WIC Nutrition Program Announces Increased Income Guidelines Maternal and Family Health Services announced that the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program has increased income guidelines allowing more families to participate in the free nutrition education program. According to the new income guidelines for WIC, beginning on July 1, 2025, a family of four could earn $59,478 annually and qualify for WIC. For a family of three, the income limit is $49,303 to qualify, and a family of two can earn up to $39,128 and qualify for nutrition assistance. A complete list of income guidelines is below. WIC provides participants with supplemental healthy foods, which contain vital nutrients essential for healthy development during critical growth periods, such as pregnancy, infancy and early childhood. The WIC Nutrition Program is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and provides nutrition education and access to healthy foods for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children under the age of 5. To qualify, participants must meet the income guidelines, have a nutritional or medical need, and live in Pennsylvania. WIC is the nation’s premier public health and nutrition education program with an overall goal to influence lifetime nutrition through positive health behaviors. In addition to the eWIC card which can be used to purchase nutritious foods, WIC participants receive nutrition education, breastfeeding support, immunization record checks, iron deficiency screening, farmers’ market vouchers and referrals for other health and social services. For more information or to apply for WIC, visit www.mfhs.org, or call (570) 273-1288.
The Wright Center: Breastfeeding a Healthy Habit for Mother and Child National Breastfeeding Month (August) was established to promote human milk in child development, as well as to advance lactation practices and policies. The Wright Center strongly supports this initiative for both patients and employees. The Pennsylvania Department of Health recognizes breastfeeding as the ideal form of infant nutrition, while the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that women exclusively breastfeed their babies for at least the first six months, and continue up to two years or beyond, depending on the needs and preferences of the mother and child. Mother’s milk provides unmatched benefits that cannot be replicated by formula. Research shows that breastfeeding lowers an infant’s risk of certain infections, asthma, obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome. For mothers, it reduces the risk of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and breast and ovarian cancers. Workplace support for breastfeeding is also an important consideration, especially as women with infants and young children represent the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. labor force. Many women stop breastfeeding upon returning to work due to challenges finding private, safe spaces to pump and store milk. Encouragingly, more employers are now providing designated lactation stations for employees, a trend expected to grow given that breastfeeding-friendly programs are cost-effective and can reduce healthcare claims and employee absences. The Wright Center has long been committed to supporting breastfeeding employees, and extends this support to patients through its primary and pediatric care services, as well as through the Healthy MOMS (Maternal Opiate Medical Support) program. This collaborative initiative helps pregnant women and new mothers overcome addiction and embrace recovery. As part of this commitment, The Wright Center secured a $7,500 grant from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to provide breastfeeding resources and supplies to Healthy MOMS participants. These include manual breast pumps, storage sets, educational materials, consultations with lactation specialists, and access to breastfeeding counselors. The grant also supported doula training for Healthy MOMS collaborators. For those seeking additional resources, the Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Referral Guide offers information on lactation specialists, community programs, support groups, coalitions, breast pump rentals, and local, state, and national help lines. Families can also contact the Healthy Baby Line at 1-800-986-BABY (2229). The Wright Center continues to prioritize the health of breastfeeding women and their children, ensuring ongoing support for their well-being.
NAACP Lackawanna to Host Freedom Fund Bingo The NAACP Lackawanna County Branch will host its 2nd Annual Freedom Fund Bingo fundraiser on October 11, 2025, at the ANZ Hotel, 300 Meadow Ave, Scranton, PA, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with Bingo and dancing continuing until midnight. This event will serve as both a celebration of the branch’s achievements and a fundraiser supporting its ongoing efforts to advance civil rights and social justice within the community. During the evening, the branch will honor outstanding leaders and organizations that have made meaningful contributions to the cause, while guests enjoy a night of entertainment, networking, and inspiration. The theme of this year’s event is “Unity in Unsettled Times.” The NAACP emphasizes that, by working together, the community can overcome challenges and barriers to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all. Tickets are priced at $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Sponsors will receive VIP seating, and food and drinks will be available for purchase from the ANZ Hotel during the event.
The Wright Center To Host Tinnitus Support Group The Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will meet on Friday, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. Virtual meeting options are available for those unable to attend in person. There is no fee to attend. New members are welcome. The support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their loved ones, and anyone interested in learning more about this complex audiological and neurological condition. Participants will have the opportunity to connect, share their experiences, and explore coping strategies in a compassionate and supportive environment. Tinnitus, often described as ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in the ears or head, affects over 50 million adults across the U.S., with many experiencing its effects daily. For some, it can be a temporary nuisance, while for others, it becomes a chronic, life-altering condition. For more information or to obtain the virtual meeting link, contact Nicole Flynn, director of the geriatrics service line at The Wright Center for Community Health, at flynnn@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-230-0019.
The Wright Center Hosting Wonderful Women Breast Cancer Support Group The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement will host the 2025 Wonderful Women Breast Cancer Support Group program on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6-8 p.m. in the auditorium at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave. Dr. Lisa Thomas, an oncologist with Hematology & Oncology Associates of Northeastern Pennsylvania, will deliver this year’s keynote address, joined by several breast cancer survivors who will share their personal stories. The program will also feature Julie Rutkowski of the Strong and Coura’Jess Foundation. The foundation was established in 2019 by her daughter, Jessica Rutkowski, after she was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer. A mother of three, Jessica died in 2021. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged. The Wonderful Women Breast Cancer Support Group Committee includes representatives from across The Wright Center enterprise and community partners, united in advancing education, advocacy, and support for those affected by breast cancer.
The Wright Center: Preventative Measures Remain Critical in Breast Cancer October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making for an ideal opportunity to celebrate the significant gains made, as well as the need for continued vigilance, in the fight against this deadly yet highly treatable disease. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. According to the American Cancer Society, about 316,950 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2025. Tragically, about 42,170 women will die from the disease this year. Breast cancer typically affects women ages 50 and older, although too many younger women are now battling it. When people consider their circle of family members, friends, and co-workers, the odds are high that someone they know has been affected by it. Thankfully, recent advances in early detection and genetic testing of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have significantly improved treatment of breast cancer, while countless nonprofit organizations and groups have done immense good in terms of awareness, funding, and support services. Regular self-examinations and routine mammograms are the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early – when it’s easiest to treat, often before symptoms appear or the disease spreads. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the five-year relative survival rate is 99% when breast cancer is found in its earliest, localized stage. Individuals can lower their risk of breast cancer through preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and breastfeeding their children. Throughout October, The Wright Center will be partnering with Lackawanna Mobile X-Ray to offer mammogram screenings at locations in Jermyn, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre.
The Wright Center Announces October ‘Walk With a Doc’ Events The Wright Center for Community Health invites community members of all ages to step into better health by joining its ongoing Walk with a Doc initiative. These monthly walks promote both physical well-being and community engagement in a friendly environment. Each event is guided by local doctors and health care professionals who lead participants on a casual walk, offering valuable health tips and engaging in open, health-related discussions. It’s a chance to enjoy gentle exercise, ask questions, and meet others who share an interest in healthy living – all in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The October Walk with a Doc in Jermyn will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8 a.m. at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Walkers should gather at the Delaware Street Trailhead entrance. The Scranton walk is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, at 9 a.m., also along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, with walkers meeting at the Olive Street entrance. These events are free and open to the public, welcoming individuals of all fitness levels. No pre-registration is required. Walk with a Doc is a global nonprofit organization that promotes physical activity and meaningful conversations between physicians and community members. According to the American Heart Association, just 30 minutes of walking per day can improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, support weight management, boost mental health, and reduce the risk of conditions such as obesity and osteoporosis.
The Wright Center: Dr. Hassan Joins As Teaching Hospitalist A teaching hospitalist and physician has joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Faiza Hassan will serve as a teaching hospitalist for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency Program, supervising resident physicians in clinical learning environments across Northeast Pennsylvania, including Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and Geisinger Community Health Center. In this role, Dr. Hassan will support program leadership in developing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum for the internal medicine residency program, as well as mentoring resident learners and assessing their progress. Additionally, Dr. Hassan will provide responsive and inclusive whole-person primary health services for individuals 18 and older, including checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment of common illnesses and injuries at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave. The community health center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019. Dr. Hassan earned her medical degree from Fatima Jinnah Medical University in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. She moved to the United States in 2014 and completed her internal medicine residency at Central Michigan University Health in Saginaw, Michigan, in July 2025. The program focuses on training resident physicians for careers as hospitalists and primary care physicians.
Shapiro Administration Continues Safety Efforts with Roundabouts Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that roundabouts continue to provide safe, efficient travel across the Commonwealth. Since 2005,104 roundabouts have been built to improve traffic flow and/or decrease crash severity, and more than 30 additional roundabouts are in various stages of design and construction across Pennsylvania. “For us, it’s simple. Roundabouts remove cross-traffic turns and eliminate T-bone crashes, while improving traffic flow” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Any design that dramatically reduces the most serious crashes we see on the road is worthy of consideration in our projects.” PennDOT finalized a data review through 2024 using 20 years of crash data from roundabouts around the state. Study findings showed that crashes with injuries were reduced by 51 percent and total crashes decreased by 7 percent. Pennsylvania data reflects national studies that found changing two-way sign-controlled intersections to a single-lane roundabout reduced injury crashes by more than 80 percent. Likewise, changing a signalized intersection to single-lane or multilane roundabout reduced crashes with injuries by up to 78 percent. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) lists roundabouts as a “Proven Safety Countermeasure” that improves safety by reducing vehicle speeds by angling incoming traffic. The crashes that do occur tend to be sideswipe crashes with vehicles traveling at slower speeds rather than T-bone or head-on collisions. Additionally, eliminating left turns across opposing traffic results in dramatically fewer injuries. In addition to safety improvement, roundabouts carry, on average, approximately 30 percent more vehicles during peak traffic than similar intersections. In off-peak hours, roundabouts cause almost no delay, compared to traffic signals. As roundabouts are constructed around the state, it is important to know how to correctly navigate them. Here are a few key things to remember when navigating a roundabout: Slow down and be prepared to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Circulating traffic has the right of way. Look left and check for approaching traffic. If there are multiple circulating lanes, yield to both before entering. Do not assume the vehicle in the inside lane will stay there. Do not stop while in the circulatory roadway, and always use your right turn signal to indicate your exit. Click here for PennDOT’s data review Click here for the national studies
Treasurer Garrity Announces Relief Funding for Children and Most Vulnerable Pennsylvanians Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department will make $500 million available for Pennsylvania’s Head Start providers and county governments through a short-term, investment loan effort designed to ease the financial burden being faced by these entities, which serve Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable populations, due to the lack of an enacted state budget. “Our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, especially our children, should not suffer because of ongoing state budget negotiations in Harrisburg,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Pennsylvania’s taxpayers expect their hard-earned tax dollars to be put to work, not be put on hold. We should not stand by and watch Head Start providers and county-level agencies like those that provide mental and behavioral health support struggle to provide necessary services to families relying on them while they wait for a state budget that is nearly three months late. Treasury is here to do its part to bridge the gap until an agreement is reached.” “We support the Treasurer’s bold leadership for this program that provides an important safety net to ensure counties can continue serving our communities without interruption, even during times of delayed state funding,” said Julie Wheeler, York County President Commissioner & Treasurer, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. “This initiative directly aligns with a resolution CCAP passed at our conference this past summer to support direct deposits from the State Treasury into county accounts.” “In a time of financial distress for many counties, the Treasury’s offering of short-term, investment loans is a welcomed option,” said Kyle Kopko, Executive Director, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. “The uncertainty surrounding the state budget is putting immense pressure on Pennsylvania counties, and while this new opportunity may provide some relief, our prime emphasis continues to be urging the Governor and General Assembly to work together to finalize a budget without delay.” Treasury will make outreach directly to Head Start programs and county governments. Funds will be received within two business days of approval. Those who enter into a loan agreement will be required to pay back the initial Treasury investment plus a 4.5 percent annual interest rate within 15 days of state funds being released following the enactment of a state budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. To be eligible for this program, Head Start providers and county governments must indicate the investment will be used for immediate operating expenses and agree to the loan’s standard terms and conditions. “We have no greater responsibility than to take care of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, and that’s exactly what’s being achieved by making these funds available,” Treasurer Garrity said. Click here to find the press conference
