Geisinger welcomes primary care providers to northeast region In September, five new primary care providers began seeing new patients at Geisinger facilities across northeastern Pennsylvania. Geisinger primary care clinics in Dallas, Moosic (Geisinger Montage), Nanticoke and Pittston welcomed the new physicians to expand access to preventive and chronic disease management in the region. The following primary care providers are seeing new patients this fall: Geisinger Dallas: Soniya Koirala M.D. Geisinger Montage: Jordan Wolfheimer, M.D. Kara Romanowski, M.D. Geisinger Nanticoke: Thomas Timmerman, M.D. Geisinger Pittston Shannon Coyne, D.O. The region welcomed eight new primary care providers earlier this year. “Strong primary care is the foundation of a healthy community,” said Roger Scott, chief of the Division of Community Medicine in Geisinger’s northeast region. “By continuing to grow access to primary care services, we’re helping patients build lasting relationships with providers who support their health at every stage of life.” Primary care physicians focus on routine care like physicals, ongoing care for chronic health conditions like diabetes or asthma, and if needed, referrals to nearby specialists. Patients can schedule same-day, evening or weekend in-person or telehealth appointments through MyChart or by calling 800-275-6401. To find more information on all Geisinger’s primary care physicians, visit geisinger.org/primarycare.
Geisinger Community Medical Center to implement entrance security screenings Oct. 5 As part of a phased implementation of entrance security screenings at each of Geisinger’s hospitals, Geisinger Community Medical Center will introduce security screenings on Monday, Oct. 5. These public-entrance screenings are intended to keep the hospital safe for all who work, receive care or visit their loved ones in the facility. Weapons of any kind, including firearms and knives, are prohibited from all Geisinger facilities. People should not bring these items with them when entering a Geisinger hospital or clinic for an appointment or visit. Any weapon found through the entrance screening will not be allowed to enter the facility and must be returned to the owner’s vehicle. Beyond the screening already in place at the emergency room, Geisinger Community Medical Center will screen patients and visitors at all public entrances on the medical center campus. Screening will take place from the time each entrance opens to 8 p.m. when visiting hours are over. After 8 p.m., all visitors must enter the hospital through the emergency room. When the screenings begin, the hospital’s public entrance on Colfax Avenue will become an employee-only entrance that requires proxy badge access. Patients and visitors arriving for Women’s Health appointments will need to use the hospital’s main entrance on Mulberry Street to reach the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Guest Services team will help guide patients during the transition. Because they will pass through metal detectors similar to those at airports and courthouses, everyone using public hospital entranceswill be asked to remove metal objects from their pockets. If the detector activates, a security officer will conduct a scan with a handheld device. Geisinger has used a similar process with metal detectors at all emergency room entrances since 2021, preventing thousands of weapons and other dangerous items from entering its facilities. “Our hospitals are places of healing,” said Sean McGinley, associate vice president of police and security operations for Geisinger. “We take security seriously and are continuing to improve and enhance our tools and training. This is yet another investment we’re making for the safety of our employees, patients and visitors.” Since March, the Pennsylvania-based health system has implemented entrance screenings at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital and Geisinger Medical Center Muncy. All Geisinger hospitals are expected to adopt the security measure by the beginning of 2027.
Geisinger goes pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month This October, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Geisinger is doing its part to raise awareness about the importance of early detection. Geisinger hospitals across central Pennsylvania will be lit up in pink, and the mobile mammogram bus will bring screenings to patients in underserved communities. “Finding breast cancer early can make a meaningful difference in outcomes,” said Robin Skrine, M.D., director of breast surgery for Geisinger. “That’s why we encourage women to begin annual mammograms at age 40 and stay up to date with recommended screenings. For those at higher risk, earlier screening or additional imaging may be appropriate.” Patients who choose Geisinger for breast care have access to nationally recognized programs accredited by the Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, as well as Breast Imaging Center of Excellence-designated imaging services. Staffed by specialty-trained breast surgeons and breast radiologists, Geisinger’s breast team provides expert, coordinated care at every stage of a patient’s journey. Each breast care site throughout northeast and central Pennsylvania has a dedicated nurse navigator who guides patients from diagnosis through treatment, providing education, resources and support. These distinctions highlight Geisinger’s high-quality screening, diagnosis, treatment and support services close to home. Geisinger’s pink mobile mammogram bus will be available at the following locations: Monday, Sept. 28 – Friday, Oct. 2: 35 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top Monday, Oct. 5 – Friday, Oct. 9: 201 Roosevelt Blvd., Selinsgrove Monday, Oct. 12 – Friday, Oct. 16: 426 Airport Beltway, Hazle Township Monday, Oct. 19 – Friday, Oct. 23: 529 Terry Reiley Way, Pottsville Monday, Oct. 26 – Friday, Oct. 30: 35 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top Patients can schedule mammograms through MyGeisinger or by calling 570-271-6000. Appointments on the bus are limited. Most screening mammograms are covered by insurance. Contact your insurance provider for details about your specific coverage and any potential costs. Geisinger will also participate in Pink Out Day at Bloomsburg University’s home football game on Saturday, Oct. 10. Attendees can learn about breast health and breast cancer risk through educational resources and activities featuring the pink mammogram bus, breast surgery coordinators and personal and family history-based risk assessments. Dr. Skrine encourages everyone to learn more about their breast cancer risk with Geisinger’s online assessment tool at geisinger.org/my-breast-cancer-risk. To learn more about cancer care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/cancerinstitute.
Geisinger offers flu shots and health resources at the Bloomsburg Fair As the 171st Bloomsburg Fair quickly approaches, Geisinger will show its community support with volunteer teams set up throughout the fair. A Geisinger team will be in place at Gate 5, Monday, Sept. 28, through Friday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to welcome fairgoers, answer questions and share resources. Fairgoers can protect themselves and their families ahead of the flu season by stopping by the Caleb Barton House to get their free flu shot on Monday, Sept. 28, Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Friday, Oct. 2, weather permitting. Flu vaccination is recommended each year to reduce the risk of illness and hospitalization during the flu season. Geisinger Health Plan’s Geisinger Gold team will also be in the Arts and Crafts building Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you’re 65 or older, stop by to learn more about Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage. “The Bloomsburg Fair is a longstanding tradition that brings communities together from across our region, and Geisinger is proud to be a part of it,” said Alex Zimmerman, chief administrative officer of Geisinger’s central region. “We look forward to connecting with fairgoers, helping people stay healthy through flu vaccinations and celebrating the community spirit that makes this event so special.”
Geisinger to host free dinners to honor military veterans To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host free drive-through appreciation dinners at 12 locations across the health system’s service area on Thursday, November 5, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now. Local veterans can make a reservation for themselves and one guest by visiting go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner2026 or calling 570-293-7200. The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 30. Locations are: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital: 549 Fair St. (use main entrance) Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital: 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic, Danville: 35 Justin Drive Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital: 1020 Thompson St. Geisinger Lewistown Hospital: 400 Highland Ave. (3rd floor hospital entrance) Geisinger Mifflintown: 27 CJEMS Lane Geisinger Mount Pocono: 126 Market Way Geisinger Medical Center Muncy: 255 Route 220 Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, Pittston: 1201 Oak St. Nay Aug Park, Scranton: 500 Arthur Ave. Geisinger Healthplex State College:132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda (serving 4 to 5:30 p.m.) Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre: 50 Roosevelt Terrace (behind the hospital)
Geisinger hosting Saturday flu shot clinics Flu season is quickly approaching, and Geisinger is making it easy to get vaccinated at Saturday drive-through events. The first event will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Drive-through flu vaccines will be available for anyone age 3 and older at dozens of participating Geisinger locations. Children 6 months and older can receive a flu shot at participating Geisinger pediatrics locations. The second Saturday flu shot clinic is scheduled for Oct. 17. “The flu can lead to serious illness, hospitalization and missed time with family, work and school,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., director of infectious diseases at Geisinger. “Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family and others who may be at higher risk for severe illness.” Most insurance plans cover an annual flu vaccine. Patients will be asked to provide insurance information at the time of vaccination. Those without insurance can also receive a drive-through flu shot. Saturday clinics will be held at the following locations: Northeast Region: Clinics Geisinger Dallas (114 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive) Geisinger Kingston (560 Pierce St.) Geisinger Montage (5 Lakeview Drive, Moosic) Geisinger Mountain Top (35 S. Mountain Blvd.) Geisinger Pittston (42 N. Main St.) Geisinger Tunkhannock (809 Hunter Highway) CommunityCare CommunityCare Hazleton (426 Airport Road) CommunityCare Kistler Clinic (175 S. Wilkes-Barre Blvd.) – walk in only CommunityCare Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Blvd.) Pediatrics Geisinger Pediatrics Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way) – walk in only Geisinger Pediatrics Scranton (5 Morgan Highway) – walk in only Geisinger Pediatrics Forty Fort (190 Welles St.) – walk in only 65 Forward Geisinger 65 Forward Hazleton (20 Diana Lane) – walk in only Geisinger 65 Forward Kingston (499 Wyoming Ave.) Geisinger 65 Forward Scranton (3 W. Olive St.) Flu shots will also be available at the Bloomsburg Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 28, Sept. 30 and Oct. 2. Find more information about flu vaccines and Saturday clinic locations at geisinger.org/flu.
Geisinger Community Medical Center among seven Geisinger hospitals that received Gift of Life Donor Program recognition Seven Geisinger hospitals were recently awarded Titanium and Platinum Gift of Life Donor Program (GLDP) designations for their efforts to raise awareness and educate employees, patients and communities about the importance of organ donation through the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). Geisinger Community Medical Center, Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center received Titanium GLDP designations. Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, Geisinger Medical Center Muncy and Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital received Platinum GLDP designations. “Organ donation has the power to transform lives and give hope to patients waiting for a lifesaving transplant,” said Jason Mitchell, M.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer, Geisinger, and a member of the HAP Board of Directors. “These recognitions reflect the dedication of our teams to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation and supporting patients, families and communities throughout the donation and transplant journey. Every donor leaves a legacy, and we’re proud to help advance a culture that encourages people to consider giving the gift of life.” The annual HAP Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge encourages hospitals across the commonwealth to increase awareness of organ, eye and tissue donation. HAP partners with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the state’s two organ procurement organizations, the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) and Gift of Life Donor Program, to support the challenge. A full list of winners can be found at haponline.org. To learn more about organ donation or to become a living donor, visit geisinger.org/transplant.
Geisinger hospitals receive multiple American Heart Association recognitions Four Geisinger hospitals were recently honored by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA) for providing high-quality, life-saving heart and stroke care. The hospitals earned Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards, which recognize organizations that demonstrate a commitment to following the latest evidence-based guidelines for treating heart disease and stroke. Adherence to these guidelines helps improve patient outcomes, support recovery and reduce hospital readmissions. Get With The Guidelines® brings together the expertise of the AHA and ASA to help hospitals nationwide align patient care with the most current, science-based treatment recommendations. As participants in the program, Geisinger hospitals qualified for the awards through their sustained commitment to improving the quality of cardiovascular and stroke care. Geisinger hospitals received the following awards for heart and stroke care: Geisinger Community Medical Center Get With The Guidelines®–CAD STEMI Receiving Gold Plus Award with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital Get With The Guidelines®-Rural Stroke Gold Geisinger Lewistown Hospital Get With The Guidelines® – Rural Stroke Gold Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Geisinger Medical Center Commitment to Quality Get With The Guidelines®–CAD STEMI Receiving Gold Plus Award with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Target: Aortic Stenosis™ Honor Roll Geisinger Medical Center Muncy Get With The Guidelines®-Rural Stroke Gold Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Get With The Guidelines®–CAD STEMI Receiving Gold Plus Award with Target: Type 2 Diabetes “We are committed to delivering high-quality care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and continually improving processes to ensure patients receive timely, appropriate care for heart attacks and strokes,” said Alfred Casale, M.D., chief medical officer, surgical services, Geisinger. “The Get With The Guidelines® programs help our teams put proven science into practice every day, leading to better outcomes and helping our patients live longer, healthier lives.” According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke remain the leading and fifth-leading causes of death in the United States, respectively. Studies show that patients often experience better outcomes when care teams consistently follow evidence-based treatment guidelines. For more information about heart and vascular care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/heart.
Leadership Lackawanna announces Core Program Class of 2026-27 Leadership Lackawanna, a division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the 39 professionals selected for its Core Program Class of 2026–27. The 10-month Core Program develops participants’ leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills while expanding their understanding of issues affecting the greater Scranton region. Through monthly sessions led by recognized specialists, participants explore topics that may include community and economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, regional history and media. A cornerstone of the program is the Core Class Project experience. Working in teams alongside local nonprofit organizations, participants develop and implement service projects that address genuine community needs. The projects give class members practical experience in strategic thinking, goal setting, teamwork, consensus building, problem solving, fundraising, resource development, marketing, public relations, equity and inclusion, conflict resolution and evaluation. The Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2026–27 includes: • Emily Arcaro, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania • Nicole Ash, Aramark at the University of Scranton Catering Dept. • Alyssa Bartoli, Fidelity Bank • Rik Bhattacharyya, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company • Jonathan Brady, Fidelity Bank • Melissa Calachino, The Wright Center for Community Health • Dylan Cawley, Geisinger • Nicole Cesarini, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA • Camille Dantone, Everhart Museum • Sean Dempsey, Alliance Wealth Advisors • Samantha Donahue, The Arc of NEPA • Brittany Dougherty, Penn State Scranton • Laura Dunn, Merrill Lynch • Angelina Elders, NBT Bank • Elizabeth Ephault, The Wright Center for Community Health • Kevin Farrell, Marywood University • Morgan Farrell, Geisinger College of Health Sciences • Kyle Frable, Benco Dental • Lauretta Graham, The Wright Center for Community Health • Claire Guarneri, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. • Natasha Hazzouri, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education • Kristen Hoover, Maximus • Teresa Kalinay, Montage Mountain Resorts • Fletcher Kanas, Barry Callebaut • Curt Kromko, Prudential • Kim Lazuka, Greater Scranton YMCA • Kristen McGoff, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. • Todd Monahan, Stone House Investment Management, LLC • Elisheva-Lydia MR, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania • Rich Mullen, Posture Interactive, LTD • Nicole Piccoletti, Outreach – Center for Community Resources • Theodor Radu, The Honesdale National Bank • Monica Reich, Penn East Federal Credit Union • Alondra Vazquez Rivera, Wells Fargo • Lewis Schweppenheiser, Penn East Federal Credit Union • Nicholas Sherman, Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center • Kelly Siekierka, Plaskolite Pennsylvania • Jeff Snyder, Allied Services • Anthony Walaitis, Plaskolite Pennsylvania
Geisinger hosting free event spotlighting knee replacement Area residents can learn about knee replacement surgery and how to recover successfully at a free event Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Geisinger School of Medicine campus, 525 Pine St., Scranton. “Walk This Way: Recovering After Knee Replacement” will feature Geisinger orthopaedic surgeon James Murphy, MD, who will explain the knee replacement process — from evaluating candidacy to recovering and staying active after surgery. Knee replacement is a common procedure, yet many patients and families have questions about when surgery is appropriate, what it involves and how to achieve the best possible recovery. Murphy will explain: – How to determine if knee replacement is the right option – The latest technology, including robotic-assisted surgery – Strategies for maintaining mobility and staying active during recovery – Rapid recovery protocols Murphy is an adult reconstruction specialist with expertise in robotic knee replacements, hip replacements, rapid recovery protocols and revision surgery. He completed his medical training at The Pennsylvania State University, his residency at Case Western Reserve University and his fellowship in adult reconstruction at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged. Visit go.geisinger.edu/walkthisway or contact gchscommunityevents@geisinger.edu. This event is part of Geisinger’s Third Wednesday Community Education Series, which brings trusted health expertise to the Scranton community each month. Murphy is available for interviews before the event.
