The Wright Centers for Community Health, Graduate Medical Education, Patient & Community Engagement welcome new board members The Wright Centers for Community Health, Graduate Medical Education, and Patient & Community Engagement have appointed eight new members to their governing boards, bringing decades of combined experience in healthcare, business, education, and community service to the nonprofit enterprise. The new board members will help guide The Wright Center’s mission to improve the health and welfare of communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. Joining The Wright Center for Community Health’s Board of Directors are: ● Marie Beggin, the CEO of Penn East Federal Credit Union. A current patient of The Wright Center for Community Health, Beggin brings nearly 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. She also serves on the boards of Metro Action, Leadership Lackawanna, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council. ● Jill Durkin, Esq., of Factoryville, Pennsylvania, an attorney with a longstanding career in civil law. Durkin is active in community service through her work on several regional boards, including Meals on Wheels NEPA, Widener University Commonwealth Law School Advisory Board, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. ● Kirsten Smith of Clifford Township, Pennsylvania, director of career services at Fortis Institute. Formerly director of grants and education at WVIA, Smith has extensive experience in education, workforce development, grant and program management, and community partnerships. She also serves on the boards of Meals on Wheels NEPA and WRC (formerly the Women’s Resource Center) in Scranton. ● Adrian Wilck Summa, O.D., of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, a retired optometrist with more than 30 years of experience in clinical and hospital settings across New York. A patient of The Wright Center for Community Health, she brings extensive expertise in clinical care, healthcare delivery, and managed care. Joining The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Board of Directors are: ● Michael Clark, Pittston, Pennsylvania, the CEO of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. With more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience, Clark brings a deep understanding of hospital operations, physician engagement, and performance improvement to the board. Before joining Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, he served as division president at LifePoint Health, a nationally recognized healthcare system. ● Peter Cognetti, M.D., of Waverly, Pennsylvania, director of medical education at Regional Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He has more than 40 years of experience providing patient care and mentoring future physicians. ● Himani Mongia, M.D., an Internal Medicine Resident physician at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, where she serves as president of the Housestaff Council and chief resident for advocacy. Prior to beginning her residency, Dr. Mongia worked in the humanitarian sector with Doctors Without Borders in India and served on the board of directors for Doctors Without Borders South Asia. Joining The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement Board is: ● Syeda Neha Aamer, M.D., an Internal Medicine Resident physician at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education and a graduate of Federal Medical and Dental College in Pakistan. A third-generation physician, Dr. Aamer’s commitment to medicine is rooted in a longstanding family tradition of service. She will serve as the resident leader liaison to the board, which supports programs and initiatives that assist under-resourced individuals and families in Northeast Pennsylvania, including those experiencing food and housing insecurity, social isolation, poverty, or other hardships
The Wright Center receives national recognition for leadership in diabetes care and prevention For the second year in a row, The Wright Center for Community Health has earned national recognition for its continued commitment to improving diabetes care and prevention. Quality Insights, a West Virginia-based leader in healthcare quality improvement, recognized The Wright Center for its annual review of diabetes and prediabetes care. The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a nationally recognized, evidence-based lifestyle change program designed to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in high-risk patients. The Wright Center partnered with Quality Insights to assess workflows, documentation, and referrals, driving ongoing improvements in care and cost efficiency. Quality Insights also lauded The Wright Center for achieving stronger glycemic control among its diabetic patients, which helps reduce the risk of serious complications. In 2025, The Wright Center reported a 19.66% rate for NQF 0059 and CMS 122, which is an inverse quality measure that tracks the percentage of diabetic patients ages 18–75 with poorly controlled blood sugar. Since lower rates are associated with better outcomes, The Wright Center’s rate indicates strong performance in managing diabetes and reducing the risk of serious complications. The Wright Center’s consistent focus on this metric underscores its dedication to evidence-based, data-informed care. Quality Insights’ recognition reinforces The Wright Center’s commitment to advancing health access, enhancing chronic disease management, and improving the lives of patients across Northeast Pennsylvania. In addition, The Wright Center is also working to educate patients about type 2 diabetes, including hosting the National Diabetes Prevention Program at its community health centers in Jermyn and Scranton. The 26-session, evidence-based program helps individuals with prediabetes lower their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. “We are grateful to Quality Insights for this recognition and for its ongoing collaboration in our shared mission to improve chronic disease outcomes,” said Melissa Germano-Ryczak, M.S., RD, LDN, a registered dietitian and director of Lifestyle Modification and Preventive Medicine at The Wright Center. “The recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to expand access to high-quality care, strengthen chronic disease management, and empower patients to take charge of their health.”
The Wright Center celebrates a new reason to smile at community health center in Tunkhannock The Wright Center for Community Health celebrated the launch of a new dental service line at its community health center in Tunkhannock on Friday, July 24, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Wyoming County Healthcare Center, 5950 U.S. Route 6, Suite 401. The event, which was open to the public, featured remarks from leaders at The Wright Center and Wyoming County Healthcare Center, tours of the four new dental operatories, and a meet-and-greet with the Tunkhannock dental team, led by veteran dentist Dr. Frank Pagano. “We are taking another meaningful step forward as we celebrate the upcoming opening of our new, state-of-the-art dental services center inside our Federally Qualified Health Center Look Alike Center on the fourth floor of the Wyoming County Healthcare Center,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Center. “Oral healthcare is an essential part of whole-person health and our whole-person care model. “A healthy smile is more than healthy teeth. It is about dignity and confidence – for the child who can concentrate in school instead of living with oral pain, the parent who no longer has to choose between paying a bill and seeing a dentist, and the older adult who can eat nutritious food, speak comfortably, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.” Starting Monday, Aug. 3, The Wright Center for Community Health Tunkhannock will begin offering affordable, high-quality oral care services, including routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, restorations, dentures, and other procedures for adults and children. Appointments can be made by calling 570-591-5299. The Wright Center opened its community health center in Tunkhannock in September 2024 inside the former Tyler Memorial Hospital as part of its efforts to expand safety-net primary and preventive care services for underserved populations and communities. “We are grateful to partner with The Wright Center through collaborative funding provided by AllOne Charities, Moses Taylor Foundation, and Appalachian Regional Commission to expand access to dental services at the Wyoming Valley Healthcare Center,” said Lindsay Shalata, the center’s executive director. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving access to quality dental healthcare for the communities we serve.”
The Wright Center for Community Health to open primary health care clinic at Friendship House’s new Carbondale location Building on their longstanding partnership, The Wright Center for Community Health and Friendship House are working together once again to increase access to affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary and preventive health services, particularly for individuals with complex mental health and substance use disorder needs. On Thursday, Aug. 13, The Wright Center will begin offering whole-person primary and preventive health services at Friendship House’s new Whole Person Care Center at 30 N. Main Street, Suite 100, Carbondale. The new 15,000-square-foot health center will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing a range of services, including checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries. The Wright Center for Community Health Friendship House – Carbondale’s services will be available to individuals of all ages, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. Patients do not need to be clients of Friendship House to receive care at The Wright Center’s newest location. The Wright Center will celebrate its continued partnership with Friendship House by hosting a grand opening on Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 4-5 p.m. at the Whole Person Care Center. The public event will feature remarks from leaders of The Wright Center and Friendship House, as well as community leaders. This marks The Wright Center’s second partnership with Friendship House, an organization that serves children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities, emotional or behavioral challenges, and the effects of trauma related to loss, abuse, or neglect. Since November 2024, The Wright Center has provided primary care services at Friendship House’s Whole Person Care Center, located at 200 Wyoming Ave., Suite 250, in Scranton. Since opening, the clinical team has provided care during more than 3,500 patient visits. “Building on the success of our partnership at Friendship House – Scranton, we are excited to expand our collaboration and bring whole-person primary health services to Carbondale,” said Dr. Jignesh Y. Sheth, senior vice president and enterprise chief operations and strategy officer at The Wright Center for Community Health. “By co-locating primary care with Friendship House’s behavioral health services, we can help ensure individuals and families have greater access to the comprehensive care they need, when and where they need it. This partnership is another important step in our mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve.” Friendship House’s services in Carbondale will include outpatient mental health therapy for children, adolescents, and adults; psychiatric evaluations and medication management; on-site psychiatric rehabilitation programs; and additional behavioral health services. “Our partnership with The Wright Center reflects our shared commitment to improving access to comprehensive, whole-person care, which includes behavioral and primary care,” said Alex J. Hazzouri, president and CEO of Friendship House. “As we expand services in Carbondale and the surrounding areas, we’re creating greater opportunities for individuals and families to receive the behavioral and primary care services they need, close to home. “Together, we’re breaking down barriers to care and strengthening the health of the communities we serve.”
New Mural Celebrates Partnership Rooted in Community Health Officials from Scranton Counseling Center and The Wright Center for Community Health celebrated the completion of a vibrant new mural by Allison LaRussa, The Wright Center’s associate vice president of health and wellness. The artwork commemorates the partnership between the two organizations, which began in 2021 when The Wright Center opened a community health center inside Scranton Counseling Center to provide high-quality, whole-person primary and preventive health services for patients of all ages. Featuring a tree with interconnected roots, the mural symbolizes the strength of community, collaboration, and the shared commitment to supporting mental and physical well-being. Staff members from both organizations helped bring the project to life by adding their handprints, creating a lasting tribute to their partnership and the people they serve. Participating in the dedication, from left, are Douglas A. Hein, director of development at Scranton Counseling Center; Jerry Musheno, chair, Scranton Counseling Center Board of Directors; Renee Zehel, chief philanthropy officer and vice president of grants and strategic initiatives at The Wright Center; Dr. Sarah Wodder, president and CEO, Scranton Counseling Center; Kara Seitzinger, director of public affairs and advisor liaison to the president and CEO at The Wright Center; Margaret McNulty, immediate past chair, Scranton Counseling Center Board of Directors; and Allison LaRussa, associate vice president of health and wellness at The Wright Center. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
The Wright Center for Community Health to Celebrate National Health Center Week With Children’s Fair Families are invited to celebrate healthy living and back-to-school season at The Wright Way to Wellness: Kids Edition, a free children’s wellness fair hosted by The Wright Center for Community Health as part of National Health Center Week. The event will take place from 2-5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, in the auditorium at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave. Open to the public, the fair returns for a second consecutive year after drawing several hundred families to its inaugural program. Children and their families can enjoy fitness and art activities, healthy snacks and nutrition demonstrations, a backpack and school supply giveaway, raffles, and interactive exhibits while learning about school physicals, vaccinations, and other health resources. The event will also feature the Lackawanna County Public Library system and community partners, including Marywood University, Build-N-Athlete, and Valley in Motion. The children’s wellness fair is one of several events The Wright Center will host during National Health Center Week, Aug. 2-8, an annual celebration recognizing the essential role community health centers play in improving access to high-quality, comprehensive, whole-person primary health services. Community health centers like The Wright Center serve patients regardless of their income, insurance status, or ability to pay. This year’s National Health Center Week theme, “Community Health Centers: Chemistry for Strong Communities,” highlights the partnerships that strengthen communities and improve health outcomes. In fiscal year 2025-26, The Wright Center served more than 39,000 unique patients in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Collectively, community health centers provide care to more than 32.5 million people annually – about one in 10 Americans – including many who are uninsured or living below the federal poverty level. “National Health Center Week is a celebration of the vital role community health centers play in keeping our communities healthy and connected,” said Kara Seitzinger, executive director of public affairs and advisor liaison to the president/CEO. “Every day, we provide responsive, whole-person primary and preventive health services to our neighbors who need it most, and we’re excited to celebrate that impact by hosting this children’s wellness fair and several other community events.” The Wright Center is hosting a slate of free activities to celebrate National Health Center Week, including: ● Monday, Aug. 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., The Wright Center for Community Health Clarks Summit, 1145 Northern Blvd., South Abington Twp., backpack giveaway. ● Tuesday, Aug. 4, noon-2 p.m., The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn, food giveaway. ● Thursday, Aug. 6, noon-2 p.m., The Wright Center for Community Health North Pocono, 260 Daleville Highway, Suite 103, Covington Township, food giveaway. ● Friday, Aug. 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Wright Center for Community Health North Pocono, 260 Daleville Highway, Suite 103, Covington Township, backpack and school supply giveaway. ● Saturday, Aug. 8, 9-10:30 a.m., Olive Street Trailhead entrance to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, Scranton, Walk with a Doc. For more information, visit TheWrightCenter.org/events
The Wright Center for Community Health Tunkhannock Launches Dental Services for Children and Adults The Wright Center for Community Health Tunkhannock will begin offering dental services at its community health center in the Wyoming County Healthcare Center. Beginning Monday, Aug. 3, dental services for children and adults will be available between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at The Wright Center for Community Health Tunkhannock, 5950 U.S. Route 6, Suite 401. Appointments can be made now by calling 570-591-5299. Dr. Frank Pagano, a dentist with more than 30 years of experience, will lead the dental clinic. He and other members of The Wright Center for Community Health’s team, including a dental hygienist, will provide affordable, high-quality oral care services, including routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, restorations, dentures, and other procedures. “We know there is a significant need for dental care in Tunkhannock and throughout Wyoming County, and the response from the community has already been tremendous, with patients calling to schedule appointments,” said Kimberly McGoff, director of dental services at The Wright Center for Community Health. “By expanding access to essential oral health services in this rural community, we are helping remove barriers to care and advancing our mission to improve the health and well-being of the people we serve across the region.” The community health center accepts most dental insurances, including Delta Dental, Guardian, United Concordia, and Medical Assistance (Medicaid). To ensure high-quality oral care is available to everyone, The Wright Center for Community Health offers a sliding-fee discount program for individuals who qualify based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which take into account family size and income. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay.
The Wright Center For Community Health To Hold Monthly “Walk With A Doc” Events In Hawley The Wright Center for Community Health invites the community to take a step toward improved health by joining monthly Walk with a Doc events in Hawley. This physician-led initiative brings healthcare providers and community members together for an invigorating walk with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Participants will have the opportunity to exercise, engage with healthcare professionals, and connect with new people. The “Walk with a Doc” events in Hawley will be held the first Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. at Bingham Park. Walkers should gather at the Bingham Park sign near the playground. The July event is on July 11 due to the holiday. The walks are free and open to the community, accommodating people of all ages and fitness levels. No pre-registration is necessary. “Walk with a Doc” is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring communities through movement and conversation. According to the American Heart Association, walking for just 30 minutes a day can improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, help maintain a healthy body weight, reduce the risk of obesity, enhance mental well-being, and lower the risk of osteoporosis. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health’s “Walk with a Doc” program, contact Allison Miller at millera@TheWrightCenter.org.
The Wright Center For Community Health To Host July “Walk With A Doc” Events In Scranton And Jermyn The Wright Center for Community Health invites residents of all ages to lace up their sneakers and join a growing movement toward better health and stronger community connections with its monthly “Walk with a Doc” events in Lackawanna County. Led by local physicians and healthcare professionals, these community walks offer an easy, fun, and social way to get moving while engaging in health-focused conversations. Participants enjoy light exercise, have the opportunity to ask health-related questions, and connect with others in a relaxed, informal setting. The July “Walk with a Doc” in Jermyn will be held on Saturday, July 18, at 9 a.m. at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Walkers should gather at the Delaware Street Trailhead entrance. The Scranton walk is scheduled for Saturday, July 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. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health’s “Walk with a Doc” program, please contact Melissa Germano-Ryczak at germanom@TheWrightCenter.org.
Wright Center Dentist Named To State Advisory Board Dr. Caitlin McCarthy, local site director of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education and a practicing dentist dedicated to expanding access to oral health care in Northeast Pennsylvania, has been selected to serve on the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Oral Health Program Oral Health Plan Advisory Group. Dr. McCarthy was appointed to a two-year term from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, and will represent Pennsylvania’s provider sector. She was selected to help guide the implementation of the Pennsylvania Oral Health Plan 2020-2030, a statewide framework focused on improving oral health outcomes, reducing disparities, strengthening the oral health workforce, and expanding access to preventive and restorative dental care. The Oral Health Plan Advisory Group provides recommendations to the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Oral Health Program regarding priorities for implementing the state’s oral health plan and champions initiatives designed to improve oral health across the commonwealth. The advisory group includes representatives from multiple sectors involved in oral health promotion, education, policy, clinical care, and public health. “I am honored to serve on the Oral Health Plan Advisory Group and contribute to efforts that improve oral health across Pennsylvania,” said Dr. McCarthy, of Jenkins Twp. “Every patient deserves access to high-quality oral health care, regardless of where they live or their circumstances. I look forward to working with colleagues from across the commonwealth to help advance solutions that strengthen our dental workforce, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes for all Pennsylvanians.” A Scranton native and West Scranton High School graduate, Dr. McCarthy received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed a General Practice Residency at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Muhlenberg Hospital. She earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, graduating with dual majors in biology and biomathematics while also completing minors in biochemistry and English. During her undergraduate years, she was inducted into five honor societies, consistently earned dean’s list recognition, and participated in an international service trip to Guyana. Building her career around serving the communities that shaped her, Dr. McCarthy joined The Wright Center in 2019 and played a key role in launching dental services at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, located in South Side at 501 S. Washington Ave., Suite 1000. Since then, she has provided comprehensive dental care to a diverse patient population, including many individuals and families who face barriers to accessing routine oral health services. Her daily work gives her firsthand insight into issues that remain significant challenges throughout Pennsylvania, including workforce shortages, affordability concerns, access barriers for Medicaid recipients, and disparities in oral health outcomes among underserved populations. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. McCarthy also serves as local site director of The Wright Center’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program, offered through a partnership with New York University Langone Health Dental Medicine. In this role, she helps train and mentor future dentists while supporting community-based dental education and workforce development initiatives throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. Her leadership reflects The Wright Center’s integrated approach to improving community health by simultaneously expanding access to high-quality oral health services and strengthening the future dental workforce through community-based training. “Dr. McCarthy’s selection to the Oral Health Plan Advisory Group is both a well-deserved recognition of her expertise and a reflection of the meaningful contributions she continues to make to oral health care in our region,” said Kimberly McGoff, director of dental operations at The Wright Center. “As an exceptional clinician, respected educator, and dedicated advocate for accessible, patient-centered care, she understands firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing both patients and dental professionals. Through her leadership in clinical practice and dental residency education, she has helped improve access to care while shaping the next generation of oral health providers. Her experience, insight, and unwavering commitment to service will make her a tremendous asset to this important statewide effort to strengthen oral health outcomes for all Pennsylvanians.”
