Health grants available 

WAYNE COUNTY, PA — Nonprofit groups that are providing health-related programs and are in need of funding in the Wayne Memorial service area could qualify for a community grant from the Wayne Memorial Health Foundation (WMHF). 

Applications are due Friday, June 23.

Applications will be accepted from organizations focusing on health care-related services for injuries, disease prevention and treatment, and the promotion of good health and well-being for residents of Wayne and Pike counties, the greater Carbondale region of Lackawanna County and Forest City in Susquehanna County. 

Applicants must complete a WMHF program application. Applications and guidelines can be downloaded at www.wmh.org—click on the Community tab. Applications can also be requested by emailing kneier@wmh.org, calling 570/253-8422 or by writing to Wayne Memorial Hospital, Attn. Carol Kneier, 601 Park St., Honesdale, PA 18431.

Golf Classic to benefit Garnet Health - Catskills

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY — Garnet Health Foundation - Catskills will hold its 44th annual Golf Classic on Wednesday, July 19 at Tarry Brae Golf Course.

The tournament benefits the Patient Experience Fund at Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills. 

It will help to create a sustainable fund to help patients and their families, a press release from the hospital read, by attending to their basic material needs while the patients concentrate on healing.

The Golf Classic will begin at 11 a.m. The cost is $200 per player, and includes the greens fee, a golf cart, a light breakfast, lunch, refreshments and a reception.

Tarry Brae Golf Course is located at 387 Pleasant Valley Rd.

To participate or sponsor the 44th annual Golf Classic, visit garnethealth.org/catskillsgolfclassic or call 845/333-8962.

Advocates call for in-home care

HARRISBURG, PA — More than 200 providers, supporters and recipients of home-based care gathered at the state capitol with the Pennsylvania Homecare Association (PHA) to call for immediate action, meaningful investment and additional support to address ongoing, crisis-level workforce shortages in home-based care.

The PHA is an organization of home health, homecare and hospice providers. 

Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, including children with medically complex needs, adults with disabilities and seniors, are struggling to access the critical, life-sustaining care they need to remain safe, healthy and independent in their homes and communities, the advocates said in a statement.

“Nearly everyone agrees that seniors and individuals with disabilities want—and deserve—to age in their homes and communities... In-home care costs less, is strongly preferred, and has better outcomes,” said  Teri Henning, CEO of PHA. “Seniors over 65 are the fastest-growing population in Pennsylvania by far. Despite these facts, home care has been chronically underfunded, leading to widespread staffing shortages, agencies unable to accept patients or provide the full range of necessary care, and far too many patients and consumers who cannot get the care they so desperately need and deserve.”

Among the advocates were recipients of home care, all of whom credited their caregivers for their (or their family member’s) ability to live safely in their own home. All cited a lack of funding as a major challenge threatening their care and safety. 

The problem is clear: agencies simply cannot recruit and retain enough qualified caregivers to meet demand, according to the statement. 

The group is calling on Gov. Josh Shapiro and state legislators to support increased funding for in-home care.

The Wright Center to offer dental services  

HAWLEY, PA — The Wright Center for Community Health will begin conducting two regularly scheduled dental clinics each month at its primary and preventive care practice in Hawley, starting July 17.

The clinics will be held on the third and fourth Mondays of every month, with appointments available between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

Dental professionals will provide affordable, high-quality oral care services, including routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions and other procedures.

A dental hygienist will be on site to assist new and returning patients on the third Monday of the month. A general practice dentist and a dental assistant will see patients during the subsequent monthly clinic, offering advanced treatment.

The center accepts most dental insurance, including Medical Assistance (Medicaid). 

A sliding-fee discount program is available to individuals who qualify. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay.

The Wright Center for Community Health Hawley Practice is located at 103 Spruce St.

Appointments can be made for children and adults by calling 570/576-8081.  

For more information about the Wright Center and its health care services, visit www.TheWrightCenter.org or call 570/230-0019.

Wayne Memorial Hospital announces the following births:

Carter James Cerruto was born May 19, 2023 to Samantha Elaine Cerruto of Hawley, PA. Maternal grandparents are Gwena and Peter Cerruto of Pennsylvania. 

Chamomile Elizabeth Larson was born May 22, 2023 to Anelle and Mark Larson of Honesdale, PA.

Caleb Robert Perrera was born May 3, 2023 to Veronica McBride and Dylan Perrera of Hawley, PA. Maternal grandparent is Chris Ann Kozlawski of Olyphant, PA. Paternal grandparents are Farrah Perrera of Honesdale, PA and Martin Perrera of Lake City, FL.

Wyatt Austin Witko was born April 28, 2023 to Kayleigh and John Witko of Hawley, PA. Maternal grandparents are Reuben and JoAnn Rader of Bangor, PA. Paternal grandparents are John and Kathy Witko of Avoca, PA.

 Cancer survivors are not alone

Tim Sohn

SHOHOLA, PA — Tim Sohn, a 16-year cancer warrior, has written “Perspectives On Cancer: Cancer Patients, Survivors & Supporters Share Their Stories.” 

The book reminds other cancer patients, survivors and supporters know they are not alone, and encourages them to talk about their experiences when they are ready. 

The book, which is available at www.PerspectivesOnCancer.com, includes Sohn’s cancer story plus the stories of 10 others in the cancer community.

Featured authors in the book include Erica Neubert Campbell, Mark Kageyama, Angelica Alen, Suzanna Webb, Tim McDonald, Steve Sullivan, Savio P. Clemente, Kara Onorato, Lori Baker-Schena and Terri Tomoff.

Sohn was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in his 20s sixteen years ago and never planned to share his cancer story publicly.

But that changed. “By sharing your cancer story, you will connect with other cancer patients, survivors and supporters, it can be healing and give others hope,” he said.

“We all have our own cancer stories. None of them are exactly the same, but we can relate about certain things—whether it’s survivor’s guilt, the physical or mental effects of cancer, the financial burden and more.”

A Showing Up: Perspectives on Cancer in-person event is planned for September 30 at Marywood University in Scranton.

To learn more, visit www.PerspectivesOnCancer.com.

Supporting nurses, preventing burnout

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — In a study from the American Nurses Foundation released this year, 57 percent of nurses surveyed responded they felt “exhausted” during the past two weeks, 43 percent indicated they felt “burned out,” and only 20 percent said they felt valued. 

However, a spokesperson for New Hope Community said, there is still good news in the field of nursing. There are more supportive environments that enable healthcare professionals to do what they do best—provide compassionate care to people who need it. 

At New Hope Community, nurses who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are providing much-needed care in a setting that is community-oriented, promotes positive relationships with patients and allows nurses to make a significant impact on their patients’ health and lives, the spokesperson wrote. 

Three of the nurses commented on their experiences. 

Karen Kerendian, R.N. and director of health services: “While being a nurse, you experience a team that works together to assist people with accomplishing their dreams for the first time. I have a son with developmental disabilities, so to be able to be a part of that is very special to me.”

Karen Valdivia, R.N.: “To me, nursing represents diversity, especially at New Hope Community. There are so many opportunities to learn and grow that nursing is never boring. You can work with people across their lifespan, from neonates to the elderly.”

Tesha Brady, R.N., nurse educator: “I became a nurse to safeguard a person’s health, wellness, dignity, privacy and growth—not only supporting them when they are unwell, but also watching them grow in knowledge and capability. I am happy that I’m able to do that here at New Hope Community.”

Learn more about New Hope Community on Facebook.

Garnet Health Medical Center names chief nursing officer

MIDDLETOWN, NY — Garnet Health Medical Center announced the promotion of Nicole Sewell, R.N. to chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services. Sewell has been serving on an interim basis in this position since August 2022.

“It is a true testament to Ms. Sewell’s superior leadership skills, her extensive experience and her deep commitment to serving the needs of our patients and families, as well as the entire community, that we can seamlessly transition her to this position permanently,” said Jerry Dunlavey, interim president and CEO of Garnet Health. “Nicole is beloved by patients and staff alike, and we value her dedication to Garnet Health and its mission.”

Throughout her tenure at Garnet Health, Sewell has held several nursing leadership positions, and has been instrumental in many projects.

Sewell started her career at Arden Hill Hospital in 1990 as a registered nurse. She has more than 30 years combined experience caring for patients in many areas such as medical-surgical, oncology, progressive care and critical care. She holds a master’s degree in nursing administration. 

For more information about career opportunities at Garnet Health, visit www.garnethealth.org/careers.