Geisinger Performs First Ever Lifetime Guaranteed Shoulder Replacement Geisinger, Medacta announce first shoulder replacement with lifetime guarantee. Program builds on the success of the health system’s ProvenCare® surgeries on hips, knees and spines Geisinger and the Medacta Group SA, a Swiss company specializing in innovative and sustainable solutions for joint replacement, sports medicine and spine surgeries, announced the first lifetime guarantee for a recent reverse shoulder replacement surgery. Geisinger and Medacta will stand behind the full cost of care throughout the patient’s lifetime. Mark Pallis, D.O., Geisinger regional director of orthopaedic surgery, performed the first guaranteed reverse shoulder surgery at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. “This is the first reverse shoulder arthroplasty with a lifetime guarantee in the world,” Dr. Pallis said. “We used state-of-the art intra-operative navigation to more accurately place the implants, using sensors to guide pin placement, reaming depth and screw length and position. The postoperative results were nearly identical to the preoperative plan based on 3D modeling from a CT scan of the shoulder.” A reverse shoulder replacement is a specific type of total shoulder replacement commonly performed in patients who have arthritis as well as a torn or non-functioning rotator cuff. It is called a “reverse” because the ball portion of the shoulder is placed where the socket was, and the socket implant is placed where the head of the humerus was. Medacta and Geisinger previously partnered on groundbreaking guarantees for qualified patients for hip and knee replacement surgeries and spinal fusion surgery as part of Geisinger’s ProvenCare® program, which covers inpatient and follow-up care for patients, including visits due to complications up to 90 days after the procedure. “This new guarantee allows us to expand our ProvenCare® commitment to include patients who qualify for total shoulder replacement, offering those patients a sense of security when making the decision to have the procedure,” said Michael Suk, M.D., J.D., chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “Standing behind our world-class joint replacement and spinal surgeries demonstrates Geisinger’s commitment to making better health easier for our patients and communities.” A global leader in orthopaedic medical devices, Medacta provides unique resources to train surgeons — including those at Geisinger — in surgical techniques and the use of their specially designed hip, knee, shoulder and spinal implants for minimally invasive surgeries. Medacta’s innovative technologies are designed to enable a healthy and active lifestyle for every patient, reducing postoperative pain and shortening rehabilitation time. “The addition of the world’s first guarantee for reverse shoulder arthroplasty completes our robust offering of patient-focused guarantees for those undergoing hip, knee or spine procedures at Geisinger,” said Francesco Siccardi, CEO of Medacta International. “Through this initiative, we remain dedicated to improving outcomes for patients throughout their lifetimes.”
NEPA Philharmonic Appoints New Executive Director The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic has announced that Chason Goldschmitz has joined the organization and will formally assume the role of Executive Director on January 1, 2025, when Nancy Sanderson steps down from the position. Carol Nelson Dembert, President of the Philharmonic Society, governing board of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, introduced Mr. Goldschmitz at the first concert of the Thalenfeld Family Masterworks series, “Bizet, Lalo, and Sibelius” on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 3 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center. The Philharmonic Board of Trustees has unanimously endorsed Chason Goldschmitz‘s appointment for his new role as Executive Director. We are confident that Chason and Music Director Mélisse Brunet are a dynamic duo who will continue to move the orchestra forward, building on a half century of excellence and expanding the Philharmonic’s missions of world class concerts, excellent educational programs, and community outreach. Chason Goldschmitz is an artistic administrator, producer, composer, and arranger, and he is honored to join the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic as its new Executive Director during the 2024-25 season. Goldschmitz joins the NEPA Philharmonic from the office of world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming, where he served as Director of Production, Music, and Arts & Health. In this role, he produced and supervised logistics for concerts, large-scale summits, and other public events, and served as producer and production engineer for Ms. Fleming’s multimedia events, including “Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene” performances in collaboration with National Geographic. Goldschmitz also coordinated arts and health research, policy, and funding initiatives on behalf of the Renée Fleming Foundation, in partnership with a diverse array of governmental partners and performing arts, healthcare, education, and community organizations — including the Kennedy Center, LA Opera, Johns Hopkins University, the Aspen Institute, Los Angeles County, the National Institutes of Health, and the World Health Organization. Performers of arrangements and orchestrations by Goldschmitz include soprano Renée Fleming; pianist Inon Barnatan; conductors Marin Alsop and JoAnn Falletta; the Baltimore, Houston, North Carolina, and Palm Beach Symphonies; the Buffalo Philharmonic; the National Arts Centre Orchestra (Ottawa); L’Orchestre des Nations (Geneva); and the Kennedy Center Honors. His original compositions have been commissioned by venues such as 92NY and been performed by ensembles including the Juilliard Orchestra and the Daedalus String Quartet. Goldschmitz participated in the League of American Orchestra’s 2024 Essentials of Orchestra Management program, and he will complete a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University in December 2024. He previously received a Master’s of Music in Music Composition from The Juilliard School, where he co-founded the school’s first contemporary opera program. Goldschmitz also received a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science at Columbia University under the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange program and a 3-year accelerated graduation track, and conducted science research in neuroscience and geochemistry at the Columbia University Medical Center and the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphony orchestra performing classics, pops, holiday, chamber, and July 3-4 concerts. The Philharmonic’s educational programs include a juried mentoring program for talented high school students, “Meet the Maestra”, “Music in our Schools”, Young Peoples’ Concerts, “Once Upon an Orchestra” in regional libraries, and interactive performances in senior centers. For tickets and additional information, please call 570.270.4444 or www.NEPAphil.org.
Maternal and Family Health Services Awarded Coalition Grant Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) has received $900,000 in funding to develop a Regional Maternal Health Coalition (RMHC) in a 14-county service area within its existing footprint. Utilizing the CDC’s State Strategies for Preventing Pregnancy- Related Deaths and principles of community engagement, MFHS will work to select, implement, and evaluate the PA Maternal Mortality Review Committee’s (2024) recommendations for improving maternal health outcomes, promoting maternal health equity, and reducing health disparities. The goal of the project is to help improve care for pregnant women and babies by addressing maternal health issues at the local level through the creation and enhancement of regional coalitions. “There is an increasing need for access to health care and support services for women, especially during pregnancy and during the postpartum period. We’ve seen the need for these kind of services for years, and it continues to grow,” said Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD, MFHS President and CEO. “This funding will have a tremendous impact on women and families in need. MFHS is focused on improving the health outcomes related to pregnant and postpartum mothers. To lead coalition activities, MFHS hired Project Coordinator London McPhatter, MPH, who will ensure the formation of activities to find and implement real solutions to high maternal morbidity rates especially among vulnerable communities. MFHS is uniquely positioned to deliver this program given the organization’s long-standing commitment to serving women, children, and families with programs that are proven to have a positive impact on maternal and child health outcomes. The coalition will serve the 14 PA counties of Bradford, Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Northampton, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Schuylkill, Tioga, Wayne, and Wyoming.
Maternal and Family Health Services Hires Director of Behavioral Health Services Yurii Lynn Harden, LCSW is returning to Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) as the new Director of Behavioral Health Services. In this role, Yurii will be focused on expanding behavioral health services to include teletherapy, outreach through the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), and the introduction of therapy support groups, staff trainings, and comprehensive support for both clients and staff. Yurii originally joined MFHS as part of the foundational team that launched the Healthy Moms Program. With over 30 years of experience in the social services field, she has held a variety of leadership positions, including Director of Social Services at First Hospital, Assistant Clinical Director at Embark Behavioral Health, and most recently, Director of Social Services at Wyoming Valley Behavioral Hospital. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Yurii brings a variety of expertise, including certifications as an ASAM Trauma-Informed Trainer and Adolescent Trauma Therapist. “I firmly believe that the best behavioral health services are delivered in an individual’s natural surroundings (aka home, school, with their family) and need to include more than just the identified client,” Yurii said. “We cannot truly understand one another unless we are literally as close as possible to what they are facing on a day-to-day basis.” In addition to her professional accomplishments, Yurii is a mother to three adult children and an animal lover with a unique family of pets that includes four dogs, a cat, and a beloved pig named Elvis. She enjoys Sci-Fi and Thriller movies, and loves coffee, wine, and thunderstorms. Yurii’s commitment to enhancing behavioral health services and her belief in community-based care will be invaluable as she leads the continued development of the behavioral health program at MFHS. Please join us in welcoming Yurii as the Director of Behavioral Health Services!
Geisinger Pharmacy Opens New Infusion Suite To meet an increased demand for home infusion services, Geisinger Pharmacy has opened a new infusion suite at 620 Baltimore Drive, Suite 100, Wilkes-Barre, and offers patients a personalized approach to their specialized pharmacy and medication needs. Infusion therapy allows patients to receive their medications through their bloodstream (intravenous or IV), under their skin (subcutaneous or intramuscular) or into the membranes surrounding the spinal cord (epidural). The infusion suite is an ideal option for patients who: Prefer a clinical setting to home but need to be site-of-care compliant to meet their insurance requirements Have a home environment is not appropriate for at-home infusion Prefer to not be infused at home Need urgent infusions or those who may not want to wait for a home visit The infusion suite is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Patients can call 800-245-8767, option 3. To learn more about Geisinger Home Infusion Services visit geisinger.org/pharmacy.
Tomorrow’s Events at Mohegan Pennsylvania! Latitudes tequila bar • Celebrating the Day of the Dead. Ultimate tequila bar with featured, hand-crafted margaritas. 5:00pm – midnight. Bean & Vine • Quiet bar to relax or have a nightcap. 5:00pm – 1:00am Breakers • Leighann & Company performing at 8:30pm – 12:30am. The Hive Taphouse • Trivia at 7:30pm with Karaoke to follow. Celebrating the Day of the Dead with drink features. Open until 1:00am.
NEPIRC Receives Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the profession. Communities greatly benefit when talented people with vision, creativity and intelligence stay in the region, which is why it’s important to educate Northern Pennsylvania’s young people about opportunities that enable them to build a successful life close to home. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) is providing that valuable information in award-winning fashion through its Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program that was recently honored. NEPIRC was presented with a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver that took place in September. The award was bestowed specifically for NEPIRC’s work in the Talent Pipeline Development and Retention category. NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team initiative increases high school and college student awareness of outstanding careers available within Pennsylvania’s advanced manufacturing field. Dream Team Ambassadors are manufacturing associates who speak enthusiastically to young people and educators about their career journeys through in-school presentations, Career Day booths and Career Fair attendance. Jenelle Osborne, NEPIRC’s talent stream coordinator, who attended the conference to accept the award, said, “It is an honor for NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program to be recognized internationally for excellence in economic development, reinforcing our commitment to fuel the execution of our program’s objectives. I am incredibly proud of our Dream Team Ambassadors who share their passion and career journeys with students to inspire them to consider rewarding careers in manufacturing, contributing to the success of this initiative.” Several NEPIRC representatives and Dream Team Ambassadors attended the conference in Denver to accept this prestigious award and had the opportunity to meet with PA Department of Community and Economic Development representatives. “NEPIRC is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program. This award highlights NEPIRC’s commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO, “It is with great pride that IEDC presents this award to NEPIRC, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development.” The Excellence in Economic Development Awards program consists of 26 unique categories showcasing transformative projects that have profoundly impacted communities, regions and nations. Award winners are recognized in-person at its annual conference and throughout the year via IEDC’s communication channels. All organizations, big or small, in rural, urban or suburban communities, U.S.-based or international, are eligible and encouraged to participate in this competitive program.
Fidelity Bank Presents Wilkes-Barre Volunteers with Grant Fidelity Bank is pleased to share Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) has won the $10,000 Fidelity Bank IMPACT grant. VIM competed with two other area nonprofit finalists, all with the goal of securing grant funding to support their ongoing initiatives. Although all the finalists demonstrated their ability to deliver vital services to Wilkes-Barre residents, VIM secured the most community votes, determining them the winner. Ruth Turkington, EVP, Chief Consumer Banking Officer of Fidelity Bank was on hand at the bank’s Wilkes-Barre branch to present a $10,000 check to VIM. She stated, “On behalf of all of us here at Fidelity Bank, we extend our heartfelt congratulations. Winning this grant clearly indicates that the services Wilkes-Barre Volunteers in Medicine provides closely aligns with our goal of providing support and value to the communities we serve.” Volunteers in Medicine is a community-based nonprofit organization who offers a wide range of services at no cost, including primary medical care, dental services, diagnostic testing, and counseling. These services are offered to the working, uninsured, and underinsured populations in NEPA. The clinic’s comprehensive care addresses the needs of residents, some of whom are non-English speaking, by providing vital interpretation services. The IMPACT Grant funds will be used to support this interpretation program, which is essential for effective communication and treatment planning. More details and complete rules for the IMPACT grant can be found online at www.bankatfidelity.com/impact.
Don’t Miss the Fun this Halloween! Activities Indraloka’s Halloween Party October 24th from 5 to 7 PM 336 Oak Drive, Dalton, PA American Cancer Society’s Monster Dash 5K October 26th starting at 9 AM 3 W Olive Street, Scranton, PA Halloween Magic Show with Mr. Magico October 26th at 1 PM 300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA Dave & Boo-sters October 31st from 4 to 7 PM 6000 Shoppes Boulevard, Moosic, PA Trunk or Treat: Oakwood Terrace October 26th from 5 to 7 PM 400 Gleason Drive, Moosic, PA LCBC October 30th starting at 6PM 933 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Scranton, PA 21+ E’s Halloween Paint & Sip October 26th from 5 to 7 PM 500 Mill Street, Dunmore, PA Haunt at the Hive October 31st from 8:30 to 11:30 1280 PA-315, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Geisinger to Host Dinners to Honor Local Military Veterans Drive-through event to take place at 11 locations To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. The Geisinger Healthplex State College location will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants. Geisinger will provide these dinners at a drive-through event for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served about 2,900 meals. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now. Veterans can make a reservation for themselves and one guest by visiting go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner2024 or calling 570-293-7200. The deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 1. Locations are: Bloomsburg: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St. (main entrance) Danville: Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Danville, 35 Justin Drive, Building 2 Jersey Shore: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St. Lewistown: Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave. (third-floor entrance) Mifflintown: Geisinger Family Health Associates Mifflintown, 27 CJEMS Lane Muncy: Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220 Highway Pittston: Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, 1201 Oak St. Scranton: Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave. Shamokin: Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township State College: Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda Wilkes-Barre: Behind Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, at 50 Roosevelt Terrace
