Wright Center Establishes New Post, Director of Health Humanities The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education have appointed Allison LaRussa, Scranton, as Director of Health Humanities. In this newly introduced position, LaRussa will promote emotional wellness by engaging the organizations’ physician trainees, employees, patients and community members in artistic activities. For patients and the general public, there will be art therapy initiatives addressing trauma and addiction as well as community art projects to help alleviate social isolation and foster connections. For health professionals, activities also will be designed to support their professional identity development and growth by providing opportunities for shared experiences, awareness, reflection and expression. “As a valued member of our team, Allison will nurture positivity and resiliency within individuals and at the organizational level, which is particularly relevant as we collectively emerge from the pandemic experience,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, President and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. A special focus of LaRussa’s work will be The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s resident physicians and fellows. These trainees, like their counterparts in programs across the country, deal with the dual pressures of delivering top-notch care to patients and simultaneously completing rigorous graduate medical education requirements. “Our art activities at The Wright Center will be designed to decrease a lot of stress and burnout,” said LaRussa. “The projects will allow people to be more mindful, to process more, so that they are better able to handle their work.” A 2010 Marywood University graduate, LaRussa, 34, has long been active in the region’s arts scene, including First Friday Scranton.
McDonald Foundation Donates $5,000 to Northeast Regional Cancer Institute The McDonald Foundation presented the Cancer Institute with a $5,000 donation to support the Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. Nevin Gerber, a representative of the McDonald Foundation and Spirit of Hope Ambassador together with Leo Vergnetti, Chairman of the Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors, presented the check. The Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors is a group of community volunteers that hosts an annual Spirit of Hope Celebration in November at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Proceeds from the event benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. This program helps low income and un/underinsured individuals in northeast Pennsylvania get their recommended colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancer screenings.
Marywood University Professor Co-Authors Article Sunny Sinha, Ph.D., associate professor in Marywood University’s School of Social Work, recently co-authored an article titled, “Community-Based Strategies for Harm Reduction Among Sex Workers in Kolkata, India.” In the article, Dr. Sinha and her co-author explore research that was conducted with diverse groups of sex workers in India as well as around the globe, which has shown that decriminalizing sex work can promote the health, safety, and security of sex workers. Nonetheless, in many countries, including India, legislations criminalizing buying of sex—that is punishing clients of sex workers—have gained momentum with the accompanying rationale of rescuing/saving women trapped in sex work. These legislations ignore the reality that sex work is an economically viable vocation for a majority of women, men, and transgender people in India—especially when compared to low-paying jobs with long, fixed hours of work. Consequently, such legislations have also not deterred people from choosing sex work as a livelihood option. In addition, little information is available about the community-based harm reduction responses. In addition to her role as an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Marywood University, Dr. Sinha is also a Fahs-Beck Scholar, a doctoral dissertation grant program that helps support dissertation expenses of students in the U.S. and Canada. She earned her Ph.D. degree in Social Work form the University of South Carolina, Columbia. Her research and scholarship focus on a wide range of global issues, including HIV prevention, trafficking, and issues related to gender, race, class, and sexuality. She has published mostly on the issues of non-brothel-based female sex workers in Kolkata, India. Dr. Sinha is also the recipient of the Michael H. Agar Lively Science Award for 2018. For additional information about Marywood University’s School of Social Work, please visit marywood.edu/ssw, or call the Office of Admissions at (570) 348-6234. To read the paper, “Community-Based Strategies for Harm Reduction Among Sex Workers in Kolkata, India,” please visit https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13178-021-00588-5#author-information.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart Hosts Camp Healing Hearts Hospice of the Sacred Heart holds Camp Healing Hearts made possible by a $20,000 Community Impact Grant given by New York Life’s Northeastern Pennsylvania General Office. This event is a five-day camp experience to provide grief education to children ages 8 to 14 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Children work with trained bereavement counselors and members of the regional arts community to help them progress towards acceptance of the loss and use the arts as a means of self-expression. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Camp Healing Hearts will be conducted safely via Zoom Video Conferencing. Jennifer Seechock, Hospice of the Sacred Heart Director of Counseling Services, will be available throughout the week for media interviews. The five-day camp is free and is made up of two back to back 60-minute instructional sessions each day to provide a sense of routine, consistency and ultimately closure for the entire process. Each session utilizes a different theme explored through the arts. Bereavement counselors will be available throughout the week if any campers or family members require individual support. Community volunteers lend their time to campers with artistic projects in painting, writing, yoga, dance, singing and cooking/baking. Friday’s session will be held in person at Montage Mountain Waterpark. Social distancing will be observed. A video retrospective of Camp Healing Hearts will be presented before the feature film at the Circle Drive-In, 1911 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Dickson City, on a date to be determined in late August. WHEN: Monday through Friday, August 9 through 139:30 – 11:30 AM WHERE: Monday through Thursday via Zoom Video ConferencingFriday in person at Montage Mountain Waterpark1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton, PA 18507
NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative to Host Mobile Spay/Neuter Events The NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, is sponsoring a mobile spay/neuter event in partnership with Eastern PA Animal Alliance (EPAA), on July 22, 2021, beginning at 8:00 a.m. in Lackawanna County at the Keyser Valley Community Center. This is the first of three mobile spay/neuter events to take place this year based on overwhelming need, sponsored by the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. During the event, nearly 60 pre-registered applicants will be able to bring their cats (domestic or feral) during their scheduled appointment time to receive spay/neuter services at a low cost ($5 for feral cats and $10 for domestic cats). Cats will also receive rabies and distemper vaccines if needed. This event aims to provide assistance to pet owners who may be facing economic challenges to help control the pet population across the region. Due to the high demand and the maximum capacity reached for this event, the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative is unable to take any additional applications for appointments for the scheduled mobile spay/neuter events at this time. Reporters and members of the media are invited to attend to cover the event. A project of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative works on initiatives aimed at ensuring animals in Northeastern Pennsylvania can achieve a happy and healthy life, free from abuse and neglect. The Collaborative is composed of over 40 individuals and organizations in the animal shelter, rescue, sanctuary, and welfare community including Griffin Pond, In Pursuit of Grace, Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, and others. To learn more about the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative or to become involved, please visit the Collaborative’s website, nepaawc.org, or follow the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative on Facebook. For more information about these mobile spay/neuter events, please contact Brittany Pagnotti, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Communications Manager at 570-347-6203. Donations to the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative are accepted online at safdn.org or by check made payable to the Scranton Area Foundation indicating “NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative Fund” in the memo mailed to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, 615 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 102, Scranton, PA 18510.
Golden Technologies to Introduce New Innovative Products at Medtrade East Golden Technologies is excited to showcase new innovative products in both the power lift recliner and mobility divisions at Medtrade East, the home medical equipment industry’s largest trade show, in Atlanta, GA, October 19 and 20, 2021. The introduction of new technology and comfort features at the show will help retailers discover new ways to drive cash sales with profit-producing products. “We aim to lead our retailers to more education that will help them succeed. Nothing replaces the experience of the face-to-face interaction gained by attending a show and now that travel restrictions have softened, we’re eager to see our retailers at Medtrade East to learn about all of the tremendous innovation we have been working on during the pandemic,” said Rich Golden, President & CEO of Golden Technologies. “Thanks to the support of our thousands of retailers across the country, including our exclusive Flagship retailers, we are poised to help more Americans maintain their independence and enjoy a new level of comfort with our unique designs and advanced technology than ever before,” he added. In addition to showing new power lift recliners, Golden will also feature their Comfort Zone, a stress-free reclining experience by providing up to five adjustable, patented, and supportive positioning zones that can increase the body’s wellness and optimize the feeling of comfort. Golden offers the only five-zone luxury power lift recliners in the world. The tilting motion of their patented Twilight Technology provides a feeling of weightlessness while encouraging circulation by relaxing with the legs easily and comfortably elevated above the heart. In their mobility division, Golden is creating a buzz about their new power wheelchair. “The BuzzAbout is very unique in the market. It offers a great combination of power and portability, along with a new front and rear LED lighting system for safety,” said Golden. “We’ll also show our new GB120 Buzzaround CarryOn folding scooter, one of the hottest selling scooters on the market due to its incredible portability and transportability,” he added. The scooter line is growing with the addition of new luxurious three- and four-wheel models featuring full-size comfort with the convenience of true portability. Retailers at the show can stop by to visit Golden at booth #1247 to see what the buzz is all about. Visit www.goldentech.com for more information.
Your Favorite Disney Characters Return to Wilkes Barre Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party is bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air. This adventure delivers compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers visits Wilkes Barre from August 19 – 22, 2021 at the ASM Global managed Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com and in person at the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena. While delivering the same magical experiences guests expect from Disney On Ice, Feld Entertainment is continuing Guest Wellness Enhancements to help keep families safe at its live events. Feld Entertainment is working closely with venue partners to establish and follow COVID-19 health and safety standards in accordance with all federal, state and local guidelines. Face coverings are strongly encouraged, regardless of vaccination status. The CDC recommends face coverings if you are not fully vaccinated. Full details on Feld Entertainment Guest Wellness Enhancements can be found here. Additional Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party Show Details; Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney●Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice. Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka. And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration. Join this magical search and help unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience in your hometown! Event Location: Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes Barre Township, PA 18702 Dates and Times of Performances: Thursday, August 19 7:00pmFriday, August 20 3:00pm 7:00pmSaturday, August 21 11:00am 3:00pm 7:00pmSunday, August 22 11:00am 3:00pm Tickets start at: $20* To purchase tickets:Online: www.disneyonice.com or www.ticketmaster.comBox Office: NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun ArenaGroup Tickets: For groups 9+, please contact (570) 970-7600, ext. 1119 or email at groups@MoheganSunArenaPA.com *Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. For more info about Disney On Ice, follow Disney On Ice social media channels: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce
Employers Fight Inflation with Cheaper Benefit Plans Many local business owners are now discovering that the post-COVID economic recovery has a downside – namely, inflation. As a result, these employers are searching for ways to offset the rising expense of running a business. According to Jerry Calistri, President and CEO of the insurance brokerage firm Swift Kennedy & Associates, these business owners should consider switching from traditional fully insured employee benefit packages to self-insured plans, such as level-funded policies, in order to control costs. Reduced Costs “Level-funded plans can offer employers substantial savings in this inflationary environment because of the fact that they do not include marketing expenses, have lower administrative costs, and are exempt from premium taxes and most state regulations,” said Calistri. These plans also allow business owners to pay a fixed or “level” monthly fee (based on expected claims) that is usually lower than traditional insurance premiums. In addition, employers may be awarded a partial cash refund if actual claims are lower than expected. (If claims are higher than predicted, the employer’s stop loss insurance will kick in.) Transparency and Versatility Unlike business owners with traditional insurance plans, those with level-funded policies receive claims activity reports with detailed information about employees’ health care usage patterns throughout the year. This transparency of claims data allows employers to take advantage of another cost-saving feature of level-funded plans – the customization of benefits. “Having access to claims data lets business owners customize their benefit offerings so that they are more cost effective,” said Calistri. “For example, if their employees seem to be over-using hospital emergency rooms, employers can tailor their plan designs so that workers have incentives to use urgent care centers and doctors’ offices for health problems that aren’t life threatening.” Employee Engagement Most level-funded plans offer a number of services designed to engage employees more fully in their healthcare decisions, while maximizing employers’ cost savings, For example, many plans provide wellness programs designed to motivate workers to pursue healthy lifestyle choices such as exercising, since it is widely recognized that a healthy lifestyle can reduce employees’ medical costs. Many of these plans also include telemedicine, which lets employees have online medical appointments and is not only a big money saver for employers but is also highly convenient for workers. Some also offer prescription benefit management programs, which help employees select generic and mail order drugs rather than more expensive brand name products. “Because of their transparency, versatility, and potential savings, level-funded plans can be a great fit for many businesses whose owners are concerned about inflation,” said Calistri.
