The Wright Center’s: Health Literacy Goes A Long Way Toward Long-term Wellness Here at The Wright Center, we’re big proponents of our patients serving as their own best advocates for their long-term health. So, naturally, we’re happy to promote awareness campaigns like Health Literacy Month. Observed throughout October, Health Literacy Month was started in 1999 by health communication expert Helen Osborne as a way for organizations and the general public to spread awareness on the need for patients to more efficiently process, analyze, and evaluate the information they are receiving from their health care providers. Through better health literacy, people can overcome challenges that result in bad health outcomes and in the process, create a more equitable world “where everyone can access high-quality care and achieve positive health outcomes,” according to the Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA), the group that oversees Health Literacy Month. According to IHA, studies have shown that a large number of patients have significant difficulty reading, comprehending, and acting on the health information provided to them, often due to the complexity of the information and a lack of clear, plainspoken communication on the part of the provider. In addition, basic literacy skills, language differences, age, disability, cultural context, and emotional responses can also hinder a patient’s health literacy, which can negatively affect health outcomes and costs. Thankfully, efforts like Health Literacy Month are helping to bridge that gap. In recent years, the event has become a worldwide initiative with numerous health care organizations, government agencies, literacy programs, colleges, professional organizations, businesses, social service organizations, and community partnerships hosting and collaborating on various health literacy events every October. Fitting into that theme, earlier this year The Wright Center joined an impressive list of organizations across the country when it was designated by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), an office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as a Healthy People 2030 Champion, affirming our longtime commitment to improving the health and well-being of all people. Applicants are selected on the basis of possessing a demonstrated interest in and experience with disease prevention, health promotion, health equity, well-being, and health literacy. One of the main focuses of the Healthy People initiative is addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH). These social conditions impact people in the places where they live, learn, work, and play and can affect their quality of life and health. Examples of SDOH include exposure to polluted air and water, exposure to racism and violence, and an individual’s level of access to things such as nutritious foods, educational attainment, job opportunities, safe housing, and outlets for physical activity. The Wright Center has made SDOH a critical part of our mission, and we’re firmly committed to providing exceptional integrated primary and preventive health care services to our diverse patient population throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. That means giving patients the tools they need to become their best advocates, including spending as much time as needed with them and their families and delivering information with clarity, purpose, and empathy. Our resident physicians also partnered with community organizations to address SDOH. For example, we delivered educational programming at the Indraloka Animal Sanctuary for regional children about the importance of healthy eating habits and collaborated with Child Hunger Outreach Partners to package nutritious food for regional children experiencing food insecurity. It is important to know that a little knowledge goes a long way. My colleagues and I at The Wright Center for Community Health are adamant about providing patients with the right information so they can make the right decisions about their health. For more information about Health Literacy Month, visit https://healthliteracymonth.org. Ayushi Jain, M.D., is a resident physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency program and serves as the chief resident liaison for The Wright Center for Patient and Community Engagement Board.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Hosts Carnival-themed Fundraiser An adults-only night at the carnival will support student scholarships for Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Moonlight on the Midway will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. The event will feature classic carnival fare, a beer and wine selection, and beloved childhood amusement games with bigger, better prizes. Culinary Creations by Metz will staff concession stations offering elevated dishes inspired by traditional carnival food. Entertainment will include sideshow performances, and a silent auction will feature items from local businesses. Tickets cost $125 and can be purchased at go.geisinger.org/gcsommidway. Attendees must be 21 and older, and attire is casual. Sponsorship and one-time donation opportunities are also available on the event page. For more information, please contact Foundation Events at foundationevents@geisinger.edu or 570-214-0400.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Sets 2024 RailRiders Home Schedule The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have announced their home game times for the 2024 season. The new season begins on March 29 at Buffalo with the home opener slated for April 2. The RailRiders will once again play a 150-game slate with 75 games set for PNC Field. The first pitch for all weeknight games throughout the season will be at 6:35 P.M. Saturday games in April and May will start at 4:05 P.M. and shift to 6:05 starting on June 8 for the remainder of the summer. All Sunday games will begin at 1:05 P.M. in 2024. Games on May 7 and 21 will have a 6:05 P.M. first pitch. The RailRiders will host two STEM School Day games in 2024 with 11:05 A.M. start times. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre hosts Rochester on Wednesday, May 8, and Syracuse on Wednesday, May 22, in the early games. STEM School Day games are presented by Penn State Scranton, Penn State Hazleton and Penn State Wilkes-Barre. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Louisville will play at 1:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, at PNC Field. The final Saturday game of the home schedule, September 14 against Lehigh Valley, is set with a 4:05 p.m. start. Promotions and giveaways will be announced at a later time and all game times are subject to change. Season ticket memberships, including premium seating, full season, half season and partial plans, are on sale now. Find more information online at swbrailriders.com or by calling (570) 969-2255.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives $45,000 in ARPA Funds The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute recently received a $45,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) nonprofit recovery grant from the City of Scranton to support the Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. Funds will be used for software upgrades to streamline Navigation Program operations and enhance data security. “NRCI is extremely appreciative of this funding support from the City of Scranton. These upgrades will allow for program growth, increase the number of people screened for cancer, and help save lives through early detection”, according to Laura Toole, Executive Vice President at the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. This funding was awarded as part of the City of Scranton’s open applications for nonprofit organizations.
PennDOT Announces Upcoming Closing for Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, October 7, 2023, through Monday, October 9, 2023, in observance of the Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day holiday. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2023 is available online. If you are planning to visit one of PennDOT’s On-Line Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays. Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
The Rotary Club to Host Boscov’s Friends Helping Friends Fundraiser The Boscov’s Friends Helping Friends fundraiser is coming up in October – here are a few event details:Boscov’s offers non-profit organizations the opportunity to sell discount passes giving shoppers 25% on most items purchased during the one-day sale – this year it’s Wednesday October 18.The discount passes are $5 and shoppers get 25% off their purchases (most items there are some exceptions with lower discounts) – a great deal for the shopper and Rotary Club keeps the $5.Historically, the Rotary Club has used these funds to buy dictionaries for local 3rd graders – each 3rd grader gets their own dictionary. The teachers love it because each student gets their own personal dictionary.In addition to the dictionaries, this year they hope to raise enough $ to start Interact Clubs at Scranton High School and West Scranton High.The Club asks each member to sell 5 passes – but notes that more than 5 would be wonderful. If passes can’t be sold it’s OK, selling passes is voluntary, but the value of the ticket is apparent and it’s really an easy sell.IMPORTANT CHANGE – Due to the # of non-profits participating this year, they will have fewer hours to sell tickets in store on the day of sale – meaning greater effort will be needed and there must be emphasis on early ticket sales. The Rotary will still have a table at Boscov’s the day of the sale but not for the whole day – they will need volunteers to staff the table on October 18th. It’s a fun time so sign up with Ty!Ty Holmes is heading up this fundraiser – show support and contact him for discount passes – tdholmes23@gmail.com or 224-436-0110
Everything Natural to Host Natural Food and Products Expo On October 14, 11am-3pm, Everything Natural will host it’s Natural Food and Products Expo 2023: An event created to introduce the community to natural, organic, and healthy products. Everything Natural is aware that consumers everywhere are waking up and wanting to know: What’s in the food? How is it made? They are paying more attention to the impact their food has on people and on the planet. Come and engage with local/regional farmers and vendors some of who include: Swiss Villa Farms, HighVibe.Kitchen, Beekeeper’s Daughter, Two Homes, Young Living Oils, and more. Also on hand will be a New Products Booth which will introduce customers to the newest foods and supplements available in the market. Join Everything Natural for a day of tasting and learning about foods and products that are new and cutting edge in the marketplace. Additionally, in the downstairs studio: 12pm Young Living Oil Make your own perfume w/Essential Oils Tara McAuliffe. 1:30pm HighVibe.Kitchen a cooking demo w/ Rebekah Gillette. Save the date! Spaces are limited for the downstairs workshops and we are encouraging everyone to stop by or call the store to reserve a seat.
Slick Cyber Systems Announces Free IT Assessment Slick Cyber Systems, a leading provider of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, is thrilled to announce the launch of its FREE IT ASSESSMENT program. Designed to empower organizations with a comprehensive understanding of their network security posture, this initiative offers a range of invaluable services to safeguard digital assets and ensure a secure infrastructure. The FREE IT ASSESSMENT includes: Free Network Evaluation: Our expert team will conduct a thorough analysis of your organization’s network architecture to identify vulnerabilities and potential security risks. Customized Vulnerability Report: You will receive a detailed report outlining the specific vulnerabilities and weaknesses within your network, enabling you to make informed decisions about your cybersecurity strategy. Consultation to Address Your IT Needs: Our seasoned professionals will provide a one-on-one consultation to discuss the findings of the assessment and recommend tailored solutions to address your unique IT requirements. Data Safety Assurance: Protect your sensitive data with confidence, as we offer guidance on data security best practices and the latest threat mitigation techniques. Roadmap to a Safe and Secure Infrastructure: Receive a roadmap outlining actionable steps to enhance your organization’s cybersecurity posture, ensuring a safe and secure digital environment. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. Cyberattacks are growing in frequency and sophistication, making it imperative for businesses of all sizes to fortify their defenses against potential threats. Slick Cyber Systems is committed to helping organizations proactively protect their digital assets and maintain the trust of their clients and stakeholders. “Don’t delay in taking action to protect your organization’s digital assets,” advises Jim Slick, CEO of Slick Cyber Systems. “Our FREE IT ASSESSMENT is a crucial first step toward securing your infrastructure and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data.” To schedule your FREE IT ASSESSMENT with Slick Cyber Systems and take the first step towards a safer digital future, please visit https://www.slickcybersystems.com/free-it-assessment/ or call 570-371-5800.
The University of Scranton Hosts Acclaimed Pianist On Saturday, Oct. 14, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a recital by critically and popularly acclaimed award-winning pianist Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. Conductor and Director of Performance Music Cheryl Y. Boga says, “I first became of aware of Llewellyn and his incredible talent when my son would text me from his classes at Juilliard to tell me about this amazing 13-year-old who was already enrolled in pursuit of his undergraduate degree and – according to Joseph – ‘played piano like craaaazy!’ Now, at age 26, he is already one of the most virtuosic, vibrant, and socially committed musicians of his generation.” Described as “a gifted virtuoso” by the San Francisco Chronicle, Sanchez-Werner has been performing with orchestras since the age of 6. The California native has played internationally with the Royal Concertgebouw in the Netherlands, CultureSummit Abu Dhabi, the Louvre and Grenoble Museums in France, Smetana Hall in the Czech Republic, State Philharmonic Hall in Slovakia, Verbier Festival in Switzerland, Ashford Castle in Ireland and Gijon International Piano Festival in Spain. In the United States, he has performed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center and National Sawdust in New York City, Mary B. Galvin Hall in Chicago, Richardson Auditorium at Princeton University, Paramount Theater in Oakland, and the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Art Museum, and Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. In addition, Sanchez-Werner has performed at the Kennedy Center and the White House for former President Barack Obama and current President Joe Biden, for President Peña Nieto of Mexico, Prime Minister Peres of Israel, and President Kagame of Rwanda. Committed to public service, he received the Atlantic Council Young Global Citizen Award recognizing his dedication to social action through music in such countries as Iraq, Rwanda, France, Canada and the U.S. An active chamber musician, Sanchez-Werner has collaborated with Renée Fleming, Eric Owens, Marina Poplavskaya, Richard O’Neill and Cynthia Phelps. He partnered with the Gershwin family on a concert and biographical tribute to the Gershwin brothers, and performed “Hallelujah Junction” for John Adams at his 70th birthday celebration in New York. Sanchez-Werner earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School, where he was awarded the Kovner Fellowship, won the concerto competition and was the youngest admittee to each program at ages 14 and 18, respectively. Juilliard was Sanchez-Werner’s second college experience – he became a full-time student at Ventura College at age five, where he completed 170 college credits toward degrees in music and international relations. Sanchez-Werner also earned an Artist Diploma from the Yale School of Music, where he was awarded the Charles S. Miller Prize. For further information on the recital, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Sanchez-Werner, visit llewellynsanchezwerner.com.
