Moses Taylor Foundation Grants Funding for Mental Health in NEPA Moses Taylor Foundation, a private foundation with a mission to improve the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania, will invest $2,130,200 to address well-documented regional mental and behavioral health care needs. The Foundation’s Board of Directors recently selected nine organizations to receive between $113,000 and $300,000 across a two-year span. The selected projects will utilize innovative, evidence-based solutions and promising practices to strengthen the care continuum, increase the availability of and diversity of providers, integrate mental health services in health care and non-health care settings, or eliminate barriers to care. “Mental and behavioral health challenges touch every corner of our 11-county service area. The organizations selected for this inaugural initiative are deeply ingrained in their respective communities, paving pathways to solutions with compassion and care,” stated Danielle Breslin, President and CEO of Moses Taylor Foundation. “The amount of interest in this new initiative and the diversity of responses we received underscores the pressing need for innovative approaches to mental and behavioral health and wellness. Moses Taylor Foundation is proud to uplift and support this recent cohort of grantees and improve the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” The following organizations received an approval notification following Moses Taylor Foundation’s March 27 board meeting: Catholic Social Services; Community Care Behavioral Health Organization; Geisinger Health Foundation; Greater Scranton YMCA; Keystone Human Services; The Wright Center for Community Health; United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania; Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers; and Wyoming County Health Family Partnership
Lackawanna Historical Society Releases Updated Downtown Scranton Walking Tour The Lackawanna Historical Society is pleased to release a revised and updated version of the “History Set in Stone” Downtown Scranton Walking Tour booklet, as well as a new Spanish-language version! This booklet, first produced by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority in 2010, provides six guided walks around Downtown Scranton, focusing on history and architecture. The text has been updated to reflect new restoration projects and previously overlooked spaces in and around Scranton. We are grateful for the assistance of Jenny Gonzalez-Monges, director of Marywood University’s STARS Program, for her work translating a Spanish version of the booklet that provided the facts presented in the original version for a new audience of the city’s growing Latinx community. Booklets will be available at local history sites, libraries, hotels, and other sites. Funding support for this project was supplied by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley. More information and copies of the walking tour booklet will be provided at a press conference on Wednesday, May 7 at 11am on Courthouse Square, Adams Avenue. For more information, contact the Lackawanna Historical Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com.
The Wright Center to Offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, in partnership with Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates and the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, will offer free skin cancer screenings on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually. Early detection through regular screenings can significantly increase survival rates. To register for a screening, go to bit.ly/TWCSkinScreening. With May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the event aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention, empowering individuals to take steps toward protecting their skin health. Dr. Kirelos Younan, a second-year internal medicine resident physician at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, organized the program after hearing about two local cases: a young patient who died after being diagnosed with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and another patient who survived after doctors detected the melanoma early. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 212,200 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025, and an estimated 8,430 people will die from it this year. Dr. Younan rallied other resident physicians to volunteer for the program to fulfill The Wright Center’s mission to improve the health and welfare of regional communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. “Residents will gain valuable experience in identifying the most common cancer globally, while their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm will enable them to educate patients on preventive strategies,” Dr. Younan said. “Additionally, our diverse group of residents can provide patient education in over 10 languages, which is crucial in getting our message out.” That message includes the importance of using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, which reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%. Early detection is key, too. The estimated five-year survival rate for U.S. patients whose melanoma is detected early is about 99%. “I’m eager to see our volunteer providers interact with attendees and convey reassuring messages that skin cancer is preventable and that cure rates are highly favorable if the cancer is detected early,” Dr. Younan said. “And I’m certainly looking forward to educating more people about the importance of sunscreen ahead of sunburn season.”
Lackawanna College Awarded Grant to Further Assist Parenting Students Lackawanna College received the Parent Pathways Grant for $98,602 from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education. The funds from this grant will expand existing resources for parenting students to directly impact the persistence of parenting students with tuition assistance, emergency funding, and support services. “This grant is a game-changer of our parenting students. It allows us to provide essential resources like childcare support, emergency funding, scholarships, and supplies to relieve one extra burden they may be experiencing. Ultimately, it’s about removing barriers so these students can thrive both as parents and students,” said Denise Larson, AVP Enrollment Management and Student Success at Lackawanna College. This is the second year Lackawanna College received the Parent Pathways Grant which aims to provide essential resources directly tailored to the needs of parenting students, ensuring their success in academic endeavors. Initiatives in the grant include tuition assistance, childcare costs, technology support services, and emergency funds for parenting students who require assistance with an academic or basic need affecting their education. These enhanced support services will benefit approximately 23% of Lackawanna’s parenting learners, providing them with the necessary assistance to navigate the demands of both parenthood and higher education.
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!”
Lackawanna Historical Society to Host Photo Scanning Do you have precious family photographs or crumbling documents you’d like to preserve? The Lackawanna Historical Society is partnering with “photo archaeologist” Cheryl Kaiser to host a special scanning day fundraiser on Saturday, May 3 from noon-3pm at the Society’s headquarters, the Catlin House, at 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton. Join us for this opportunity to preserve your cherished family memories and support the work of the Lackawanna Historical Society! Register online at https://tinyurl.com/LHSScanDay to schedule your 15-minute appointment and purchase a $30 scanning day bundle. This will include your personal appointment with professional hi-resolution scans of up to 10 photos or documents with minor image adjustments to enhance clarity and quality. Your scans will be securely delivered into a private, complimentary Forever digital account, with a guide to get started organizing and maintaining your digital archive. If you have more than 10 photos, additional items can be scanned for $1 each. A portion of the fee for the bundle and additional items will be donated to the Society. If you’re busy, you can sign up for the “short on time” option to drop off items at the Catlin House and pick them up the following week. To register for Scanning Day, go to https://tinyurl/LHSScanDay. For more information, please call the Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahhistory@gmail.com.
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.
