Allied Services Hospice Earns Five-star Rating

In a move designed to help consumers make better-informed healthcare decisions, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released new star ratings for Hospices throughout the country. Allied Services Hospice was recognized as a five-star hospice, an achievement that places the organization among the top 10% of all hospices in the country. Only 195 hospices out of 2,026 hospices in the United States were awarded five stars, which is the highest quality rating available from CMS. It is the only Hospice provider in Northeastern Pennsylvania to receive a five-star rating.

In August 2022, CMS released its first annual star ratings for Hospice providers based on the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Hospice Family Caregiver Survey. The surveys, which are handled by an independent vendor, assess family satisfaction with the hospice, timeliness of receiving assistance, respectful treatment while in hospice care, receipt of emotional and spiritual support, management of pain and other symptoms, and willingness to recommend the hospice to others.

“We cannot be more proud of the five-star rating we’ve achieved. This is a wonderful recognition of our team’s efforts in providing person-centered, family-centered, holistic care in all that we do,” commented Laura Marion, Assistant Vice President of Hospice and Palliative Care at Allied Services.

“We are honored to care for the patients and families in our community, at a time we consider to be incredibly special, and sacred. Whether we are providing care to patients in their homes, in a facility, or in one of our inpatient units, we strive to focus solely on the needs of the patients and families.”

Allied Services Receive Donation

Allied Services Integrated Health System | Scranton Physical Therapy

Local business, TOPP Business Solutions, recently presented Allied Services with a donation of $6,500 in support of the Team Allied Services and You. This annual charity campaign raises awareness and funds for children and adults with disabilities, life-changing injuries, and chronic illness served by Allied Services.

TOPP Business Solutions is headquartered in Scranton and is a provider of printing equipment, document management solutions, IT services, and other support services to businesses throughout Northeast, Central, and the Leigh Valley of Pennsylvania. They are long-time supporters of Allied Services, regularly supporting the non-profit’s vocational training and employment programs for individuals with disabilities.

“Allied Services is an asset to the communities it serves. You don’t realize the true scope of what it does for our area until you or a member of your family needs to utilize their support. TOPP is proud to be part of Team Allied Services and You,” says Chris Falzett, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Topp Business Solutions.

The charity campaign will culminate on November 6, 2022, when a team of more than 70 runners will participate in the TCS New York City Marathon. Among them will be Michael Cummings of Cummings Insurance in Scranton. Michael and the other runners are raising funds for patients and residents at Allied Services.

FNCB Bank Donates $15,000 To Allied Services

FNCB Bank recently presented Allied Services with a generous $15,000 donation as part of Team Allied Services & You. FNCB Bank is a proud major sponsor of Team Allied Services & You, the annual charity campaign formerly known as Ryan’s Run. The bank’s donation and proceeds from fundraising events, appeals, and the efforts the team’s 73 marathon runners will benefit patients and residents at Allied Services. 

FNCB Bank is a long-time supporter of Allied Services, contributing to various health and vocational programs run by the non-profit health system. This November, FNCB Bank team member Theresa Verdon will participate in the TCS New York City Marathon while raising funds for patients at Allied Services. 

“We are excited to partner with Allied Services to help change the lives of children and adults in our area,” commented Jerry Champi, President & Chief Executive Officer, FNCB Bank. “We will be rooting for Theresa and encourage everyone to support her run with a donation to Allied.”  In recent years, proceeds from the charity campaign have enabled Allied Services to invest in cutting-edge rehab technology not available anywhere else locally. One example is the Exoskeleton from Parker Indego. The device assists individuals with spinal cord injuries, neurological conditions and other injuries to stand and walk as part of physical therapy treatments at Allied Services.

People on the Move – Allied Services Integrated Health System

Patrick Quinn: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Patrick Quinn as Director of the Developmental Services Division. Quinn has been the Assistant Director of the division since 2021, but has worked exclusively in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than 38 years. He is an accomplished lecturer on a local, state, and national level advocating for persons with disabilities. Quinn is a graduate of the University of Scranton and holds certificates from the University of Delaware National Institute on Developmental Disabilities and the University of Scranton Non-Profit Leadership Program. 

Kindra Digwood, CCC-SLP: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Kindra Digwood, CCC-SLP to the Allied Services Home Health team. She is an accomplished speech-language pathologist with experience in home health and hospice care in Pennsylvania. Digwood earned a Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences from Temple University and a Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders from West Chester University. She has also earned certification for and has and experience in the use of the Vital Stim for swallowing disorders.

Laura Harding, MS, OTR/L: Allied Services Integrated Health System recently welcomed Laura Harding, MS, OTR/L as occupational therapist for the health systems Home Health division. Harding earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Widener University, followed by a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2008 from Thomas Jefferson University. Since 2009, Harding has been a valued member of the Allied Services Skilled Nursing team in Scranton, serving most recently as a Senior Occupational Therapist. In the Home Health division, Harding joins an award-winning team; Allied Services Home Health has earned the Top Performing ranking from HomeCare Elite for more than 9 consecutive years.

Eileen Marzolino, BS, PCHA: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Eileen Marzolino, BS, PCHA as Administrator for The Terrace; the health systems personal care home in Scranton. Marzolino earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health with a concentration in Health Administration from East Stroudsburg University in 2016 followed by her certification as a Personal Care Home Administrator in 2022. Over her career, Marzolino has served in many aspects of senior care from activities and admissions, to marketing and administration. Marzolino also serves as Vice President for the NEPA Aging Network Alliance (NANA).

Allied Services Receives Donations

FNCB Bank Donates $5,000 to Support Allied Services

FNCB Bank announced its support for Allied Services with a $5,000 donation to the Vocational Services Division. FNCB will serve as returning co-presenting sponsors of Allied Services Vocational Services Golf Classic. The charity tournament is scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2022, at Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic, Pa.  

Now in its 29th year, the tournament benefits individuals with disabilities participating in training and employment programs provided by the non-profit health system. Allied Services Vocational Services Division serves over 500 individuals with disabilities each year. Individuals with disabilities enrolled in the program receive specialized training, development of work-related skills, and supervision and guidance in the workplace as needed. The goal of the program is to support and empower individuals with disabilities as members of the workforce.     The Vocational Services Golf Classic features a shotgun start, lunch, cocktail hour, and an awards program.  To learn more about sponsoring or participating in the tournament visit alliedservices.org/vsdgolf or call 570.348.1407.  

Scanlon, Howley, & Doherty, P.C., Donate $5,000 to Support Allied Services  

Representations from Scanlon, Howley, & Doherty, P.C. recently visited the Vocational Training Center at Allied Services in Scranton. They joined a tour of the facility to learn more about training and employment programs for individuals with disabilities at Allied Services. The non-profit health system has provided vocational support for individuals with disabilities since the 1950s and continues to offer programs at 2 centers in Scranton and Stroudsburg, and at workplaces throughout the community.  

Following the tour Grace Doherty Hillebrand, Esq and Matt Butler, Esq presented a donation of $5,000 on behalf of Scanlon, Howley, & Doherty, P.C. The local law firm is a returning 

co-presenting sponsor of Allied Services 2022 Vocational Services Golf Classic.  

Scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2022, at Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic, Pa, the Vocational Services Golf Classic will feature a shotgun start, lunch, cocktail hour, and an awards program.   

To learn more about sponsoring or participating in the tournament visit alliedservices.org/vsdgolf or call 570.348.1407 

Staff and Patients at Allied Services Prepare for Stroke Miracle Lap

Staff and patients at Allied Services are busily preparing for the 2022 Stroke Miracle Lap. The walk will take place as part of the Northeast PA Heart Walk on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at PNC Field in Moosic, PA. Allied Services is a proud sponsor of this event, and a member of its leadership team is chairing the 2022 Northeast PA Heart Walk. 

“As stroke rehab specialists, we know what an impact stroke and heart disease can have on individuals and families in the communities we live and work in,” said Jim Brogna, Vice President of Strategic Business Partnership at Allied Services and Chair of the 2022 Northeast PA Heart Walk. “We’re proud to support the American Heart and Stroke Association’s work to raise awareness of and prevent heart attacks and stroke.” 

Following the opening ceremonies at 9:00 a.m., stroke survivors, stroke rehab specialists, family, and community members will take to the field for the Allied Services Stroke Miracle Lap. This is the fourth year of the Stroke Miracle Lap. 

“For us, it’s an opportunity to honor and remember those we have lost to stroke and to celebrate the milestones of stroke survivors,” said Jim Brogna. “Stroke recovery can be a lifelong journey. Allied Services is committed to giving stroke patients access to the latest rehab technology, the best clinicians, and the ongoing support for their continuing recovery.” 

Participants in the walk on May 21 will be wearing their signature blue Stroke Miracle Lap. In readiness for the walk, staff throughout Allied Services took part in a stroke awareness dress-down day on Friday, May 13, wearing the Stroke Miracle Lap shirts. Allied Services doubled the contributions of its employees and will be presenting a donation for $3,300 to the American Stroke Association at the Stroke Miracle Lap on May 21. 

The Allied Services Stroke Miracle Lap is free and open to all ages. You can learn more by calling 570.348.1275 or visiting alliedservices.org/strokewalk 

PIAA District II High School Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Championships Presented by Allied Services

The PIAA District II High School Basketball Championships presented by Allied Services are set for this weekend at the ASM Global-managed Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Township.

The Championship game schedule is as follows:

Thursday, March 3rd

4:00 p.m. Susquehanna (Home) vs Forest City (Away) – Girls – 1-A

6:00 p.m. Dunmore (Home) vs Scranton Prep (Away) – Girls – 4-A

8:00 p.m. Holy Redeemer (Home) vs Riverside (Away) — Boys – 3-A

Friday, March 4th

4:00 p.m. Holy Cross (Home) vs Elk Lake (Away) – Girls – 2-A

6:00 p.m. Wilkes-Barre Area (Home) vs Hazleton Area (Away) – Girls – 6-A

8:00 p.m. Pittston Area (Home) vs North Pocono (Away) — Boys – 5-A

Saturday, March 5th

12:00 p.m. Western Wayne (Home) vs Riverside (Away) – Girls – 3-A

2:00 p.m. Holy Cross (Home) vs Old Forge (Away) – Boys – 2-A

4:00 p.m. Dallas (Home) vs Mid Valley (Away) — Boys 4-A

6:00 p.m. Pittston Area (Home) vs Abington Heights (Away) – Girls – 5-A

8:00 p.m. Scranton (Home) vs Williamsport (Away) – Boys – 6-A

Sunday, March 6th has been reserved for any weather-related cancellations.

Ticket prices for the District II finals at Mohegan Sun Arena are $8 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are on sale now at the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena or online at Ticketmaster.com. Fans are encouraged to buy online to help get in the venue as fast as possible. Tickets sold online are mobile tickets only and are subject to additional convenience fees. Parking fees are included with the ticket price. Tickets are valid for all games scheduled on that day as long as you stay inside the venue. There is no free re-entry. If you choose to leave following a game and wish to return for another game you must pay the full ticket price. District II Gold passes will not be honored at Mohegan Sun Arena for the District II Championships.

Game programs will be available at the door courtesy of Allied Services with program donations going to support the rehabilitation of pediatric patients within Allied Services.

The PIAA District II committee and Mohegan Sun Arena would like to thank and acknowledge the following event sponsors: Allied Services, Price Chopper Market 32, McCarthy Tire, Luzerne County Community College, NBT Bank, Skyzone Pittston, NEPA Elite Basketball, Keystone College, Red Robin, Community Bank, N.A., Chacko’s Family Bowling Center, Pepsi and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

ASM Global reminds everyone attending events at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza to please adhere to the new hygiene and security policies in place consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance for the safety of all participants, guests and employees at the arena including:

  • Face coverings are optional for all guests no matter vaccination status
  • Guests do not need to show physical proof of being fully vaccinated

If a guest is experiencing any of the following, we ask that you stay home:

  • A guest who has COVID-19 symptoms.
  • A guest who has a COVID-19 test result pending.
  • A guest who is under a healthcare provider’s care for a positive COVID-19 test.
  • A guest who has been exposed to COVID-19 (unless fully vaccinated).

ASM Global reminds fans coming to this weekend’s events to please adhere to the security policies in place for the safety of all guests and employees at the Mohegan Sun Arena. These new enhancements include walk-through metal detectors at every arena entrance and a clear bag policy permitting fans to bring their personal belongings in a clear tote not to exceed 12”x12”x6’. Purses, backpacks and diaper bags are no longer permitted inside Mohegan Sun Arena.

PLEASE NOTE: Mohegan Sun Arena is now a cashless venue. As part of our commitment to a contactless guest experience, all concessions sales inside Mohegan Sun Arena are now cashless transactions. We accept all major credit cards and mobile pay. The NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena will accept cash and credit cards for event ticket purchases. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets online to avoid any delays in purchasing tickets at the gate when attending a game. For more information about this policy, please visit www.mohegansunarenapa.com/policies.

For additional information about this event, please visit www.mohegansunarenapa.com or www.piaad2.org. For additional information about Allied Services, please visit www.allied-services.org.

Allied Services Opens New Rehabilitation Medicine Center

Allied Services Integrated Health System hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at the new Rehabilitation Medicine Center. The facility at 475 Morgan Highway in Scranton is open to the public and offers patients access to Physicians experienced in Rehabilitation Medicine.

Allied Services Rehabilitation Medicine Center is an appointment-only facility providing medical evaluation and management of patients who are struggling with mobility, self-care, and independence in the home.

“For more than 60 years, our non-profit health system has been committed to helping improve the quality of life for people in our community” commented Attorney Bill Conaboy, President and CEO of Allied Services. “The Rehabilitation Medicine Center provides us with a new medical setting in which to connect patients with the care and services that can help them to be as independent as possible in their own homes.”

Dr. Michael D. Wolk and Dr. Kenneth W. Genitlezza, board-certified in Physician Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), will lead the Rehabilitation Medicine Center. The center will serve adult and geriatric individuals who will be able to schedule a rehabilitation medicine evaluation.  Following that evaluation, the patient will receive a plan of care that will address any rehabilitation needs and be shared with their primary care physician.

Speaking at the ribbon-cutting, Dr. Michael D. Wolk noted “All too often, patients who have been discharged from the hospital, patients living with a chronic illness or aging individuals living alone can find themselves falling through the cracks. The impetus behind developing the Rehabilitation Medicine Center was to provide another avenue to help these individuals.”

A rehabilitation medicine evaluation may be appropriate for individuals recently discharged from the hospital, individuals living with a chronic illness or disability that affects their mobility and independence, or geriatric individuals aging in place. Services and medical management will be provided as a complement to services delivered by Primary Care Physicians.  

“The goal is to quickly evaluate the health, well-being, and functional abilities of patients struggling at home and from there determine the most appropriate strategies to help them thrive and live safely at home” commented Dr. Wolk. “By addressing their functional difficulties, we can improve their safety at home and work to avoid hospitalizations.”

To learn more about the Rehabilitation Medicine Center call 570.348.1211 or visit alliedservices.org/medical-evaluation

FNCB Supports Students at Allied Services

FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced an $85,000 Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Allied Services dePaul School for Dyslexia.

The non-profit school in Scranton serves children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, providing specialized instruction to assist students in identifying their learning style and maximizing their abilities. Students from 19 local school districts attend the full-time school serving grades 1 through 8. FNCB’s donation directly funded student scholarships for families in need. 

“The work the teachers, staff and administration at the dePaul School do is amazing,” said Jerry Champi, FNCB Bank President and CEO. “As a community partner, we are proud to support their efforts and help a large number of students reach their full potential.”

The support of Allied Services dePaul School for Dyslexia is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative.