The Wright Center for Community Health is hosting a Caregivers Resource Fair for family members and caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The free, public event will be held at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 29. Agencies from across the region, including Lackawanna County’s Area Agency on Aging, Scranton Counseling Center, Telespond Senior Services, LIFE Geisinger, Lackawanna Pro Bono Inc., Interim Health Care, United Neighborhood Centers, Jewish Community Center of Scranton, Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, and more will provide information about the resources they offer.

The Wright Center’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program provides coordinated, comprehensive support for patients, families, and caregivers. It is part of a collaborative, county-wide effort called Age-Friendly Lackawanna that includes nearly 30 community organizations. Nicole Flynn, director of the geriatrics service line at The Wright Center, said many caregivers have a hard time finding the resources they need for their loved ones.

“We’ve heard from so many people who don’t know what is available,” she said. “Since we’re part of this network, we thought we could help by hosting an event where caregivers can come to one place to get information, hear from experts, and better help their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”

The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education recently hosted U.S. Representative Robert Bresnahan Jr., R-8, Dallas Twp., and members of his staff for a tour of the Teaching Health Center in Scranton. Participating in the program, from left, are Colleen Dougherty, vice president and chief clinical operating officer and director of certified registered nurse practitioner and physician assistant services at The Wright Center; Frances Langan, member, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Board; Gerard Geoffroy, member, The Wright Center for Community Health and The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement boards; Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education; U.S. Representative Bresnahan; Dr. Erin McFadden, The Wright Center’s deputy chief medical officer, medical director for the community health centers in Scranton and Scranton Counseling Center, and co-regional director of medical education for A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona; Dr. Sandra Rabat, Internal Medicine resident physician and advocacy resident leader at The Wright Center; and Mary Marrara, member, The Wright Center for Community Health and The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement boards; Second row, Richard Krebs, member, The Wright Center for Community Health Board; Marwan Wafa, member, The Wright Center for Community Health Board; Dr. Usman Rana, Internal Medicine resident physician and advocacy chief resident at The Wright Center; Aimee Wechsler, director of government affairs at The Wright Center; Kenneth Okrepkie, member, The Wright Center for Community Health Board; Hal Baillie, member, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Board; and Jennifer Walsh, Esquire, senior vice president and chief legal and governance officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education.

The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education hosted U.S. Representative Robert Bresnahan Jr., R-8, Dallas Twp., and several members of his staff on Friday, April 25, at the Teaching Health Center in Scranton.

Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Center, met with Representative Bresnahan to share information about The Wright Center and its 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.

The Wright Center is one of 1,400 community health centers in the United States. Community health centers serve as a medical home for more than 32.5 million patients, are proven to reduce health care costs – saving an average of 24% per Medicaid patient compared to other providers – and generate an estimated $118.4 billion in total economic impact in local communities, according to the National Association of Community Health Centers.

Since 2019, The Wright Center has been designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQLA) by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). FQLAs “ensure health care for our nation’s underserved communities and vulnerable populations through service provision to all, regardless of ability to pay,” according to HRSA.

In addition to stressing the importance of protecting funding that supports community health centers, including FQLAs, Dr. Thomas spoke about how essential Medicare and Medicaid funding are to residents of Northeast Pennsylvania. They also discussed The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s nearly 50-year legacy of training physicians and strengthening the interprofessional health care workforce pipeline to meet the region’s complex health care and workforce needs.

“We wanted to thank Representative Bresnahan for stepping up to represent our region in Washington, D.C. and for the partnership we have built with him and his staff, both here in his district and in our capital, over the past few months. We are grateful for the commitment he has shown in supporting community health centers,” Dr. Thomas-Hemak said. “Today was an opportunity to thank him and welcome him to our Teaching Health Center in Scranton so we can share the critical work we are doing throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

During his visit, Representative Bresnahan toured The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton with Dr. Erin McFadden, The Wright Center’s deputy chief medical officer, medical director for the community health centers in Scranton and Scranton Counseling Center, and co-regional director of medical education for A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona. The visit concluded with a group discussion with Representative Bresnahan, his staff, and The Wright Center’s board members, executive team, faculty, resident physicians, and other key staff members.

“The Wright Center is doing extraordinary work to ensure high-quality, affordable care reaches every corner of Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Representative Bresnahan. “I want to thank The Wright Center for the opportunity to visit their Scranton health center and to discuss ways in which we can work together to strengthen both the health and future of our communities.”

“The Wright Center serves as a national model for how community-based health care and workforce development can go hand-in-hand to improve lives,” Representative Bresnahan added.

Born in Kingston and raised in Wyoming and Hughestown boroughs, Representative Robert Bresnahan represents the 8th Congressional District, which includes all of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike, and parts of Monroe and Luzerne counties.

The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, in partnership with Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates and the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, will offer free skin cancer screenings on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually. Early detection through regular screenings can significantly increase survival rates. To register for a screening, go to bit.ly/TWCSkinScreening.

That message includes the importance of using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, which reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%. Early detection is key, too. The estimated five-year survival rate for U.S. patients whose melanoma is detected early is about 99%.

“I’m eager to see our volunteer providers interact with attendees and convey reassuring messages that skin cancer is preventable and that cure rates are highly favorable if the cancer is detected early,” Dr. Younan said. “And I’m certainly looking forward to educating more people about the importance of sunscreen ahead of sunburn season.”

Dr. Jignesh Sheth, senior vice president and chief medical and information officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, has been appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to serve as a member of the state’s newly formed Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Related Disorders Advisory Committee.

“I am honored to serve on this advisory committee and contribute to Governor Shapiro’s bold and compassionate vision to better support Pennsylvanians living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and related disorders,” said Dr. Sheth, who is dually board-certified in internal medicine and addiction medicine and sees adult patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in Jermyn. “These conditions deeply affect patients, as well as their families, caregivers, and communities, and require thoughtful, compassionate, and coordinated responses at every level of care. I look forward to collaborating with state leaders and fellow committee members to help shape a responsive, person-centered approach that meets the growing needs of our aging population with dignity, data-driven insight, and hope.”

Dr. Sheth’s appointment exemplifies The Wright Center’s ongoing commitment to public health innovation, interprofessional health care workforce development, and service to the most vulnerable communities throughout Northeast Pennsylvania and the commonwealth.

“With more than 6 million Americans and 282,000 Pennsylvanians living with Alzheimer’s disease, the collective, mission-driven efforts of communities to build and nurture Age Friendly health systems are vital. We are fortunate to have Dr. Jignesh Sheth ably leading our Age Friendly efforts at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. His clinical, educational, executive, and technological expertise will bring unique and meaningful contributions to the important work of the Pennsylvania Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Related Disorders Advisory Committee,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “We are grateful to Governor Shapiro for Dr. Sheth’s appointment, and we are confident he will exceed expectations. Dr. Sheth brings a deep understanding of both the science and humanity required to responsibly and compassionately address the impact of these complex conditions on patients, families, and communities. We are proud that The Wright Center will be contributing to this historic and critical effort ignited by our Governor.”

Dr. Sheth received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery with honors in biochemistry, medicine, and public health in 2004 from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Wardha, India. He earned his Master’s in Public Health with a specialization in health promotion in 2006 from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

After completing his internal medicine residency in 2009 through the Scranton-Temple Residency Program, now The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Dr. Sheth joined The Wright Center as an internal medicine primary care physician and lead physician for population management and reporting.

His pioneering and innovative approaches that have significantly improved patient wellness and health care delivery have earned him several promotions at The Wright Center, including vice president for patient safety and quality in 2013, culminating in his current role as senior vice president and chief medical and information officer, a position he has held since 2018.

In 2024, Dr. Sheth was recognized nationally and statewide for his visionary leadership and impact on community health. He received the Outstanding Primary Care Clinician Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers and the Innovative Research in Primary Care Award from the National Association of Community Health Centers, honoring his contributions to clinical innovation, care coordination, and public health. He was also named a 2024 Trailblazer in Building and Infrastructure by City & State Pennsylvania for transforming 10 facilities across three counties into The Wright Center’s state-of-the-art primary health care centers – dramatically improving access and outcomes for patients and medically underserved communities.

The Wright Center for Community Health, in partnership with Penn State Extension, will begin offering free classes aimed at helping families and individuals who receive food assistance eat healthier while stretching their food budgets.

The series – which will be taught in English and Spanish – begins at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Auditorium, 501 S. Washington Ave. Classes will continue at the same time and location every Tuesday through June 24.

“Food costs are on the rise, which is putting a strain on many families throughout the area,” said Melissa Germano, a registered dietitian and director of lifestyle modification and preventive medicine at The Wright Center. “Partnering with Penn State Extension’s Nutrition Links Program is a perfect opportunity to give families the tools they need to eat healthy and keep their food costs under control.”

Materials used in the classes are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, which is supported by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 

Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center’s growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, provides affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary health services to everyone, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. Patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services.

For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-209-0019. To learn more about Penn State Extension’s Nutrition Links Program, visit extension.psu.edu/nutrition-links. 

A $25,000 grant from AllOne Charities will help The Wright Center for Community Health provide dental services and oral health education to children enrolled in Head Start locations in Lackawanna, Monroe, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.

The Head Start Program is primarily federally funded and provides education, health, and social services to families with children ages 3 through 5. Children who attend develop academic and social skills that prepare them for school and life.

In 2023, The Wright Center began offering dental care to some children at local Head Start locations. As a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, The Wright Center recognizes the importance of providing oral hygiene screening exams and cleanings and educating children about the benefits of good dental hygiene.

“Studies show that good oral hygiene is especially important for children in this age group, as it helps establish healthy habits that last a lifetime and prevent future oral health issues,” said Dr. Caitlin McCarthy, a dentist at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton who has led the Healthy Smiles Program at local Head Start locations. “This project reaches a vulnerable, underserved, and diverse population.”

The grant will allow The Wright Center’s dental staff to make dozens of trips to Head Start locations across the five counties and provide dental care for hundreds of children. Care will be provided aboard Driving Better Health, the 34-foot medical and dental unit that delivers care where patients live, work, study, and play.

Grant funds will partially cover a dental hygienist’s salary and travel expenses, along with operational expenses for Driving Better Health and dental supplies. Additionally, funds will support the distribution of oral hygiene kits for children, which include toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste.

AllOne Foundation & Charities, based in Wilkes-Barre, works independently or collectively to enhance the health care delivery system of Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania and is innovative, creative, and collaborative in crafting new ways of improving the health and welfare of people in the region.

An AllOne Charities grant will help The Wright Center for Community Health deliver dental services and oral health education aboard Driving Better Health to children enrolled in Head Start. Participating in the ceremonial check presentation, from left, are Christine Wysocky, a nurse practitioner at The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre; Nora Kern, program officer at AllOne Charities; Mary Carroll Donahoe, chief program officer at AllOne Charities; John W. Cosgrove, chief executive officer at AllOne Charities; Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education; Kimeth Robinson, manager at The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre; Maria Oberto-Jacoby, director of operations at The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre; and Anthony Beltran, certified medical assistant at The Wright Center for Community Health.