers knocking on their door to tell them that their loved one was killed by distracted driving. Paul Miller’s Law will be a beacon of protection for every driver and passenger in Pennsylvania.” Paul Miller’s Law will also work to prevent bias in policing by requiring law enforcement to collect data on drivers pulled over during traffic stops, including race, ethnicity, and gender. The data will be made publicly available in an annual report. This amendment – which the Governor advocated for in conjunction with the Legislative Black Caucus – builds on the Shapiro Administration’s work to ensure Pennsylvanians can have the utmost faith in the law enforcement officers serving and protecting them every day. According to PennDOT data, in 2024 there were 9,950 crashes involving a distracted driver, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries and 49 fatalities. Distracted driving crash data is believed to be underreported due to many drivers’ reluctance to admit to being distracted at the time of a crash. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe drive: If you are expecting a text message or need to send one that can’t wait, pull over and park your car in a safe location before using your device. Ask a passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages. Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination. Cell phone use is not the only distraction while driving. Anything that takes your attention away from driving, your eyes off the road, or your hands off the wheel is a distraction. Driver behavior is the leading factor in 83% of the crashes that occur annually in Pennsylvania. These behaviors include driving distracted, impaired, or aggressive. For more information on distracted driving, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
