Our Stories
Growing for Good: Internal Medicine resident donates home-grown produce to Friends of the Poor
What started as a few rows of corn and a dream has become an annual labor of love that feeds hundreds of needy people across the region.
A life-saving Christmas gift: The Wright Center’s lifestyle medicine program aids family’s journey to kidney transplants
South Abington Township resident Tiffany Akers-Hockman wanted to donate a kidney to her husband, D.J. Hockman. First, she had to focus on improving her own health.
‘Paying it forward:’ Honesdale resident exploring ways to help others in recovery
Healthy MOMS helped Shannon Sharkazy get her life back on track and now she is ‘paying it forward’ by being a voice for moms in recovery.
Physician eager ‘to do the work’ of The Wright Center
For Sandra Rabat ’26, D.O., there’s something comfortable about going first. Since she arrived at The Wright Center in 2020, she has continued to be out in front.
Exceeding the definition of a nurse: National Nurses Week celebrates the vital role nurses play in the delivery of care
As a registered nurse and the associate vice president of Integrated Primary Health Services at The Wright Center for Community Health, Kari Machelli goes above and beyond the call of duty daily.
‘There are others who have it worse:’ Honesdale family seeks kidney transplant for 10-year-old son
Despite doctors’ dire prognosis, Jake Algerio of Honesdale bravely fights for a chance at life. His mother, Brianne Algerio, a certified medical assistant at The Wright Center for Community Health Hawley Practice, tirelessly seeks a new kidney for her son.
Mission accomplished: Wright Center-trained dental resident joins staff to provide high-quality oral care services
After completing a year-long residency at The Wright Center for Community Health, Dr. Michael Regan decided to stay on full-time.
May 2, 2024 Update:
Generosity comes full circle in Desouza family: ‘You just share what you have’
Patricia Desouza, a board member for The Wright Center for Community Health, and her son, Kenneth, will undergo kidney surgeries on the same day later this month — one as donor; the other as recipient.
Weight loss gives Wright Center patient newfound freedom
“Weight management is a complicated thing,” says Forest City resident Julianna Morse. “People will tell you, ‘Oh, just watch what you eat and exercise.’ But it’s not that simple.”
‘Body, mind, and spirit:’ North Scranton Practice provider helps patient navigate devastating diagnosis
Jennifer Roth feared the worst as she went to her appointment with certified registered nurse practitioner Maura Longstreet, the primary care provider at The Wright Center for Community Health North Scranton Practice.
Better together: Identical twins train in Internal Medicine Residency
From beginning kindergarten to completing medical school, and moving thousands of miles away from home to begin graduate medical education training in Scranton, Pennsylvania, twins Lavleen and Ravleen Kaur, ‘25, M.D.s, have always leaned on each other.
The Wright Center for Community Health’s Volunteer Board Chair has vision for America
Board chair of The Wright Center for Community Health wants to ensure everyone in the nation has access to high-quality health care.
Area family blessed by organ donation – twice
Faith carried Patricia Desouza and her family through the stressful months of early 2023 when not one but two members of the household were facing kidney failure and needed organ transplants.
Therapy dog makes rounds to help workers de-stress
Sadie, a cute and gentle canine, offers ‘happy boost’ to busy health care professionals and support staff.
Student powers up Wright Center’s energy-saving efforts
Health center will be presented with a sustainability action plan, offering ‘road map’ for reducing utility costs, addressing links between climate change, health.
Physician leader and educator works
to provide a ‘very bright future’ for everyone
National Women Physicians Day on Feb. 3 honors their pioneering achievements and ongoing contributions in health care
Medical interpreters give patients a true voice
Newly trained employees help to ensure Spanish-speaking individuals get same level of access and care in primary care clinics
Resident physician confirms his calling during service trip to Rwanda
Internal medicine resident to pursue career in hepatology
Health center helps with non-medical issues, too
The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement
supports people facing financial and other hardships
‘Something that makes a difference’
The Wright Center focuses on environmental, social, and governance issues with new hire
Finding the right opportunity
Happenstance plays a role in single mom discovering a rewarding career as a community health worker
Family medicine resident rocketing toward dream job on ‘Space Coast’
The Wright Center graduate combines his passions for science and medicine in patient-care role at epicenter of nation’s aerospace industry
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Clinic’s novel program addresses recidivism, overall health
In 2017, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Clinic launched the Prison Linkage Case Management Program
Scranton grad finds path forward as medical assistant
Medical assistants play a central role in today’s health centers, where care is typically delivered by a team.
Debility is not ‘normal aging’
Growing up in Sudan, Wail Alsafi ’23, M.D., lived with his mother and grandparents
One of the earliest Wright Center graduates has career for the ages
In his medical school days, Edward Dzielak ’81, D.O., faced a conundrum as he tried to choose his next career step.
Carbondale couple always grateful for the Gift of Life
For anyone unsure of becoming an organ donor, Steve has one thing to say: “You can consider yourself a hero”
For this family, organ donation harvests comfort from tragedy
“I believe we can all make the world a better place,” Barrett says. “We all have gifts to give. And I believe in organ donation – it’s the last and best gift anyone can offer.”
Interns kick-start careers at The Wright Center
The Wright Center for Community Health offers area college students the chance to sharpen their job skills through ongoing internship opportunities in medical-related pursuits, social work, and other professions.
For this Wright Center doctor, caring extends beyond all borders
Dr. Klamp’s overseas aid trips and professional insights make him the right fit for nonprofit’s new talent acquisition role
Hazleton grad uses cultural savvy to improve health of community
The Wright Center for Community Health hosts Pujols Recio as she completes a programto become a certified community health worker – an in-demand occupation in U.S.
Community Health Workers a vital, growing career in Northeast Pennsylvania
One of the fastest growing, most in-demand roles in health care today is one many people have never heard of: Community health worker or CHW.
Scranton native serves community by filling cavities – and gaps in dental workforce
Dr. McCarthy trains new dentists to provide care in underserved areas like her beloved working-class hometown
After Wright Center residency, this physician ready for the long haul
Dr. Beltré foresees career longevity in family medicine – and finds spot in NEPA
Archbald couple appreciates Wright Center services
Despite close calls, the Touch family avoids serious illness amid pandemic and praises the caring, close-to-home provider
Addiction and Recovery Services
For addiction recovery, don’t discount power of a good paycheck
The Wright Center and allies in newly formed Project PROGRESS aim to expand work options for region’s residents seeking to overcome substance use disorders
Olyphant resident sheds 70 pounds, finds new ‘comfort’ zone
Michaelene Davis, 69, recaptures joy of volunteering and other activities with assistance from The Wright Center’s obesity medicine services
Wright Center dental team salvages man’s damaged teeth, confidence
Scranton resident beams after getting care he wanted at an affordable price
Wright Center resident physician travels abroad to aid Ukrainian refugees
Solo trip to Polish border town allows Dr. Rojulpote to deliver hands-on care and dose of hope
Mother-to-be finds help, hope in overcoming addiction
The Wright Center-led Healthy MOMS program propels former Lake Ariel woman as she moves from homelessness to a whole new life
Regional native spearheads startup of The Wright Center’s North Pocono Practice
Amanda Turoni advocated for the creation of a primary care clinic to serve her adopted community in the Moscow area
Patient & Community Engagement
The Wright Center proudly assists drop-in center with services to Scranton’s homeless
Partnership with Community Intervention Center offers safety net to those in need of shelter and ‘fresh start’
Addiction and Recovery Services
Patient photos centerpiece of powerful new display at Clarks Summit Practice
Inspirational images from people living in recovery and others serve to promote healing amid prolonged pandemic
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program customizes help for patients – and caregivers
Throop couple finds answers, support and services by connecting with The Wright Center’s team
Counting new baby, four generations of family served by The Wright Center
Our ‘medical home’ connects patients, physicians in trusting bond
Throop resident calls vaccination visit a lifesaver
Linda Marhelski landed in Wright place at right time to have dangerously high blood pressure detected
For ageless Ann, there’s no place like home
Our Geriatrics Service Line supports area seniors who aim to live independently
