NEPIRC Receives Community Needs Grant from Scranton Area Community Foundation The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) is pleased to announce that it is a first-time recipient of a $10,000 Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SAF) to support NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team efforts in Scranton and throughout Lackawanna County. NEPIRC’s Dream Team program is focused on bridging the gap between education and careers in the manufacturing sector. The Dream Team initiative raises awareness of career options in advanced manufacturing amongst high school students by bringing young manufacturing professionals into the classroom to talk to students about their career journeys and how their careers have positively impacted their lives by highlighting real-life experiences. Dream Team Ambassadors are eager to share their stories with students throughout the city of Scranton and in the surrounding areas of Lackawanna County. “With this grant, NEPIRC is poised to further empower students and strengthen the manufacturing workforce, fostering economic growth and opportunity throughout Lackawanna County. I’m deeply grateful to Jenelle Osborne, NEPIRC’s talent stream coordinator, who oversees the Dream Team program; our Dream Team Ambassadors, and the manufacturers they represent, for the outstanding work they have done to promote careers in manufacturing and to help us secure important grants like this one from the Scranton Area Community Foundation,” President & CEO of NEPIRC Eric Joseph Esoda said.
My Benefit Advisor Offers Insight into GAP Plans My Benefit Advisor knows in the complex landscape that exists within healthcare; individuals often encounter unforeseen expenses that can put a substantial strain on their financial well-being. To help their workers better prepare for these situations, employers can install GAP health insurance options as a valuable component of their employee benefit package. As its name implies, GAP plans can help fill the gaps left by traditional health insurance plans. While traditional plans typically cover a portion of medical expenses, individuals are often responsible for deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket costs. GAP insurance steps in to alleviate this financial burden by providing additional coverage for expenses not fully covered by primary health insurance. Typically purchased alongside high deductible health plans (HDHPs), GAP policies allow individuals to receive coverage on medical expenses before their deductible has been met. For many individuals with these high deductible plans, paying a small monthly premium for GAP insurance can potentially lead to significantly lower medical expenses. To understand how GAP health insurance operates, it may be helpful to consider a scenario where an individual has been hospitalized due to a medical emergency. Their primary insurance covers a majority of eligible expenses, but leaves roughly 20% of total costs, which includes deductibles and copayments, as out-of-pocket expenses. By having GAP insurance plans in place, some if not all of the out-of-pocket costs could be covered, reducing the individual’s financial liability. As healthcare costs continue to rise, an investment in GAP health insurance can provide invaluable security and peace of mind, ensuring that individuals are adequately protected against unforeseen medical expenses. However, although very beneficial to supplement an existing comprehensive medical program, it is important to realize that GAP plans do not meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and as such should not be used as the sole source of medical coverage for an individual. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536.
Geisinger Marworth to Host Fun Run Geisinger Marworth Treatment Center will host a Recovery Fun Run at 10 a.m. Sept. 8 on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Runners or walkers can register for a 5k run or a 1-mile walk to benefit the Geisinger Marworth Therapeutic Activities Fund. The fund supports healthy, sober activities for patients after discharge, to help them stay in recovery. Medals will be awarded to male and female winners in each age group and participants will be eligible for prizes in a raffle drawing. Preregistration is $25 before Sept. 5 and will guarantee a race t-shirt. Day-of registration is $30 and will include a race t-shirt while supplies last. Check-in time is from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. and runners will meet at the Olive Street trailhead at the Scranton Half Marathon pavilion. Registeration is open here. For more information on Geisinger Marworth and its Therapeutic Recreation Program visit marworth.org.
United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Announces New Chair The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike expresses its deepest gratitude to George Lynett, Jr. for his outstanding service and dedication as Chairman of the Board. Under George’s leadership the last four years, the organization has made significant strides in addressing the critical needs of the community, fostering collaboration, and driving impactful change through a unique social landscape that was infamously highlighted by a pandemic in the middle of his tenure. “George Lynett has been a guiding force for the United Way, and his contributions have been invaluable,” said Gary Drapek, President & CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “His commitment to our mission and vision has helped us achieve numerous milestones, and his legacy will continue to inspire our work for years to come. We are immensely grateful for his years of service and leadership.” As we bid farewell to George, we are thrilled to welcome Deb Kolzovsky, PNC Bank, as the new Chair of the Board. Deb brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to the role, and we are confident that her leadership will usher in a new era of growth and innovation for the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “Deb Kolzovsky has been an integral part of our organization for years, and her deep understanding of our mission, coupled with her strategic vision, makes her the perfect leader for this role,” Drapek continued. “We are excited to work with Deb as we continue to build on our successes and explore new opportunities to serve our community.” The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike remains committed to improving lives and strengthening communities through education, health, and financial mobility. With Deb Kolzovsky at the helm, the organization is poised to continue its legacy of positive change and community empowerment. For more information about the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike please visit uwlc.net or contact Barry Snyder, Vice President of Community Outreach, 570.343.1267 x237 or bsnyder@uwlc.net
Scranton Area Community Foundation Celebrates 70 Years of Impact The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its 70th Anniversary Campaign, commemorating seven decades of dedicated service and impactful philanthropy in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. Since its establishment in 1954, the Foundation has been at the forefront of fostering community development, supporting nonprofit organizations, and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania. During this special time, the Foundation aims to celebrate the Foundation’s rich history while looking forward to a future of continued growth and community support.To coincide with this milestone year and continue improving on the Foundation’s critical work, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is establishing a permanent home in Lackawanna County in 2024. The Foundation was generously gifted the building that houses the Century Club of Scranton on Jefferson Avenue, directly across the street from its current rented office location in Scranton. This gift will allow the Scranton Area Community Foundation to have a permanent home in Lackawanna County later this year and better serve the community through various on-site services for nonprofits, as well as the ability to convene the community to work on important solutions.The Scranton Area Community Foundation will spend the next few months renovating, improving, and preserving the historic building. During this time, the Foundation seeks support from the community to help finalize this move and continue providing charitable support to the community. “Supporting our anniversary campaign will help us to uplift the communities we serve in Northeastern Pennsylvania and enable us to enact meaningful change across our region,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO. “By joining our 70th-anniversary campaign, you help us reach our goal as we prepare to move into our new home, honor the Foundation’s legacy, and inspire continued philanthropic efforts in our region,” stated Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair. “Every contribution makes a difference, and 100% of your donation stays local, supporting the needs of our renovations and our region’s greatest needs,” she added. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and ‘Platinum Jubilee’ anniversary celebration event is planned for December 2024. This event will bring together donors, community partners, nonprofit leaders, and the community to reflect on the Foundation’s accomplishments and celebrate its future. Look for more information on the Platinum Jubilee and ribbon-cutting ceremony to come soon. To support the Foundation’s transformative journey, visit 70.safdn.org to learn more. The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and support local causes, programs, and organizations. From improving access to equitable transportation to transforming the lives of women, girls, and their families, building the capacity of nonprofit organizations, advancing various causes in animal welfare, and ensuring all residents have access to safe and healthy housing, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is dedicated to helping to improve the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “The Scranton Area Community Foundation was established as a community trust in 1954 by the Scranton Family. Their initial $1 million gift was the seed that has grown into a permanent vehicle for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals while helping to support positive change in our community,” Ducceschi stated. “Today, ninety cents of every dollar spent at the Foundation goes directly to grants, scholarships, and programs in the communities we serve,” she added. The Scranton Area Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs, or recommend individual grants. “Reaching this 70th-anniversary milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of our donors, our nonprofit partners’ dedication, and our community’s resilience,” said Ducceschi. “As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, we remain even more committed to driving positive change and creating a vibrant, inclusive community for all across Northeastern Pennsylvania,” she added. “And we do this all through the support of our generous community.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation invites everyone to participate in the celebration and the 70th Anniversary Campaign activities. Visit safdn.org for more information about upcoming events, grant opportunities, and how to get involved. Naming opportunities and special recognition opportunities exist. Multi-year pledges can also be accepted and are appreciated. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania through philanthropy, collaboration, and community leadership. Since 1954, the Foundation has provided over $50 million in grants and scholarships, supporting a wide range of programs and initiatives that address the community’s most pressing needs.
L.R. Costanzo Co., Inc. Celebrates Safety Milestone The incredible team from L.R. Costanzo Co., Inc. (LRC) recently achieved a milestone of over 50,000 work hours without an injury! The company celebrated by hosting catered luncheons at their varied worksites during “Safety Week.” Each May, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducts the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls. LRC has participated in this event, dedicated to raising awareness about fall hazards and reinforcing the importance of fall prevention in the construction industry, for the past 11 years. During this week, LRC’s management teams, craft, and sub-contractor teams take a break from their regular work activities to discuss fall hazards, review safety procedures, engage in training sessions and demonstrations According to Corporate Safety & Health Manager Gerald Jones, “During these educational seminars, our stand-downs include toolbox talks, safety equipment inspections, reviewing rescue plans, and discussing job-specific hazards and any incidents/near misses. We also review OSHA’s focused initiatives ( e.g. mental health, heat stress, excavation). It’s an opportunity for us to talk directly to employees about safety and to emphasize the importance of preventing falls, which are a leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry.” LRC applauds the efforts and dedication of LRC employees and sub-contractors for maintaining a safe work environment. We salute our team and celebrate the continued commitment to maintaining a strong safety culture.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity Commends General Assembly and Governor Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today praised the General Assembly and the Governor for adding about $740 million to the state’s Rainy Day Fund as part of the state budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 – bringing the state’s reserve fund to a record high, nearly $7 billion. “Building Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund strengthens our fiscal outlook as we prepare for the future,” Treasurer Garrity said. “When I took office, we had one of the worst reserve funds in the country – the Rainy Day Fund was so small that it would barely cover the Commonwealth’s bills for two days. Now, thanks to four consecutive years of strong savings, we’re well above the national median. A big part of responsible budgeting is setting money aside when you can, and I strongly support this smart decision by the General Assembly and the Governor.” The balance of the state’s reserve fund, currently $6.25 billion, will increase to approximately $6.987 billion when the deposit is made. That’s enough money to run the Commonwealth for 53.6 days. According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, the national median is 46.0 days. In November, Treasurer Garrity announced that the Treasury Department created a new investment pool dedicated exclusively to the Rainy-Day Fund. The new pool is creating greater investment returns for the fund while maintaining necessary liquidity. The Rainy Day Fund, formally known as the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund, provides a fiscal safety net for possible economic downturns to help prevent tax hikes and cuts to discretionary programs. Building and maintaining the Rainy-Day Fund are integral to responsible state budgeting. Moody’s emphasized the need for a strong Rainy-Day Fund in its September 2023 Rating Action which upgraded Pennsylvania’s outlook from stable to positive and affirmed our state’s Aa3 rating: “Maintenance of adequate reserves is particularly important in Pennsylvania given a history of protracted budget negotiations, as well as demographic weaknesses that could have negative implications for long-term job growth, overall economic performance and state revenue.”
The Wright Center’s North Pocono Location Celebrates Two Years In just two years since its opening, The Wright Center’s health center in North Pocono has seamlessly integrated into the community, with its health center and staff becoming essential parts of the region. The Wright Center operates a network of community health centers in Northeast Pennsylvania, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health. Its locations offer affordable, high-quality, nondiscriminatory, whole-person primary health services to people of all ages regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. Since opening in April 2022, the staff at the health center in North Pocono has welcomed more than 3,500 patient appointments, including nearly 300 patients who used Medicare, CHIP, or medical assistance. The care team, under the direction of Amanda Turoni, a certified nurse practitioner with a doctorate in nursing degree, includes Jamie Ramos, LPN care coordinator; Samantha Tomala, medical assistant; and Amanda Granville, clinical administrative assistant. In the beginning, Turoni’s vision for the health center was fueled by the declining number of primary care providers in the region. She gathered information, including community demographics, information from health care professionals and social service workers, and surveyed parents about their families’ medical needs. That grassroots effort resulted in a twofold aim: improving the health and welfare of her hometown while also addressing the social determinants of health by holding regular food pantries and clothes closets that provide nutritious foods, seasonal clothing, school supplies, and much more for community members in need. “We knew that access to high-quality, whole-person primary health services remain a barrier for many in the area, especially in the communities that make up North Pocono,” said Turoni, noting that before the North Pocono health center opened, there were only about 12 primary care doctors in the community. “There was a need for timely, affordable treatment to address the larger issues, including chronic diseases, as well as preventive care and overall health.” According to the 2024 County Health Rankings, 19% of Lackawanna County residents report they smoke, 17% say they drink excessively, and 33% are obese. In addition, about 7% of residents do not have health insurance. For every one doctor in the county, there are 1,201 residents. The U.S. Census data adds that about 14.2% of the county’s population lives in poverty. Convinced of the community’s need, leaders at The Wright Center chose a location: a former medical practice that had closed after one provider retired in 2019 and the other relocated in 2021. With the support of a $110,855 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, they initiated efforts to open the health center in North Pocono. Overall, The Wright Center served more than 35,400 unique patients in fiscal year 2023-24, offering an integrated care model that typically allows patients the convenience of going to a single site to receive medical, dental, and behavioral health care, including addiction treatment and recovery support services for substance use disorders, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. Like many patients, Nazer Ali of Covington Township initially chose the health center because it was near his home. He continued as a patient because of the personalized care provided by the care team. “Besides the convenience of the location, Amanda has been terrific,” he said. “She takes the time to listen and ask questions.” Turoni said one of the benefits of a small clinic is that she and her staff can take more time with patients to build relationships. She’s enjoyed watching the clinic’s patient population grow as she and her staff gain the community’s trust, noting that she often bumps into patients as she runs errands and attends community events. “I think we’ve accomplished what I set out to achieve in the community,” she said. “We’re growing steadily, but we still can take our time with each patient to really get to know them.” In addition to offering whole-person primary health services, Turoni is proud of the clinic’s outreach events, which address food insecurity and other essential community needs. She hopes to partner with other community groups to expand those offerings, pointing to an upcoming farmers market organized by The Wright Center with support from state Senator Rosemary Brown’s office. Scheduled for Aug. 17 at the Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Company, the market will feature local farmers and artisans, including beekeepers, bakers, crafters, and more. The market will also offer information booths about local health and social services, demonstrations with the Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Department K-9, and a basket raffle to benefit The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, which organizes food pantries and other community events at the North Pocono health center and across the region. The farmers market, which Turoni and her colleagues hope will become a regular event, is just one of the new ideas the practitioner is exploring as the clinic grows and evolves. “I want to explore the idea of home visits to better meet the needs of our older patients and non-ambulatory patients,” Turoni said. “We want this clinic to be an essential community resource for everyone.” For more information about the health center in North Pocono, call 570-591-5150 or go to TheWrightCenter.org.
Three Geisinger Hospitals Recognized as ‘High-Performing’ Three Geisinger hospitals have been recognized for high performance in the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings, including two named as a 2024-2025 Best Hospital. Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center were named among the Best Hospitals in Pennsylvania, with Geisinger Wyoming Valley recognized as No. 1 in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions; only 11% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. The two hospitals and Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton were also named as high-performing hospitals for specific conditions and procedures. “Geisinger is dedicated to providing the highest-quality care for our patients, close to home,” said J. Edward Hartle, M.D., executive vice president and system chief medical officer. “This recognition emphasizes the quality and breadth of care available to our patients in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, when and where they need it.” The Geisinger hospitals recognized received high-performance rankings for a variety of specific procedures and conditions, including: Geisinger Medical Center: Orthopaedics; pulmonology and lung surgery; aortic valve surgery; heart bypass surgery; heart failure; colon cancer surgery; COPD; heart attack; kidney failure; leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma; lung cancer surgery; pneumonia; and stroke. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center: Pulmonology and lung surgery; urology; heart failure; colon cancer surgery; COPD; heart attack; hip replacement; knee replacement; lung cancer surgery; pneumonia; and stroke. Geisinger Community Medical Center: Heart failure; heart attack; knee replacement; pneumonia; and stroke. The annual U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings are based on patient outcomes, as well as overall patient experience, hospital staffing and other factors. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.
