Amakuru
Doctor honored with ‘You Make a Difference Award’ from national advocacy group
Dr. Mary Louise Decker, the infectious diseases medical director at The Wright Center for Community Health, was honored with an award from a national advocacy group for her meaningful, evidence-based hepatitis C and HIV prevention and treatment efforts across Northeast Pennsylvania.
The Community Liver Alliance awarded Dr. Decker the You Make a Difference Award, which honors individuals who have made a meaningful impact in advancing liver health by supporting patients and families, and strengthening communities. She accepted the award at the Community Liver Alliance’s 12th annual You Make a Difference Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 1, at the Kamin Science Center in Pittsburgh.
Dr. Decker, a board-certified infectious diseases physician, leads The Wright Center’s Ryan White HIV and Infectious Diseases Clinic. She earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where she completed her residency in internal medicine and fellowship in infectious diseases. She has more than 20 years of clinical experience in treating complex bacterial and viral infections in the inpatient and outpatient setting, in providing comprehensive care for people living with or at risk for acquiring HIV, in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and sexually transmitted infections, and with antibiotic stewardship and hospital infection control.
In 2020, Dr. Decker established The Wright Center’s dedicated Hepatitis C Clinic, creating a pathway for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up. Since its inception, the clinic has successfully treated more than 400 patients with chronic hepatitis C, many of whom faced significant barriers to care.
Dr. Mary Louise Decker
Under Dr. Decker’s leadership, The Wright Center for Community Health’s Ryan White HIV and Infectious Diseases Clinic has been a leader in HIV testing, treatment, and support in the region. The clinic serves nearly 500 patients across seven counties, providing coordinated, whole-person care at community health centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
Through her efforts, viral suppression rates among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy improved from 86% to 96%. Gaps in care were reduced to under 10%. Vaccine compliance increased significantly, including a greater than 70% HPV vaccine rate among those eligible and a 50% rise in varicella-zoster vaccination.
Dr. Decker is accepting new adult patients at our community health centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. To schedule an appointment, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-941-0630.
