The Wright Center: Depression Screenings Proactive Form of Health Care Preventative screenings represent health care at its most proactive. They are convenient, and they can quickly address and improve an issue well before it escalates. Depression and other mental health disorders fall into this category. October marks National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, and Mental Health Awareness Week (Oct. 5–11), which Congress established in 1990 through the advocacy of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This year’s Mental Illness Awareness Week carried the theme “Building Community: Supporting Mental Well-Being Together.” According to NAMI, the focus was on “the power of meaningful connections, grassroots advocacy, and local action to strengthen mental health support nationwide.” The theme served as an inspiring reminder of how collective efforts can make a real difference. Greater emphasis on depression screenings is urgently needed, as the disease does not discriminate and affects individuals of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. With the everyday stresses of modern life, it is unsurprising that rates of anxiety and depression continue to increase each year. According to a November 2024 brief issued by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Bureau of Health Workforce, about 59 million U.S. adults – 23% of the population – experienced a mental illness in 2023, with nearly half of them not receiving treatment. Access to behavioral health services remains limited due to provider shortages, high out-of-pocket costs, coverage gaps, and other barriers. The national average wait time for behavioral health services is currently 48 days, according to HRSA. Screenings are recommended for anyone experiencing several of these common symptoms of depression: Persistent sadness or anxiousness Too little or too much sleep Reduced or increased appetite and weight loss or gain Loss of interest in favorite activities Restlessness or irritability Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions Fatigue or loss of energy Thoughts of death or suicide The Wright Center for Community Health provides a wide range of behavioral health services, including therapy, psychological assessments, and psychiatric care, for children, adolescents, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance-related and addictive disorders, bullying, relationship stressors, LGBTQI+ issues, trauma, and grief. Earlier this year, The Wright Center began participating in a multi-year grant awarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to improve access to whole-person primary health services for people with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The Wright Center is one of several primary care sites in Pennsylvania engaged in the five-year project to promote collaborative care, an evidence-based model that strengthens coordination of behavioral health services in primary care settings. The organization is also addressing the regional shortage of mental health specialists through the hiring of new staff psychiatrists. These professionals are providing office-based remote and in-person psychiatry appointments for patients of all ages, while also collaborating with colleagues across The Wright Center to integrate behavioral health and primary care services to improve overall outcomes. Staff members continue to improve accessibility for individuals in underserved and under-resourced areas, working to reduce barriers to behavioral health care. The Wright Center remains committed to ensuring that people receive the support they need to lead happy, productive lives.
The Wright Center: Bridging Gaps, Restoring Smiles Mark National Dental Hygiene Month with better oral care When Maryann Havrilak first walked through the doors of The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in Jermyn, the 74-year-old retiree wasn’t looking forward to being in a dental chair. Mary Ann Havrilak of Waymart checks in for a dental appointment at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in Jermyn. The Wright Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, accepts most dental insurance plans and offers a sliding-fee discount program to ensure oral care services are affordable for everyone. To make an appointment, call call 570-230-0019. “I’ve had bad teeth my whole life,” said the South Canaan Twp. native who lives in Waymart. “I’ve been going to the dentist since I was little, even when I lived in New York City, and you can imagine how expensive that was. But as soon as I walked into The Wright Center, I felt comfortable. The girls were great, the dentist (Dr. Ryan Rebar) explained everything to me, and it felt like home.” Havrilak, a retired secretary who spent 45 years working in New York City before returning to her roots in Wayne County, is on a fixed income since retiring. She had to carefully weigh her options when selecting new medical and dental providers. When her insurance company offered a list of choices, she picked The Wright Center for Community Health and never looked back. Her dental journey is one of many that reflect the importance of access to compassionate dental care, especially during October’s National Dental Hygiene Month, a time to spotlight the vital role oral health plays in overall well-being. Oral health is directly tied to heart health, diabetes control, and even early detection of serious illnesses like oral cancer. Yet, for many patients, fear, stigma, lack of insurance, or transportation barriers keep them from seeking the dental care they need. That is where The Wright Center’s integrated dental care model steps in. To ensure high-quality oral care is available to everyone, The Wright Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike and safety-net provider, accepts most dental insurance plans and offers a sliding-fee discount program to those who qualify based on federal poverty guidelines that take into account family size and income. No patient is turned away because of an inability to pay. “We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable, and trauma-informed dental care,” said Dr. Rebar, a general practice dentist and clinical site director at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley. “Our approach is centered around meeting patients where they are physically, emotionally, and financially.” Mary Ann Havrilak of Waymart, seated, talks to her dentist, Dr. Ryan Rebar, during a recent appointment at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in Jermyn. The Mid Valley dental team is part of The Wright Center’s growing network of community health centers, which includes medical, behavioral health, and dental care under one roof. This model enhances access and outcomes while also building trust, particularly among patients with long-standing fears or previous negative experiences. “A lot of patients come to us in pain, discouraged, and understandably nervous, but with every visit, we build trust,” said Dr. Rebar, who received his doctoral degree in dental medicine from the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry after graduating from The University of Scranton. “We talk through everything, make sure patients feel in control, and we don’t rush anything. It’s never just about teeth. It’s about dignity, quality of life, and restoring confidence. That’s what makes this work so meaningful.” Havrilak has been receiving ongoing care for the past seven years at The Wright Center’s Mid Valley location at 5 S. Washington Ave. Jermyn, including extractions, partials, and most recently, a bridge. She credits Dr. Rebar and The Wright Center’s dental care team for their skill, compassion, and gentle approach, especially when it comes to something most patients dread. “I’ve had butchers just shove the needle in,” she said. “Here, they’re so gentle you don’t even know it’s happening. They don’t want to hurt you, and that makes all the difference.” Her most recent procedure has been life-changing in a simple but profound way. “I just got a new bridge, and today I’m going to sit down and have a salad for the first time since April,” she said. “I couldn’t chew before. Now I can eat, I smile more, and feel more like myself.” For Havrilak, The Wright Center’s dental care team is like family. “They talk to you about anything to make you comfortable,” she said. “Even people who aren’t working on you get involved in the conversation. The dental team is wonderful, the whole staff is so smart, and they all really care. The girls at the front desk always call if they have an earlier opening and ask if I can make it. I never say no to a dentist appointment.” Her advice to anyone who may be fearful about seeing a dentist, especially those who have had bad experiences, is simple: “Go to The Wright Center for Community Health. They’ll put you at ease. They’ll treat you with respect. And they’ll make sure you can smile again.” Dr. Ryan Rebar, right, meets with his patient, Mary Ann Havrilak of Waymart. Dr. Rebar believes ‘everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable, and trauma-informed dental care.’ Good oral hygiene tips National Dental Hygiene Month is observed each October to celebrate dental hygienists and raise awareness of the importance of good oral health to prevent oral diseases such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Here are some tips from The Wright Center for Community Health’s dental team to practice good oral hygiene: Brushing Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth from decay and cavities. Fluoride strengthens the tooth’s enamel. Angle your toothbrush bristles toward your gumline so the bristles clean between your gums and teeth. Brush all the sides of each tooth gently with small, circular motions. Avoid back-and-forth scrubbing. Brush your tongue. Flossing Use a string of floss about two feet long. Wrap it around your middle finger on each hand and grip it between your thumb and index fingers. Gently ease the floss between your teeth until it reaches your gumline. Do not force the floss into place, as this could harm your gums. Curve the floss around the side of each tooth, like the letter “C.” Slide the floss up and down under your gum.
Scranton Tomorrow Make Downtown Scranton the Place to “Bee” Downtown Scranton is buzzin’ with business this fall! Fall Into Downtown Scranton, a project of Scranton Tomorrow, features promotions throughout the month of October encouraging everyone to support local. Our theme, “The Good of the Hive,” is creating quite a buzz as we celebrate the installation of our latest Downtown mural, which is part of artist Matt Willey’s international “The Good of the Hive” project. When you shop and dine in Downtown Scranton, you help to create a healthy economy for everyone in your colony — family, neighbors and friends. We think that’s pretty sweet! Honey & Harvest Restaurant Week, October 12 to 15Restaurants, pubs and cafés infuse honey into special dishes and signature drinks as part of Honey & Harvest Restaurant Week, October 12 to 15, in Downtown Scranton: 16th WardAV Restaurant & LoungeBar PazzoCatch21 Seafood and SteakChef Von & MomThe Garden RestaurantPeculiar KitchenSambuca Italian Grille & Bar Tequila Mexican Bar & Grille Make a beeline to Downtown Scranton for fall fashionTime to update your wardrobe? Boutiques and salons in Downtown Scranton have the latest fall styles, and plenty of options to shop your way: in store, online, curbside pickup and delivery. For a list of Downtown retailers and salons, visit our Downtown Scranton Shopping Guide. International muralist Matthew Willey paints in Downtown Scranton Scranton Tomorrow’s Mural Arts Program continues with the installation of a mural honoring honeybees on the Scranton Civic Ballet Company building, Rear 234 Mifflin Avenue, Downtown Scranton. The mural is part of artist Matthew Willey’s global art project, The Good of the Hive. This project is made possible with support from the Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, Lackawanna County Commissioners, Lackawanna Heritage Valley, The University of Scranton, Space Time Mead and Cider Works, Terrana Law Firm, and Lackawanna College. ‘The Good of the Hive’ master class and lectureArtist Matthew Willey will present a master class and lecture, “The Good of the Hive,” on Friday, October 14, at 6 p.m., in the theater at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine Street, Downtown Scranton. The event is free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first-served. Lackawanna College is the academic sponsor of this event. Photo by Dani Case thegoodofthehive.com
October Events Planned at the University of Scranton Oct. 1 9 a.m. Scranton’s Ready to Run Northeast Pennsylvania Program: “Wanted: More Women Like You in Politics.” Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6326 or email sharon.olechna@scranton.edu. Oct. 5 6 p.m. Asian Studies Public Lecture and Meet the Award-winning Author “Life on the Move: Transnational Migration and Cross-Cultural Imagination in Taiwan Literature and Film,” Part 1. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-6312 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu. Oct. 6 6 p.m. Asian Studies Film Screening and Meet the Award-winning Director of “The Good Daughter.” “Life on the Move: Transnational Migration and Cross-Cultural Imagination in Taiwan Literature and Film,” Part 2. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free, Call 570-941-6312 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu. Oct. 7 through Nov. 18 Art Exhibit: “Mayan Narratives: San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala” photographs by Byron Maldonado. Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Oct. 7 5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Mayan Narratives: San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala” presented by Byron Maldonado. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Oct. 12 1 p.m. The Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Virtual Speaker Series: “Career Opportunities in the Changing Workplace” with panel moderator Kathleen West-Evans, MPA, CRC. Presented by the J. A. Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment. Free. Visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference. Call 570-941-7401. Oct. 12 7:30 p.m. Ignatian Values in Action Lecture: “On Juneteenth” presented by Annette Gordon-Reed, Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times best-selling author. Byron Recreation Complex. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu. Oct. 13 Noon.Schemel Forum and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Threats to Equity: The Influence of Social Determinants on Human Behaviors that Promote Well-being” presented Julie Byerley, MD, president and dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Oct. 15 2 p.m. Art Gallery: “Walking Tour: Scranton Lace Company/Lace Village Site.” Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Oct. 15 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Andrew Gonzalez, viola and violincello da spalla. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Oct. 19 1 p.m. The Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Virtual Speaker Series: “Embedding Deia: A Cultural-Shift for Business, Communities, and You!” Speakers Hattie McCarter, MS, CRC; CEO of M.E.N.D. Consulting Solutions and certified DEI professional and Stephanie Perry, MSW, LSW DEI consultant. Presented by the J. A. Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment. Free. Visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference. Call 570-941-7401. Oct. 21-23 and 28-30 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “Almost, Maine” presented by The University Players. Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu. Oct. 23 9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu. Oct. 23 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Oct. 26 1 p.m. The Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Virtual Speaker Series: “A Framework for Community Engagement: A Pathway to Employment” with speakers Cayte Anderson, Ph.D., and Emily Brinck, Ph.D., both are researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, VRTAC-QE. Presented by the J. A. Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment. Free. Visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference. Call 570-941-7401. Oct. 29 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and guest drummer Carmen Intorre Jr. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
Scranton SBDC Webinars Gear Up for Financing: What Do I Need to Prepare? (Webinar) Wednesday, 9/21/22 ● 12:00 pm – 1:00 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29777Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/3ueM5mCM9 The process of financing your small business will take time, good planning, decision-making, and even your money! Join us for this two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”, as we show you what is needed to prepare for financing and steps to take and what financing options are available to your small business. Session one, “What Do I Need to Prepare?” will help you evaluate: What knowledge you’ll needDecisions to considerHow timing and fit of loan to use come into play Start-up and existing small business owners are welcome! Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, planning for success should start early, and applying for capital requires documentation, often including financial projections and a business plan, and more. This session will also supply some insight into best practices on the financial side of your business and how the SBDC can help you.“What Do I Need to Prepare?” is the first in the two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”. Part two, “What Are My Funding Options?” will take place on Wednesday, September 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration for that session can be done here: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29778 The First Step Express: Starting Your Business (Webinar)Thursday, 9/22/22 ● 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29703Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1XdWkJTD5 Have you always had a dream to start your own business, but aren’t sure where to begin? Attend our First Step Express webinar! A condensed version of our First Step: Starting Your Business seminar, this one-hour webinar will help aspiring entrepreneurs to begin the process of successful business ownership including a quick look at: Applications and licenses needed to start a business Different types of business structures (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.)Business plan basicsFinancing optionsSBDC Services available as you start your business All pre-venture clients are encouraged to attend this course or a similar program, or complete pre-venture materials to prepare for the engagement, prior to being assigned to a consultant for one-on-one assistance. How to Know if Your Business Idea Will Really Work (Webinar)Tuesday, 9/27/22 ● 10:00 am – 11:00 am Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29706Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2UpvPQlck You have an idea for a new business but are wondering where to start. Is the idea worth pursuing? How can you tell if it is or isn’t? This session will get you thinking about your motivation for starting a business by walking you through simple steps that will help you determine if the idea is feasible. Steps covered will include: Considering Your Business Ideas (What type of business do you want to start?)Assess Your Resources (How much will this endeavor cost, both financially and in time spent?)Review Industry Regulations (Every industry has them!)Define Your Target Market (Who are you going to sell to? Hint – it’s not everyone!)Identify Your Competitive Advantage (What do you have to offer that your competitors don’t?)Write a Business Plan (Yes, it is important!) Gear Up for Financing: What Are My Funding Options? (Webinar)Wednesday, 9/28/22 ● 12:00 pm – 1:00 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29778Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2c3AVgkPr The process of financing your small business will take time, good planning, decision-making, and even your money! Join us for this two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”, as we show you what is needed to prepare for financing and steps to take and what financing options are available to your small business. Now that you know what to gather and work on and know what lenders are looking for, it’s time to take a look at what financing options are available to your small business. Session two, “What Are My Funding Options?” will go over some opportunities, such as: Your own fundsFriends and familyBanks or credit unionsMicroloansFinance companiesAnd more Start-up and existing small business owners are welcome! “What Are My Funding Options?” is the second in the two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”. Part one, “What Do I Need to Prepare?” will take place on Wednesday, September 21 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration for that session can be done here: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29777 Making the World Your Market: Considerations for Going Global (Webinar)Thursday, 10/6/22 ● 9:00 am – 10:00 amRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29702Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2R63TyLFK The world seems to be getting smaller. Doing business internationally is one strategy for business growth. Is it right for your business? Before companies decide to expand to other markets, they need to analyze and test the viability of those markets and develop an internationalization strategy that will contribute to their growth. Going global opens up many new opportunities and potential markets, as well as some potential hurdles. Learn the why, where, what, when, and how to bring your company into the international arena and more with presenter Douglas Harding, Senior Business Consultant and SBA-Certified Export & Trade Counselor, Duquesne University SBDC. Additional presenters will include: Deborah Langan, Senior International Business Manager, NEPA AllianceJoe Burke, Avoca Strategies (Export Experiences and Examples)Nasim Sadr-Fala, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service PhiladelphiaEdward A. Schick, Export Finance Manager – PA, DE and Southern OH, Office of International Trade, U.S. Small Business Administration There will also be time for questions and answers.The University of Scranton SBDC, Duquesne University SBDC, and the Pennsylvania SBDC are partnering with the U.S. Commercial Service in Philadelphia and SBA Export Financing to bring you this Pennsylvania Regional Exporting Network event. 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Keyword Research (Webinar)Thursday, 10/6/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29745Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1Kh2ZodSW What is search engine optimization, or SEO? Often it’s about making slight modifications to terms used on your website to increase traffic from search engines like Google. Are you using vocabulary that is commonly known or too niche? Are you including your location? In this session, we will show you how to use the most effective keywords for your small business, how to use location-based terms to increase traffic, as well as some tools that will help you in this process. “Keyword Research” is part one in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Small Business Blogging (Webinar)Thursday, 10/13/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29746Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2fvan31u7 Why is blogging important to a small business? Search engines favor recent information, so regular blog updates increase the likelihood of your information being seen. We will discuss this blogging, how it can be done easily, and how to enrich your posts with keywords to get more traction. “Small Business Blogging” is part two in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Backlinking (Webinar)Thursday, 10/20/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29747Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/3yA2rHRIT What is backlinking? A backlink is a link that is created when one website links to another, for instance when your Google profile links to your small business website. The more sites that link to your page give your website relevance in search engines. In this session, we will discuss creating your brand online and the benefit of using the same information on all profiles, from social media to chambers of commerce to sites like Google and Yelp. “Backlinking” is part three in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Measuring Results (Webinar)Thursday, 10/27/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29749Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1Sz4OOaGY You know what terms will get your website the most traction, your first blog post has been shared, and all of your profiles link back to your website. How do you know if this is all working? Are you actually getting more engagement on your website? In the fourth and final session of our search engine optimization series, we will give you the tools to measure these initiatives to show how it is paying off for your small business. “Measuring Results” is part four in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking
