Geisinger Recognized for Supporting Health Worker Well-Being For the second straight year, Geisinger has been recognized as a WellBeing First Champion by ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare. As a WellBeing First Champion, Geisinger has verified that licensure and credentialing applications for physicians and advanced practice providers don’t stigmatize mental healthcare and treatment. This means health workers at Geisingercan seek needed care without fear of losing their license or job. “This recognition demonstrates Geisinger’s deep commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of our workforce,” said Susan Parisi, M.D., Geisinger’s chief wellness officer. “Geisinger continuously promotes an open dialogue about mental health and reducing stigma to encourage our employees to seek help. We often talk about the importance of taking care of ourselves so that we can best care for our patients; with these credentialing changes for physicians and APPs, we’re putting our words into action.” Verification that all invasive or stigmatizing language around mental health has been removed from applications is confirmed annually by ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare, a coalition of leading healthcare organizations that works to eliminate barriers for health workers to obtain needed mental healthcare. “Across the country, health workers are at an increased risk for burnout and mental health conditions,” said Corey Feist, organization co-founder. “Many health workers feel they cannot speak up about their mental health without being criticized by colleagues or losing their jobs. Today, physicians and nurses die by suicide at two times the rate of the general population. We as a nation must better protect these lives, and I applaud our Wellbeing First Champions for their leadership to support the well-being of health workers.”
Wright Center Participates in Pilot Program Addressing Naloxone The Wright Center for Community Health has partnered with health care technology company to test a new digital platform that promotes naloxone readiness and empowers individuals to respond to overdoses. Contingency Management Innovations (CMI), a division of Q2i, developed the groundbreaking digital platform, NALCAM, which combines mobile technology with behavior reinforcement and public health education to strengthen community overdose response capacity. CMI contacted The Wright Center, which has worked with the company on another project, to test the new platform. In all, seven patients involved in The Wright Center’s state-designated Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence participated in the recently completed research pilot. “We know that Narcan prevents overdose deaths,” said Scott Constantini, associate vice president of primary care and recovery services integration at The Wright Center for Community Health. “The Wright Center is always looking for ways to innovate, so when programs like this are developed, we want to participate.” Through the NALCAM app, participants who register their naloxone kits will receive digital check-ins and brief learning modules to ensure they carry their kits and know how to use them. Completing check-ins and modules provides participants with small rewards to motivate them to carry naloxone and stay ready to use it. The approach is rooted in evidence-based contingency management principles, a behavioral science model proven to improve engagement and retention across a range of backgrounds, according to CMI. “NALCAM demonstrates how digital contingency management can drive measurable public health outcomes,” said Steven Jenkins, CEO of Q2i. “By rewarding proactive, life-saving behaviors like naloxone carriage and overdose education, we’re helping states, counties, and health care organizations build scalable, data-informed programs.” The Wright Center for Community Health, a Scranton-based provider of whole-person primary health services, is committed to helping individuals with substance use disorder. The Wright Center became a state-designated Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence in 2016. Since then, it has provided outpatient addiction treatment and recovery services, including medication-assisted treatment, to thousands of people in Northeast Pennsylvania. The Wright Center is one of many approved, community-based distribution sites, officially known as “recognized entities,” that receive naloxone kits through the Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Program. The program was launched in 2023 as a joint initiative between the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Anyone can pick up a free naloxone kit at any of The Wright Center’s 13 community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. For a list of locations and hours, visit TheWrightCenter.org/locations. To learn more about the services available through the Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence, call 570-230-0019 or visit TheWrightCenter.org/services/coe. For more information on NALCAM, visit nalcam.com.
Indraloka Offers Unique, Effective Team-Building Experience As organizations race to use remaining professional development and wellness dollars before year’s end, a farm animal sanctuary in Northeastern Pennsylvania is offering a rare opportunity to invest those funds in something that delivers lasting impact. Indraloka, a 100-acre sanctuary home to nearly 200 rescued farm animals, offers organizations that book their spring 2026 team-building experiences before December 31, 2025, a limited-time 20% discount. The offer is designed to help companies and nonprofits convert unused 2025 budget dollars into meaningful, research-informed team development that supports resilience, communication, and workplace well-being. “Every December, we hear the same thing,” said Indraloka Founder and Executive Director Indra Lahiri, PhD. “Teams don’t want to lose their remaining budget, but they also don’t want to spend it on something forgettable. This is a chance to invest those funds in an experience that truly changes how people relate to one another.” Indraloka’s trauma-informed team-building programs replace traditional trust exercises with guided, facilitated experiences alongside rescued animals. Participants engage in mindfulness practices, storytelling, and animal-assisted activities that help teams find a healthy pace, build empathy, and reconnect to shared purpose. Organizations across healthcare, philanthropy, education, and the nonprofit sector have already turned to Indraloka for this work, including the Moses Taylor Foundation and the Scranton Counseling Center. “Our staff felt recharged and deeply connected,” said Sara Wodder, Psy.D., President and CEO of the Scranton Counseling Center. “The experience created space for reflection, learning, and genuine care—for ourselves and for each other.” Programs range from two-hour sessions to full-day retreats and can accommodate groups from 6 to 200 participants. Experiences are customized based on organizational goals and may include animal-assisted challenges, guided reflection, wellness practices such as yoga or qigong, creative sessions, and post-event action planning. The 20% discount applies to spring 2026 team-building programs booked by December 31, 2025, allowing organizations to lock in dates while using current-year funds. “This is not a retreat where people sit and listen all day,” Lahiri added. “It’s experiential, grounded, and deeply human. Teams leave with practical insights they carry back into their work.” Click here for more information.
Johnson College To Host Two Free Test Strategy Workshops Unlock the secrets to peak test performance. Many high-achieving students find that mastering effective test strategies and strong time management is the key to translating their knowledge into higher scores. Johnson College’s WAVE Department is hosting two free “Test Strategies That Change the Game” Workshops on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026: one from 12:30 to 4 p.m. and the other from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in Ideal Saldi Hall on its Scranton campus. To register, visit johnson.edu/workshops. The free workshop introduces a focused, proven study system designed to maximize preparation time and significantly boost information retention. Participants will leave with practical tools to approach any exam with confidence and precision. Attendees will explore the underlying structure and design principles of written exams; learn a reliable, step-by-step method for studying, organizing, and retaining crucial information; and master proven techniques to eliminate incorrect answers and improve test-taking accuracy. The workshop is open to individuals 15 and older and is free to attend. PA EMS continuing education is included (3.5 hours, other). Space is limited to 65 participants per workshop. For more information, email wave@johnson.edu or call 570-702-8979.
Dave & Buster’s Announces Family New Year’s Eve Bash Ring in the 2026 New Year with a celebration the whole family will love! Join Dave & Buster’s for an unforgettable Family New Year’s Experience packed with fun, games, food, and festive excitement. From thrilling arcade action to delicious bites and sparkling drinks, Dave & Buster’s has everything needed to welcome 2026 in style…without staying up till midnight! Experience Highlights: Countdown Celebration – A family-friendly New Year’s countdown with party favors and cheers! Delicious Bites & Sips – Enjoy a mouthwatering banquet with kid-approved favorites. Unlimited Fun – Play through hundreds of arcade games, simulators, and prizes. Festive Vibes -Laugh and celebrate in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for families, kids, and anyone who wants to celebrate early while making lasting memories. Dress festive, bring a game face, and let’s start the year with a bang! Date: December 31, 2025 Time: 4pm-7pm Location: Dave & Buster’s, 6000 Shoppes Blvd, Moosic PA | All ages & fully ADA accessible Click here to find more information.
Dave & Buster’s New Year’s Eve Celebration Eat. Play. Toast. Repeat. Ring in 2026 New Year with D&B at the ultimate New Years Eve Party Venue Celebrate in style at Dave & Buster’s and enjoy a festive evening with food, great fun, and a high-energy countdown like no other. There will also be a DJ to bring that New Year’s Eve energy! Tickets Options Include: 1. General Admission: Appetizer Banquet & Dessert $15 Power Card + Unlimited Video Game Play Unlimited Soft Drinks NYE Swag Champagne Toast at Midnight (must have valid ID) Includes Tax & Suggested 18% Gratuity 2. Premium Admission: Same benefits of General Admission Ticket Two (2) Premium Drink Tickets per Ticket Date: December 31, 2025 Time: 9pm-1am Location: Dave & Buster’s, 6000 Shoppes Blvd, Moosic PA | All ages & fully ADA accessible Click here to find more information.
Wright Center Welcomes Seven Doctors to Fellowship Programs The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education welcomed seven new doctors into fellowship programs as part of its mission to improve the health and welfare of communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education (GME) welcomed seven new doctors into its fellowship programs during the annual Specialties Matching Service Fellowship Match Program on Dec. 3. Participating in the program, first row from left, are Dr. Jumee Barooah, senior vice president and designated institutional official; Brian Ebersole, vice president; Nathan Cardona, director of scholarly activity, institutional research, and IRB administration; standing, Natasha Hazzouri, GME specialist; Tyler Wilson, GME evaluations and outcomes specialist; Russell Day, GME workforce operations, training, & development specialist; Sara Dombroski, executive administrative assistant; Lisa Mann, GME specialist; Lisa Krucar, GME specialist; Michael Mahon, VP, academic affairs and associate DIO; and Jenna Ferraraccio-Diehl, GME administrative assistant. The Wright Center offers three fellowship programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education: cardiovascular disease, gastroenterology, and geriatrics. Fellows train in community-based settings, learning essential, specialized skills to deliver critically needed care in Northeast Pennsylvania. On Match Day, The Wright Center filled one position in its gastroenterology fellowship program and one in its geriatric fellowship through the Specialties Matching Service Fellowship Match Program. The program encompasses multiple fellowship matches representing more than 70 subspecialties, with applicants worldwide learning simultaneously at noon, where they are matched each year. Before the match announcement, The Wright Center filled three fellowship positions in its cardiovascular disease program and two in its geriatrics program. One of the new cardiovascular disease fellows and two of the geriatric fellows will graduate from The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency Program in June and chose to continue learning and serving in the region. Fellows will begin training at The Wright Center on July 1, 2026. “We are excited to welcome our new fellows to Northeast Pennsylvania, where they will live our mission and core values as they train to be the next generation of physicians,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, senior vice president of education and designated institutional official for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. “Match Day is an exciting time in the medical profession, especially for those of us who are focused on improving the health of our communities.” For information about The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-866-3017.
Dime Bank and Employees Donate to Local Food Pantries The Dime Bank recently donated a combined total of $4,500.00 to three local food pantries: Scranton Area Community Foundation, The Greater Pike Community Foundation, and the Wayne County Food Pantry. In addition, employees of The Dime Bank organized their own concurrent food drive, collecting non-perishable items with a total estimated value over $1,000.00, demonstrating their generosity and commitment to helping people in their time of need. Pictured: The Dime Bank employees Rory McGhie, Joanne Rosol, Deborah Unflat, Travis Head. These donations are intended to support the food pantries’ ongoing efforts within Wayne, Pike, and Lackawanna counties. The Dime Bank is dedicated to giving back to the communities that it serves. Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey J. Roche stated, “We are proud to support the vital work these organizations do every day. The fight against hunger is a community effort, and we hope these contributions will make a difference for our neighbors in need. We are also incredibly proud of our employees for stepping up with their own generous donations.”
PennDOT: Shapiro Administration Highlights Resources for Pennsylvania’s Older Drivers Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Pennsylvanian Insurance Department (PID), and the American Automobile Association (AAA) shared safe driving advice and resources available for older Pennsylvanians with residents at the White Rose Senior Center in York. “Mobility is essential to quality of life at any age, especially as friends and families gather to celebrate the holiday season,” said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Executive Deputy Secretary Larry Shifflet. “While many older drivers have a lifetime of valuable driving experience to draw from, PennDOT continually seeks to balance the safety of our roadways with the need for independence and autonomy.” In 2024, there were 21,986 crashes involving at least one driver aged 65 or older that resulted in 308 total fatalities. This represents 19.8% of all crashes and 27.3% of all fatalities. Older drivers generally have fewer crashes per driver than the national average – but they have more crashes per mile of driving. “Ensuring that older adults have the resources they need to remain active in and connected to their communities is an important focus of the Shapiro Administration,” said Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) Jason Kavulich. “Driver safety and working with our partners to provide accessible and flexible transportation alternatives are important parts of how older adults navigate in our community. Pennsylvania lottery proceeds help to fund alternative services in transportation for our older citizens.” Pennsylvania has a network of shared-ride service providers dedicated to keeping older adults mobile, safe, and engaged in their community. The Senior Shared Ride Program allows seniors to ride at a reduced fare. More than 2.7 million senior shared ride trips were provided in FY 2024-25. Additionally, the Free Transit Program for Seniors allows citizens aged 65 or older to ride for free on a local, fixed-route service whenever local public transportation is operating. During FY 2024-25, there were more than 25 million senior Free Transit Trips. While every person ages differently, aging typically brings certain — sometimes subtle — physical, visual, and cognitive changes that could impair an older person’s ability to drive safely. Older drivers and their families should work together to identify potential issues that may affect driving, outline courses of action to assist the older driver, and plan for when it’s time to hang up the keys. “Some factors that may pose challenges for drivers of all ages, but especially older drivers include adverse winter weather conditions, longer nights, and heavy holiday traffic,” said Captain Adam Reed, Assistant Director of Community Outreach for the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). “To help ensure their safety on the roadways, older drivers should make sure their eye exams are up-to-date and understand how prescribed medications could affect their driving. And please remember…all drivers should always buckle up!” To help older drivers who may have difficulties driving, PennDOT partnered with PA Department of Human Services and transit agencies to develop an online tool called Find My Ride that allows older drivers to access free ride services online. The app allows transit agencies to process applications more efficiently, so users can access benefits more quickly. The app can be found at: findmyride.penndot.pa.gov, or at www.pa.gov/penndot by clicking on Traveling in PA, then Public Transit Options. “All drivers are required to carry adequate financial protection for their vehicles, and there are ways to reduce the cost of auto insurance,” said Deputy Insurance Commissioner for Market Regulation David Buono. “For instance, older drivers often experience changes in their family or work life, which impacts how much they drive. Due to this, PID strongly encourages older drivers to regularly review their auto insurance policy to make sure they are not paying for coverage they no longer need.” A list of approved mature driver courses available can be found online on PennDOT’s Mature Driver Improvement Courses page. Signs that can indicate it may be time to limit or stop driving altogether include: Feeling uncomfortable, fearful, or nervous when driving. Unexplained dents/scrapes on the car, fences, mailboxes, or garage doors. Frequently getting lost and frequent “close calls” (i.e. almost crashing). Slower response times, particularly to unexpected situations. Difficulty paying attention to signs or staying in the lane of traffic. Trouble judging gaps at intersections or highway entrance/exit ramps. PennDOT offers older drivers and their loved ones a resource to help assess older drivers’ abilities and offer guidance on next steps if their medical condition is reported to PennDOT. The Seniors Driving Safely publication series can be downloaded for free from the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website. The series also includes a publication designed to guide family and friends of older drivers in what can sometimes be difficult conversations about deciding to stop driving, as well as information for healthcare providers on PennDOT’s medical reporting program. Additionally, CarFit is an educational program created by the American Society on Aging and developed with AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association. CarFit is designed to help older drivers find out how well they currently “fit” their personal vehicle, to learn how they can improve their fit, and to promote conversations about driver safety and community mobility. The following safe-driving habits, which should be routine at any age, are especially useful to older drivers: Plan ahead: lengthy car trips should be made during daylight hours. Morning may be best because most people aren’t as tired as they are in the afternoon. Don’t drive in rush-hour traffic if you can avoid it. Plan trips after 9:00 AM or before 5:00 PM. Know what roads near home are most congested and avoid them. When driving long distances, especially in winter, call ahead for weather and road condition updates. Look ahead. Good drivers get a jump on trouble by looking far down the road and making adjustments before encountering problems that may involve other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists or animals. Maintain a safe speed. This depends on what the road is like, how well the driver can see, how much traffic there is and how fast traffic is moving. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. The PA Driver’s Manual advises that you should always keep a 4-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. Pennsylvanians with insurance questions can contact the Insurance Department Consumer Services Bureau online or at 1-877-881-6388. Additional information on older driver safety and mobility resources is available at both PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services and the Department of Aging websites.
