The Wright Center for Community Health earns federal recognition for health quality measures The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recognized The Wright Center for Community Health for quality and access improvements that enhance patient care. HRSA annually reviews the performance data of health centers across the United States to highlight organizations that meet or exceed its goals in categories of special focus, including quality, access, and health information technology, using data from the Uniform Data System (UDS). During National Health Center Week, HRSA awarded Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges for excellence in clinical quality to more than 1,200 health centers across the country. HRSA first awarded CHQR badges in 2021. Since then, The Wright Center has earned more than a dozen badges. For 2026, HRSA awarded The Wright Center with the following badges: Improving Health Care Access, which recognizes health centers that have increased the total number of patients and the number of patients receiving comprehensive services – including mental health, substance use disorder, dental, and other services – by at least 5% between calendar year 2024 and 2025, the two most recent UDS reporting periods. National Quality Leader – Heart Health, which recognizes health centers that demonstrate outstanding performance in clinical quality measures related to heart health, including screening patients for tobacco use and offering help to quit, preventing heart disease, using the proper medications to improve heart health, and helping patients control high blood pressure. Advancing Health Information Technology, which recognizes health centers that use technology to improve healthcare and make it easier for patients to access care. This includes increasing access to telehealth, helping patients stay involved in their care, sharing information between health systems, and collecting data to better meet patients’ health needs. In January, HRSA awarded The Wright Center for Community Health a 2024 Operational Site Visit Badge, after a virtual Operational Site Visit that determined The Wright Center demonstrated full compliance with all Health Center Program requirements. The Wright Center has also maintained HRSA’s annual Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) badge since 2022, which recognizes health centers that prioritize a commitment to continuous quality improvement and a patient-centered approach to care. HRSA-funded health centers, which include The Wright Center, provide comprehensive, whole-person primary and preventive health services at more than 16,000 service sites nationwide to one in eight children, one in five rural residents, and one in 15 adults 65 and older. Information about badge recipients can be found on an online dashboard at hrsa.gov. 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 is a physician-led, community-owned nonprofit and a cornerstone of health care in the region. The enterprise employs nearly 680 professionals – including nearly 200 resident and fellow physicians – and trains more than 200 interprofessional health care 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 Look-Alike and safety-net provider, The Wright Center serves all patients, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay.
Barry Isett & Associates hosts career exploration day for students Barry Isett & Associates welcomed nine students from the Northampton Area School District Summer Career Mentorship Program to its office for a day of career exploration and industry insight. The program connected students with professionals who provided mentorship, guidance, and real-world perspectives on a variety of careers. Throughout the day, students met with team members from 11 departments across the organization, gaining exposure to the many disciplines that help bring projects and communities to life. From municipal, structural, MEP, geotechnical, and land development engineering to environmental services, surveying, landscape architecture, grants management, code services, and construction quality assurance, students experienced the collaborative nature of the industry firsthand. Through conversations about education, career journeys, workplace challenges, and professional growth, the Barry Isett & Associates team also provided insight into pathways students may never have previously considered.
Prudential earns four awards at US Customer Experience Awards Prudential Financial, Inc. today announced that Just Ask, the generative AI tool built by its Individual Life Insurance business, has received four honors at the 2026 US Customer Experience Awards. The recognition places Just Ask among the country’s most decorated customer experience initiatives of the year. Just Ask was recognized in the following categories: Best Digital Transformation (Gold) Best Innovation in CX (Gold) Best Use of AI – Companies with Over 5,000 Employees (Gold) Best Business Change and Transformation (Silver) Now in its 11th year, the US Customer Experience Awards is the longest-standing celebration of customer excellence in the country, honoring organizations that put customers at the heart of their business. “Delivering for our customers is what we’re here to do, and Just Ask is one way we’re helping the financial professionals who serve them work more efficiently,” said Simon Berg, Individual Life Insurance technology business leader at Prudential. “Financial professionals play a critical role in helping people plan for their financial future and if we can help them get to the information they need faster, they can spend more time with the customers who are counting on them.” Just Ask was designed to help financial professionals get faster information about Prudential’s insurance products, underwriting quick quotes and new business forms. The tool was built in response to what Individual Life sales teams said they needed: one place to find the answers they use every day, without navigating multiple systems. Since it launched a few months ago, 85% of first-time users of Just Ask reported that the tool was helpful in answering their questions.1 In fact, most questions are answered in under 22 seconds, giving financial professionals more time back to focus on their clients.1 In addition, forms searches were the most common use, followed closely by underwriting quotes. The recognition from the US Customer Experience Awards follows Just Ask’s June honor as Celent’s Model Insurer of the Year for 2026, the top prize in the firm’s annual awards program.
Norwood & St. Lawrence Locomotive No. 210 being transferred to NY The historic Norwood & St. Lawrence Railroad Locomotive No. 210 will be transferred from Steamtown National Historic Site to the St. Lawrence Power & Equipment Museum in New York, marking the successful completion of a complex, multi-year effort to ensure the locomotive’s long-term preservation and interpretation in the region where it spent nearly its entire operating career. “Returning No. 210 to its place of origin is an excellent example of responsible stewardship strengthening the entire railroad preservation community,” said Jeremy Komasz, superintendent of Steamtown National Historic Site. “Successfully transferring the locomotive to an organization dedicated to preserving its local history allows its story to be told where it is most meaningful.” Built in 1923 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Schenectady, New York, No. 210 served the Norwood & St. Lawrence Railroad for decades, becoming an enduring part of the industrial and transportation history of northern New York. Steamtown National Historic Site connects visitors with the history of American railroading and its profound influence on the nation’s industrial, commercial, and social development through the preservation of historic locomotives, rolling stock, railroad infrastructure, museum collections, archives, and the continued operation of historic railroad equipment. The transfer highlights the collaborative nature of historic preservation throughout the United States. The National Park Service, museums, historical societies, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and local communities each play an essential role in preserving America’s railroad heritage. By working together, these organizations help ensure that historic resources remain accessible, relevant, and available to educate and inspire future generations. No. 210 moving back to northern New York represents an important milestone but should not be viewed as establishing a routine process. The transfer was the culmination of a lengthy effort with unique historical, legal, operational, and stewardship considerations involving federal law and policy review and extensive coordination between federal and state agencies and the receiving organization. The transfer also supports the park’s long-term stewardship strategy to allocate preservation funding, restoration capacity, track space, and staff resources on nationally significant locomotives, passenger cars, freight equipment, railroad structures, and infrastructure that collectively tell the broad story of American railroading.
Geisinger hosting free event spotlighting knee replacement Area residents can learn about knee replacement surgery and how to recover successfully at a free event Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Geisinger School of Medicine campus, 525 Pine St., Scranton. “Walk This Way: Recovering After Knee Replacement” will feature Geisinger orthopaedic surgeon James Murphy, MD, who will explain the knee replacement process — from evaluating candidacy to recovering and staying active after surgery. Knee replacement is a common procedure, yet many patients and families have questions about when surgery is appropriate, what it involves and how to achieve the best possible recovery. Murphy will explain: – How to determine if knee replacement is the right option – The latest technology, including robotic-assisted surgery – Strategies for maintaining mobility and staying active during recovery – Rapid recovery protocols Murphy is an adult reconstruction specialist with expertise in robotic knee replacements, hip replacements, rapid recovery protocols and revision surgery. He completed his medical training at The Pennsylvania State University, his residency at Case Western Reserve University and his fellowship in adult reconstruction at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged. Visit go.geisinger.edu/walkthisway or contact gchscommunityevents@geisinger.edu. This event is part of Geisinger’s Third Wednesday Community Education Series, which brings trusted health expertise to the Scranton community each month. Murphy is available for interviews before the event.
Geisinger to hold Narcan distribution events in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre Geisinger’s pharmacy, emergency medicine, addiction medicine and Free2BMom teams are collaborating again this year on two Narcan® (naloxone) distribution events in northeastern Pennsylvania. Geisinger personnel will hand out boxes of nasal naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, and teach attendees how to properly use them at community resource events in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. At the Scranton event, the Geisinger team will be joined by community health partners who will set up information tables and offer resources to those in recovery or seeking recovery. The first event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, in the Linden Street courtyard of Courthouse Square at 200 N. Washington Ave. in Scranton. The second event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, during the Farmers Market on Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre The events are free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Lamar Advertising Earns Great Place to Work Certification Lamar Advertising has once again been recognized as a Great Place to Work® Certified company, reflecting the organization’s continued commitment to fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. The certification is based on confidential feedback from employees, who shared their experiences working at Lamar Advertising. Their responses highlight a workplace where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Company leadership credited the achievement to the dedication and contributions of employees across the organization, noting that their commitment helps create an environment where individuals can grow professionally and thrive in their careers. Earning the Great Place to Work® Certification once again underscores Lamar Advertising’s ongoing focus on building a workplace that prioritizes employee engagement, collaboration, and success.
Geisinger Hospitals Recognized Among Nation’s Best Four Geisinger hospitals have been recognized for high performance in the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings, including Geisinger Community Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. Geisinger Wyoming Valley was awarded the No. 1 spot overall for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area and tied for the No. 18 spot overall in Pennsylvania. Only 16% of the nearly 5,000 hospitals evaluated earned a numerical ranking in a state, metro area, and/or a medical specialty, allowing them to display a U.S. News award badge. “Our teams work diligently to provide exceptional patient care to our communities,” said Ron Beer, chief administrative officer for Geisinger’s northeast region. “This recognition demonstrates how their dedication and focus on quality and safety have a positive impact on patient experiences and outcomes.” Geisinger Wyoming Valley was also recognized for 11 high-performing procedures and conditions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Diabetes Heart attack Heart failure Hip replacement Knee replacement Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma Lung cancer surgery Pneumonia Stroke Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) Geisinger Community Medical Center was recognized for three high-performing procedures and conditions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Diabetes Pneumonia U.S. News & World Report bases their “Best Hospitals” rankings on components such as patient outcomes, overall patient experience, hospital staffing and other factors. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based on objective quality measures.
Greater Scranton YMCA to Host Summer Clothing Drive The Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Clothing Drive is underway, running Aug. 3-13, 2026. The Y will be collecting gently used clothing for individuals and families from August 3-7. Donated items will be available for distribution tothose in need from August 10-13. Collection runs Monday, Aug. 3rd through Friday, Aug. 7th. Clean, wearable clothing in every size is welcome, infant through adult. Donations can be dropped off at the Y’s Welcome Center, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore, anytime during business hours. The Y is open Monday – Thursday from 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Fridays from 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Sundays from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Beginning Monday, Aug. 10th through Thursday, Aug. 13th, all donated items will beavailable to community members free of charge. Community members in need can pick upclothing any time during business hours. “August can be a challenging month financially for families, especially with all of the backto-school expenses.” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “This drive allows our community to show up for one another. We are grateful for the opportunity to facilitate this drive for our community, and we’re proud to promotesustainability and community-centered giving.” Community members are encouraged to sort through closets before the collection week begins. A single donation gives good clothing a second life and helps ensure families across the area have what they need heading into the school year. For more information about the Summer Clothing Drive, contact Tressa Capoccia, SeniorEducation Director, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org
Tobyhanna Army Depot Celebrates National Intern Day In recognition of National Intern Day on July 30, Tobyhanna Army Depot celebrated three employees whose internships launched successful and long-term careers supporting the nation’s defense mission. Dana Bilotta, Michael Szumski and Steven Wiltz each began their journeys through the depot’s internship programs and have since advanced into leadership and specialized roles. As Safety Manager, Dana Bilotta has built a 19-year career after beginning as an intern in 2007 while studying Architectural Drafting and Design at Johnson College. Seeking an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment, Bilotta joined the depot’s internship program before accepting a full-time position as a draftsman following graduation. Throughout her career, Bilotta has held several positions, including Industrial Engineering Technician and Safety Specialist, before leading the Safety Office. She credits the depot’s culture of mentorship, professional development and opportunities for advancement as the reasons she has remained with Team Tobyhanna for nearly two decades. Today, Bilotta is dedicated to creating a safe workplace while promoting safety practices that extend beyond the job site. Recently, she and the depot’s Safety team hosted an interactive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ergonomics session for children attending the depot’s summer camp, helping introduce the next generation to the importance of workplace and everyday safety. Michael Szumski’s career has come full circle after beginning as a Pathways Program intern in 2015 within the Air Traffic Control, Approach, and Landing System (ATCALS) & Range Threat Engineering Branch. After spending two summers as a student intern and earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from Wilkes University, he joined Team Tobyhanna full-time in 2017. Over the years, Szumski gained experience in multiple engineering branches, including Air Defense & Counterfire Engineering and Communications Engineering, where he served in both leadership and technical roles. In February 2026, he returned to the ATCALS & Range Threat Engineering Branch as its chief. His broad engineering background has prepared him to lead modernization efforts and support next-generation radar system planning. Szumski said working in different areas of the depot has provided valuable technical experience and a broader perspective, allowing him to become a more effective leader while continuing to support multiple military services and mission-critical programs. Steven Wiltz also began his Tobyhanna career through the Student Career Experience Program, now known as the Pathways Program, while studying electrical construction and maintenance at Johnson College in 2007. Following graduation, he joined the depot full-time repairing environmental control units before spending eight years on the production floor. Wiltz later served as a production controller before being promoted to Logistics Management Specialist in 2020. Throughout his career, he has supported programs across both continental and overseas locations, gaining experience that now supports the Department of the Army’s evolving small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) mission. He credits developmental assignments, professional training and the mentorship of his colleagues for helping shape his career. Wiltz encourages students and aspiring professionals to pursue internship opportunities, calling them a pathway to a rewarding and meaningful career. The success of Bilotta, Szumski and Wiltz demonstrates the long-term value of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s internship programs, which provide students with hands-on experience while developing the skilled workforce needed to support the depot’s mission and the nation’s warfighters.
