Women in Philanthropy Initiative Fund of the Scranton Area Foundation grant supports Wright Center’s Healthy MOMS program

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The Wright Center for Community Health was recently awarded a $3,500 grant by the Women in Philanthropy Initiative Fund of the Scranton Area Community Foundation that focuses on empowering and transforming the lives of women and girls in the Lackawanna County region.

The grant award will assist women who are trying to enter the workforce after childbirth and who are enrolled in the Healthy Maternal Opiate Medical Support program (Healthy MOMS), a regional collaboration co-founded by The Wright Center. Specifically, the funds will temporarily cover the cost of childcare until the new mothers establish a work history and receive proof of income, enabling them to apply for subsidized childcare assistance.

Many of the more than 135 current participants in the Healthy MOMS program want to join the workforce but find that a lack of affordable childcare poses an obstacle.

The Wright Center was one of seven area nonprofit organizations to be awarded funding as part of the Women in Philanthropy program’s 2022 grants cycle. Supporters of the program gathered in late April to hear presentations from grant semifinalists, ultimately awarding a total of $40,000 in funding. Since its inception in 2014, the Women in Philanthropy Initiative Fund of the Scranton Area Community Foundation has raised more than $1.6 million to benefit women, girls and their families in Northeast Pennsylvania. 

The Healthy MOMS program was launched locally in late 2018, aiming to help pregnant women and new mothers overcome addiction and embrace a life in recovery. Participants are offered blanket services that include medication-assisted treatment and addiction services, counseling, primary health care, OB-GYN care, parenting tips, legal advice and a range of other supports.

The program promotes the well-being of both mom and newborn, ideally engaging them in wrap-around services until the child turns 2 years old.

The Wright Center for Community Health was recently awarded a $3,500 grant by the Women in Philanthropy Initiative Fund of the Scranton Area Community Foundation in support of its Healthy MOMS program. Participating in the announcement at the Women in Philanthropy Quarterly Meeting and Reception at The Colonnade in Scranton, from left, are Marcella Garvin, case manager, Healthy MOMS; Rosemary Broderick, co-chair, Women in Philanthropy; Maria Kolcharno, director, addictions services, The Wright Center for Community Health; and Michele Coyle, case manager, Healthy MOMS. 

“Since its launch more than three years ago in response to the opioid crisis, the Healthy MOMS program has become a widely recognized and respected resource for women who face the dual challenge of coping with a substance use disorder and juggling the complexities of raising a young child,” says Maria Kolcharno, The Wright Center’s director of addiction services and a key leader of the Healthy MOMS program. “We are appreciative of all the support we receive from the community, whether in the form of product donations or grants such as this Women in Philanthropy award.”

The Healthy MOMS program has served mothers as young as 14, but most are in their late 20s and 30s. Named after a program of the same name in Ohio, it was introduced in this region as a pilot program in two counties, with initial grant funding secured by the Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Today, it assists women in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties. 

The nonprofit Maternal and Family Health Services Inc. and multiple area hospitals are among the many health care, social service and government agencies that power the program’s ongoing success.

For more information about the Healthy MOMS program, call 570-955-7821 or visit HealthyMOMS.org. Further information about the Women in Philanthropy Initiative Fund of the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at supportnepawomen.org.

The Wright Center appoints Dr. Alexies Samonte to executive role that prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion

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The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education has named Dr. Alexies Samonte as its vice president of Sponsoring Institution Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Faculty and Curriculum Development, and Graduate Medical Education Funding Stewardship.

In this newly created role, Samonte will work with executives and others throughout the organization to ensure ongoing and innovative faculty development, substantial accreditation compliance, community benefit tracking, and continuous resident wellness and resiliency, among other objectives. One major focus will be to create a robust strategy for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Samonte’s diversity and inclusion efforts will span all three nonprofit entities: The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, The Wright Center for Community Health and The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement.

“I am excited about this new role,” said Samonte, who previously served as medical director of The Wright Center’s pediatric services. “Leading this journey is a privilege, since diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded within our mission.”
The longtime pediatrician, who is a native of the Philippines, will work to educate faculty, staff and members of the broader community about diversity and inclusion matters such as those promoted by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education’s (ACGME) “ACGME Equity Matters” initiative. The ACGME initiative aims to drive change within graduate medical education institutions by increasing physician workforce diversity, and building safe and inclusive learning environments, while promoting health equity by addressing racial disparities in health care and overall population health.

Alexies Samonte, M.D., MBA, FAAP
Vice President of Sponsoring Institution
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Samonte assumed her new role in late February. She already has coordinated The Wright Center’s participation in an upcoming continuing education series about LGBTQI+ inclusive health care. The series is being offered beginning June 1 through the Penn State College of Medicine’s Project ECHO network. Promoters say the series will help health care providers “meet the complex social, emotional and physical health care needs of their patients within a supportive and safe environment.”

Additionally, Samonte will develop volunteer opportunities for residents and fellows that focus on diversity, equity and inclusion activities. She also will monitor and track the progress of The Wright Center’s diversity-related metrics. 

A Jenkins Township resident, Samonte earned her doctorate degree in medicine and surgery as well as a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. She also earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Scranton. 

The Wright Center, which strives to be an optimal employer, has more than 600 workers in Northeast Pennsylvania and at its graduate medical education training partner sites across the nation. 

The Wright Center receives training scholarship to promote employee and public understanding of mental health first aid

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Training in mental health first aid – a method for recognizing and helping a person with a mental health issue before it results in injury or death – will be offered to the public and employees of The Wright Center for Community Health as part of a national grant-funded initiative.

The Wright Center was recently selected to receive one of eight “training scholarships” to participate in the project, which is supported by Americares and the National Association of Community Health Centers.

The scholarship allows one staff member from each of the eight chosen organizations to become a certified trainer through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Owen Dougherty, The Wright Center’s recovery supports manager and behavioral health community liaison, completed his certification with the council in mid-March. He will conduct multiple public training sessions later this year for participants in Northeast Pennsylvania, helping them to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders, and empowering them to intervene when someone needs support.

The free sessions will be open to The Wright Center’s employees and other interested residents, including people with no medical background. Participants will learn to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health issue, not unlike stepping in to call 9-1-1 or provide CPR to someone experiencing a heart attack.

The Wright Center, which operates nine primary care practices in the region, provides a range of mental and behavioral services for patients of all ages, and this training program will serve as a further extension of behavioral health education in the community, says Laura Spadaro, vice president of primary care and public health policy.

Laura Spadaro, vice president of primary care and public health policy.

“Equipping our community with the skills they need to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use disorders,” she says, “will decrease stigma, empower individuals to seek help and increase each participant’s ability to help others who may be experiencing a behavioral health issue.”

Mental health first aid was first introduced in Australia in 2001, and the program was later adapted for use in the United States. Since then, more than 2.5 million people in the United States have been trained by a base of more than 15,000 instructors, according to promoters.

Trainees learn, for example, how to appropriately and safely respond if they see someone having a panic attack or if they become concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism. Mental health first aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan.

Americares, based in Stamford, Connecticut, is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by disaster or poverty.

The National Association of Community Health Centers, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, promotes efficient, high-quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community-directed and patient-centered for all.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the organization that brought mental health first aid to the United States and certifies trainers, is the unifying voice of organizations that deliver mental health and substance use services in America. The Washington, D.C.-based council is guided by the vision that mental well-being – including recovery from substance use – is a reality for everyone, everywhere.

The Wright Center, which joins with other organizations in promoting May as Mental Health Awareness Month, will announce the dates of its mental health first aid training sessions as they are scheduled. For the latest information on those and the organization’s other upcoming events, visit TheWrightCenter.org.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the debut of The Wright Center for Community Health’s new North Pocono Practice

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The Wright Center for Community Health cut a ceremonial ribbon on Sunday, April 24 marking the opening of its new North Pocono Practice in Lackawanna County’s Covington Township, 260 Daleville Highway. Participating in the ribbon cutting, from left, are Frank J. Ruggiero, Lackawanna County solicitor; Ronald Donati; Scott Koerwer, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, Wright Center; Jerry Notarianni, commissioner, Lackawanna County; Robert Bastek, police chief, Covington Township; Ron Daniels, chief financial officer, Wright Center; Amanda Turoni, board-certified nurse practitioner; Wright Center; LeeAnn Eschbach, board member, Wright Center for Community Health; Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO; Wright Centers for Community Health and Medical Education; Richard Krebs, board member, Wright Center for Community Health; Gerard Geoffroy, board chairperson, Wright Center for Community Health; William Waters, board vice chairperson, Wright Center for Community Health; Thomas Glaser, associate vice president, grant operations, Wright Center; Dr. Jumee Barooah, designated institutional officer, Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education; Joseph Sileo, senior vice president; Wright Center; Sheila Ford, associate vice president, clinical quality and patient safety, Wright Center; Kellie Knesis, vice president, Wright Center; and Tiffany Jaskulski, chief operating officer, Wright Center. 

An open house program and ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday, April 24 marked the debut of The Wright Center for Community Health’s new North Pocono Practice in Lackawanna County’s Covington Township, marking another milestone in the organization’s development and introducing area residents to the clinic’s many primary care services.

The practice, which began serving patients Monday, April 25 is located at 260 Daleville Highway, Suite 103, in the North Pocono 502 Professional Plaza. It is open four days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

To celebrate the clinic’s launch, The Wright Center invited the public to tour the facility and learn more about the expanding nonprofit health care organization that serves patients regardless of their income or insurance status. 

Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, and other employees and board members snipped a ribbon during the celebratory event, which featured local officials and dignitaries. Attendees included Covington Township Police Chief Robert Bastek, Lackawanna County Commissioner Jerry Notarianni and Lackawanna County Solicitor Frank J. Ruggiero.

“The Wright Center is proud and privileged to be able to offer this resource to the North Pocono community, making our nondiscriminatory primary health services accessible close to home for residents of Covington Township, Moscow Borough and all of the communities within the North Pocono School District,” Thomas-Hemak said before the ribbon cutting. “The Wright Center’s commitment to reaching traditionally underserved populations and to being responsive to community needs is what brought us here today.”

The practice will treat patients of all ages. Its newly renovated clinical space includes six exam rooms, as well as a separate treatment area for sick visits – a space designated for caring for individuals coping with COVID-19 and other illnesses. 

Located southeast of Scranton, the new clinic will allow The Wright Center to better assist patients who live in the territory served by the North Pocono School District, including the communities of Moscow Borough and Clifton, Covington, Elmhurst, Jefferson, Madison, Roaring Brook, Spring Brook and Thornhurst townships.

To make an appointment at the North Pocono Practice, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570.591.5150.

AllOne Foundation funding allows The Wright Center and Telespond to collaboratively preserve, enhance services to region’s socially isolated older adults

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The AllOne Foundation provided a three-year grant award of $1.156 million in support of Telespond Senior Services that help older adults maintain their independence in the community. AllOne Foundation board members participating in the ceremonial check presentation, from left, are John Menapace, AllOne Foundation board; Joseph J. Grilli, president and CEO, Senior Day Services, a Telespond Company; John W. Cosgrove, CEO, AllOne Foundation; Frank Apostolico, AllOne Foundation board; and Peter Danchek, AllOne Foundation board.

To help older adults maintain their independence in the community, the AllOne Foundation provided a three-year grant award allowing The Wright Center for Community Health and the separately operated Telespond Senior Services to deliver critical programming such as adult day care.

AllOne Foundation CEO John W. Cosgrove recently presented a ceremonial check representing the final installment of the grant funding, which in total amounted to $1.156 million.

The joint initiative to support successful aging in place among residents of Lackawanna, Luzerne and nearby counties began in early 2020, just as the COVID-19 outbreak hit Northeast Pennsylvania. The pandemic forced Telespond to temporarily scale back or suspend many of its services, which include an in-home personal care program and a senior companion program. At the same time, concerns were raised locally and globally about the impact of the pandemic on socially isolated older adults who might be prone to developing behavioral health issues such as substance use disorder, anxiety and depression.

Since then, Telespond has better positioned itself for the long-term continuity of its services, reviving and expanding its medical model adult day care program as well as recruiting volunteers for its senior companion program. Telespond also implemented a transportation program for its clients, renovated its building on Scranton’s Saginaw Street and made many other improvements.

“With the vital support from AllOne Foundation and all of our partners, our organization has made tremendous strides toward developing into the strong nonprofit ally that area seniors and their families can rely on for services that promote dignity and provide a viable alternative to retirement homes,” said Joseph J. Grilli, president and CEO of Senior Day Services, a Telespond Company.

The Wright Center serves as fiscal agent for the grant award, providing Telespond with resources, guidance and expertise as Telespond repositions itself for growth of its service area and sustained impact.  

“The Wright Center recognizes how socially isolated seniors can be particularly vulnerable to both mental and physical decline,” said Meaghan Ruddy, the organization’s senior vice president of academic affairs, enterprise assessment and advancement, and chief research and development officer. “Our team members – including our executives, geriatrics providers and support staff – have been privileged to work with Telespond’s leadership to enhance the community-based supports available to our region’s most mature and venerable residents.”

The AllOne Foundation provided a three-year grant award of $1.156 million in support of Telespond Senior Services that help older adults maintain their independence in the community. Telespond board members participating in the ceremonial check presentation, from left, are Maria Montoro Edwards, Telespond board; Anne Brennan, Telespond board; Joseph J. Grilli, president and CEO, Senior Day Services, a Telespond Company; John W. Cosgrove, CEO, AllOne Foundation; Nancy Menapace, Telespond board; Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO, The Wright Centers for Community Health and The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education; and Michelle Carr, Telespond board.

The grant-funded project is scheduled to continue through March 2023.

AllOne Foundation, based in Wilkes-Barre, works independently or collectively to enhance the present health care delivery system of Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania and to be innovative, creative and collaborative in crafting new ways of improving the health and welfare of the people of our region.

Telespond, based in Scranton and serving the area since 1974, assists older adults and their caregivers through a range of programs including an on-site adult day care program, non-medical in-home personal care services and a senior companion program in which volunteers provide seniors with friendly company and help with day-to-day activities.The Wright Center for Community Health is headquartered in Scranton and operates nine primary care practices in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties, offering services to patients of all ages. In July 2020, it formally established a geriatrics service line, and it also has begun an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education offers multiple residency and fellowship programs, including a Geriatrics Fellowship.

The Wright Center for Community Health holding COVID-19 and Routine Vaccination Clinics in Lackawanna County

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The Wright Center for Community Health’s 34-foot Driving Better Health mobile medical unit brings high-quality, nondiscriminatory, affordable health care services directly to the most vulnerable and medically underserved populations in Northeast Pennsylvania. Driving Better Health COVID-19 and Routine Vaccination Clinics will be held in several locations throughout Lackawanna County in April, May and June. For the most current vaccination clinic list, go to TheWrightCenter.org/events.

The Wright Center for Community Health is holding Driving Better Health Mobile COVID-19 and Routine Vaccination Clinics in Lackawanna County in April, May and June from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at each location.

Driving Better Health is a 34-foot mobile medical unit that brings high-quality health care services directly to the underserved communities of Northeast Pennsylvania. The mobile medical unit has been serving populations of special concern since 2020. It is regularly deployed to senior living centers, regional schools, homeless shelters and other community gathering spots.

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available for anybody age 5 and up. A guardian must accompany patients who are younger than 17. Walk-up appointments are welcome depending on vaccine availability, but appointments are encouraged for the convenience of patients. Please go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570.230.0019 to schedule an appointment. The Wright Center for Community Health clinical staff will also offer COVID-19 testing and routine vaccines at the clinics. 

The Wright Center for Community Health is offering the following vaccination clinics in Lackawanna County:

  • Thursday, April 28: The Recovery Bank, 120 Wyoming Ave., Scranton;
  • Friday, April 29: Scranton Healthy Aging Campus, 1004 Jackson St., Scranton, (10 a.m.-noon);
  • Thursday, May 12: Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service, 441 Wyoming Ave., Scranton;
  • Thursday, May 19 and Thursday, June 16: St. Francis Commons, 504 Penn Ave., Scranton;
  • Friday, May 20 and Friday, June 17: Community Intervention Center, 445 N. 6th Ave., Scranton;
  • Friday, May 27 and Friday, June 24: St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave., Scranton;
  • Tuesday, June 14: Carbondale Public Library, 5 N. Main St., Carbondale;

Guests are asked to observe public safety measures, including masking and social distancing, during the clinic and bring identification and insurance cards. 

The Wright Center for Community Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike. Community health centers offer affordable, safety-net health care services and are the largest providers of primary care for the nation’s most vulnerable and medically underserved populations. Prevalent in both urban and rural settings, community health centers are located in regions with high-poverty rates and/or low numbers of private or nonprofit health care systems and hospitals.