The Wright Center Launches Free Monthly Newsletter The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education is excited to announce the launch of The Wright Source, a brand-new, free monthly electronic newsletter. The Wright Source will keep patients and community partners informed, inspired, and connected to the health and wellness landscape of Northeast Pennsylvania. Each issue will be filled with valuable insights, local updates, and uplifting stories, including: Practical health and wellness tips you can use every day Community events and activities for all ages Delicious, healthy recipes to try at home Introductions to our newest clinicians and their specialties Updates on new service lines and programs And much more to help improve the health and well-being of our communities across Northeast Pennsylvania To subscribe to The Wright Source, visit bit.ly/WrightSource and enter your name and email address to get started.
The Wright Center for Community Health Earns First Accreditation The Wright Center for Community Health’s case management services recently earned a three-year accreditation from an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. Following a site visit in August 2025, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International granted The Wright Center’s case management services accreditation through Aug. 31, 2028 – the highest level possible. Founded in 1966, CARF International’s mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process. “This achievement is an indication of your organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of patients served,” according to CARF International’s accreditation letter to The Wright Center. “There is strong evidence that patients are benefiting from the services they receive from The Wright Center, as evidenced by their own words, reviews of individual records, and a variety of other reviews and reports.” The Wright Center sought accreditation through CARF International for its case management services at its Ryan White HIV Clinic and Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence, according to officials. Case management is a process in which clinicians assess patients and develop a team-based treatment plan tailored to each person’s specific needs. The patient is regularly monitored and assessed to make sure they are progressing as expected. CARF officials visited several of The Wright Center’s community health centers, including Clarks Summit, Mid Valley, North Scranton, and Scranton, to interview staff and patients, and review records. They also examined records from The Wright Center’s community health centers in Hawley, North Pocono, Tunkhannock, Wayne, and Wilkes-Barre. An accreditation report issued by CARF praised The Wright Center’s excellent technology planning and implementation, as well as its exceptional knowledge and use of a variety of data gathering, measurement, analysis, and reporting activities. They also noted The Wright Center’s deep focus on expanding services to meet community needs, as well as its commitment to whole-person primary health services for patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses. “This accreditation shows that The Wright Center is providing the highest standard of evidence-based care,” said Louis Strazzeri, director of behavioral health integration, social, and case management services. “We are honored that CARF has validated what we have long understood – that our patients receive exceptional, team-based care that empowers them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.” Click here for information about The Wright Center’s case management services at its Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence Click here for information about its case management services at its Ryan White HIV Clinic
The Wright Center’s Brian Ebersole Recognized and Honored Brian Ebersole, vice president of academic affairs and associate designated institutional official for The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, was recently selected for City & State Pennsylvania’s “Forty in their 40s” list. The list celebrates Pennsylvania’s most influential and accomplished leaders across nonprofits, government, business, and media, honoring their exceptional achievements, visionary leadership, advocacy, philanthropic contributions, and deep commitment to bettering lives and championing progress throughout the commonwealth. The multimedia news organization selected Ebersole in recognition of his visionary leadership in transforming health care workforce development through innovative, community-rooted graduate medical education models that are expanding opportunities, addressing physician shortages, and improving health equity across the nation. To read the list, go to cityandstatepa.com. “I’m grateful to City & State Pennsylvania for this recognition that reflects the collective efforts of so many of my mission-driven partners at The Wright Center who are working to reshape how we train physicians and serve communities,” said Ebersole. “At The Wright Center, we believe the future of health care starts in the neighborhoods that need it most, and I’m proud to help build that future alongside such dedicated colleagues, board members, learners, patients, and partners.” A visionary leader in graduate medical education, Ebersole played a pivotal role in designing and advancing The Wright Center’s innovative Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortium. Through this model, he transformed residency training by placing physician learners in community health centers, rather than traditional hospital settings, to equip them with better practical, community-rooted experience while addressing physician shortages and improving retention in underserved areas. Ebersole also secured critical federal funding, forged strategic partnerships, and established a sustainable health care workforce pipeline that prioritizes community health over institutional convenience. In 2013, he further advanced The Wright Center’s mission “to improve the health and welfare of our communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve” by launching its National Family Medicine Residency Program, which was the first nationally coordinated network of high-performing, patient-centered Federally Qualified Health Centers serving as unified training sites under a single, centrally managed program. Under his leadership, both initiatives have become scalable and replicable national models that redefine how and where America’s future physicians are trained. Ebersole has more than two decades of experience in health policy and innovation. Before his current position, he served as senior vice president of mission delivery and business development at The Wright Center, successfully securing federal, state, and local funding to support and expand a wide range of programs. He previously held public health leadership roles under four Pennsylvania governors and served as senior director of health innovations at Geisinger Health System, where he focused on initiatives addressing social needs across Northeast Pennsylvania. A founding member of the American Association of Teaching Health Centers, he rejoined the organization’s executive committee as treasurer in 2023. He also serves on The Institute’s Health and Health Care Task Force and is actively involved with several community-based nonprofits. A native of Duncannon, Pennsylvania, Ebersole earned a Bachelor of Arts in politics and education from Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. He has a son, Keegan, and resides in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, with his husband, Jeff Smith. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health and The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
The Wright Center: Breastfeeding a Healthy Habit for Mother and Child National Breastfeeding Month (August) was established to promote human milk in child development, as well as to advance lactation practices and policies. The Wright Center strongly supports this initiative for both patients and employees. The Pennsylvania Department of Health recognizes breastfeeding as the ideal form of infant nutrition, while the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that women exclusively breastfeed their babies for at least the first six months, and continue up to two years or beyond, depending on the needs and preferences of the mother and child. Mother’s milk provides unmatched benefits that cannot be replicated by formula. Research shows that breastfeeding lowers an infant’s risk of certain infections, asthma, obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome. For mothers, it reduces the risk of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and breast and ovarian cancers. Workplace support for breastfeeding is also an important consideration, especially as women with infants and young children represent the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. labor force. Many women stop breastfeeding upon returning to work due to challenges finding private, safe spaces to pump and store milk. Encouragingly, more employers are now providing designated lactation stations for employees, a trend expected to grow given that breastfeeding-friendly programs are cost-effective and can reduce healthcare claims and employee absences. The Wright Center has long been committed to supporting breastfeeding employees, and extends this support to patients through its primary and pediatric care services, as well as through the Healthy MOMS (Maternal Opiate Medical Support) program. This collaborative initiative helps pregnant women and new mothers overcome addiction and embrace recovery. As part of this commitment, The Wright Center secured a $7,500 grant from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to provide breastfeeding resources and supplies to Healthy MOMS participants. These include manual breast pumps, storage sets, educational materials, consultations with lactation specialists, and access to breastfeeding counselors. The grant also supported doula training for Healthy MOMS collaborators. For those seeking additional resources, the Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Referral Guide offers information on lactation specialists, community programs, support groups, coalitions, breast pump rentals, and local, state, and national help lines. Families can also contact the Healthy Baby Line at 1-800-986-BABY (2229). The Wright Center continues to prioritize the health of breastfeeding women and their children, ensuring ongoing support for their well-being.
The Wright Center To Host Tinnitus Support Group The Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will meet on Friday, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. Virtual meeting options are available for those unable to attend in person. There is no fee to attend. New members are welcome. The support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their loved ones, and anyone interested in learning more about this complex audiological and neurological condition. Participants will have the opportunity to connect, share their experiences, and explore coping strategies in a compassionate and supportive environment. Tinnitus, often described as ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in the ears or head, affects over 50 million adults across the U.S., with many experiencing its effects daily. For some, it can be a temporary nuisance, while for others, it becomes a chronic, life-altering condition. For more information or to obtain the virtual meeting link, contact Nicole Flynn, director of the geriatrics service line at The Wright Center for Community Health, at flynnn@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-230-0019.
The Wright Center Hosting Wonderful Women Breast Cancer Support Group The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement will host the 2025 Wonderful Women Breast Cancer Support Group program on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6-8 p.m. in the auditorium at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave. Dr. Lisa Thomas, an oncologist with Hematology & Oncology Associates of Northeastern Pennsylvania, will deliver this year’s keynote address, joined by several breast cancer survivors who will share their personal stories. The program will also feature Julie Rutkowski of the Strong and Coura’Jess Foundation. The foundation was established in 2019 by her daughter, Jessica Rutkowski, after she was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer. A mother of three, Jessica died in 2021. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged. The Wonderful Women Breast Cancer Support Group Committee includes representatives from across The Wright Center enterprise and community partners, united in advancing education, advocacy, and support for those affected by breast cancer.
The Wright Center: Preventative Measures Remain Critical in Breast Cancer October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making for an ideal opportunity to celebrate the significant gains made, as well as the need for continued vigilance, in the fight against this deadly yet highly treatable disease. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. According to the American Cancer Society, about 316,950 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2025. Tragically, about 42,170 women will die from the disease this year. Breast cancer typically affects women ages 50 and older, although too many younger women are now battling it. When people consider their circle of family members, friends, and co-workers, the odds are high that someone they know has been affected by it. Thankfully, recent advances in early detection and genetic testing of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have significantly improved treatment of breast cancer, while countless nonprofit organizations and groups have done immense good in terms of awareness, funding, and support services. Regular self-examinations and routine mammograms are the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early – when it’s easiest to treat, often before symptoms appear or the disease spreads. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the five-year relative survival rate is 99% when breast cancer is found in its earliest, localized stage. Individuals can lower their risk of breast cancer through preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and breastfeeding their children. Throughout October, The Wright Center will be partnering with Lackawanna Mobile X-Ray to offer mammogram screenings at locations in Jermyn, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre.
The Wright Center Announces October ‘Walk With a Doc’ Events The Wright Center for Community Health invites community members of all ages to step into better health by joining its ongoing Walk with a Doc initiative. These monthly walks promote both physical well-being and community engagement in a friendly environment. Each event is guided by local doctors and health care professionals who lead participants on a casual walk, offering valuable health tips and engaging in open, health-related discussions. It’s a chance to enjoy gentle exercise, ask questions, and meet others who share an interest in healthy living – all in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The October Walk with a Doc in Jermyn will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8 a.m. at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Walkers should gather at the Delaware Street Trailhead entrance. The Scranton walk is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, at 9 a.m., also along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, with walkers meeting at the Olive Street entrance. These events are free and open to the public, welcoming individuals of all fitness levels. No pre-registration is required. Walk with a Doc is a global nonprofit organization that promotes physical activity and meaningful conversations between physicians and community members. According to the American Heart Association, just 30 minutes of walking per day can improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, support weight management, boost mental health, and reduce the risk of conditions such as obesity and osteoporosis.
The Wright Center: Dr. Hassan Joins As Teaching Hospitalist A teaching hospitalist and physician has joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Faiza Hassan will serve as a teaching hospitalist for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency Program, supervising resident physicians in clinical learning environments across Northeast Pennsylvania, including Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and Geisinger Community Health Center. In this role, Dr. Hassan will support program leadership in developing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum for the internal medicine residency program, as well as mentoring resident learners and assessing their progress. Additionally, Dr. Hassan will provide responsive and inclusive whole-person primary health services for individuals 18 and older, including checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment of common illnesses and injuries at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave. The community health center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019. Dr. Hassan earned her medical degree from Fatima Jinnah Medical University in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. She moved to the United States in 2014 and completed her internal medicine residency at Central Michigan University Health in Saginaw, Michigan, in July 2025. The program focuses on training resident physicians for careers as hospitalists and primary care physicians.
The Wright Center: Depression Screenings Proactive Form of Health Care Preventative screenings represent health care at its most proactive. They are convenient, and they can quickly address and improve an issue well before it escalates. Depression and other mental health disorders fall into this category. October marks National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, and Mental Health Awareness Week (Oct. 5–11), which Congress established in 1990 through the advocacy of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This year’s Mental Illness Awareness Week carried the theme “Building Community: Supporting Mental Well-Being Together.” According to NAMI, the focus was on “the power of meaningful connections, grassroots advocacy, and local action to strengthen mental health support nationwide.” The theme served as an inspiring reminder of how collective efforts can make a real difference. Greater emphasis on depression screenings is urgently needed, as the disease does not discriminate and affects individuals of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. With the everyday stresses of modern life, it is unsurprising that rates of anxiety and depression continue to increase each year. According to a November 2024 brief issued by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Bureau of Health Workforce, about 59 million U.S. adults – 23% of the population – experienced a mental illness in 2023, with nearly half of them not receiving treatment. Access to behavioral health services remains limited due to provider shortages, high out-of-pocket costs, coverage gaps, and other barriers. The national average wait time for behavioral health services is currently 48 days, according to HRSA. Screenings are recommended for anyone experiencing several of these common symptoms of depression: Persistent sadness or anxiousness Too little or too much sleep Reduced or increased appetite and weight loss or gain Loss of interest in favorite activities Restlessness or irritability Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions Fatigue or loss of energy Thoughts of death or suicide The Wright Center for Community Health provides a wide range of behavioral health services, including therapy, psychological assessments, and psychiatric care, for children, adolescents, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance-related and addictive disorders, bullying, relationship stressors, LGBTQI+ issues, trauma, and grief. Earlier this year, The Wright Center began participating in a multi-year grant awarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to improve access to whole-person primary health services for people with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The Wright Center is one of several primary care sites in Pennsylvania engaged in the five-year project to promote collaborative care, an evidence-based model that strengthens coordination of behavioral health services in primary care settings. The organization is also addressing the regional shortage of mental health specialists through the hiring of new staff psychiatrists. These professionals are providing office-based remote and in-person psychiatry appointments for patients of all ages, while also collaborating with colleagues across The Wright Center to integrate behavioral health and primary care services to improve overall outcomes. Staff members continue to improve accessibility for individuals in underserved and under-resourced areas, working to reduce barriers to behavioral health care. The Wright Center remains committed to ensuring that people receive the support they need to lead happy, productive lives.
