The Wright Center for Community Health to Host July ‘Walk with a Doc’ 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. Led by local physicians and health care 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 5, 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 12, 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.
The Wright Center and WVIA-TV Seeking Audience Members for Panel Discussion The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education and WVIA-TV 44 are collaborating on the panel discussion, “Conversations for the Common Good: Shaping Tomorrow’s Health Workforce,” on Tuesday, June 17, beginning at 6:15 p.m. at Scranton Preparatory High School’s Bellarmine Theater. The free program is open to the public. The program is being recorded and will be aired live on WVIA-TV 44 in June and July. The show explores how education programs and partnerships are transforming the future of health care by training the next generation of health care professionals. Panelists include Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education; Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College; Jill Avery-Stoss, president of The Institute; and Pennsylvania State Representative Bridget M. Kosierowski. Tracey Matisak of WVIA will moderate the panel discussion. The show will air on WVIA-TV 44 on June 26, 9 p.m.; June 27, 2 p.m.; June 29, 1 p.m.; July 10, 7 p.m.; July 11, 4 p.m.; and July 13, noon. To participate in the live recording, you must register for free tickets in advance. Go here for more information or to reserve your ticket.
Wright Center’s Scholars Day Highlights Cutting-Edge Research Dr. Harshaman Kaur, a resident physician explains her scholarly research poster to Harold W. Baillie, Ph.D., chair of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Board of Directors. Dr. Aroma Naeem, a resident physician entered her collaborative scholarly poster in the annual Scholars Day Program. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education hosted our annual Scholars Day Program on May 24, 2025, at our auditorium in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Our event included 31 scholarly research posters presented by physician learners from our residency and fellowship programs, as well as from the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, the Geisinger Internal Medicine Residency Program, HonorHealth Mountain Vista Medical Center, and the Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital Department of Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Erin McFadden – Our deputy chief medical officer, medical director of our primary care centers in Scranton and the Scranton Counseling Center, co-regional director of medical education for A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), and dean and director for undergraduate medical education and interprofessional education – Case Report Session. Dr. Qi Shi – Geisinger – Research and Quality Improvement Session. Dr. Nevena Barjaktarovic – Our rheumatologist and regional director of medical education for ATSU-SOMA – Community-Oriented Primary Care Session. The program opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. McFadden, followed by the keynote address, “From Clinic to Community: Partnering with AHEC to Shape Health Beyond the Exam Room,” delivered by Debra Youngfelt, executive director of the Northeast Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center (NE PA AHEC). Dr. Amninder Singh, a resident physician in our Internal Medicine Residency Program and scholarly activity chief resident, delivered the closing remarks to conclude the day. Prizes were awarded for first, second, and third place in each poster session category. The winners included: SESSION A WINNERS (Case Reports) 1st Place Presenter: Dr. Himani Mongia, Internal Medicine Residency Program, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Poster: “A Novel Case of Utilizing Overlapping Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents for Treatment of Complicated Marginal Ulcers at the Gastrojejunal Anastomosis” 2nd Place Presenter: Dr. Chukwuemeka Christian Aghasili, Internal Medicine resident physician, Geisinger Internal Medicine Residency Program Poster: “When Arteries Fracture without a Cause: A Case of Multivessel Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and Associated Extracoronary Arterial Vascular Dissections in the Absence of Connective Tissue Disease” 3rd Place Presenter: Dr. Harshaman Kaur, Internal Medicine resident physician, HonorHealth Mountain Vista Medical Center Poster: “Unmasking the Silent Transformation: Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia Emerging Decades Post-Liver Transplantation” SESSION B WINNERS (Research and QI) 1st Place Presenter: Dr. Aroma Naeem, Internal Medicine Residency Program, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Poster: “Balloon-Expandable Versus Self-Expanding Valves in Patients with Small Aortic Annuli Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Propensity Score Matched Studies” 2nd Place Presenter: Dr. Harshaman Kaur, Internal Medicine resident physician, HonorHealth Mountain Vista Medical Center Poster: “Readmission Risk Associated with Falls in Decompensated Cirrhosis: Insights from a National Database” 3rd Place Presenter: Dr. Yuexiu Wu, Internal Medicine Residency Program, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Poster: “Surveillance Study of Lyme Disease in The Wright Center for Community Health from 2015-2024” SESSION C WINNERS (Community-Oriented Primary Care) 1st Place Presenter: Dr. Sonam Gautam, Internal Medicine Residency Program, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Poster: “One-Time Routine HIV Screening in Primary Care” 2nd Place Presenters: Drs. Justine Carlo Guevarra and Imran Hamid, Family Medicine – Scranton Residency Program, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Poster: “Investigation into Possible Improvement in HSM Rotation for Effectiveness of Intern Orientation and Preparedness for Unsupervised Patient Care” 3rd Place Presenter: Dr. Archana Sridhar, Internal Medicine Residency Program, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Poster: “Predictive Value of PREVENT Calculator for Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients at Outpatient Clinics in Northeast Pennsylvania” Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education resident physicians, Drs. Sonam Gautam, left, and Lokendra Channtyal, display their scholarly research poster at the Scholars Day Program. They are in the Internal Medicine Residency Program. Drs. Amninder Singh, left, and Harshaman Kaur, Internal Medicine resident physicians at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, showcase their scholarly research poster at The Wright Center’s annual Scholars Day Program.
The Wright Center’s Ryan White Clinic Leads Regional Fight Against HIV/AIDS Mary Louise Decker, M.D., FIDSA, is a board-certified infectious disease physician and Infectious Disease Medical Director for The Wright Center for Community Health. It’s been a privilege to witness the remarkable progress over the last several decades, with the story of HIV transforming into a manageable chronic condition thanks to community advocacy, scientific advances, and compassionate care. At The Wright Center for Community Health’s Ryan White Clinic, we celebrate this progress and continue to stand with our patient to ensure they lead full, healthy lives with the support they deserve. Still, our work is far from over. We remain committed to helping individuals achieve undetectable viral levels and supporting them through every step of their journey. As a local leader in HIV/AIDS care, The Wright Center proudly supports awareness efforts like National HIV Testing Day, observed annually on June 27 since its establishment in 1995. The day highlights the importance of testing and encourages individuals to seek treatment and support as early as possible. For more than two decades, The Wright Center has delivered high-quality, compassionate HIV/AIDS care through our Ryan White Clinic, which serves more than 500 patients across seven counties in Northeast Pennsylvania. Located at our Scranton and Wilkes-Barre community health centers, the clinic is staffed by an exceptional team of infectious disease experts. I’m honored to lead this deeply committed and skilled group of professionals. We are excited to share that our clinic recently received more than $1 million in federal funding through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part C Early Intervention Services Program, administered by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This three-year grant supports comprehensive HIV primary health services, education and treatment adherence counseling, and referrals for additional services when needed. The Wright Center has been a HRSA-designated Ryan White Part C provider since 2002, delivering care through a whole-person, integrated model. Our patients – those living with or at risk for HIV – benefit from having access to a wide range of services at our specialty clinic locations, from clinical care to mental health support and social services. Thanks to continued progress in medication adherence, over 95% of our patients have achieved undetectable viral loads, meaning they cannot transmit the virus to others. But treatment goes far beyond medication. Our multidisciplinary team provides a full spectrum of health services. In addition to medical care management, staff at the clinic offer behavioral health, dental care, medical nutrition therapy, and addiction and recovery services, offering comprehensive, patient-centered care tailored to the complex needs of individuals living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. The clinic provides medical treatment for those individuals living with HIV who are co-infected with Hepatitis B and/or Hepatitis C. In addition, the clinic offers HIV preventive services, testing, and treatment. In 2008 the clinic expanded its offerings to include Part B medical case management, offering comprehensive support to help individuals living with HIV effectively manage their medical and supportive care needs. Available ancillary services include housing assistance, transportation, emergency financial aid, a food bank, home-delivered and congregate meals, nutritional supplements, support for durable medical equipment purchases, help with lab and medical bills, psychosocial support, and more. We welcome all patients, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Our patients range from 18 to over 80, with more than 60% age 50 and older – a reflection of the success we’ve seen in extending both lifespan and quality of life for those living with HIV. The Ryan White Clinic continues to make a real difference in our communities, and I’m proud of the life-changing care we provide every day. We look forward to continuing this important work for years to come. Mary Louise Decker, M.D., FIDSA, is a board-certified infectious disease physician and Infectious Disease Medical Director for The Wright Center for Community Health. Dr. Decker leads The Wright Center’s Ryan White Clinic. To make an appointment, call 570-941-0630 or go to TheWrightCenter.org.
The Wright Center Teams with Community Partners for Skin Cancer Screening Clinic The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, in partnership with Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates and the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute (NRCI), hosted its inaugural skin cancer screening clinic on May 17, providing screenings to more than 60 individuals at its community health center in Scranton. Clinicians from Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates teamed up with 10 Internal Medicine resident physicians from The Wright Center to screen 64 people for skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually. The clinic identified positive findings in 21 patients, with 15 requiring biopsies and six needing cryotherapy. Following the clinic, a nurse from The Wright Center contacted each patient’s primary care physician to ensure appropriate follow-up care. “We’re thrilled the clinic was so well-attended and that we were able to help so many participants who have suspected skin cancer,” said Dr. Michael J. O’Donnell of Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates. “Clinics like these are so important to community health, because we know that early detection can significantly increase survival rates.” Dr. O’Donnell added that he was happy to provide The Wright Center’s medical residents a hands-on learning opportunity about how to screen patients for skin cancer so they can better serve their patients now and in the future. 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. He called the clinic an incredible success. “While we anticipated strong interest, the turnout exceeded expectations,” Dr. Younan said. “We saw patients across various age groups with identifiable skin cancers, reinforcing the urgent need for accessible dermatologic services in our community.” Medical residents also appreciated the chance to work with staff at Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates. “The dermatology team, led by Dr. O’Donnell, provided exceptional education in distinguishing between benign and cancerous lesions. We also learned how to use a dermatoscope, which will undoubtedly be a valuable tool in our daily clinical practice,” Dr. Younan said. “Beyond clinical skills, we had the opportunity to navigate discussions regarding risk factor modification to prevent skin cancer.” In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, the event focused on promoting early detection and prevention, encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to protect their skin health. NRCI hosted an informational table during the clinic, offering multilingual materials on skin cancer types, risk reduction strategies, and self-examination techniques, among other key topics. “Patients expressed their appreciation for the event and information provided,” said Karen Ryczak, RN, NRCI’s vice president of programs and surveillance. “We also had the opportunity to discuss our Cancer Screening Navigation Program with staff.” The program works to remove barriers to screenings for breast, cervical, colon, and lung cancer, she explained. The Wright Center has participated in the program for more than a decade, helping thousands of patients access critical health care services. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-209-0019. Skin cancer screening 1: Dr. Michael J. O’Donnell, left, with Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates, examines Lisa Yerka at a skin cancer screening clinic held at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton. Drs. Kirelos Younan and Sandra Rabat, Internal Medicine resident physicians from The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, observe the examination. Skin cancer screening 2: Dr. Mark Marsili, seated, retired from Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates, examines Joan Welby for signs of skin cancer, as, from left, Drs. Taimoor Nasir and Tushar Abhinav, Internal Medicine resident physicians with The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, use the clinic as a learning experience. The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton hosted the inaugural skin cancer clinic on May 17 and provided screenings to more than 60 people. Skin cancer screening 3: Dr. Michael J. O’Donnell of Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates examines Vanessa Bonevich at a skin cancer screening clinic on May 17 at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, as from left, Drs. Srikar Bathi and Kavitha Singaraval, Internal Medicine resident physicians with The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, and Michael Bonevich watch the exam and learn from it. The clinic identified positive findings in 21 patients, with 15 requiring biopsies and six needing cryotherapy.
The Wright Center, June ‘Walk With a Doc’ Events In Jermyn and Scranton The Wright Center for Community Health invites the community to take a step toward improving their health by joining monthly Walk with a Doc events. This physician-led initiative brings health care providers and community members together for an invigorating walk with doctors and other health care professionals. Participants will have the opportunity to exercise, engage with health care professionals, and connect with new people. The June Walk with a Doc event in Jermyn will be held on Saturday, June 7, at 9 a.m. at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Walkers should gather at the Delaware Street Trailhead entrance. The monthly community Walk with a Doc event in Scranton is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at 9 a.m. at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Walkers should gather at the Olive Street entrance. 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 Melissa Germano-Ryczak at germanom@TheWrightCenter.org.
The Wright Center to Host Tinnitus Support Group The Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will meet on Friday, June 6, 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 understanding 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, Dietitian Turns Tragedy Into Life’s Purpose Making men’s health a priority Melissa Germano, M.S., RD, LDN, still tears up a little when she talks about her father’s sudden, fatal cardiac arrest in 2010 – when she was just 23. “It was a devastating shock and an experience in life that was heartbreaking for me, my mom, and my two sisters when he passed so suddenly. My dad didn’t seem sick, but his health was affected by risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol,” Germano said. “Men can take control of their health by addressing these factors through preventive measures and lifestyle changes which can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health complications.” His death inspired Germano to pursue a career helping other families avoid the same grief. After earning a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Marywood University and a master’s degree in human nutrition from the University of Alabama, the registered dietitian and director of lifestyle modification and preventive medicine at The Wright Center for Community Health helps others lead healthier, more active lives. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men in the United States, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Lung cancer claims more men’s lives than any other cancer, while prostate and colorectal cancers rank as the second and third most common causes of cancer-related deaths in men. Additionally, 34% of adult men in the U.S. are obese, and 32% have hypertension, according to CMS. Despite these serious health risks, many men avoid visiting the doctor due to fear, embarrassment, time constraints, or a strong sense of self-reliance. Men’s Health Month, celebrated each June, aims to raise awareness of preventable health issues and promote early detection and treatment to improve men’s well-being. “Many men do not prioritize their health, often putting off checkups, ignoring symptoms, or prioritizing work and other responsibilities over self-care,” Germano said. “This can lead to undiagnosed health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes – many of which can be prevented or managed with early intervention.” The first step to better health? Schedule a checkup with a primary care physician, Germano said. Establishing a relationship with a doctor can help identify health problems early and get patients on track with essential screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers. Meeting with a registered dietician can also empower patients by providing them with knowledge and strategies to take control of their health. Germano – and dieticians like her – can help patients develop a plan that incorporates small lifestyle changes that add up to big improvements over time. “Many men don’t think about how their diet and lifestyle might impact their health,” Germano said. “What you’re eating, if you’re smoking or drinking, it all impacts your physical health, mental health, sexual health, and longevity. “Men have unique nutritional needs that vary depending on factors such as age, activity level, and overall health,” she added. “Men can optimize their overall health and vitality by consuming a well-balanced diet that includes adequate protein for muscle health, a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, and healthy fat sources to support heart health. They should also stay physically active by combining strength training with cardiovascular exercise, ensure they drink enough water, and limit the amount of sugary beverages they consume.” Germano tells patients to start by focusing on building well-balanced plates for meals, which is one of the most effective ways for men to maintain energy, muscle health, and long-term health. She recommends filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables to boost antioxidants and fiber and one-quarter with lean proteins to support muscle growth and metabolism. The remaining quarter should be filled with whole grains to provide long-lasting energy. Choosing what to eat is important, too. Here are some of Germano’s tips: Most men do not consume enough fiber, which can lead to constipation, high cholesterol, blood sugar imbalances, and increased risk of chronic diseases. Get your fiber in by swapping refined grains (like white bread and pastries) for whole grains, consume fruits and vegetables with peels or skins on, add dried beans and peas to casseroles or soups, and enjoy a variety of grains such as barley, oats, farro, and quinoa. Protein is critical for muscle health, repair, and growth, but choose lean protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy. Incorporate more plant-based proteins – including peas, lentils, beans, tofu, edamame, nuts, and seeds – that are high in phytonutrients, which have been shown to lower the risk of cancer and decrease cholesterol. Healthy fats are crucial for supporting heart health and overall well-being. Omega 3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as salmon and trout, as well as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties and promote cardiovascular health. As a registered dietician, Germano said she finds it deeply rewarding to see a patient progressing toward better health. “Every success, no matter how small, is a huge win for my patients,” she said. “Whether it’s weight loss, improved lab results, better energy levels, or healthier eating habits, the success is a testament to the patient’s hard work and dedication. It means my support and guidance are making a real impact.” Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center for Community Health’s growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, provides affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary health services to everyone, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. Patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019. Melissa Germano, a registered dietician and director of lifestyle modification and preventative medicine at The Wright Center for Community Health, shops for produce at Gerrity’s Supermarket in Scranton The Wright Center for Community Health offers lifestyle and obesity medicine programs at its community health centers in Northeast Pennsylvania. Melissa Germano said men should strive for a diet that includes a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, adequate protein, and healthy fat sources
The Wright Center, From our clinics to Capitol Hill: The real impact of Medicaid in Pennsylvania Laura Spadaro, vice president and chief primary care and public health policy officer at The Wright Center For more than 3 million Pennsylvanians, Medicaid is more than just a budget item – it’s a lifeline. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Medicaid provides essential health care access to 39% of children, 59% of nursing home residents, and 13% of seniors across the state. And if it’s not you who’s relied on it, it’s probably someone you know – a friend, a neighbor, or a family member. Threatened Medicaid cuts are about all of us. At The Wright Center for Community Health, we see the beneficial impact of Medicaid daily. It’s in the stories of our patients and colleagues like Nicole Sekelsky. In 2021, Nicole left an abusive marriage with her four children, two of whom have complex medical needs. Suddenly, she was on her own, trying to keep her kids healthy and happy while holding her family together. Medicaid stepped in, covering critical surgeries for her eldest daughter and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit services for her youngest. Pennsylvania Medicaid coverage gave Nicole the opportunity to focus on rebuilding her life, knowing her kids’ health care was covered. Once her life stabilized, Nicole pursued education and earned certifications as both a medical assistant and a community health worker, so she could support her children independently. Today, she is a treasured employee of The Wright Center, giving back by helping others navigate complex life challenges – just as she once did. For families like Nicole’s, Medicaid is more than just insurance – it’s a vital source of stability. The Wright Center for Community Health serves over 35,000 patients annually across 13 teaching health centers in Northeastern Pennsylvania, providing responsive care to some of our most underserved, medically complex members of our communities. As a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, we serve everyone, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Each year, we train approximately 200 resident physicians and nearly 250 interprofessional students, preparing the next generation of health care professionals to deliver compassionate, high-quality primary care to people of all ages and backgrounds. Community-based primary care systems like The Wright Center are the backbone of our nation’s health care infrastructure – proven to save lives, curb costs, and drive better outcomes. Yet despite their pivotal role, they remain chronically underfunded and overstretched, accounting for just 5-7% of total health care spending. This persistent underinvestment undermines primary care’s proven ability to fulfill the vast responsibilities placed upon it. Any cuts to Medicaid would further destabilize primary care, deepening existing gaps in access, weakening the delivery of high-quality care, and worsening workforce shortages. The human and economic consequences for our communities would be profound, with future generations bearing the burden for decades to come. The Wright Center for Community Health’s role as a community health center gives us a front-row seat to the critical importance of Medicaid. Every day, we see how Medicaid connects our patients to essential health care services – from young children and adolescents in our school-based health center receiving preventive screenings that catch health issues early, to pregnant women with substance use disorders accessing recovery services that promote the health and welfare of them and their babies. It’s what helps veterans access trauma-informed mental health services and ensures older adults with chronic conditions receive home-based support to avoid hospitalization or a skilled nursing facility. It’s vaccines for children, cancer screenings that can change the course of a life, and more. But Medicaid’s impact goes beyond health care and individual health outcomes. It’s a powerful economic engine. In Pennsylvania alone, Medicaid supports over 61,000 jobs and keeps hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers like ours running, according to the Pennsylvania Health Action Network. It’s more than a program – it’s an indispensable pillar of our health care ecosystem. Medicaid policy can be complicated, and too many people don’t fully understand how it strengthens the health, economy, and stability of our communities. That’s why conversations like the ones we’ve had with our legislators matter. We recently joined fellow community health center partners on Capitol Hill to talk with members of Congress about the importance of Medicaid. We had meaningful discussions with Senator McCormick’s office and Representatives Bresnahan and Meuser’s offices. Earlier this month, we were honored to welcome Representative Rob Bresnahan to our health center, where he took the time to see firsthand how Medicaid helps families stay connected to fundamental primary health services. These conversations bridge the gap between policy decisions and real-world impact, reminding us of the power of leadership that listens and seeks to understand before acting. At The Wright Center, we deeply appreciate our government leaders who are open to listening, learning, and engaging in productive conversations about Medicaid. Protecting Medicaid shouldn’t be political – it’s about ensuring people stay connected to the care they need and empowering them to contribute to a healthier, more resilient society. As a trusted pillar of primary health services and integrated workforce development in our region, The Wright Center remains committed to serving those who rely on us, recognizing that continued, stable access to Medicaid resources is essential for us to effectively deliver our mission to meet their needs and improve health outcomes for individuals and our whole regional community. This Medicaid conversation is about all of us. Laura Spadaro, MHA, is the vice president and chief primary care and public health policy officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
The Wright Center Partners with Friendship House The Wright Center for Community Health is partnering with Friendship House to improve access to responsive and inclusive whole-person primary health services, especially for individuals with complex mental health and/or substance use disorder needs. On Tuesday, Nov. 5, The Wright Center will offer primary health services at Friendship House’s new Whole Person Care Center, 200 Wyoming Ave., Suite 250, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The new location will begin by opening from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing a range of services such as checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries. These 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 new location. “We are grateful and deeply honored to collaborate with Friendship House at its new state-of-the-art Whole Person Care Center,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “We specifically thank Alex Hazzouri, president and CEO, and his team, as well as the governing board, for their vision to promote unprecedented collaboration that led to our welcomed invitation to be part of this wonderful development for our community in the heart of downtown Scranton. “This exciting and important partnership allows The Wright Center to enrich and extend the delivery of our noble mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. By improving access to essential primary health care services for individuals who come to Friendship House, we will continue to enhance the overall health and well-being of our shared community.” Friendship House provides support to children, adolescents, and adults facing developmental disabilities, emotional or behavioral challenges, or the effects of trauma from loss, abuse, or neglect. In March 2022, the nonprofit acquired the two-story, 22,000-square-foot facility, which spans the Davidow Building at 200-216 Wyoming Ave., and the former Murray Building at 413-415 Biden St. The new center’s goal is to integrate mental health, substance use disorder, and physical health services, improving health outcomes while optimizing the use of resources. Along with The Wright Center’s primary health services, Friendship House will offer mental health and substance use disorder services, and The Prescription Center will provide pharmacy services. “This integrated model will enhance care coordination and improve patient care outcomes, especially in terms of chronic medical condition management,” said Kathleen Barry, deputy chief operating officer of The Wright Center for Community Health. “We’re thrilled to be able to work closely with Friendship House, one of our great community partners, and enhance our ability to address the complex health and social needs of patients in our communities.” Hazzouri noted that his organization has been in discussions with The Wright Center for several years about a collaboration. The Wright Center and Friendship House treat patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses. “Thousands of people live, work, and study in downtown Scranton every day,” Hazzouri said, noting that 17 of the county’s 22 bus routes pass by the new Whole Person Care Center. “The accessibility will help make the center integral to a healthy Scranton and a healthy Lackawanna County.” At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the new facility on Friday, Oct. 24, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright presented Hazzouri and Dr. Thomas-Hemak with a certificate of Congressional recognition for opening the Whole Person Care Center. “Every person in the community deserves access to health care,” he said. “Thank you for removing barriers to access. I applaud your collaborative efforts.”
