Pediatrician joins The Wright Center for Community Health’s Mid Valley Practice The Wright Center for Community Health has named Dr. Manju Mary Thomas, a pediatrician, as medical director of Pediatrics and Community-Based Medical Home Services. She is accepting infants, children and adolescents as new patients beginning Dec. 20 at the Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. Thomas, board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, will also be a pediatric physician faculty member for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. The Palmer Township resident completed her residency in pediatrics at Brookdale University Hospital, Brooklyn, New York. She received training in a busy community-based hospital and gained experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, including the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal ICU, and general pediatric and adolescent care. Prior to joining The Wright Center for Community Health, she was an attending pediatrician at Lehigh Valley Health Network. In addition, she was an attending faculty pediatrician at St. Luke’s Hospital – Sacred Heart Campus, Allentown, and chief faculty pediatrician of the family practice residency program at Sacred Heart Star Wellness, a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike similar to The Wright Center for Community Health. She will provide primary and preventive care for pediatric and adolescent patients at The Wright Center for Community Health. Go to thewrightcenter.org or call the Mid Valley Practice at 570-230-0019 to schedule an appointment with her.
The Wright Center for Community’s Health’s Medical Homes in Scranton and Kingston Nationally Recognized The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recently announced The Wright Center for Community Health’s Kingston and Scranton practices have received NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition for using evidence-based, patient-centered processes that focus on highly coordinated, team-based care within a network with long-term, participative relationships. The Kingston and Scranton practices join The Wright Center for Community Health’s Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington St., Jermyn, and Clarks Summit, 1145 Northern Blvd., South Abington Township practices, in earning the recognition seal. The Mid Valley and Clarks Summit practices received the NCQA PCMH honor three years ago and continue with annual formal review to meet the highest standards of the designation. The NCQA’s PCMH is a model of primary health care that combines teamwork and information technology to improve delivery and coordination of care; experience of care by patients, families and care teams, and enhances affordability with reduced cost of care and waste. The program was developed in 2008 to identify medical practices that have invested in a care model that empowers patients at the forefront, while nurturing a culture of continuous improvement. The NCQA’s recognition program is the most widely adopted PCMH evaluation program in the country. In order to be considered for PCMH recognition, health care practices must meet key standards in six important areas: Team based care and practice organization, care management and support, know and manage patients, care coordination and care transitions, patient-centered access and continuity, and continued performance measurement and quality improvement. Since its inception, more than 10,000 practice sites and 50,000 clinicians have earned the NCQA PCMH recognition seal. “We are extremely proud that a national organization has affirmed The Wright Center for Community Health’s commitment to improving the health and welfare of the communities we serve through a patient-centered medical home model approach,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and chief executive officer of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “This model of care allows us to honor and keep patients at the forefront of everything we do and makes continuous quality improvement our priority.” The Wright Center for Community Health’s Kingston Practice at 2 Sharpe St., is located in First Hospital. A full-service primary and pediatric care office, family doctors, pediatricians and advanced practitioners provide checkups, physicals, screenings, treatment of common illnesses and injuries, as well as behavioral health, addiction and recovery services, sports medicine and hepatitis C and infectious disease services. Please go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-491-0126 to make an appointment. The Wright Center for Community Health’s Scranton Practice at 501 S. Washington Ave., is a full-service primary and pediatric care office that also offers dental services as well as rheumatology, sports medicine and infectious disease specialists, including the Ryan White HIV Clinic. Family doctors and advanced practitioners provide checkups, physicals, screenings, treatment of common illnesses and injuries as well as behavioral health and recovery services. To make an appointment, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-941-0630.
Director of Addiction Services at The Wright Center for Community Health Participates in PA Panel Discussion Maria Kolcharno, L.S.W., director of addiction services for The Wright Center for Community Health, recently participated in a panel discussion at the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative Learning Session that addressed working relationships between Opioid Use Disorder Centers of Excellence and maternity care providers in the commonwealth. Kolcharno addressed numerous collaborative relationships The Wright Center for Community Health’s Healthy Maternal Opiate Medical Support program (Healthy MOMS) has formed with regional Children & Youth Service agencies, OB-GYN providers and hospital maternity units since it was founded in 2018 to better deliver services. During the program’s breakout sessions, she outlined workflow charts to assist others in replicating the collaborative relationships and processes the Healthy MOMS program has established with Centers of Excellence and maternity care teams. Topics discussed included best practices in connecting patients with opiate use disorder to local Centers of Excellence. Established in 2016, The Wright Center for Community Health’s Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence is one of 50 in the state. The program helps individuals in recovery reshape their lifestyles from the comfort of their own communities. Patients visit any of The Wright Center’s primary care practices in Lackawanna, Luzerne or Wayne counties to connect with supportive certified recovery specialists, case managers, social workers, and medical providers who collectively help them break the cycle of addiction through outpatient care. Linked to The Wright Center’s Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence, the Healthy MOMS program was co-founded with multiple agencies to assist women who are pregnant and have a substance use disorder. Healthy MOMS provides prenatal, perinatal and postpartum care, including medication-assisted treatment to women coping with a substance use disorder, and strives to break the stigma associated with it while building their self-esteem during and after their pregnancies, ideally engaging them in recovery support services. The Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative includes 61 birthing hospitals and newborn intensive care units and 14 health plans in the state. Overall, the organization works to reduce maternal mortality and improve care for pregnant and postpartum women and newborns affected by opioids. For more information about the Healthy MOMS program, call 570-995-7821 or text healthymoms to 555888. Information about the program and its partners is also available online at healthymoms.org. Go to thewrightcenter.org/services for information about the Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence.
The Wright Center for Community Health Launches Online Smart Bot “Neo” The Wright Center for Community Health recently launched “Neo,” a secure patient-friendly smart bot on its website to help new and existing patients directly schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, learn about available COVID-19 services and more. By clicking on the easily identifiable icon, located at the bottom right-hand corner of the website (TheWrightCenter.org), consumers can start a convenient chat session with a live agent. “Neo” can find the nearest primary care location, help schedule an appointment, refill prescriptions, share the latest COVID-19 information, address billing questions and more. “Neo” begins the online interaction with the user by asking for a first name. It then offers a suite of options. The consumer can select, for example, assistance with making an office appointment with their primary care provider for themselves or a family member. “The Wright Center for Community Health strives to be on the cutting edge of technology when it comes to providing and delivering the best health care and information possible in Northeast Pennsylvania,” said Jignesh Y. Sheth, M.D., chief medical officer and senior vice president at The Wright Center. “The new technology is all about making it more convenient for patients to take care of their health needs while empowering them to schedule appointments directly online without having to go through a call center.” Users of the technology can also navigate the system to address their COVID-19 needs. The smart bot allows them to go through a menu of options that will help them effortlessly address vaccination, testing or monoclonal antibody infusion therapy appointments or ask general questions about the pandemic. In addition, “Neo” has learning capabilities that will streamline and personalize future interactions with the smart technology. HIPAA compliant, the friendly chatbot is safe and secure when it comes to protecting patient privacy. The bot also will be phased into Facebook Messenger and eventually allow for direct SMS texting capabilities.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Joins The Wright Center A licensed clinical social worker with experience as a psychiatric therapist and clinical supervisor has joined The Wright Center for Community Health’s Mid Valley Practice at 5 S. Washington St., Jermyn. Danielle D. Sholcosky, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., C.P.R.P., of Dickson City holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies with a minor in human development and family studies from The Pennsylvania State University. She earned her Master in Social Work degree with a behavioral health specialization from Marywood University. A licensed clinical social worker and licensed social worker, Sholcosky previously worked as a psychiatric therapist at NEPA Community Health Care and as a clinical supervisor and psychiatric therapist at NHS Human Services Agency of NEPA. Sholcosky also served as a support specialist at Step-by-Step, Inc. At the Wright Center, Sholcosky will provide outpatient individual, group and family therapy services to mental health and substance use disorder patients. To schedule an appointment with Sholcosky at the Mid Valley Practice, please call 570-230-0019
The Wright Center’s Free Health Insurance Enrollment Assistance The Wright Center for Community Health announces that its enrollment assisters are now available to help individuals sign up for appropriate health insurance coverage. Get free, no-pressure and unbiased enrollment information. Call The Wright Center’s Enrollment Department at 570-591-5253, or send an email to twc-insurance-enrollment@thewrightcenter.org. Please include your full name, phone number and place of residence (city, borough or township). Immediately: You can connect with the team for assistance in enrolling in programs such as Medicaid, which is for eligible adults, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which is for kids and teenagers. Also, seniors (ages 65 and older) can talk with the team about the Medicare Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program, which helps certain people with Medicare pay for prescription drugs. Between Nov. 1, 2021, and Jan. 15, 2022: You can participate in open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace, choosing from a variety of insurance products accessible to Pennsylvania residents through an online exchange known as “Pennie.” The Wright Center’s team can help you understand and navigate the choices. (Of course, if you suddenly lose your employer-sponsored coverage or otherwise find yourself without insurance, don’t wait to contact The Wright Center’s Enrollment Department. You might qualify for a special enrollment period.) Enrollment assisters at The Wright Center’s primary care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania, as well as at other health centers and medical facilities, are trained to help people identify and enroll in affordable coverage options, providing them with a financial safety net and greater access to care. Contact the enrollment assisters with your questions. Did you know, for example, that benefits under Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance (aka Medicaid) program might be available to you, even if you were denied in the past? Gain peace of mind in knowing that you, and your family members, have health insurance coverage that fits your needs and budget. At The Wright Center, which is a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, all patients are provided access to care regardless of ability to pay. If you are not insured or lack adequate insurance, you might be eligible for its sliding fee discount program, which allows The Wright Center to reduce fees for eligible patients, depending on household income and family size. Visit thewrightcenter.org/sliding-fee-scale for more information.
The Wright Center’s Rack of Warmth Project Begins November 1 Shane Cobert, Dr. Susan Baroody, Gerri McAndrew and Marah Lettieri set up donations for our Rack of Warmth Project at our Scranton Practice. The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education are working to ensure everyone in the community is ready for the fast-approaching winter season by stocking the annual Rack of Warmth Project with free coats, hats, mittens, scarves and boots for community members in need. Winter clothing will be available at the eight primary care clinics in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties beginning Nov. 1. The program runs through Feb. 14. The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education are working to ensure everyone in the community is ready for the fast-approaching winter season by stocking the annual Rack of Warmth Project with free coats, hats, mittens, scarves and boots for community members in need. A project of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, the annual endeavor features racks of gently used and new coats for children and adults, with other assorted items of all sizes stored below the racks. The racks will be available inside the lobbies of the eight primary care practices in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties. The theme of the project is simple, according to Geraldine McAndrew, the director of community outreach: “Share a little warmth with our neighbors and friends.” “The Wright Center strives every day to improve the health and welfare of our communities, especially for the most vulnerable people in society” said McAndrew, the director of Patient & Community Engagement. “We carry our mission directly into the communities we serve, addressing financial challenges and food and clothing insecurity. The Rack of Warmth Project immediately addresses the upcoming challenge that’s presented by the winter season – staying warm.” All donations are provided by Wright Center employees and board members due to COVID-19 precautions. Their donations will be dropped off at the clinic of their choice. Donated items also will be machine washed and coats will be stored in dry-cleaning plastic bags for added safety. Members of the community in need of warm garments can select items for themselves, family members, or friends and neighbors beginning Monday, Nov. 1. The initiative runs through Monday, Feb. 14. The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement inspires and nurtures interactions with patients, community members and like-minded organizations to energize The Wright Center’s mission to focus on patient and community engagement and support. Overall, it focuses on improving access to health care while addressing the negative social and economic determinants of health that affect patients, including food insecurity, homelessness, poverty and access to education. For more information, please contact Geraldine McAndrew at 570-230-0019 or email her at mcandrewg@TheWrightCenter.org. The Wright Center for Community Health operates clinics in Clarks Summit, Hawley, Jermyn, Kingston, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Visit TheWrightCenter.org to find the location nearest to you.
Wright Center decorating pumpkins at Carbondale Farmer’s Market The Wright Center for Community Health will present a series of children’s activities for the fall season and offer important information about the services offered by the regional health care provider on Thursday, Oct. 21 from 2-5:30 p.m. at the Carbondale Farmers Market, 185 Fallbrook St. The Wright Center for Community Health will set up its information and activities table in the Fallbrook Healthy Aging Center. A pumpkin painting activity will be provided to all children that attend the market. Market shoppers will also receive free merchandise and information about health care services. “The Carbondale Farmers Market is a perfect opportunity for The Wright Center to engage with community members of all ages and reinforce the health care services we provide at eight regional clinics,” said Allision LaRussa, the director of health humanities at The Wright Center. “We will be creative with our pumpkins and other crafts, while highlighting the important role art can play in our daily lives.” The Wright Center for Community Health also participated in the grand opening of the farmers market in September. The market is open year-round on Thursdays. Photo Caption: Allision LaRussa, director of health humanities at The Wright Center, poses with arts and crafts supplies that she will bring to the Carbondale Farmers Market on Thursday, Oct. 21 from 2-5:30 p.m. The Wright Center for Community Health is offering children an opportunity to be extra creative with pumpkins and other seasonal activities, while others can obtain information about the health care services the nonprofit provides in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties.
New nurse practitioners at Wright Center’s Hawley and Jermyn practices Allison MillerKayla Gatto Two certified registered nurse practitioners with diverse experience in general nursing and acute patient care have joined The Wright Center for Community Health to provide primary and preventive care to people of all ages. Greentown resident Allison Miller, M.S.N., C.R.N.P., F.N.P.-C., joins The Wright Center’s primary care practice in Wayne County at 103 Spruce St., Hawley. She earned her master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees in nursing from The Pennsylvania State University. Miller is a board-certified registered family nurse practitioner and a member of the Emergency Nurses Association. Prior to joining The Wright Center, she worked as an education liaison for Regional Hospital of Scranton and as an emergency department nurse for Moses Taylor Hospital. At The Wright Center, Miller will see infant, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. To schedule an appointment with Miller at the Hawley Practice, please call 570-576-8081. Dunmore resident Kayla Gatto, M.S.N., C.R.N.P., F.N.P.-B.C., joins The Wright Center’s Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. She earned her master’s degree in nursing from The University of Scranton and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Wilkes University. Gatto is a board-certified registered family nurse practitioner. She most recently served as a registered nurse in the medical surgical intensive care unit at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Wilkes-Barre. At The Wright Center, Gatto will provide family practice care to patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with Gatto at the Mid Valley Practice, please call 570-230-0019.
Dr. Karen Arscott Joins the Wright Center Karen E. Arscott, D.O., a primary care physician and addiction medicine specialist, has joined The Wright Center for Community Health. Providing primary and preventive care as well as addiction and recovery services, Dr. Arscott is accepting new adult patients at The Wright Center’s Mid Valley and Hawley primary care practices. Dr. Arscott is Board Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Physicians in Neuromuscular Medicine and is fellowship-trained and board-eligible by the American Society of Addiction Medicine. A founding director of PA Lung and the Northeast/Central Pennsylvania Interprofessional Education Coalition, she is also an Associate Professor of medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and serves on Lackawanna County’s Recovery Coalition. Dr. Arscott is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and the American Academy of Osteopathy. She is a board member and President-elect for the Lackawanna County Medical Society, and serves on the board of trustees of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association. A Waverly Township resident, Dr. Arscott graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she completed her neuromuscular/osteopathic manipulative medicine residency training. Dr. Arscott also completed an addiction medicine fellowship with Geisinger Marworth Treatment Center. She has been treating patients for more than 25 years in private practice, hospital, clinical and urgent care settings. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Arscott, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
