The Wright Center: Hepatitis C, A Dangerous but Highly Treatable Disease

By Dr. Jignesh Y. Sheth

I’m here today to talk about a disease of grave seriousness — hepatitis.

In recent years, the medical community has made significant strides in combating this global scourge. Still, much work remains, so I’m happy there are awareness events like World Hepatitis Day, which is celebrated on July 28. The day brings attention to viral hepatitis, which each year claims more than a million lives.

Put simply, hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. There are five main types of hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. The one that gets the most attention is hepatitis C, an especially pernicious form of the disease that is contracted through the blood of an infected person. More than 4 million people in the U.S. have hepatitis C, with half of those cases undiagnosed.

Hepatitis C can be contracted in several ways, including through sharing needles, equipment used for preparing or injecting drugs, sex, sharing personal items, or unregulated tattoos or piercings. A small percentage of infants are infected through their mothers.

Most people with hepatitis C are saddled with a lifelong infection, which left untreated can cause severe health problems including chronic liver disease, liver failure, liver cancer and, in the worst cases, death. The trick is catching it in time, which can be difficult, since the disease tends to develop almost imperceptibly at first.

When symptoms do take hold, they include jaundice, lack of appetite, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, dark urine, light-colored stool, joint pain, and fatigue. They usually appear within two to 12 weeks, but can take up to six months to develop.

Given the severity of the disease, all adults ages 18 and older should be screened for hepatitis C at least once in their lives through a simple and easily available blood test. Among those at elevated risk who should be screened are baby boomers; people who had blood transfusions before 1992; people who have undergone long-term dialysis treatments; people who have used illicit drugs; people living with HIV; babies born to mothers diagnosed with hepatitis C; and sexual partners of anyone diagnosed with the disease.

I want to emphasize that hepatitis C is a very treatable — even curable — disease, and I’m proud to say that we at The Wright Center are one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s leaders in treatment. People who test positive for the disease are treated with oral medications that help clear the virus from the bloodstream. About 90% of patients are cured after eight to 12 weeks of treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

And there are many healthy habits patients can adopt to mitigate the disease’s progression, including reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, being careful with over-the-counter medications, and receiving regular medical care that includes monitoring for liver cancer.

Besides incorporating testing, prevention, care, and treatment into our patient-centered medical home model approach, we also provide essential services like outreach, patient education, case management, and care coordination as a means of improving the health outcomes for patients living with the disease.

Even if you don’t think you have hepatitis C, please make it a point to get tested sometime in the near future. Be proactive — it really can make all the difference.

Jignesh Y. Sheth, M.D., FACP, MPH, is senior vice president and enterprise chief operations and strategy officer at the Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. He is dually board-certified in internal medicine and addiction medicine.

Geisinger to Launch State-of-the-Art Disinfection Devices in Hospitals

Geisinger is deploying advanced ultraviolet (UV) disinfection devices across its hospital campuses, enhancing infection prevention efforts in patient care areas.

These cutting-edge devices use UV light to eliminate harmful pathogens. They improve safety by disinfecting patient rooms following manual cleaning, specifically if the room was occupied by someone with an illness that can be spread.

“Bringing UV disinfection technology into our hospitals is a powerful step forward in protecting our patients,” said Mark Shelly, M.D., medical director of infection prevention. “It’s not just about adding new tools. It’s about strengthening our commitment to safety and quality and doing everything we can to prevent hospital-acquired infections. A visibly clean surface is just the beginning. Because germs are invisible, they’re susceptible to UV light. This technology helps us take another meaningful step toward becoming a high-reliability organization, where safety is at the center of everything we do.”

How the technology works
  • Fast and effective: Disinfects rooms in just 12 to 30 minutes, depending on room size.
  • Smart technology: Tracks usage and automatically adjusts UV light levels to ensure thorough disinfection, even in shadowed or hard-to-reach areas.
  • Safe and secure: Operated exclusively by trained Environmental Services technicians. Rooms are clearly marked during use to ensure safety.
  • Targeted use: Used in patient rooms previously occupied by someone with an illness that can be spread.
Tested, trusted and now everywhere

Following successful trials at Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, where the devices were integrated without disrupting patient flow, 16 of the devices are now being introduced systemwide.

Stopping germs in their tracks

The UV disinfection devices are effective against a wide range of pathogens, including:

  • Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
  • Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE)
  • Acinetobacter baumannii
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • Influenza A
  • Norovirus

Johnson College to Hold Women at the Workbench Workshop

Discover the Beauty and Symbolism of Flowers

Johnson College invites community members to join its upcoming Women at the Workbench workshop, “The Language of Flowers,” a fun and creative evening exploring the meaning and symbolism behind floral design. The event takes place Tuesday, July 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the college’s Scranton campus.

Participants will start the evening with an interactive presentation on floriography—the art of assigning meaning to flowers—followed by a hands-on session where they’ll design and build their own floral arrangements. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned flower lover, this workshop offers something for everyone.

The event is open to participants ages 10 and older. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. The cost is $40 per person. Registration is required and can be completed online at johnson.edu/workshops.

Women at the Workbench workshops are part of Johnson College’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) program. These workshops are open to all and designed to help individuals build skills and confidence through hands-on, supportive instruction. Led by experienced instructors, participants can expect a welcoming environment where curiosity leads to creativity and confidence.

For more information, contact the WAVE team at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.

Circle Drive-In Upcoming Movie Showings

This week at Circle Drive-In:

Thursday, July 3rd

Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm

Screen One: “Jurassic World: Rebirth” (PG-13 – 2025) at 9:15 pm

Screen Two: “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG – 2025) at 9:00 pm

Friday, July 4th & Saturday, July 5th: Double Features

Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm

Screen One:

“Jurassic World: Rebirth” (PG-13 – 2025) at 9:15 pm

“M3GAN 2.0” (PG-13 – 2025) at 11:50 pm

Screen Two:

“How to Train Your Dragon” (PG – 2025) at 9:00 pm

“Lilo & Stitch” (PG – 2025) at 11:30 pm

Sunday, July 6th

Circle Giant Flea Fair from 6:00 am – 2:00 pm (Vendor Gates at 5:00 am)

New vendors are always welcome, no pre-registration required! Come out & sell your crafts, artisan items, homemade products, spring cleaning treasures & more – every Sunday! Learn more at circledrive-in/fleafair24.

Sunday Night Movies

Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm

Screen One: “Jurassic World: Rebirth” (PG-13 – 2025) at 9:15 pm

Screen Two: “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG – 2025) at 9:00 pm

Our Concession Stand is open during every event! Stop in for your favorite cold drinks, candy, popcorn, freshly made pizza, burgers & more!   

Movie tickets, upcoming events, & additional information at circledrive-in.com.

Other Upcoming Films:

Wednesday, July 9th: 150 Years of Dickson City – FREE Community Movie Night featuring “Smokey & the Bandit” (1977 – PG) at 9:00 pm (Gates – 8:00 pm)

Wednesday, July 23rd: 150 Years of Dickson City – FREE Community Movie Night featuring “American Graffiti” (1973 – PG) at 9:00 pm (Gates – 8:00 pm)

Thursday, July 24th: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” Presented by the Lackawanna Historical Society (1989 – PG-13) at 9:00 pm (Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm)

Thursday, July 31st: “Dirty Dancing” Presented by the Lackawanna Historical Society  (1987 – PG-13) at 9:00 pm (Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm)

Marywood University Adds Four New Members to Board of Trustees

Lisa A. Lori, J.D., Marywood University President, recently announced that four people have been elected to Marywood’s Board of Trustees, including one trustee who previously served on the board. New members include Jill Dougherty, Washington, D.C.; Teresa Gavigan, J.D., Philadelphia, Pa.; Debbie Kuo, New York, N.Y., and Sister Karen Steinberg, IHM, Scranton. Trustees are elected for a three-year term, 2025-2028.

Jill Dougherty, Washington, D.C.

Ms. Dougherty is an expert on Russia. Currently an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University’s Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies, and a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., she also is a member of the Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute Advisory Council. Ms. Dougherty served as CNN correspondent for three decades, including as CNN’s Moscow Bureau Chief for almost a decade. Her other postings included: White House correspondent; Foreign Affairs Correspondent covering U.S. State Department; U.S. Affairs Editor; and Managing Editor CNN International, Asia-Pacific, based in Hong Kong. She has pursued research on Russia and the media as a fellow at the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, at the Wilson Center, and at the International Centre for Defence and Security in Tallinn, Estonia. Ms. Dougherty is a CNN on-air Contributor, commenting on Russia-related issues. Her articles, book reviews, and commentary have appeared in many national news and other publications. She hosts a blog on Russia issues sponsored by the Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute, and she is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the World Affairs Council. Ms. Dougherty holds an MLS degree in International Relations from Georgetown University and a certificate of study from Leningrad State University, as well as Bachelor of Arts degree in Slavic Languages and Literatures from the University of Michigan.

Teresa Gavigan, J.D., Philadelphia, Pa.

Atty. Gavigan, Philadelphia, Pa., is an accomplished attorney and executive, as well as a nonprofit board leader, with expertise as a labor and employment attorney and managing human resources programs within Fortune 100 enterprises. She has served in executive leadership positions for human resource programs at corporations and nonprofit entities, including Sunoco, LP; Mercer; School District of Philadelphia; and as general counsel for Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. Atty. Gavigan has extensive board service and leadership experience, including, most recently, serving as Chair of the Board for Western National Parks Association, Grand Canyon Conservancy and Philadelphia Academies, Inc. as well as serving on the boards of Leadership Philadelphia, and Historical Society of Pennsylvania, among many others. She earned her Juris Doctor and Master of Laws in Taxation (L.L.M.) from Temple University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comprehensive Social Sciences and Librarianship from Marywood University.

Debbie Kuo, New York, N.Y.

Ms. Kuo, whose previous service was 1999-2008, rejoins the board. She is an experienced business, finance, and operations administrator with a demonstrated history of working in the fine art industry, including museums, auction houses, galleries, private and corporate collections. Ms. Kuo has worked at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, N.Y., for more than 23 years, and she presently serves as Senior Manager, Administration and Operations, Department of Greek and Roman Art. Additionally, she is the Owner/Designer of Kuo Ting Jewelry. Prior to her long career at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she worked at Sotheby’s coordinating major sales of Chinese works of art. Ms. Kuo, who is fluent in Chinese (Mandarin dialect), holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, Business Administration, and English from Marywood and acquired further education in Jewelry and Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology and in the Executive Development Program at Columbia Business School.

Sister Karen Steinberg, IHM, Scranton, Pa.

Sister Karen is an early childhood educator and summer camp director, who currently serves as the Student Teacher and Field Experience Supervisor and Summer Camp Director at St. Clare/St. Paul Elementary School in Scranton, a school at which she has served in various capacities for more than a decade. Certified in Montessori teaching, she also is skilled in parent communication and team development. She also taught at Sacred Heart Elementary School, Carbondale, Pa, and served as principal at Saint Rose Elementary School/Sacred Heart Elementary School, Carbondale, Pa. Additionally, Sister Karen taught at Our Lady of Grace Montessori School, Manhassett, Long Island, N.Y., and Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, Staten Island, N.Y. She holds a Certificate in Montessori Teaching from the Center for Montessori Training, College of New Rochelle, and a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration from Marywood University.

Johnson College Scranton to Host Summer Open House

Johnson College will hold its Summer Open House on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs

Dave & Busters Offers Holiday Party Preview at July Open House

Mark your calendars! Dave & Buster’s will be hosting an Open House on Thursday, July 24th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, inviting local businesses to experience an immersive showcase of what a holiday party at their venue can look like.

Whether you’re planning an intimate team celebration or a large-scale holiday party, this Open House is the perfect way to envision how Dave & Buster’s can bring your event to life.

Why attend?
Because this is your chance to:

• Save 20% on your company holiday party
• Earn 25% more game play when you lock in your date during the event
• Reserve prime dates before they fill up
• See first-hand how Dave & Buster’s delivers next-level experiences your team will rave about

You and a guest are invited to experience:

A complimentary upscale buffet featuring bold flavors from our new chef-crafted menu
Refreshing drinks to toast the season
All the games and fun that make Dave & Buster’s the ultimate party destination
Exclusive savings and bonuses only available to Holiday Preview attendees

Event Details:
THURSDAY, JULY 24th Open House from 4pm-7pm
Dave & Buster’s Scranton-Moosic
6000 Shoppes Blvd
Moosic, PA 18507

CLICK HERE TO RSVP  – Space is Limited

Join us, see what’s possible, and start your celebration the right way.

Marywood University, Area Residents Earn Commencement Medals

Several recent Marywood graduates, who are area residents or natives of the region, earned Commencement medals from Marywood University at the May 2025 Commencement ceremony, including Katelyn Ainey, Jessup; Cassidy Asinski, Waymart; Ryan Coleman, Archbald; Megan Wolff Galko, Roaring Brook Twp.; Natasya Handijaya, Scranton; Olivia Kaschak, Archbald; Celeste Orchard, Lake Ariel; Elyse Rehder, Clarks Summit; Riley Skelton, Honesdale; Alexandra Taffera, Moscow; Anthony Viscomi, Scranton; Elizabeth Vito, Dupont, and Zachary Witte, Lakeville.

Kaitlin Ainey, Jessup, was awarded the Medal for Excellence in Psychology, founded by the Psychology Club in honor of Sister M. St. Mary Orr, IHM, and Sister M. Bernardina McAndrew, IHM.

Cassidy Asinski, Waymart, was awarded the Sister Maria Laurence Maher Medal for Excellence in Biological Studies, founded in memory of Sister Maria Laurence Maher, IHM, by her family.

Ryan Coleman, Archbald, who was co-valedictorian of the Class of 2025, was awarded the Kappa Gamma Pi Medal for General Excellence and the Tama Medal for Excellence in Mathematical Studies. The Kappa Gamma Pi Medal was established by the Scranton Chapter of Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society. The Tama Medal was founded by Mrs. Margaret Mary Tama Hovell and Dr. Judith Tama Page, in memory of their parents, John and Margaret Tama. He also received honorable mention for the Sister M. Immaculata Gillespie Medal for Excellence in Secondary Education, founded by Elizabeth Young Arvad, M.D.

Megan Wolff Galko, Roaring Brook Twp., was awarded the Walton Medal for Excellence in Public Administration, founded by Dr. Clarence C. and Elizabeth Walton.

Nastasya Handijaya, Scranton, was awarded the Philip E. Mulry Medal for Excellence in Chemistry, founded by the Mulry family in memory of Philip E. Mulry, Sr.

Olivia Kaschak, Archbald, was awarded the Sister M. Charitas Loftus Medal for Excellence in Poetry, founded by Jemille A. Zaydon and Friends and Alumni. She received honorable mention for the J. Harold Brislin Medal for Distinction in Creative Writing,founded by the late Gene Brislin, in memory of her husband, J. Harold Brislin, a Pulitzer Prize Winner.

Celeste Orchard, Lake Ariel, was awarded the Nemotko Medal for Distinction in Nursing, founded by Mrs. Anthony J. Nemotko, in memory of her husband, Anthony J. Nemotko.

Elyse Rehder, Clarks Summit, was awarded the Sister Regina Barrett Medal for Excellence in Early Childhood Education, established in honor of Sister Regina Barrett, IHM, by Superintendent Patricia C. Leamy

Riley Skelton, Honesdale, was awarded the Shaffer Medal for Nutrition and Dietetics, founded by C. Norman Shaffer, LL.D., in memory of Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart Walsh, IHM, and Sister Margaret Mary Howley, IHM.

Alexandra Taffera, Moscow, was awarded the Judith Piznar Medal for Leadership and Service to Youth, founded in memory of Judy Piznar, Class of 1990. She also received the Rosemary Carroll Kazimer Medal for Excellence in Elementary Education, founded by Dr. Mary Louise Keeney in honor of Mrs. Kazimer.

Anthony Viscomi, Scranton, was awarded the Sister M. Sylvia Morgan Medal for Pre-Medical Studies, founded by Elizabeth Young Arvad, M.D.

Elizabeth Vito, Dupont, was awarded the Mary Grace Loughney Flynn ’39 Medal for Excellence in Music, established by Sister Elizabeth R. Loughney, IHM.

Zachary Witte, Lakeville, was awarded the Sister M. Margrete Kelley Medal for Distinction in Service, founded by Anna G. Kirby in memory of her sister, Sister M. Margrete Kelley, IHM. He also received the Sister M. Immaculata Gillespie Medal for Excellence in Secondary Education, founded by Elizabeth Young Arvad, M.D.

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Announces Lancaster County Branch

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company (“PSBT”) is pleased to announce plans to open its first location in Lancaster County. The new full-service branch will be located at 2343 Oregon Pike in Manheim Township, in the Shoppes at Landis Valley, occupying a former bank building.

“We’re excited to bring PSBT to Lancaster County,” said Gerard Champi, CEO. “This expansion reflects our commitment to long-term growth and our belief in the strength and potential of this market. We look forward to building strong, lasting relationships with individuals, families, and businesses throughout the region.”

This location marks PSBT’s 40th branch and its second in Central Pennsylvania, joining an existing location in Lebanon. The new branch will offer a full range of banking services and will be staffed by a team of six local professionals with more than 100 years of combined banking experience.

“The team we’ve assembled brings deep roots and strong relationships in the Lancaster area,” said Jeffrey Drobins, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “We’re proud to offer a seamless banking experience from professionals who live, work and care about the community.”

Regulatory approvals for the new branch have been received from both the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. The branch is projected to open in the Fall of 2025.

UNC Holds Summer Spectacular at Mid Valley Senior Community Center

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites you to join us for our Summer Spectacular at the Mid Valley Senior Community Center at 301 Church Street in Jessup on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

This annual cookout will again include a very special celebration: Mrs. Julia Mellody’s 104th birthday! Julia, who turns 104 on July 3, is an active participant at the Senior Community Center and a resident of the Jessup Senior Housing Apartment Building that houses the center.

UNC’s Summer Spectacular and centenarian birthday celebration will feature food, fun, live music—and of course, birthday cake! Please join us and Julia’s family in wishing her many more happy and healthy years.

We warmly invite all media outlets, local officials, community representatives, and neighbors to attend and help us honor Julia on this remarkable milestone.