Commonwealth Health Announces Opening of Pharmacy at Moses Taylor Hospital

Tenor Health Foundation and Commonwealth Health will celebrate the grand opening of a new retail pharmacy, The Apothecary at Moses Taylor Hospital on Monday, October 19, at 10 a.m., marking another investment in services designed to enhance the patient experience and revitalize the Moses Taylor Hospital campus.

The new pharmacy will provide retail pharmacy services for patients, employees and the community and will offer bedside medication delivery through a Meds-to-Beds program.

The opening is part of Tenor Health Foundation’s broader commitment to investing in Moses Taylor Hospital and working alongside Commonwealth Health to revitalize the campus, enhance services and make healthcare more convenient and accessible for the communities it serves.

“Investing in Moses Taylor Hospital means investing not only in facilities, but also in services that make a meaningful difference for patients,” said Radha A. Savitala, President & Chairman of the Board of Tenor Health Foundation. “The pharmacy is an example of how Tenor Health Foundation and Commonwealth Health are working together to strengthen the hospital system and improve the overall patient experience.”

A key component of the new pharmacy is its Meds-to-Beds program, which allows patients to receive prescribed medications before leaving the hospital. The service is intended to eliminate an additional stop at a pharmacy after discharge and help patients leave the hospital with their medications in hand.

Having medications available at discharge can also support medication adherence by helping remove access barriers during the transition from hospital to home. Clear access to prescribed medications is an important part of helping patients follow their discharge treatment plans.

“The goal is to make the transition home as easy as possible for our patients,” said Patrick D. Conaboy, MD, CEO Regional Hospital of Scranton & Moses Taylor Hospital. “When a patient can leave the hospital with the medications they need, we are removing one more hurdle and helping them focus on their recovery.”

The opening of the 340B pharmacy is an important part of Tenor Health Foundation’s broader strategy to invest in and strengthen Commonwealth Health. It reflects Tenor’s commitment to expanding patient-centered services, improving access to care, and supporting the health system’s long-term future in the Scranton community.

Geisinger Community Medical Center completes second phase of postpartum care expansion project

Following the opening of 12 new postpartum beds in December, Geisinger Community Medical Center has completed the second phase of its postpartum care expansion and is seeing patients.

The third-floor renovation opens six more postpartum beds, a family waiting room, an education room, and a pre- and post-operative bay for expectant families in Lackawanna County and across northeastern Pennsylvania. 

“Growing our postpartum care resources is critical to providing more labor and delivery access to mothers, babies and families in our region,” said Lucinda Mirra, D.O., chief of the Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Geisinger’s northeast region. “We now offer 18 rooms dedicated for families to rest, recover and prepare for their new life at home.”

The now-complete postpartum unit provides a peaceful, modern space for mother and baby to recover and bond, and that capacity helps care teams prepare labor and delivery beds for incoming mothers in labor.

The project aligns with a parallel effort to improve neonatal care at the hospital. The first phase of the postpartum renovation also upgraded the medical center’s well-baby nursery to a continuing care nursery capable of delivering specialized treatment to babies with minor health issues.

Geisinger Community Medical Center is also under renovation to add a Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which is a specialty care nursery capable of caring for babies as young as 32 weeks gestation and as small as about 3.3 pounds.

The Wright Center earns three American Heart Association achievement awards

For the second year in a row, The Wright Center for Community Health has earned three American Heart Association (AHA) achievement awards recognizing its commitment to helping patients manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes, key risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Nearly half of U.S. adults have some form of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. High blood pressure, cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of serious complications, but early diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and patient education can help people manage these conditions and improve their long-term health.

“We are honored to receive recognition from the American Heart Association for our commitment to the management and care of patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Erin McFadden, chief medical officer at The Wright Center for Community Health. “With early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment, these serious conditions can be effectively managed, helping patients improve their health, reduce the risk of complications, and enjoy longer, healthier lives.”

This year, The Wright Center again earned:

  • Target: BP Gold+ – The highest level of recognition in the Target: BP program, honoring organizations that follow evidence-based practices for blood pressure measurement and treatment and achieve blood pressure control in at least 70% of their adult patients with hypertension.
  • Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol Gold Achievement Award – Recognizes healthcare organizations that implement evidence-based practices to help patients understand, monitor, and manage their cholesterol levels.
  • Target: Type 2 Diabetes Gold Achievement Award – Recognizes healthcare organizations that meet established thresholds for selected clinical measures related to diabetes management and cardiovascular disease risk factors, including hypertension and high cholesterol.

“Heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death for Americans, and addressing Type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure management is key for better cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Kevin Hwang, volunteer chair of the AHA’s Outpatient Quality Improvement Advisory Group. “The American Heart Association is pleased to recognize The Wright Center for its commitment to managing patient risk factors related to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes.”

The Wright Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1976, The Wright Centers for Community Health, Graduate Medical Education, and Patient & Community Engagement are a physician-led, community-owned nonprofit and a cornerstone of healthcare in the region. The enterprise employs nearly 680 professionals – including nearly 200 resident and fellow physicians – and trains more than 200 interprofessional healthcare learners each year.

In fiscal year 2025-26, The Wright Center served more than 39,000 unique patients across all care settings in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center and safety-net provider, The Wright Center serves all patients, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Learn more at TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.

The Scranton Cultural Center awarded critical needs grant to upgrade smoke alarm system

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple recently completed a complete upgrade of their fire detection system.  The new system will provide a dual focus for safety, as well as to help prevent unnecessary trips and evacuations, so as not to interfere with patrons’ experience.

“This service is specific and unique to performing arts centers hosting large-scale productions that include mood-enhancing fog and smoke techniques for the performance. The utilization of smoke and fog increases the chances of triggering the alarm system exponentially,” said Deborah M. Peterson, Executive Director.

The project was funded partly through a Critical Needs grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF) in the amount of $5,000.  Additional funds were awarded through a Local Share Account (LSA) Grant.

While continually maintained to ensure safety of patrons and staff, the Center’s fire detection system was last upgraded in the 1980s.

The Wright Center to open primary car clinic at Allied Services’ Luger Scranton Rehab Center

The Wright Center for Community Health will open a new primary care clinic inside Allied Services Rehabilitation Hospital at the Luger Scranton Rehab Center on Friday, Oct. 16, expanding access to affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary and preventive health services for adults in the region.

The full-service primary care office at 475 Morgan Highway will provide a range of services, including checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment of common illnesses and injuries. Patients do not need to be Allied Services patients to receive care at the new clinic.

The Wright Center’s 16th location, including the mobile medical and dental unit, Driving Better Health, reinforces its commitment to making care accessible and convenient to all individuals and families throughout the region. To make an appointment, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-591-5285.

The Wright Center and Allied Services will celebrate the new clinic with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 5-6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23. The event will include tours of the new location and remarks from leaders of both organizations. The community is invited to attend.

“Everyone deserves convenient access to high-quality primary care,” said Dr. Erin McFadden, senior vice president and chief medical officer at The Wright Center for Community Health. “Our partnership with Allied Services allows us to meet people where they are and connect more individuals and families with the comprehensive care they need to live healthier lives.”

The new clinic builds on the ongoing partnership between The Wright Center and Allied Services, two organizations committed to strengthening access to comprehensive care and support services throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with The Wright Center,” said Robert Cole, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief analytics officer at Allied Services. “Our two organizations share the same values and commitment to our community, and The Wright Center bringing primary care services to our campus will be a tremendous benefit to the patients and families that we collectively serve.” 

Allied Services provides comprehensive rehabilitation and support services to more than 1,200 children and thousands of adults through outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, long-term care centers, residential services, vocational programs, and hospice and palliative care across Northeast Pennsylvania.

The Wright Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1976, The Wright Centers for Community Health, Graduate Medical Education, and Patient & Community Engagement are a physician-led, community-owned nonprofit and a cornerstone of healthcare in the region. The enterprise employs nearly 680 professionals – including nearly 200 resident and fellow physicians – and trains more than 200 interprofessional healthcare learners each year.

In fiscal year 2025-26, The Wright Center served more than 39,000 unique patients across all care settings in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center and safety-net provider, The Wright Center serves all patients, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Learn more at TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.

Marywood University celebrates grand opening of new Bar None restaurant

Marywood University officially celebrated the grand opening of Bar None, introducing a new dining and gathering destination that reflects the University’s commitment to enriching campus life and strengthening connections with the greater Scranton community.

Located in the Nazareth Student Center, Bar None is part of a broader vision to create welcoming, engaging spaces that bring students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the surrounding community together.

That vision also includes the recent transformation of a student lounge into an inviting space where students can gather, socialize, enjoy recreational activities, and relax outside the classroom. Together, these initiatives reflect Marywood’s continued investment in creating a vibrant campus environment that encourages connection, belonging, and community engagement.

“A vibrant university is about more than what happens in the classroom. It’s about creating a sense of belonging, building relationships, and offering experiences that bring people together,” said President Lisa Lori. “We want Marywood to be a place where students feel connected and engaged, where our alumni always feel welcome, and where the greater community sees our campus as a destination for culture, entertainment, and shared experiences. Bar None is one part of that larger vision.”

Bar None features specialty pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and signature offerings. Open to the public, the venue provides a distinctive setting for casual dining, social gatherings, and special events. The grand opening celebration featured remarks from University leadership, tours of the facility, menu samplings, and a ceremonial cake-cutting.

Bar None Hours of Operation:

Monday, Thursday, and Friday: Full Menu, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Bar, 4:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: Full Menu, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Bar, 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m.

Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed.

Kalahari will host upcoming “Spooktacular Family Fright Night:

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions will host upcoming “Spooktacular Family Fright Night” on Saturday, October 31 from 6-9 pm. The event is free and open to the public and will take place in the resorts main lobby.

The event will feature a coloring contest, trick-or-treating, spooky train rides, Monster Bash dance party, and more!

Spooktacular Family Fright Night will be located at 250 Kalahari Boulevard, Pocono Manor, PA.

Waverly Community House to host annual children’s Halloween party

The Waverly Community House will host their annual children’s Halloween party on Saturday, October 24 from 1-3 pm. The event will be Toy Story themed and is free and open to the public.

The event will feature trick or treating, games, and a bake sale!

It will be located at 115 N. Abington Road, Waverly, PA.

Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders to host trick-or-treat event

Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders to host a free trick-or-treat event on Wednesday, October 28 from 6-8pm at PNC Field. Attendees can enjoy live music, treats, and more. Children ages 12 and under can come dressed in a costume!

RSVP only:

6-8 pm event: https://www.eventbrite.com

5-6 pm event (sensory friendly hour) https://docs.google.com

Only register children attending the event. Contact Noelle at ndepiertro@swbrailriders.com for questions.