The Wright Center’s VP Named to Newly Formed State Advisory Committee Dr. Jignesh Sheth, senior vice president and chief medical and information officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, has been appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to serve as a member of the state’s newly formed Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Related Disorders Advisory Committee. The Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Related Disorders Advisory Committee, established in October 2024, is tasked with advising the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and other state agencies on the development and implementation of a state plan for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other related disorders. This gubernatorial appointment recognizes Dr. Sheth’s exceptional leadership and clinical expertise in advancing patient-centered, data-driven care models that improve the lives of Pennsylvanians – particularly vulnerable and aging populations. In his role on the Advisory Committee, Dr. Sheth will contribute to statewide strategies addressing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and related cognitive disorders, helping to shape policy and support systems that improve outcomes for patients and their families. “I am honored to serve on this advisory committee and contribute to Governor Shapiro’s bold and compassionate vision to better support Pennsylvanians living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and related disorders,” said Dr. Sheth, who is dually board-certified in internal medicine and addiction medicine and sees adult patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in Jermyn. “These conditions deeply affect patients, as well as their families, caregivers, and communities, and require thoughtful, compassionate, and coordinated responses at every level of care. I look forward to collaborating with state leaders and fellow committee members to help shape a responsive, person-centered approach that meets the growing needs of our aging population with dignity, data-driven insight, and hope.” Dr. Sheth’s appointment exemplifies The Wright Center’s ongoing commitment to public health innovation, interprofessional health care workforce development, and service to the most vulnerable communities throughout Northeast Pennsylvania and the commonwealth. “With more than 6 million Americans and 282,000 Pennsylvanians living with Alzheimer’s disease, the collective, mission-driven efforts of communities to build and nurture Age Friendly health systems are vital. We are fortunate to have Dr. Jignesh Sheth ably leading our Age Friendly efforts at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. His clinical, educational, executive, and technological expertise will bring unique and meaningful contributions to the important work of the Pennsylvania Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Related Disorders Advisory Committee,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “We are grateful to Governor Shapiro for Dr. Sheth’s appointment, and we are confident he will exceed expectations. Dr. Sheth brings a deep understanding of both the science and humanity required to responsibly and compassionately address the impact of these complex conditions on patients, families, and communities. We are proud that The Wright Center will be contributing to this historic and critical effort ignited by our Governor.” Dr. Sheth received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery with honors in biochemistry, medicine, and public health in 2004 from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Wardha, India. He earned his Master’s in Public Health with a specialization in health promotion in 2006 from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. After completing his internal medicine residency in 2009 through the Scranton-Temple Residency Program, now The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Dr. Sheth joined The Wright Center as an internal medicine primary care physician and lead physician for population management and reporting. His pioneering and innovative approaches that have significantly improved patient wellness and health care delivery have earned him several promotions at The Wright Center, including vice president for patient safety and quality in 2013, culminating in his current role as senior vice president and chief medical and information officer, a position he has held since 2018. In 2024, Dr. Sheth was recognized nationally and statewide for his visionary leadership and impact on community health. He received the Outstanding Primary Care Clinician Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers and the Innovative Research in Primary Care Award from the National Association of Community Health Centers, honoring his contributions to clinical innovation, care coordination, and public health. He was also named a 2024 Trailblazer in Building and Infrastructure by City & State Pennsylvania for transforming 10 facilities across three counties into The Wright Center’s state-of-the-art primary health care centers – dramatically improving access and outcomes for patients and medically underserved communities.
NAMI Collaborates with the University of Scranton’s OT Department Spring is a time of hope: the earth awakens with flowers, and we look toward a lighter, colorful season. Amid this time, we highlight professionals who, like flowers, offer a lift to make people’s lives better. Occupational Therapy Month highlights and celebrates the work done by occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and students, including work to enhance the lives of individuals living with mental illness. Dr. Carrie Griffiths, OTD, OTR/L, faculty specialist in the University of Scranton’s Occupational Therapy (OT) Department believes in empowering her students and preparing them with skills they need to work with people living with mental illness. Griffiths, who has spent years working as an OT in mental health settings, has integrated classes and trainings on mental illness for all OT students and forged a valuable partnership with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Northeast Region PA affiliate. Griffiths said, “Getting students to understand mental health conditions is key for them developing holistic and comprehensive treatment plans, which in turn is going to help the clients they eventually serve.” She added, “I hope their training helps to improve overall societal attitudes about mental health.” In addition to the mental health course that Griffiths teaches OT students, students have accessed Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid training as well as the ‘Hearing Distressing Voices Simulation’ program to better understand individuals who hear voices, and NAMI’s signature program ‘In Our Own Voice,’ through which trained individuals share the story of their own mental health journey. NAMI Northeast Region Executive Director Marie Onukiavage said, “What started as an inquiry from Dr. Griffiths about how to deliver Mental Health First Aid training to her students has blossomed into a collaboration that benefits both parties immensely: the students get access to valuable mental health information they will use in their professional and personal lives, and we benefit from a group of enthusiastic volunteers at the annual 5Kate run/walk, which is one of our most important events to raise awareness in the community.” Students understand the value of this community collaboration too. Kathleen O. Appau, a fifth year OT graduate student who has experienced many mental health trainings, including NAMI’s In Our Own Voice presentation, said, “The more opportunities we have, it will help us as future practitioners to ease our nerves to talk about (mental health) with anyone we think needs help and is open to it. I’m very big on ‘the more you practice, the easier it gets.” Appau said she also appreciated NAMI’s in Our Own Voice program. “It was so eye opening to be able to connect stories to real people. It was such a good experience.” Griffiths has ideas for expanding the mental health and OT connection and says she is encouraged by what her students have already learned through the collaboration with NAMI. She said, “Students are able to recognize mental health crises and provide support until the professional help arrives which is important because as occupational therapists they will work with individuals where they might be the first point of contact for someone who is in distress.” Onukiavage says the relationship with the University is important, as are all of the community partnerships NAMI has in place, adding, “We value all of the partnerships we have with our local education institutions from this one, to the ‘NAMI on Campus’ club at Marywood University, to the many campus fairs and activities that we participate in. They all give us an opportunity to connect with and educate our future care providers!”
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Supported by Wyoming Seminary Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, together with the Smeraldi Family, hosted several colon cancer awareness fundraisers to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s (NRCI) colon cancer educational and awareness campaign, CASUAL Day. Students and teachers participated in a dress-down day on March 27th in addition to purchasing NRCI’s specially designed awareness t-shirts. The Wyoming Seminary Rowing team hosted “A Row for Alessandro,” regatta event with several competitions to also support CASUAL Day. The school raised $2,297 through their efforts. Gail Smeraldi and her late husband Dr. Alessandro Smeraldi were the 2024-2025 CASUAL Day Co-Chairs. Their son, Caleb Smeraldi, is a student and member of the Wyoming Seminary rowing team. He helped to coordinate all three events. Proceeds from CASUAL Day benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute efforts to raise colorectal cancer awareness and support colorectal cancer screenings for low income, un/underinsured individuals. From left to right: Gail Smeraldi, CASUAL Day Co-Chair, Caleb Smeraldi, Wyoming Seminary student, rowing team member and son to Gail and the late Dr. Alessandro Smeraldi, and Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.
United Way Announces New President Angela Bassani Steps into Role as President & CEO of United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike is proud to announce that Angela Bassani, Ed.D., CPA, has been appointed as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. A longtime advocate for the community and a dedicated leader, Bassani steps into the role following the distinguished tenure of Gary Drapek, who is retiring after 22 years of service. With this appointment, Bassani becomes the fifth President in the organization’s more than 100-year history—and the first woman to hold the position. Bassani brings a wealth of experience to United Way, having been deeply involved in financial management, community impact programs, and higher education. She has worked with United Way for over a decade, most notably leading the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where she has helped thousands of individuals access critical financial resources. Her leadership in this role has demonstrated her deep commitment to economic stability and empowerment for individuals and families throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. “I am incredibly honored to step into this role and continue the legacy that Gary Drapek has built,” said Bassani. “Gary has been a mentor and role model to me for years, and I have seen firsthand the incredible work United Way does to uplift our community. I am eager to work alongside our staff, volunteers, donors, and nonprofit partners to ensure that we continue to make a meaningful impact for those who need it most.” In addition to her nonprofit experience, Bassani holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management from Drexel University, a MBA and Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Scranton, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Her expertise in financial oversight, grant management, and organizational strategy will be instrumental in leading United Way forward in an ever-changing nonprofit landscape. A long-time resident of the region, Bassani’s roots run deep in the communities United Way serves. Growing up on the border of Wayne and Pike Counties and making Lackawanna County her home since college, she has always been passionate about giving back to the people and organizations that shaped her. She has also served as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Accounting at Penn State Scranton, where she mentored students and integrated service-learning opportunities into education. Bassani has been involved with the United Way since she was a junior in college and officially assumed the role of President & CEO following Drapek’s retirement last month, ensuring a smooth transition in leadership. As she embarks on this new chapter, she remains committed to honoring the strong foundation built by her predecessor while also bringing fresh perspectives and strategic vision to United Way’s initiatives.
Add Your Voice: Support for Penn State Scranton Dear Chamber Members, As many of you are aware, Penn State University is currently evaluating the future of its commonwealth campuses—including Penn State Scranton. This decision could significantly impact our region’s educational access, workforce development, and overall economic vitality. On behalf of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, we have sent a letter to Penn State President Dr. Neeli Bendapudi urging the university to recognize the critical role the Scranton campus plays in our community and to preserve its presence in northeastern Pennsylvania. We encourage you to download and review our letter here: 👉 Download The Chamber’s Letter In partnership with community and business leaders, we are now preparing a second communication to Penn State University leadership—this time including a list of signatories from across the region who share our concerns and support. If you or your organization would like to sign on in support and provide comments or testimony to the Scranton campus impact, please click the link below and complete the brief form by Friday, April 25. 👉 Add Your Name to the Letter of Support Together, we can send a strong and unified message that Penn State Scranton is a vital part of our community—and must remain so for generations to come. Thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, Chamber Leadership
Geisinger Raises Awareness with Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, which raises awareness of child abuse and neglect, staff members from the Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Sunbury planted blue mylar pinwheels at the entrance of Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The pinwheels represent playfulness, joy and a carefree childhood and serve as a reminder to protect and nurture our children. Pinwheels for Prevention is a national campaign for child abuse prevention. This year the CAC team wore special T-shirts to commemorate the awareness month. The shirts were created by Chelsea Whispell, the daughter of Trisha Whispell, social work educator at the CAC. Chelsea had the idea of creating and selling T-shirts to raise funds for the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA). The fundraiser will help Chelsea earn her Silver Torch in working toward her Girl Scout Cadettes Award. “Chelsea set a goal of raising $1,000 for PFSA, which is equal to selling 200 shirts,” Trisha Whispell said. PFSA works with local community organizations around child abuse prevention efforts and has partnered with local schools and organizations on a statewide art project called Painting for Prevention. Artwork created for the project is displayed in many community organizations all month long, including Geisinger pediatric and family practice clinics. Many members of the CAC staff took part in the pinwheel planting on Monday, including (from left) Paul Bellino, M.D., clinical director of the Geisinger Division of Child Protection and Advocacy; Cameran Gardner, victim advocate; Alaina Johnson, licensed clinical social worker; Hailey Welker, forensic interviewer; Alexis Smith, CAC program manager with Ollie, CAC’s certified therapy dog; Chelsea Whispell, Girl Scout; Melissa Wagner, director of the Geisinger Division of Child Protection and Advocacy; Cheryl Moroz, forensic interviewer and Trisha Whispell, social worker educator.
NEPA Philharmonic Presents Carmina Burana at FM Kirby Center The instantly recognizable Carmina Burana – a mainstay of movies, television, and commercials – arrives at the FM Kirby Center! Wilkes-Barre-Scranton…The Thalenfeld Masterworks Series of The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic presents Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the FM Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Philharmonic musicians and Music Director Mélisse Brunet will be joined by renowned vocal soloists Roderick George, Öznur Tülüoğlu, and Christopher Burchett, alongside the Marywood University Concert Choir led by Rick Hoffenberg. Also on the program will be Antonín Dvořák’s joyous and rousing “Carnival Overture”, and music pioneer Dolores White’s poignant “Give Birth to the Dream”. “O Fortuna”, the iconic opening movement of “Carmina Burana”, features accessible, highly melodic, repeated melodies and strong rhythms, making it a captivating experience for audiences. The lyrics, which complement the powerful music, deal with themes of life’s extremes like fortune, fate, and love. Concert tickets are priced from $42-$78 for adults, and college student tickets are $16. Students K-12 admitted at no charge by calling the box office. A pre-concert talk, with Maestra Melisse Brunet, will take place at 6:30 PM and all attendees are invited. Tickets may be purchased online at www.nepaphil.org, by calling 570.270.4444, or at the door on concert night. This concert is sponsored by the Thalenfeld Family Foundation, Christine and Harry Zike, Carol Nelson Dembert and F. Warren Breig, Jr, and Weber Gallagher Law Offices. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphony orchestra performing mainstage and chamber concerts, and free Independence Day concerts in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. The Philharmonic’s educational programs include Young People’s Concerts, a juried mentoring program for talented high school students, and “Music in our Schools”, an in-school interactive program featuring brass, wind, string, or percussion ensembles. Our community engagement includes “Once Upon an Orchestra” in local libraries for children to age 5, and miniature concerts in senior living centers.
Friendship House Appoints Chris Howe to Vice President and Chief Operation Officer Friendship House President and Chief Executive Officer Alex J. Hazzouri has announced the appointment of Chris Howe as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Friendship House, a vital behavioral health and human services organization in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Howe has more than two decades of experience in healthcare leadership. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Health’s Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, where he led market-wide initiatives that resulted in significant improvements in clinical, operational, and financial performance. Mr. Howe has held leadership roles at Bon Secours Mercy Health in Springfield, Ohio, and Plateau Medical Center in Oak Hill, West Virginia. In these roles, he achieved double-digit growth in revenue and surgical volume, launched new service lines, and completed a $16 million operating room expansion project. He began his healthcare career as a registered nurse, a foundation that continues to shape his empathetic, mission-driven leadership style. Mr. Howe possesses a Master of Health Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina. He is a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional, a Fellow of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management, and an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He resides in the North Pocono area with his wife, Carline Archer Howe, and their daughter, Bonadia Marie Howe. He takes over from James R. Martin, retiring after serving as the VP/CEO of Friendship House during its growth and expansion over the past decade. Friendship House is dedicated to serving children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities, emotional or behavioral difficulties, or those traumatized by loss, abuse, or neglect. In addition to many other services, they operate the Whole Person Care Center in downtown Scranton, which provides mental health services, primary care services, and substance use disorder services to all individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay. They believe in identifying and providing the best treatment options for every individual with the help of a committed and supportive staff. Their dedication is evident in the individualized services they offer, which promote resilience in children and recovery in adults, maximizing the physical, emotional, behavioral, and social well-being of those they serve.
Tobyhanna Army Depot, Rolling Airframe Missile Launcher Workload Highlights Inter-Service Capability At the forefront of naval defense, the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Launcher stands ready. But behind this powerful weapon system is a crucial support network, anchored by the joint expertise of Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD), ensuring these rapid-response defense systems are ready, modern and prepared. TYAD is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) and is a known frontrunner in providing world-class logistics support for C5ISR systems across the Department of Defense (DoD). However, many may be unaware of the plethora of other work depot artisans perform in support of the other branches of our armed forces. Nearly 40% of the work performed daily at TYAD supports the Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and more. In the early 2010s, TYAD was contacted by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), which helps build and support America’s Fleet of ships and combat systems, about the depot’s corrosion prevention capabilities. What began as a trip to perform maintenance on three systems has grown into a successful and ever-growing partnership spanning over a decade as to this day, TYAD provides full life-cycle support for a variety of NAVSEA needs. The RAM Launcher is a ship-based defense system that helps ensure our American warriors and the nation’s most lethal fighting force remain ready, modern, and prepared. It provides rapid-response protection by intercepting and neutralizing threats like anti-ship missiles, drones, and aircrafts. By enabling swift, accurate engagement of hostile targets, the system ensures that our maritime assets can operate safely and effectively in complex environments. Early on, TYAD’s support of the RAM Launcher consisted of numerous Rapid Turnaround Program and Launcher Material Enhancement Program missions. These evolved into On-Ship Refurbishment Program missions in which depot artisans would travel to the weapon to perform quick maintenance on-site. As the relationship between the depot and NAVSEA deepened, RAM Launchers began being transported to so that more in-depth maintenance, such as working on electrical components, can be executed. TYAD has truly become a one-stop-shop for complete RAM Launcher overhaul. RAM Launcher workload at TYAD has grown so much that an entirely new blast booth was constructed on-post. The booth was co-located with the RAM Launcher assets so that they may be moved in and out of the booth with ease, saving the DoD time and money. Additionally, the booth improved the quality of the work being done as it was specially designed to offer capabilities needed to execute Navy asset refinishing, primarily its use of plastic blasting media versus the use of the rather abrasive aluminum zirconium media. The team supporting the RAM Launcher is busy, answering the call both within and outside of the continental United States to provide support to our nation’s warfighters. With just this workload alone, TYAD has a presence in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Korea in addition to the United States, ensuring that Navy Sailors across the globe have the support they need to remain ready, modern, and prepared. Whether an asset is worked on at the depot or offsite typically depends on the ships’ availability and the condition of the asset itself. Stacy Costanzo is a Lead Project Manager within TYAD’s Production Management Directorate. She lauded the Mobile Depot Maintenance (MDM) teams for their consistent quality and efficiency in the work they provide. “The MDM team’s excellent work, both on ship and in-house, has increased our workload and opportunities, positioning TYAD for continued success. Their dedication to the fleet is deeply appreciated,” said Costanzo. “The team possesses a comprehensive understanding of not just overhaul tasks, but also the essential logistical operations that are crucial to success. I’m incredibly proud to work with such a skilled and dedicated team. They are excellent representatives of our organization.” Michael McDermott is a General Equipment Mechanic Leader within TYAD’s Mission Execution Directorate. It is his role to recondition and repair RAM Launchers on ships and to remove and install on the ships as they become available within ports. He also oversees the overhaul work done on-post whilst not on travel. He said being involved in the entire sustainment lifecycle of a RAM Launcher is very fulfilling. “The most rewarding aspect of this program for me is being on the program from the beginning and seeing how the scope of work evolves,” said McDermott. “From reconditioning on the ship, to complete removals and depot level overhaul and reinstalling myself. Being a part of the whole process from cradle to grave is very gratifying.” The RAM Launcher team doesn’t do it alone, however. The workload truly is a cross-functional one as TYAD’s Quality Management directorate ensures the work is being executed to meet the Navy’s expectations, and other support shops, such as the Fabrication & Component Refinishing Division, provide their expertise on an as-needed basis. Charles Bartleson is a Logistics Management Specialist within TYAD’s Production Management Directorate. He praised the team working on RAM Launcher, citing their sense of unity and shared purpose as a key driver of success. “The RAM MDM Leads have a lot of experience and are very knowledgeable. It is very apparent when you ask them any questions about the launchers, components or how the launchers work with the ship’s systems. I feel the entire team shares the common goal of ensuring the safety of our Navy sailors and ships,” said Bartleson. “I take great pride in being part of the RAM program and look forward to the future and what that means for the program.” On top of the 13 RAM Launcher missions already scheduled for 2025, it is not uncommon for emergency missions to arise. Even on short notice, the committed workforce at TYAD rises to the occasion and will either travel to the location of the system or have it transported to the depot’s C4ISR Finishing Center so that all major assets and components may go through the refinishing process. With work being done both on-post at Tobyhanna and on the road, leadership must perform a careful balancing act to ensure all work is getting done in accordance with customer expectations. As depot artisans travel and hold a presence in shipyards across the globe, word of their quality of work has spread. The workmanship began speaking for itself and before long, TYAD began to take on the Navy’s Sea Sparrow, a ship-borne anti-missile weapon system, as well. On a Navy ship, the Sea Sparrow acts as a first line of defense, constantly scanning for incoming fire and reacting accordingly. The RAM Launcher acts as a second line of defense, and then finally, what is known as a Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) stands ready for nearby threats. Looking into the future, TYAD hopes to be able to provide support to the entire breadth of defense options found about Navy ships. Bartleson added that even in adverse conditions, the dedication of the teams ensures each mission is a success. “The RAM MDM teams contribute to the sustainment and growth of the RAM program by traveling around the United States and [the world,] working in varying conditions such as rain, snow, cold, and heat,” said Bartleson. “They keep the mission moving forward.” Stacey Taylor is a Supervisory Production Controller within TYAD’s Production Management Directorate. She said the depot’s interservice capabilities, benefit not just Tobyhanna, but our nation’s warfighters. “The Navy’s RAM workload plays a vital role in shipboard air defense, safeguarding surface warships against a range of threats such as aircraft, missiles, and small vessels. Over the past 3 years, the demand for this capability has significantly increased, making it essential to deliver these assets promptly and as scheduled,” said Taylor. “This is particularly crucial for ensuring the readiness of our warfighters now more than ever. Tobyhanna Army Depot takes immense pride in its operations and is committed to fostering strong relationships with our Navy customers.” TYAD is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the armed forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,300 personnel are employed by Tobyhanna. While the organization’s headquarters is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, Tobyhanna’s worldwide workforce includes employees in 43 fixed locations across the globe. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to deliver integrated C5ISR weapon systems, business systems, and medical sustainment to enable full spectrum combat operations at the point of need.
Geisinger Joins Hospitals in Donate Life Campaign to Promote Organ Donation Each year, Geisinger Health and other hospitals across Pennsylvania participate in the Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s (HAP) Donate Life Hospital Campaign. This statewide initiative aims to raise awareness about the critical need for organ, tissue, and cornea donations, educating both hospital employees and the community on how they can make a life-saving difference. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration, the campaign seeks to improve organ donation practices and outcomes by encouraging individuals to register as donors. It also builds on existing partnerships between organizations, businesses, and hospitals to educate employees and the general public about the importance of donation. With thousands of people waiting for organ transplants, and 17 individuals dying each day due to the lack of available organs, the need for donors has never been greater. By participating in this campaign, we can help reduce the waiting list and provide hope for those in need of a life-saving transplant. “We are proud to partner with the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania in this vital campaign,” said [Insert Name], [Insert Title] at Geisinger. “We encourage everyone to learn more about our transplant program and consider registering as an organ, tissue, and cornea donor. Every action counts, and together we can make a significant impact.” Geisinger encourages all members of the community to visit Geisinger.org/donors to learn more about the transplant program and take the life-changing step of becoming a registered donor.
