Maternal and Family Health Services: Honoring Cervical Cancer Awareness Month January marks the beginning of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of early detection, education, and access to care in the fight against cervical cancer. As the President and CEO of Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS), I am proud to lead an organization that is dedicated to empowering women to take control of their health, supporting them with the resources and services they need, and ensuring they have access to the critical screenings that can save their lives. Cervical cancer, while preventable, continues to claim lives every year, especially among women who face barriers to healthcare access. But through consistent screenings, education, and HPV vaccinations, we have the power to reduce the incidence of this devastating disease and improve outcomes for women everywhere. At MFHS, we are committed to providing the essential healthcare services women deserve. As a trusted partner in reproductive and maternal healthcare, we offer a range of services designed to make preventive care and screenings accessible, affordable, and welcoming. This month, and every month, let us take action to protect our health, spread awareness, and advocate for better access to care for all women. Schedule a screening, talk to your healthcare provider, and know that you are not alone in this journey. MFHS is here to support you every step of the way. We are proud to offer services that make women’s health a priority, and we are committed to breaking down the barriers to care that too often prevent women from seeking the screenings and treatments they need. MFHS has HPV vaccines and same day appointments available. To learn more about cervical cancer, screenings, or to schedule an appointment, visit mfhs.org. or call 570-595-4496. Together, we can reduce the impact of cervical cancer and ensure that every woman has the opportunity to live a healthy, empowered life. Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD President & CEO, Maternal and Family Health Services
2022 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient Announced The Chamber is pleased to announce Maria Montoro Edwards, Ph.D., president & CEO of Maternal and Family Health Services, Inc., as the 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient. The ATHENA Award, sponsored locally by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants, honors an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. Dr. Montoro Edwards embodies these characteristics whole-heartedly. For more than 25 years Dr. Montoro Edwards has made significant strides as a non-profit and education leader, including success in securing, implementing, and stewarding public and private funding. In 2018, she was instrumental in connecting community partners and securing funding for Healthy MOMS (Maternal Opiate Medical Support) program in support of neonatal abstinence syndrome – which has served more than 100 expectant and new mothers across the region. At her current role as president of Maternal and Family Health Services, she is unafraid to meet the needs of the community’s most underserved members through innovation. She is currently working to bring new care models to our region for pregnancy and depression. She leads with a focus on equity and inclusion as the organization meets changing community needs and is connecting with staff and community members to find new opportunities to have a positive impact on women, children, and families. Dr. Montoro Edwards has been involved with more than 25 organizations locally for over 15 years. Currently, she serves on the boards for the Community Intervention Center, NEPA Rainbow Alliance, and Northeast Pennsylvania Nonprofit Community Assistance Center. She was also among those honored at the 2021 IHM Sisters Celebration for her work in the community and is the 2021 recipient of the Women in Philanthropy Margaretta Belin Chamberlin award. “Dr. Montoro Edwards is no doubt making positive and inspiring advances in the local non-profit sector and to the care of individuals in our community who need it most,” says Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “We commend her for the work she has done so far and congratulate her as the 2022 recipient of this prestigious award.” The ATHENA Award will be presented to Dr. Montoro Edwards at the Chamber’s International Women’s Day Luncheon on March 8, held at Marywood University and sponsored by Honesdale National Bank. Tickets can be purchased here. The ATHENA Award was first presented in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan and has grown to include presentations to more than 5,000 individuals in hundreds of cities in the United States as well as in Canada, China, Russia and the United Kingdom. The award takes the form of a hand-cast bronze sculpture symbolizing the strength, courage and wisdom of the recipient. The ATHENA Award® Program is nationally underwritten by General Motors and National City Bank.
