Clarks Summit University Celebrates 92nd Commencement

Clarks Summit University celebrated graduates in their 92nd Commencement on May 11, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the Recreation Center on their Clarks Summit campus.

CSU’s graduating class earned degrees in 50 programs of study, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral.

92nd Graduating Class

158 graduates were celebrated. The class represented a breadth of academic achievement with 16 different degree types, from associate to doctoral. 161 degrees were conferred across 50 programs of study, including business, counseling, education, organizational leadership, biology, health sciences, ministry and theology. Members of this graduating class hail from 27 states and 10 different countries, including Ethiopia, Japan, South Africa, United Kingdom and Brazil.

First Program Graduates

Among the graduates were the first graduates of CSU’s Master of Business Administration program. CSU launched the program last fall, and it has earned the distinction of “Best One-Year MBA” by Forbes Advisor. These first graduates completed their MBA online in less than one year.

The first graduates with an undergraduate major of Intercultural Entrepreneurship were also part of this graduating class.  

The first graduates of the Master of Business Administration program are joined by faculty members.

CSU president James Lytle, D.Min., speaks at the university’s 92nd Commencement. 

Commencement Service

The invocation was given by Dena Cambra, M.Ed., vice president for Marketing and Communications. Assistant professor Brian Deschaine, M.Ed., read Colossians 1:9–14. The Concert Choir sang “Elijah Rock,” arranged by Roger Emerson, and “Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed,” by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Ed Cash, arranged by James Koerts. William Higley, Ph.D., vice president for academics, presented the candidates for graduation. CSU president James Lytle, D.Min., conferred degrees and spoke a prayer of dedication before the audience sang the university hymn, “Holding Fast the Faithful Word,” by Vera Stilwel and W.S. Miller, arranged by David Harris. Dr. Lytle also introduced the commencement speaker, Aaron Marshall, M.A. 

Commencement Speaker

Marshall is the chair of CSU’s Board of Trustees. He spoke on the Colossians passage, challenging graduates to “Live a Worthy Life.” A two-time Clarks Summit University alumnus (’96, ’19), he is also the managing partner of TEAMMarshall LLLP. Marshall has served in pastoral roles and as past president and CEO of BCS, a technology deployment company.

Aaron and his wife Jaye T. live in Arkansas and have three children. The couple started the JLE Marshall Endowment for Pediatric Oncology in 2011 to assist in bringing pediatric cancer treatment to Northwest Arkansas. Passionate about helping those experiencing homelessness, Aaron helped establish New Beginnings Village, providing a micro-shelter “bridge housing” community and access to services and programs which holistically help residents.

Aaron Marshall, M.A., gives the commencement address at Clarks Summit University’s 92nd Commencement.

In his volunteer role as community shepherd at Fellowship Bible Church of NWA, Aaron administrates small group ministry. He serves on the board of Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest and is president of the board of New Beginnings Northwest Arkansas.

An instructor and two graduating scholar-athletes celebrate during CSU’s 92nd Commencement.

Student Testimonies

Students from various degree levels were selected to give graduate testimonies.

Juan Izquierdo, from Kissimmee, Florida, majored in Biology and Biblical Studies. He said, “It’s been an honor to serve and represent this school academically and athletically. As I look back and reflect on my journey, I can see a man that has grown spiritually in tremendous ways.”

Emma Mitten, from Largo, Florida, graduated with Highest Honor with majors in Intercultural Entrepreneurship and Biblical Studies. “I think the biggest way in which I’ve learned from my time here is in the opportunities I have been given, and the people that God has placed in my life,” she said. “From day one, I’ve been challenged by my professors, my RD [resident director], and my friends to always obey God in the things He is calling me to do, even if I’m not too comfortable doing it.”

Luke Tice, a Pastoral Ministries and Biblical Studies double-major from Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, graduated with High Honor. He said, “Praise God for all he has done, is doing, and will continue to faithfully do in and through all of us here at CSU. I have the opportunity to take some of the best, most practical classes, meet some of the most solid, Christ-following people, and experience some of the most truthful, heartfelt ministry in my time here.”

Kristin Charles represented Master of Education graduates, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction. She earned her undergraduate degree at Grove City College and is from Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.  “I am grateful to God for all that He has taught me along the way and for the chance to step into the classroom each day to do what I love. I now have renewed energy and the resources I have needed to teach with excellence,” she explained. She completed her degree over 21 years and admitted, “I had wondered if it was too late to finish this degree, but I was reminded that it is never too late to pursue the dreams God has put on our hearts.” 

Donna Oakes, from Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, earned two degrees from CSU through the Accelerated Counseling program—her Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Master of Science in Counseling. The South African native shared how her story has changed from someone who failed in high school, had no hope for the future and had suicidal thoughts to someone who was supported by God and others to earn both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in counseling. “Who I am today is a stranger to my yesterdays. You are looking at someone who believed she was intellectually unable to complete high school, much less college. You are looking at someone who believed she had no hope for her future…and now look, here I am. Here I stand with my hands raised high to a Savior that saved my soul and rewrote the story of my life. I am surrounded by people who have been instrumental in changing the course of my life.” 

Emily McLean, hailing from Ontario, Canada, earned her Master of Divinity from CSU’s Baptist Bible Seminary. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Ministry focus. “Throughout all the challenges and blessings and chaos, the grace of God and the discipline of seminary homework deadlines kept me in the Word and brought me back to Its truth again and again and again.” She said, “At the time that I began my seminary degree, I could never have pictured myself on this day, at 31, seven years later. And yet, God knew the work that He was preparing me for even then. He used His living and active Word to equip and challenge and sanctify me, one course at a time.”

Ryan Day, a three-time CSU graduate from Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania, earned his Doctor of Ministry degree with a Pastoral Ministry focus. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a dissertation: “Training Deacons who Dare to Make a Difference.” A high-school student who attended Teen Leadership Conference and eventually earned his bachelor’s, master’s and now doctoral degrees at CSU and Baptist Bible Seminary, Day describes the university as “a special place where God can change your life.” He continued, “I want to thank the faculty here at Baptist Bible Seminary for your unwavering commitment to both truth and love—the truth of the Bible and the love of your students. I praise God today for the incredible impact that CSU and Baptist Bible Seminary have had on my life.”

Misericordia University Offers Summer Camps for Students

Misericordia University offers a variety of camps during the summer for students of all ages. From Career Exploration Camps for high school students to Sports Camps and a Performing Arts Camp for any age group, there is something for everyone!

To explore all that our summer camps have to offer, please visit:  https://www.misericordia.edu/campus-community/university-camps utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=pacesetter_expressway_pmax&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwuJ2xBhA3EiwAMVjkVGmjP4i7Z3d3kbBlssdefXihoSC2OZqSLJLqaspqhbs8eQ5NhXcJ9RoCkeUQAvD_BwE

The Honesdale National Bank Supports School District

The Honesdale National Bank has recently made a $5,000 contribution to the Susquehanna Community School District via Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The funds will go towards financial education programs in the school district.

HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “We are happy to support The Susquehanna Community School District as they enhance their educational programs.” He continued, “The best way to get our future generations prepared for the next step in life, is providing access to critical financial lessons and resources.”

The mission of the Susquehanna Community School District is to nurture an educational environment that will develop life-long learners who will be successful participants in an ever-changing world. Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. has been administering EITC since 2003. They have over a decade of experience and have provided millions of dollars in funding to support thousands of students.

The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties.  The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. HNB is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender with NMLS ID # 446237.

Pictured (L to R):Tina Verrastro, Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager, Ted Radu, Assistant Trust Officer, along with students and staff of the Susquehanna Community School District.

Marywood to Hold Virtual MFA Info Session

Marywood University will hold a virtual Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Information Session on Thursday, May 23, at 4 p.m. This information session is free and open to anyone who is interested in pursuing a low-residency master of fine arts degree. To register, please visit https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/Spr24MFA.

Marywood’s “Get Your Master’s with the Masters” MFA program is the oldest and best low-residency program in the country, designed for educators, graphic designers, and illustrators who are working professionally anywhere in the world and are interested in earning a terminal degree.

The virtual info session will cover what to expect during the three-year program that includes four, two-week residential summer sessions at Marywood’s campus; six study tours conducted in New York City and other major cities; and independent work. Former student thesis and class project examples will be shared. While production and technical skills are stressed, the thrust of the program is on creativity and conceptual thinking.

By design, the program is structured for students to keep their day job while pursuing a terminal degree. While production and technical skills are stressed, the core of the program encompasses creativity and conceptual thinking.

For more details about the MFA in Graphic Design and Illustration Degree program, visit marywood.edu/visual-arts-graphic-design-illustration-masters-degree. To register for the MFA Info Session, please visit https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/Spr24MFA. For additional information about Marywood University’s MFA Information Session, please contact Steven Brower, MFA, director of the “Get Your Master’s with the Masters” MFA program at Marywood University, at (570) 348-6211, ext. 2569, or email sbrower@marywood.edu.

Johnson College Celebrates 105th Commencement

The Johnson College Scranton campus was full of excitement as students and their families, staff, and faculty gathered to celebrate the College’s largest graduating class at its 105th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 11, 2024.

Graduates completed programs for Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees, academic certificates, and Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE).

Michele Bannon, Mayor of the City of Carbondale, gave the commencement address before degrees were presented by Katie Leonard, Ed.D., President & CEO of Johnson College, and Heather Bonker, General Education Director of Johnson College.

Recipients of Johnson College’s Award for Academic Excellence, Devin Walsh, a Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology graduate, and Chase Notz, a Computer Information Technology graduate, served as student speakers.

Nicole Nye ’22, Johnson College Electrical Construction Technology Instructor, gave the alumni address to the newly graduated Johnson College Class of 2024.

The event was live-streamed on the College’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnsonCollegePA.

Following is a list of the spring 2024 graduates:

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Computer Information Technology

Michael Fordham, Greentown

Luca Guasto, Avoca

Aaron Hall, Pittston

Kade Hapeman, Wilkes-Barre

Anthony Jacobino, Carbondale

Joshua Littlejohn, Blakely

Joshua Heffernan, Greeley

Sean McGeehan, Swoyersville

Chase Notz, Scranton

Jonathan O’Connor, Milford

Noah Petty, Old Forge

Ryan Reap, Avoca

Jeremiyah Sandy, Scranton

Brian Sworen, Hawley

John Umbaugh, Moscow

Nathaniel Warnack, Kingston

Physical Therapist Assistant

Josue Aguilar Miron, Scranton

Michael Bennici Jr, Olyphant

Natalie Buchinski, Dickson City

Abbie Hessling, Hawley

Kalpana Sharma, Sayre

Bryce Shorten, Jessup

Karolina Zdrok, Scranton

Radiologic Technology

April Best, Pittston

Olivia Gries, Honesdale

Tiahna Jackson, Peckville

Kayla Jensen, Milford

Joshua Kane, Old Forge

Thomas Kubelus, Springbrook Twp.

Susan Long, Swoyersville

Sierra Matash, Bloomsburg

Emily Ohme, Plymouth

Trinaya Parker , Scranton

Devon Porvaznik, Tunkhannock

Alyssa Purpura, Milford

Gina Simeone, Wyoming

Nancy Wassef, Tobyhanna

Veterinary Nursing

Rianna Balliet, Nescopeck

Juliana Deininger, Scranton

Emma Faithfull, Honesdale

Brooke Frable, Dunmore

Elizabeth Friedrichs, Elizabethtown

Aleeza Leary, Moscow

Kaitlyn McDonald, Newfoundland

Molly Nagle, Forest City

Thayer Rogers, Hershey

Stephanie Ropietski, Plymouth

Adriana Ruiz, Reading

Shana Souryavong, Old Forge

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Seth Gruver, Palmerton

Richard Reed, Lake Ariel

Jason Skumanich, Olyphant

Architectural Drafting & Design Technology

Rachel Butler, Lake Ariel

Daniel Dougherty, Scranton

Tyler Mendicino, Clarks Summit

Automotive Technology

Laura Alleva-Cox, Archbald

Michael Altieri, Archbald

Dylan DeGroat, Shohola

Joschua Perez, Scranton

Danielle Reese, Scranton

Mackenzie Snyder, Scranton

Biomedical Equipment Technology

Jacob DeManicor, Clifford Twp.

Robert Jenkins, Moosic

Evan Scarnecchia, Bushkill

Brian Smith, Kingston

Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology

Abby Bowen, Tunkhannock

Brendan Jarosh, Eynon

Aiden Martelli, Dickson City

Patrick McLaine, Scranton

Aaron Newhart, Dalton

Austin Norris, Waymart

Charles Santarsiero, Clarks Summit

Kenneth Stucker, Lake Ariel

Civil Design Technology

Tristin Piazza, Clarks Summit

Michael Sarno, Pittston

Diesel Truck Technology

Victoria Keller, Exeter

Michael Naegele, Clarks Summit

John Ozark, Pittston Twp.

Troy Venesky, Clarks Summit

Joshua Wiggins, Plymouth

Peter Winowich, Clarks Summit

Nicholas Youshock, Olyphant

Electrical Construction Technology

Evan Berretta, Old Forge

John Bonilla, Bushkill

Richard Bowen, Exeter

Jacob Burke, Scranton

Salvatore Caminiti, Moscow

Tyler Cawley, Archbald

Anthony Celona, Hawley

Aleksander Chilson, Pittston

Zachary Chilson, Pittston

Cody Choyka, Throop

Jeffrey Costello, Greenfield Twp.

Alyssa Crawford, Jermyn

Jacob Decker, Henryville

Hezekiah Deitz, Hamlin

Seth DePalma, Olyphant

James Diaz, Scranton

Bruno Ealo, Scott Twp.

Korry Eisley, Clifton Twp.

Michael Forrester, Willkes-Barre

Shane Frank, Dunmore

Ryan Freer, Milford

Luke Galli, Yatesville

David Giaimo, Scranton

Luis Gonzalez, Scranton

Brandon Griffiths, Scranton

Marco Guerrero Alvanez, Forest City

Liam Hetherson, Olyphant

Wayne Jones, Dickson City

Jacob Kelly, South Abington Twp.

Imran Khan, Moosic

Ian Koehler, Scranton

Fantajah LaRoche, Simpson

Brendan Lynott, South Abington Twp.

Audrey Marrow, Dunmore

Cyrus Morales, Bushkill

Ethan Muha, Dickson City

Matthew Mychayliw, Dunmore

Carlos Orta, Carbondale

Jack Patten, Beach Lake

Hunter Pazzalia, Archbald

Noah Perrotti, Moosic

Preston Petts, Dunmore

Blake Praschak, Archbald

Zachary Racht, Simpson

Elijan Roberts, Scranton

David Romanski, Archbald

Michael Romiti, Scranton

Xariel Sanchez, Wilkes-Barre

Erick Sanchez-Guzman, Scranton

Alfredo Santiago, Scranton

Brenden Scarantino, Dunmore

Adam Schield, Roaring Brook Twp.

Parker Smith, Scott Twp.

Seth Sylvester, Pittston

Brian Troutman, Moscow

Jackson Valentin, Milford

Kevin VanLuvanee, Nicholson

Liam Walter, South Abington Twp.

Electronic Engineering Technology

Zebulon Chisdock, Harding

Hershall Ferguson, Factoryville

Guy Higdon, Carbondale

Hope Hoanzl, Forest City

Isaya Ortiz, Scranton

Jacob Tighe, Forest City

Kyle Williams, Greentown

Jallen Wilks, Moscow

Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology

Jaron Bullick, Scott Twp.

Jeffrey Bushinkski, Scranton

Robert Castaldi, Moosic

Joshua Cohen, Scranton

Jared Craig, Clarks Summit

Thomas Dougherty, Dunmore

Damian House, Drums

Jonathan Hunsberger, Canadensis

James Lamberti, Roaring Brook Twp.

Dustin McAllister, Scranton

Richard McCabe, Scranton

Cameron McCarthy, Mountain Top

Blake Mullin, Nazareth

Robert Murphy, Thompson

Ryan Phillips, Luzerne

Derek Segear, Wilkes-Barre

Nathan Shaw, Carbondale

Ryan Soignet, Mayfield

Corey Sweeney, White Haven

Conner Sweeney, Dupont

Zackary Vojick, Childs

Devin Walsh, Olyphant

Kevin Williams, Eynon

Heavy Equipment Technology

Nicholas Lathrop, Greenfield Twp.

Brian Talley, Lake Ariel

Mechatronics Technology

Adam Haines, Madison Twp.

Ryan Reber, Clifton Twp.

Andrew Sesso, Taylor

Alex Ziemrowski, East Stroudsburg

Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology

Luke Gyurkovic, Honesdale

John Milewski, Jefferson Twp.

Todd Varley, Milford

David Yencho, Dickson City

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Welding Technology

Christoper Evancho, Rock Glen

William Fischer, Clarks Summit

Steven Gallo, Milford

Jadan Gomez, Hazleton

Charity Keithline, Tunkhannock

Tyler Kielty, Milford

Zachary Menichello, Jessup

Alex Michaylo, Old Forge

Grace Rodriguez, Scranton

Ethan Stankowski, Clarks Summit

Logan Treat, Falls

RISE (READINESS IN SKILLED EMPLOYMENT) PROGRAM

Building & Property Maintenance

Jai-li Camacho, Scranton

Terrence Jefferson, Scranton

Computer Support & Security Specialist

Mark Lindsay, Simpson

Daisy Smith, Carbondale

Nicholas Snyder, Dunmore

Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technology

Anthony Rivera, Throop

Medical Assistant Specialist

Alicia Brown, Scranton

Daniele Chatelain, Scranton

Shauna Pace, Throop

Kency Ramirez, Taylor

Dulce Semedo, Peckville

Welding Technology

Scott Jaccarino, Wyoming

Alexander Allen, Carbondale

Aaron Carney, Carbondale

Luciano Devine, Jefferson Twp.

Marywood Student Recognized on ALL IN Voting Honor Roll

Marywood student Kelly Royer, Weatherly, has been named to the 2024 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll, which recognizes college students doing outstanding work to advance nonpartisan democratic engagement at participating campuses. Ms. Royer, who is pursuing her degree in Physician Assistant Studies, joins a group of 137 students recognized for their voter registration, education, and turnout efforts during the 2023 elections, which featured critical ballot measures and local and state races.

“Whether it’s a presidential election year or one with critical state and local races on the ballot, students have a powerful role to play in fostering active and engaged campuses and getting their peers to participate in our democracy. Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is honored to celebrate 137 student leaders who model nonpartisan democratic engagement,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. “These honorees hosted candidate information sessions, created guides on polling location accessibility, registered their peers to vote and so much more. We know these students will continue to make a difference in our democracy.”

Studies show that voting and democratic participation are habits that are built and strengthened over time. A recent survey from CIRCLE showed that 86 percent of under-35 youth who voted in 2022 and 72 percent of those who voted in 2020 consider themselves extremely likely to vote in 2024. Colleges and universities have an important role to play in encouraging their students to become active and engaged citizens at the ballot box and beyond.

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge engages more than 1,000 institutions enrolling over 10 million students in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement.

For more information on Marywood University’s nonpartisan democracy initiative, Pacers to the Polls, along with more information on the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, visit marywood.edu/life-at-mu/involvement/pacers-to-the-polls.

Hospice of the Sacred Heart Receives $5,000 Donation

Sherry Cross delivered a $5,000 check to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit in Dunmore this afternoon. The check represents proceeds from the 2nd annual “Night to Remember” fundraiser in memory of Sherry’s sister, Tracy Gototweski. The event was held at the Back Mountain Brewery in Dallas. There were basket raffles, a 50/50 drawing, great food and drinks.

“Please accept this donation of $5,000 as a token of our gratitude for all you do. It is an honor to have the opportunity to give back to your wonderful organization. We hope that our efforts will support patients and their families and keep Tracy’s star shining bright,” said Sherry Cross.

The mission of Hospice of the Sacred Heart is to provide comfort, care, hope and choice to patients and their families, while guiding them through the end of life journey.

Pictured l to r: Michael Catalano, Director of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit, Sherry Cross and Diane Baldi, CEO of Hospice of the Sacred Heart

FNCB Bank Supports Veterans Treatment Court

FNCB Bank, locally based for over 100 years, recently donated $15,000 through the Pennsylvania Neighborhood Assistance Project Tax Credit Program, to the Treatment Court Advocacy Center of Lackawanna County to help local veterans in the rehabilitative program.

The 18-month rehabilitative program addresses root behavioral problems that often afflict veterans, such as mental health and addiction concerns. The Lackawanna Veterans Treatment Court was the first of its kind in Pennsylvania when started in 2009 by Judge Michael Barrasse, who continues to oversee it.

FNCB Bank’s donation will be used for essentials like clothing, rent, transportation, medical care, job counseling, therapy, and support for participating veterans and family members. Since 2014, FNCB Bank has donated $100,000 to the treatment court.

The support of the Lackawanna County Veterans Treatment Court is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB is making a difference through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs.

The Wright Center Supports Distribution of Overdose-Reversing Medicine

To help reduce opioid-related deaths in the region, The Wright Center for Community Health is participating in a state-led initiative to distribute free overdose-reversing medication and other harm-reduction supplies.

Individuals can receive naloxone kits – a potentially life-saving medicine that is approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration – and drug-checking strips by visiting The Wright Center for Community Health – Hawley, 103 Spruce St. The practice is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is not necessary to be a Wright Center patient or to provide ID.

Similarly, people can get kits and supplies during business hours at the Wayne County Drug and Alcohol Commission office, 318 Tenth St., Honesdale. The commission has partnered with The Wright Center to assist in distributing the items and promoting training opportunities to ensure that people know how to properly use them. 

The Wright Center is one of many approved, community-based distribution sites, officially known as “recognized entities,” that will receive the supplies at no cost through the Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Program (POPP). The program was launched in mid-2023 as a joint initiative between the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

POPP offers multiple formulations of naloxone as well as drug-checking strips. The strips are designed to detect xylazine and fentanyl, potent substances that are sometimes mixed with other drugs and can increase the risk of overdose.

“Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose,” said Scott Constantini, associate vice president of primary care and recovery services integration at The Wright Center for Community Health. “At this phase of the ongoing epidemic, it makes sense for more people to have naloxone kits in the event of an emergency with a family member, friend, coworker, or stranger. You never know when you can save a life.”

Jeffrey Zerechak, director of the Wayne County Drug and Alcohol Commission, noted the epidemic’s hard-hitting impact on the Northeast region, especially in rural areas where treatment options might be limited and stigma prevents some people from seeking care. “We encourage anyone in Wayne County who needs help to please stop by our office or call us. Don’t wait any longer. Addiction is an illness that only gets worse over time.”

The opioid epidemic, which has claimed the lives of about 14,000 Pennsylvanians in the past three years, continues to ravage communities and families. By increasing access to harm-reduction supplies, state health officials and others hope to limit fatalities and link more people who use drugs to effective treatment programs.

Evidence suggests that providing access to naloxone does not lead to more or riskier drug use. Rather, people revived by the medication might find that the near-death experience serves as a wake-up call, compelling them to seek help and maintain recovery.

The Wright Center for Community Health, a Scranton-based provider of whole-person primary health services, is committed to helping individuals with substance use disorder. The Wright Center became a state-designated Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence in 2016. Since then, it has provided outpatient addiction treatment and recovery services, including medication-assisted treatment, to thousands of people in Northeast Pennsylvania. To learn more about the services available through its Center of Excellence, call 570-230-0019 or visit TheWrightCenter.org/services/coe.

For more information about naloxone access at The Wright Center for Community Health’s locations and other regional distribution sites, go to TheWrightCenter.org/naloxone-access.

To connect with the Wayne County Drug and Alcohol Commission, visit its website or call 570-253-6022.