| Form 990, Part I, Line 1 BRIEF MISSION |
THE WRIGHT CENTER MEDICAL GROUP D/B/A THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) AND ITS PRIMARY AFFILIATED ENTITY, THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (TWCGME), SHARE A 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. COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS-RESPONSIVE, WHOLE-PERSON HEALTH SERVICES AND INTERPROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, TWCCH AND TWCGME ARE THE ORIGINATORS AND OPERATORS OF A REPLICABLE, SCALABLE, AND PROVEN "ACHIEVABLE BY ALL" TEACHING HEALTH CENTER GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION SAFETY-NET CONSORTIUM (GME-SNC) MODEL THAT IS INCREASINGLY BEING ADOPTED NATIONALLY AS A SOLUTION TO THE PRIMARY CARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH WORKFORCE CRISES FACING COMMUNITY-BASED SYSTEMS OF CARE. THROUGH THE ORGANIZATION'S GME-SNC FRAMEWORK, ITS MISSION IS OPERATIONALIZED BY SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATING LEARNING, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND CARE DELIVERY, LEVERAGING THE PRESENCE OF PHYSICIAN AND INTERPROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE LEARNERS TO DRIVE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT, EXPAND ACCESS, AND SUSTAIN EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY-BASED PRIMARY CARE. THE GME-SNC MODEL POSITIONS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AS INTEGRATED ACADEMIC PRIMARY CARE AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PLATFORMS, ELEVATING FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS (FQHCS) AND FQHC LOOK-ALIKES TO HIGH-PERFORMING LEARNING ORGANIZATIONS RATHER THAN RELEGATING THEM TO THE MARGINS OF WORKFORCE DESIRABILITY. IN THIS MODEL, COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SERVE AS ENGINES OF EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, AND ACCESS, ADVANCING INTENTIONAL, LOCALLY GROUNDED SOLUTIONS TO PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, AND LONG-TERM WORKFORCE SUSTAINABILITY. ROOTED IN THE BELIEF THAT COMMUNITIES MUST HAVE THE CAPACITY TO IDENTIFY, GOVERN, AND SOLVE THEIR OWN HEALTH AND WORKFORCE CHALLENGES, AND INSPIRED BY THE PRINCIPLES ARTICULATED BY NOBEL PRIZE-WINNING ECONOMIST AND POLITICAL SCIENTIST ELINOR OSTROM, THE GME-SNC MODEL REFLECTS THE CONVICTION THAT "WE" IS MORE POWERFUL THAN "I." CONSISTENT WITH OSTROM'S POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC THEORIES OF COOPERATION AND COLLABORATION IN STEWARDING COMMON-POOL RESOURCES, THE ORGANIZATION'S GME-SNC MODEL PROMOTES MUTUALLY REINFORCING, CONSENSUS-DRIVEN STRATEGIES THAT ENABLE COMMUNITIES TO ADDRESS COMPLEX PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE CHALLENGES SUSTAINABLY. BY PROMOTING A CULTURE OF UNIFIED PARTICIPATORY CITIZENSHIP AND SHARED LEARNING AMONG GOVERNING BOARDS, CLINICAL CARE TEAMS, STAFF, PATIENTS, AND COMMUNITY-BASED INTERPROFESSIONAL LEARNERS, THE GME-SNC MODEL STIMULATES AND LEVERAGES EACH STAKEHOLDER GROUP'S MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTIONS TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN CARE DELIVERY AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. THE COLLECTIVE IMPACT OF THIS APPROACH STRENGTHENS TALENT DEVELOPMENT, RECRUITMENT, AND RETENTION FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS, AND THE BROADER COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE, WHILE ADVANCING A DURABLE, COMMUNITY-ANCHORED RESPONSE TO NATIONAL PRIMARY CARE WORKFORCE SHORTAGES, MISDISTRIBUTION, AND RELATED BARRIERS TO HEALTH CARE ACCESS AND CAREERS. BUILDING ON THIS MISSION-DRIVEN GOVERNANCE FOUNDATION, THE GME-SNC MODEL HAS BEEN ADVANCED, TESTED, AND PROVEN THROUGH MORE THAN A DECADE OF LIVED EXPERIENCE, MOST NOTABLY THROUGH THE CREATION, EVOLUTION, AND SUCCESSFUL MATURATION OF TWCGME'S PIONEERING NATIONAL FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY (NFMR) PROGRAM. THROUGH THIS WORK, COMMUNITY-ANCHORED CLINICAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS DEMONSTRATED THAT FQHCS AND FQHC LOOK-ALIKES CAN FUNCTION NOT AS PERIPHERAL TRAINING SITES, BUT AS HIGH-PERFORMING ACADEMIC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PLATFORMS CAPABLE OF TRAINING, RETAINING, AND SUSTAINING A PRIMARY CARE WORKFORCE RESPONSIVE TO LOCAL NEEDS. EVEN AMID SIGNIFICANT REGULATORY DISRUPTION AND PROGRAMMATIC TRANSITIONS, THE GME-SNC MODEL EVOLVED AS DESIGNED. NFMR PARTNER SITES SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITIONED TO INDEPENDENT, ACGME-ACCREDITED SPONSORING INSTITUTIONS AND RESIDENCY PROGRAMS, WHILE OTHERS ADVANCED TOWARD THAT GOAL, AFFIRMING THE MODEL'S SCALABILITY, REPLICABILITY, AND DURABILITY. THESE REMARKABLE OUTCOMES REFLECT REAL COMMUNITIES THAT NOW TRAIN THEIR OWN PHYSICIANS, STEWARD THEIR OWN RESOURCES, AND STRENGTHEN ACCESS TO WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY CARE, LIVING PROOF THAT INTENTIONAL, COMMUNITY-GOVERNED WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THIS GME-SNC MODEL CAN DELIVER LASTING PUBLIC BENEFIT. THIS SAME PHILOSOPHY DIRECTLY INFORMS HOW TWCCH OPERATIONALIZES CARE DELIVERY, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP ACROSS THE POPULATIONS AND REGIONS IT SERVES. |
| Form 990, Part I, Line 1 BRIEF MISSION |
AS AN ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY PROVIDER, TWCCH DELIVERS COMPREHENSIVE, WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES TO ALL PATIENTS AND FAMILIES IN A PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME (PCMH) CARE DELIVERY FRAMEWORK, REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY OR ZIP CODE, WHILE EDUCATING THE CURRENT AND FUTURE PHYSICIAN AND INTERPROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE. ITS COMPREHENSIVE, FULLY INTEGRATED PRIMARY AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN INCLUDE MEDICAL, WOMEN'S HEALTH, PEDIATRICS, GENERAL DENTISTRY, MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT AND RECOVERY, CARE AND CASE MANAGEMENT, OBESITY MEDICINE, INFECTIOUS DISEASE, RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS SERVICES, AS WELL AS RHEUMATOLOGIC AND GERIATRIC CARE, AND NUTRITIONAL AND LIFESTYLE MEDICINE. ENRICHED PRIMARY CARE SERVICES WITH SPECIALTY INTEGRATION ACTIVITIES ALLOW TWCCH TO EXPAND ACCESS FOR ALL PATIENTS AND INTERPROFESSIONAL LEARNERS TO PARTNERING SPECIALTY PROVIDERS. BY EMBEDDING LEARNING AND WORKFORCE RENEWAL DIRECTLY INTO THE FABRIC OF CARE DELIVERY, THE GME-SNC MODEL DEVELOPED AND OPERATED BY TWCCH AND TWCGME ENABLES COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS TO REMAIN ADAPTIVE, INNOVATIVE, AND RESILIENT WHILE EXPANDING ACCESS AND ADVANCING QUALITY HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND PROGRAMS. OPERATING WITHIN AN INCREASINGLY DYNAMIC FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING ENVIRONMENT, TWCCH AND TWCGME APPROACH UNCERTAINTY WITH DISCIPLINED, VALUES-ANCHORED LEADERSHIP RATHER THAN REACTIVE DECISION-MAKING. THROUGHOUT THE COVERED PERIOD, THE ENTERPRISE EMPHASIZED METHODICAL PLANNING, CONTINUOUS DIALOGUE, AND GOVERNANCE BOARD-INFORMED STRATEGY TO PROTECT ACCESS, WORKFORCE STABILITY, AND WHOLE-PERSON CARE DELIVERY WHILE REMAINING RESPONSIVE TO EVOLVING FEDERAL AND STATE POLICY SIGNALS BEYOND THE ORGANIZATION'S DIRECT CONTROL. WITHIN THIS GOVERNANCE-INFORMED PLANNING FRAMEWORK, TWCCH ADVANCED STRUCTURAL PLANNING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SUPPORTING 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT PRIVATE FOUNDATION THAT WILL REMAIN A SUB-CORPORATION OF TWCCH, STRENGTHENING LONG-TERM PHILANTHROPIC STEWARDSHIP AND COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT CAPACITY. THE ORGANIZATION'S NICHE IS WORLD-CLASS, INNOVATIVE, RESPONSIVE, WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL, DELIVERED THROUGH COMMUNITY-CENTRIC, INCUMBENT, AND FUTURE WORKFORCE RENEWAL. INSPIRED BY THE EMPOWERING COMMUNITY AND PATIENT GOVERNANCE, AND THE FOCUS OF THE U.S. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION'S (HRSA) FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER (FQHC AND FQHC LOOK-ALIKE) FRAMEWORK, AS WELL AS ITS TEACHING HEALTH CENTER GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (THCGME) PROGRAM, ITS GME-SNC MODEL EMBRACES COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AS INTEGRATED ACADEMIC AND PRIMARY CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PLATFORMS, PROVIDING A PROVEN, SCALABLE, AND REPLICABLE SOLUTION FOR INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION, AND A MEANS OF ADDRESSING THE NATIONAL PRIMARY CARE WORKFORCE SHORTAGE, MISDISTRIBUTION, AND RELATED HEALTH, HEALTH CARE SERVICES, AND HEALTH CARE CAREER ACCESS NEEDS AND CHALLENGES. PROMOTING A CULTURE OF UNIFYING PARTICIPATORY CITIZENSHIP AND SHARED LEARNING FOR BOARD, CLINICAL CARE TEAMS, STAFF, PATIENTS, AND COMMUNITY-BASED INTERPROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE LEARNERS, WHILE STIMULATING AND LEVERAGING EACH STAKEHOLDER GROUP'S MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTIONS TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS IN INTERNAL AND PARTNERING CARE DELIVERY AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS, THE ORGANIZATION'S GME-SNC'S COLLECTIVE IMPACT REFLECTS THE POWER OF COMMUNITY-DRIVEN INNOVATION TO STRENGTHEN HEALTH CARE DELIVERY, EXPAND ACCESS TO CARE, AND DELIVER AND ENRICH TALENT DEVELOPMENT, RECRUITMENT, AND RETENTION FOR HEALTH CENTERS, AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS, AND BROADER COMMUNITIES SERVED. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 1 ORGANIZATION MISSION |
THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) AND ITS PRIMARY AFFILIATED ENTITY, THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (TWCGME), SHARE A 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 FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) WAS ORIGINALLY INCORPORATED IN 1994 AS THE WRIGHT CENTER MEDICAL GROUP, PC, A TAX-EXEMPT PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION (PC), TO BE THE AMBULATORY PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE PLAN AFFILIATED WITH THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (TWCGME). FOUNDED WITH A $1 MILLION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUREAU OF MANPOWER GRANT IN 1976, TWCGME IS A NONPROFIT, ACGME-ACCREDITED SPONSORING INSTITUTION AND THE FOUNDING EDUCATIONAL MEMBER OF A TEACHING HEALTH CENTER GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION SAFETY-NET CONSORTIUM (THC GME-SNC). TWCGME INTEGRATES FEDERAL GME FUNDING FROM THE U.S. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA) TEACHING HEALTH CENTER (THC) PROGRAM, THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA), AND ACUTE INPATIENT PROSPECTIVE PAYMENT SYSTEM (IPPS) HOSPITALS AND INPATIENT REHABILITATION FACILITIES (IRFS) FUNDED BY THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES (CMS). |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 1 ORGANIZATION MISSION |
IN 2018, THE WRIGHT CENTER MEDICAL GROUP, PC, UNDERWENT A STRATEGIC GOVERNANCE TRANSFORMATION, FIRST CONVERTING TO A PENNSYLVANIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION AND SUBSEQUENTLY EVOLVING INTO AN AUTONOMOUS, COMMUNITY- AND PATIENT-GOVERNED INDEPENDENT 501(C)(3) ENTITY. THIS PIVOTAL SHIFT POSITIONED THE ORGANIZATION TO PURSUE AND SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVE FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER (FQHC) LOOK-ALIKE DESIGNATION FROM HRSA, EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2019. THIS REMARKABLE GOVERNANCE TRANSITION WAS DRIVEN BY THE MISSION-FOCUSED, UNANIMOUS DECISION OF PHYSICIAN AND NON-PHYSICIAN PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER STAKEHOLDERS, WHO WERE THEN SERVING AS BOARD MEMBERS, TO AFFIRM COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP BY RELINQUISHING THEIR GOVERNANCE ROLES. THEY SELFLESSLY TRANSFERRED FIDUCIARY AUTHORITY TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS, PREDOMINANTLY PATIENTS AND CONSUMERS OF THE ENTITY'S PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES, THEREBY ENSURING THAT THE ORGANIZATION'S LEADERSHIP DIRECTLY REFLECTS THE NEEDS AND PRIORITIES OF THOSE IT SERVES. ENGAGED PATIENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS AUTHENTICALLY ASSUMED THE GOVERNING BOARD SEATS, WELCOMING THEIR EMPOWERED OFFICIAL VOICES IN THE FIDUCIARY STEWARDSHIP AND DIRECTIONAL OVERSIGHT OF THE ORGANIZATION. THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT IMPACT OF THIS UNIFYING, COMMUNITY-DRIVEN ACTION, WHICH CONTINUES TO VALIDATE HRSA'S VISION FOR PATIENT-LED GOVERNANCE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, CANNOT BE OVERSTATED. THIS INTENTIONAL, COMMUNITY-EMPOWERING GOVERNANCE TRANSFORMATION ENABLED THE ENTITY TO APPLY FOR AND SECURE THE DESIGNATION AS AN HRSA-RECOGNIZED AUTONOMOUS, INDEPENDENT, COMMUNITY- AND PATIENT-GOVERNED FQHC LOOK-ALIKE ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY PROVIDER OF PRIMARY HEALTH AND CONTINUED RYAN WHITE SERVICES. PROUDLY AND GRATEFULLY, AT THE CLOSE OF FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025, 88% OF THE GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS OF TWCCH WERE ENGAGED "USERS" OF ITS PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES AS DEFINED IN HRSA'S HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM COMPLIANCE MANUAL. ADDITIONALLY, THE TWCCH AND TWCGME GOVERNING BOARDS REGULARLY REVIEW TWCCH'S COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CHNA) AND COMPREHENSIVE REGIONAL HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE NEEDS ASSESSMENT (HCWNA) FINDINGS TO INFORM STRATEGIC PLANNING, PROGRAM EXPANSION, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES. THROUGHOUT FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 AND CONTINUING TODAY, TWCCH INTENTIONALLY EXPANDED ACCESS TO PRIMARY AND INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES AS PART OF ITS COMMUNITY-BASED GROWTH AND REINVESTMENT MODEL. AS NEW SITES AND SERVICE LINES ARE INCUBATED, PARTICULARLY IN UNDERSERVED AND RURAL COMMUNITIES SUCH AS HAWLEY, PENNSYLVANIA, TWCCH FIRST ESTABLISHES A STABLE PRIMARY CARE FOUNDATION. AS THESE SERVICES MATURE AND BECOME SUSTAINABLE, THE ORGANIZATION REINVESTS THE GENERATED CLINICAL REVENUE DIRECTLY INTO THE COMMUNITY, WITH ACCESS EXPANSION SERVING AS A PRIMARY VEHICLE FOR COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT. TWCCH PROVIDES 83 HOURS PER WEEK OF CLINICAL HEALTH SERVICES AT ITS MID VALLEY TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN JERMYN, PENNSYLVANIA, AND EXPANDED ACCESS THROUGH EXTENDED WEEKDAY, SATURDAY, AND HOLIDAY HOURS (EXCLUDING SUNDAYS) AT ITS HAWLEY, WILKES-BARRE, AND SCRANTON TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS. ADDITIONALLY, TWCCH MAINTAINED 24/7 ON-CALL CLINICAL COVERAGE ACROSS ALL SERVICE LINES AND CLINICAL CARE SETTINGS, INCLUDING BOTH AMBULATORY AND HOSPITAL VENUES. IMPORTANTLY, ACCESS EXPANSION EXTENDED BEYOND TRADITIONAL VISIT HOURS TO INCLUDE ADDING PROVIDERS, DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING INTERIM VISIT CARE MODELS, ADVANCED PRIMARY CARE MANAGEMENT (APCM), CARE COORDINATION, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER-SUPPORTED OUTREACH, ENSURING CONTINUITY OF CARE BETWEEN VISITS. THESE ACCESS STRATEGIES ARE SUPPORTED BY ROBUST, INTERPROFESSIONAL CARE TEAMS THAT WORK ACROSS AMBULATORY, INPATIENT, AND COMMUNITY-BASED SETTINGS TO PROMOTE PATIENT HEALTH AND WELL-BEING BEYOND EPISODIC ENCOUNTERS. DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH SERVED 37,059 UNIQUE PATIENTS AND COMPLETED 165,076 TOTAL VISITS BETWEEN JULY 2024 AND JUNE 2025, INCLUDING 90,615 MEDICAL VISITS, 20,316 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH VISITS, 15,144 DENTAL VISITS, AND 17,228 INPATIENT HOSPITAL VISITS. THESE SERVICES ALSO INCLUDED HOUSE CALLS AND CARE PROVIDED IN SKILLED NURSING, ASSISTED LIVING, INPATIENT AND TRANSITIONAL REHABILITATION, AND HOSPICE FACILITIES. CLINICAL REVENUE GENERATED THROUGH THIS EXPANDED ACCESS AND CARE-BETWEEN-VISITS MODEL IS INTENTIONALLY REINVESTED TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY CAPACITY, SUPPORTING ADDITIONAL ACCESS EXPANSION, FACILITY UPGRADES, AND CARE-DELIVERY IMPROVEMENTS. THIS REINVESTMENT APPROACH ALLOWS TWCCH'S MODEL TO MOVE BEYOND SUSTAINABILITY TOWARD LONG-TERM COMMUNITY THRIVING, WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY BUILDING DURABLE SYSTEMS OF CARE AND INTERPROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE PIPELINES. THESE PIPELINES CREATE LOCALLY ROOTED CAREER PATHWAYS WITH ECONOMIC MOBILITY AND PROMOTE ALIGNMENT BETWEEN THE COMMUNITIES SERVED AND THE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS TRAINED AND RETAINED WITHIN THEM. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 1 ORGANIZATION MISSION |
TWCCH OPERATES NCQA-RECOGNIZED PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOMES (PCMHS) (FORMERLY NCQA LEVEL 3), WITH NCQA PRIMARY CARE/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RECOGNITION AND HISTORICAL NCQA SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTER RECOGNITION. TWCCH HAS EXECUTED MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING AND SHARED CARE COMPACTS WITH NUMEROUS PRIMARY AND SPECIALTY MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS, HOSPITALS, INTEGRATED DELIVERY SYSTEMS, AND COMMUNITY-BASED RESOURCE AGENCIES, FORMING AN EXTENSIVE, ENRICHED RESOURCE NETWORK FOR ALL. TWCCH IS A DESIGNATED PENNSYLVANIA OPIOID USE DISORDER CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (COE), A PENNSYLVANIA COORDINATING CENTER FOR MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT (PACMAT), AND THE CONVENING AND PRIMARY ORGANIZATION OF A MULTI-INSTITUTION HEALTHY MATERNAL OPIATE MEDICAL SUPPORTS (HEALTHY MOMS) PROGRAM. TWCCH OFFERS ROBUST PRIMARY PHYSICAL, MENTAL, BEHAVIORAL, DENTAL, AND RYAN WHITE HEALTH SERVICES WITHIN THE PCMH FRAMEWORK, COORDINATING A FULL SPECTRUM OF WHOLE-PERSON HEALTH SERVICES FOR ITS PATIENTS. TWCCH CONTINUED TO SERVE AS A PASSIONATE CHAMPION FOR MEANINGFUL USE OF ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD (EMR) AND ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD (EHR) AND FOR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (HIT) INTEROPERABILITY, RECOGNIZING THAT TIMELY, ACCURATE INFORMATION FLOW IS FOUNDATIONAL TO SAFE, WHOLE-PERSON CARE. TWCCH HAS INVESTED IN EXPANDING ITS DATA ANALYTICS AND EHR TEAMS, CREATING DEDICATED WORKFORCE CAPACITY TO SUPPORT INTEROPERABILITY, IMPROVE CARE COORDINATION, AND ENSURE THAT CLINICAL INFORMATION FOLLOWS PATIENTS ACROSS SETTINGS AND SYSTEMS. OPERATING WITHIN PENNSYLVANIA'S OPT-IN HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE (HIE) ENVIRONMENT, TWCCH HAS REMAINED STEADFAST IN ADVOCATING FOR RESPONSIBLE, HIPAA-COMPLIANT DATA SHARING THAT PRIORITIZES PATIENT CARE OVER INSTITUTIONAL SILOS. WHILE OPT-IN FRAMEWORKS ARE LEGALLY PERMISSIBLE, TWCCH RECOGNIZES THAT DELAYED OR FRAGMENTED INFORMATION EXCHANGE CAN IMPEDE CLINICAL DECISION-MAKING AND UNDERMINE CONTINUITY OF CARE, PARTICULARLY FOR MEDICALLY COMPLEX AND UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS. ACCORDINGLY, TWCCH ACTIVELY PARTICIPATES IN REGIONAL AND STATEWIDE HIE INITIATIVES AND SERVES AS A COMMUNITY ORGANIZING AND EDUCATIONAL PLATFORM TO HELP PATIENTS, PROVIDERS, AND PARTNERS UNDERSTAND WHY HEALTH INFORMATION MUST FLOW TO SUPPORT CARE. TWCCH HAS CONSISTENTLY CHALLENGED BUSINESS PRACTICES THAT, WHILE TECHNICALLY ALLOWABLE, FUNCTION AS INFORMATION BLOCKING AND REFLECT OUTDATED, INSULAR MODELS OF HEALTH CARE DELIVERY THAT NO LONGER SERVE PATIENTS OR COMMUNITIES. TWCCH'S POSITION IS GUIDED BY A CLEAR ETHICAL DISTINCTION: ROBUST, OPT-OUT INFORMATION SHARING SHOULD SUPPORT ROUTINE HEALTH CARE DELIVERY, WHILE MORE SENSITIVE DOMAINS, SUCH AS GENETIC TESTING, SHOULD REMAIN OPT-IN AND SUBJECT TO HEIGHTENED PATIENT CONSENT. THIS BALANCED APPROACH REFLECTS TWCCH'S COMMITMENT TO PATIENT AUTONOMY, DATA PROTECTION, AND CLINICAL EXCELLENCE, WHILE ADVANCING A MODERN, INTEROPERABLE HEALTH SYSTEM THAT PLACES PATIENT WELL-BEING. TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE GOVERNANCE PLATFORM IS AMPLIFIED IN ITS COMMUNITY- AND PATIENT-DRIVEN GOVERNANCE OF THE PATIENT ENGAGEMENT COUNCIL, D/B/A THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR PATIENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (TWCPCE), OF WHICH TWCCH IS THE SOLE CORPORATE MEMBER. THE MISSION OF TWCPCE, A PENNSYLVANIA TAX-EXEMPT NONPROFIT CORPORATION, IS TO EMPOWER AND ENGAGE PATIENTS TO PROMOTE THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES, ADVANCE OUTCOMES AND EXPERIENCES IN HEALTH CARE AND RELATED SERVICES, AND SUPPORT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. IT AIMS TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH THROUGH EDUCATION, ADVOCACY, PATIENT-CENTERED SERVICES, AND TARGETED INITIATIVES THAT ADDRESS PATIENT AND COMMUNITY RESOURCE NEEDS THAT NEGATIVELY IMPACT HEALTH OUTCOMES. TWCCH'S TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS ARE THE PRIMARY AMBULATORY, LONGITUDINAL CLINICAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS FOR TWCGME'S INTERNAL MEDICINE, FAMILY MEDICINE, AND PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION (PM&R) RESIDENTS, AS WELL AS ITS GERIATRIC, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, AND GASTROENTEROLOGY FELLOWS AND LEARNERS IN ITS INTERNAL MEDICINE-GERIATRICS INTEGRATED RESIDENCY AND FELLOWSHIP PATHWAY, COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE COMBINED MED-GERI PATHWAY. THESE LEARNING PROGRAMS ARE INTENTIONALLY AND THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED TO LINK WORKFORCE PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT TO THE FULL CONTINUUM OF CARE, ENSURING THAT FUTURE PHYSICIANS, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN PM&R AND OTHER SPECIALTIES, ARE TRAINED IN A DEEP RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMUNITY-BASED PRIMARY CARE. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 1 ORGANIZATION MISSION |
ADDITIONALLY, TWCCH PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE CLINICAL TRAINING OF ADVANCED EDUCATION IN GENERAL DENTISTRY (AEGD) RESIDENTS IN COLLABORATION WITH NYU LANGONE HEALTH'S AEGD RESIDENCY, ACCREDITED BY THE COMMISSION ON DENTAL ACCREDITATION (CODA). DURING FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025, TWCCH TRAINED MORE THAN 200 RESIDENT AND FELLOW PHYSICIANS AT ITS AFFILIATED TWCGME AND ANNUALLY HOSTED MORE THAN 200 ADDITIONAL INTERPROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE LEARNERS FROM OVER 10 REGIONAL ACADEMIC PARTNERS FOR CLINICAL PRIMARY CARE TRAINING THAT EXPANDS ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY PRIMARY CARE IN THE COMMUNITIES THE ORGANIZATION SERVES. THOSE ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS INCLUDE LAKE ERIE COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE (LECOM) AND A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY'S SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE IN ARIZONA (ATSU-SOMA) AND ITS CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM IN CALIFORNIA (ATSU-CCPAP). TWCCH IS A CLINICAL PARTNER IN THE GEISINGER ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026, AFTER THE KEYSTONE ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION BECAME CLINICALLY NONOPERATIONAL ON DECEMBER 31, 2025. ADDITIONALLY, BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2026, TWCCH HAS ALIGNED WITH ALEDADE, A PHYSICIAN-LED ORGANIZATION THAT SUPPORTS PRIMARY CARE-ANCHORED, MULTI-PAYER ACO PARTICIPATION AS A VALUE-BASED AGGREGATOR RATHER THAN A HEALTH SYSTEM PROVIDER. TWCCH IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA AND NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, AND A COLLABORATING PARTNER OF THE NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA AREA FOR HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (AHEC), THE INSTITUTE, A NONPROFIT BASED IN WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA, THAT PROVIDES COMMUNITY-BASED DATA ANALYSIS, RESEARCH, AND CONSULTING SERVICES, AND PENN STATE PROJECT ECHO (EXTENSION FOR COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE OUTCOMES), A KNOWLEDGE-SHARING NETWORK LED BY EXPERT SPECIALIST TEAMS MENTORING PARTICIPATING COMMUNITY PROVIDERS. CONSISTENT WITH ITS MISSION AS A COMMUNITY-GOVERNED, WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER AND ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY PROVIDER, TWCCH ALSO ENGAGES IN MISSION-ALIGNED SYSTEM STEWARDSHIP BEYOND ITS DIRECT CLINICAL OPERATIONS. DURING PERIODS OF REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM TRANSITION, THE ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATES IN COLLABORATIVE, COMMUNITY-LED EFFORTS DESIGNED TO PRESERVE CONTINUITY OF CARE, WORKFORCE STABILITY, AND ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR MEDICALLY VULNERABLE POPULATIONS. THROUGH THIS STEWARDSHIP ROLE, TWCCH HELPED CATALYZE THE EMERGENCE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH HUB LLC, A SCRANTON-BASED 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO ADVANCING A MORE SUSTAINABLE, TRANSPARENT, AND COMMUNITY-ACCOUNTABLE REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM THROUGH SHARED GOVERNANCE AND CROSS-SECTOR COLLABORATION. IN ALL SUCH EFFORTS, TWCCH'S ROLE REMAINS GROUNDED IN CONVENING, PLANNING, AND COLLABORATION, RATHER THAN ON THE OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, OR OPERATION OF ACUTE CARE FACILITIES. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 2 NEW PROGRAM SERVICES CONTINUED |
TWCCH CO-LOCATED A NEW FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER WITHIN THE FRIENDSHIP HOUSE WHOLE PERSON CARE CENTER'S NEW BUILDING ON WYOMING AVENUE IN DOWNTOWN SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA, OPENING IN NOVEMBER 2024. DURING THE PRIOR COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH WAS INVITED TO COLLABORATE WITH FRIENDSHIP HOUSE, A WELL-ESTABLISHED, COMMUNITY-GOVERNED NONPROFIT AGENCY PROVIDING MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE AREA. THIS MISSION-ALIGNED COLLABORATION AIMS TO ENSURE THE CONTINUED EXPANSION OF ACCESS AND COORDINATION OF WHOLE-PERSON, PATIENT-CENTERED PRIMARY CARE AND MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE CONVENIENCE AND BENEFIT OF PATIENTS, INCLUDING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH COMPLEX, SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH AND/OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER NEEDS. THESE ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY PROVIDER HEALTH SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES, REGARDLESS OF THEIR INSURANCE STATUS, ZIP CODE, OR ABILITY TO PAY. PATIENTS DO NOT NEED TO BE CLIENTS OF FRIENDSHIP HOUSE TO RECEIVE HEALTH SERVICES AT TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE WYOMING AVENUE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER. THE FRIENDSHIP HOUSE PRACTICE IS ALSO SUSTAINABLE AND THRIVING TODAY. SUBSEQUENT TO THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION TO EXPAND PRIMARY CARE SERVICES WITHIN FRIENDSHIP HOUSE'S PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTER IN CARBONDALE, PENNSYLVANIA, AND IS AWAITING HRSA APPROVAL. IN ADDITION TO OPENING AND CO-LOCATING NEW ACCESS POINTS, TWCCH STRENGTHENED CONTINUITY OF CARE BY STABILIZING AND EXPANDING LONGSTANDING NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED SITES, INCLUDING IN NORTH SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA. DURING FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023, TWCCH WAS REQUESTED TO ENGAGE AN INDEPENDENT, WELL-ESTABLISHED, AND TRUSTED PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN WHO HAD PRACTICED IN NORTH SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA, FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS TO ENSURE THAT, UPON HIS IMPENDING RETIREMENT, THOSE HE SERVED WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES. DURING THAT TIME, TWCCH OPENED FQHC LOOK-ALIKE SERVICES AT THIS PRACTICE SITE AND WELCOMED ALL AFFECTED PATIENTS WHO WISHED TO TRANSITION THEIR CARE TO TWCCH. TO ENSURE UNINTERRUPTED ACCESS TO PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES IN THAT LOCAL COMMUNITY AND FOR PATIENT CONVENIENCE, TWCCH LEASED AND RENOVATED THE CLINICAL SPACE IN NORTH SCRANTON FROM JULY THROUGH DECEMBER 2023, BEFORE ULTIMATELY PURCHASING THE PROPERTY IN APRIL 2024. THIS TWCCH LOCATION IS THRIVING, SUSTAINABLE, AND GROWING, WITH NOTABLE EXPANSION OF TWCCH'S PENNSYLVANIA'S OPIOID USE DISORDER CENTER OF EXCELLENCE. TWCCH PURCHASED A NEIGHBORING FACILITY IN FEBRUARY 2025 TO CONSTRUCT A NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART FQHC LOOK-ALIKE, EXPANDING OPERATIONS TO BETTER SERVE THE COMMUNITY'S HEALTH NEEDS. TWCCH IS EXCITED TO ADVANCE THE NORTH SCRANTON EXPANSION PLATFORM IN A COMMUNITY OF HIGH ECONOMIC NEED, IDENTIFIED IN NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT (NMTC) ELIGIBILITY MAPPING AS A PRIORITY GEOGRAPHY FOR MISSION-DRIVEN HEALTH AND ECONOMIC REINVESTMENT. IN FURTHERANCE OF THIS EXPANSION, TWCCH COMMENCED WORK IN DECEMBER 2025 ON A NEW, NEARLY 8,000-SQUARE-FOOT, TWO-STORY FQHC LOOK-ALIKE NORTH SCRANTON TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER PROJECT THAT WILL EXPAND PRIMARY CARE, MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, AND DENTAL SERVICES WHILE PRESERVING CONTINUITY OF CARE FOR PATIENTS THROUGHOUT CONSTRUCTION; UPON COMPLETION, ANTICIPATED LATER IN 2026, SERVICES WILL TRANSITION TO THE NEW FACILITY AND THE EXISTING CLINIC AT 1721 N. MAIN AVE. WILL BE RAZED, WITH A PORTION OF A PREVIOUSLY AWARDED $984,585 COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA REDEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE CAPITAL PROGRAM (RACP) GRANT REALLOCATED, WITH STATE APPROVAL, TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION-DRIVEN INVESTMENT IN SUSTAINABLE, NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED HEALTH CARE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR NORTH SCRANTON AND THE GREATER SCRANTON AREA. COMPLEMENTING THESE ACCESS EXPANSIONS, TWCCH ALSO ADVANCED FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS TO INCREASE CAPACITY FOR INTEGRATED DENTAL, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, AND MEDICATION SERVICES AT SCALE IN WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA. |
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BUILDING ON SIMILAR MISSION-DRIVEN CAPITAL INVESTMENTS, TWCCH COMPLETED A SUBSTANTIALLY LARGER EXPANSION PROJECT AT ITS FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA, TRANSFORMING A 34,460-SQUARE-FOOT FORMER OFFICE BUILDING INTO A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE DESTINATION SERVING RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT LUZERNE COUNTY. THROUGHOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS, TWCCH INTENTIONALLY MAINTAINED PREVAILING WAGE STANDARDS ACROSS THE ENTIRE PROJECT, INCLUDING DURING THE FINAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE, SUPPORTED BY A NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT STRUCTURE, DESPITE PREVAILING WAGE NOT BEING REQUIRED UNDER THAT FINANCING MECHANISM. THIS DECISION REFLECTED TWCCH'S BELIEF THAT CAPITAL INVESTMENT SHOULD GENERATE SHARED COMMUNITY BENEFITS, INCLUDING SUPPORT FOR UNION-PAYING JOBS THAT STRENGTHEN THE REGIONAL WORKFORCE AND LOCAL ECONOMY. AS A RESULT, TWCCH INVESTED APPROXIMATELY $600,000 TO $700,000 IN PREVAILING WAGES, RESOURCES DELIBERATELY DIRECTED TOWARD THE REGIONAL UNION WORKFORCE RATHER THAN RETAINED INTERNALLY, CONSISTENT WITH THE ORGANIZATION'S BROADER PHILOSOPHY OF STEWARDING GROWTH IN WAYS THAT PRIORITIZE COMMUNITY PROSPERITY ALONGSIDE ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY. DURING THE COVERED PERIOD AND INTO FISCAL YEAR 2026, THE PROJECT DELIVERED MAJOR RENOVATIONS, INCLUDING AN EXPANDED DENTAL CLINIC WITH 10 OPERATORIES, A NEW BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WING WITH 28 CLINICIAN ROOMS, ENHANCED PATIENT RECEPTION AREAS, AND A DEDICATED COMMUNITY CONVENING SPACE, ENABLING THE DELIVERY OF INTEGRATED PRIMARY, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, AND DENTAL SERVICES IN A CENTRALIZED, TRANSIT-ACCESSIBLE LOCATION. AS PART OF THIS CONTINUED GROWTH, TWCCH ALSO INITIATED CONSTRUCTION OF A 1,400-SQUARE-FOOT ON-SITE PHARMACY AND AN ADJACENT IN-HOUSE LABORATORY TO EXPAND ACCESS TO MEDICATIONS AND ROUTINE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WITH PHARMACY OPERATIONS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHING ON MARCH 13, 2026, WITH THE HIRING OF THREE LICENSED PHARMACISTS. SUPPORTED IN PART BY COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA REDEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE CAPITAL PROGRAM FUNDING, THESE INVESTMENTS REFLECT TWCCH'S COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHENING NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED HEALTH CARE INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGH CHOICES THAT REINFORCE WORKFORCE DIGNITY, ECONOMIC REINVESTMENT, AND LONG-TERM COMMUNITY WELL-BEING, ADVANCING WHOLE-PERSON, COMMUNITY-CENTERED CARE ACROSS NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. CONSISTENT WITH POSITIONING MAJOR SITES AS PLATFORMS FOR PARTNERSHIP AND SHARED LEARNING, TWCCH ALSO DEEPENED REGIONAL COLLABORATION AND CONVENING CAPACITY WITHIN THE WILKES-BARRE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER. TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE, WILKES-BARRE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, WAS DESIGNED TO ALSO SERVE AS A CENTER FOR INNOVATION, EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP. DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, THE INSTITUTE, TWCCH'S LONGTIME COMMUNITY PARTNER, CONVENED A JOINT MEETING OF ITS ADVISORY BOARD AND FIDUCIARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT THE SITE, UNDERSCORING ITS ROLE AS A REGIONAL GATHERING PLACE FOR SHARED LEARNING AND STRATEGIC COLLABORATION. THE INSTITUTE ALSO ESTABLISHED A PHYSICAL PRESENCE WITHIN THE WILKES-BARRE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, CO-LOCATING ALONGSIDE TWCCH TO SUPPORT ONGOING COLLABORATION GROUNDED IN DATA, RESEARCH, AND COMMUNITY-INFORMED STRATEGY. THIS CO-LOCATION REFLECTS A LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIP OF MORE THAN TWO DECADES, THROUGH WHICH THE INSTITUTE'S COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WORKFORCE NEEDS ASSESSMENTS, ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSES, INDICATORS FORUMS, AND COLLABORATIVE TASK FORCES HAVE INFORMED AND STRENGTHENED TWCCH'S SERVICE DELIVERY, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND REGIONAL PLANNING EFFORTS, REINFORCING THE WILKES-BARRE TEACHING COMMUNITY CENTER AS A LIVING EXAMPLE OF TRUST-BASED, MISSION-ALIGNED COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP. TO SUSTAIN AND SCALE THESE CLINICAL AND EDUCATIONAL PLATFORMS, TWCCH PURSUED DISCIPLINED, MISSION-ALIGNED CAPITAL STRATEGIES AND PUBLIC-SECTOR INVESTMENT SUPPORT. TWCCH WAS AWARDED A SECOND REDEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE CAPITAL PROGRAM (RACP) GRANT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA DURING THIS COVERED PERIOD FOR ITS IMPORTANT GME-SNC EXPANSION PROJECT AT ITS FQHC LOOK-ALIKE WILKES-BARRE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER. TWCCH ALSO PRESENTED THIS NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT (NMTC) PROJECT FOR A BUILDING ADDITION TO MULTIPLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ENTITIES (CDES). SINCE THEN, SEVERAL HAVE GAUGED INTEREST, INCLUDING, IN SEPTEMBER 2025, A LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) FROM THE REINVESTMENT FUND TO ASSIST WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE RENOVATION PROJECT. AFTER TWCCH'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVED THAT LOI, THE NMTC CLOSING TOOK PLACE ON DECEMBER 10, 2025, AND FUNDING TO COMPLETE THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT WAS PLACED IN A RESERVE ACCOUNT. THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN APRIL 2026. ADDITIONALLY, IN SEPTEMBER 2025, TWCCH SUBMITTED A SECOND RACP GRANT APPLICATION FOR ITS FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN JERMYN, PENNSYLVANIA, AND ALSO A RACP APPLICATION FOR THE PLANNED EXPANSION PROJECT AT ITS FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN NORTH SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA. |
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TOGETHER, THESE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS STRENGTHENED TWCCH'S CAPACITY TO DELIVER AND SUSTAIN COMMUNITY-BASED PRIMARY CARE ACROSS ITS SERVICE REGION. IN PARALLEL WITH THESE ACCESS EXPANSIONS AND REGIONAL STABILIZATION EFFORTS, AND IN DIRECT RESPONSE TO HEIGHTENED WORKFORCE UNCERTAINTY ACROSS THE CARE CONTINUUM, TWCCH STRENGTHENED WORKFORCE CAPACITY AND RETENTION TO PROTECT CONTINUITY OF CARE AND SUSTAIN STABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS ACROSS ALL SITES. DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH STRENGTHENED WORKFORCE CAPACITY AND CONTINUITY TO SUPPORT EXPANDED WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES, CREATING 51 NEW JOBS. THESE WORKFORCE INVESTMENTS INCLUDED ADDING 11 NEW PROVIDER POSITIONS, INCLUDING RECRUITING AN INTERNAL MEDICINE-PEDIATRICS PHYSICIAN WITH REGIONAL TIES, AND 40 NEW INTERPROFESSIONAL CARE TEAM ROLES, REINFORCING TEAM-BASED CARE ACROSS TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS. SEVERAL NEW HIRES WERE CLINICIANS TRAINED THROUGH THE ENTERPRISE'S PIPELINE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING THE JANUARY 2025 HIRING OF FAMILY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN DR. AMATUS LEGBEDION FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF HER TWCGME RESIDENCY, AS WELL AS TWO DENTISTS - DR. MICHAEL REGAN (AUGUST 2024) AND DR. MCKENZIE TAYLOR (MARCH 2025) - BOTH GRADUATES OF THE TWCCH-NYU LANGONE HEALTH AEGD RESIDENCY PROGRAM. TWCCH ALSO SUPPORTED 50 INTERNAL CAREER ADVANCEMENTS, REFLECTING INTENTIONAL INVESTMENT IN PROFESSIONAL GROWTH, LEADERSHIP CONTINUITY, AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY. DESPITE PERSISTENT REGIONAL WORKFORCE SHORTAGES, THE ORGANIZATION ACHIEVED AN OVERALL EMPLOYEE RETENTION RATE OF 81% DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, HELPING TO PROTECT PATIENT CONTINUITY, ACCESS, AND STABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. SINCE A MAJOR REGIONAL HOSPITAL PARTNER, COMMONWEALTH HEALTH SYSTEMS, ANNOUNCED IN FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 THAT ITS THREE REMAINING HOSPITAL SITES WERE BEING MARKETED FOR SALE, UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THESE ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE ASSETS INTENSIFIED ACROSS THE COMMUNITIES THE ORGANIZATION SERVES. OF PARTICULAR RELEVANCE TO THE CLINICAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT-SUPPORTED ACTIVITIES OF TWCCH AND ITS AFFILIATED ENTITY, TWCGME, WERE THE SCRANTON-BASED REGIONAL HOSPITAL OF SCRANTON AND MOSES TAYLOR HOSPITAL, AS WELL AS WILKES-BARRE GENERAL HOSPITAL. THE PROPOSED SALE OF THESE FACILITIES TO WOODBRIDGE HEALTHCARE INC. DID NOT CLOSE AND THE DEAL WAS FORMALLY ABANDONED IN NOVEMBER 2024, RESULTING IN PROLONGED OPERATIONAL AND REGULATORY UNCERTAINTY FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE COVERED PERIOD. DURING THIS PERIOD, COMMUNITY CONCERN INCREASED REGARDING THE CONTINUITY OF ACUTE CARE SERVICES, ACCESS TO SPECIALTIES, WORKFORCE TRAINING AND STABILITY, AND THE BROADER IMPLICATIONS OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEM CORPORATIZATION FOR MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS. DURING THIS PERIOD OF INSTABILITY, TWCCH ASSUMED AN UNPRECEDENTED STABILIZING ROLE CONSISTENT WITH ITS RESPONSIBILITY AS AN ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY PROVIDER. TWCGME, TOGETHER WITH TWCCH, WITH GOVERNING BOARD APPROVAL, MOBILIZED $500,000 IN RESERVES - RESOURCES HISTORICALLY SAFEGUARDED FOR LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY - AS PART OF A BROADER, MULTI-PARTNER COMMUNITY EFFORT TO PRESERVE ACCESS TO CRITICAL HOSPITAL-BASED SERVICES AT MOMENTS WHEN CLOSURE RISKS APPEARED IMMINENT. THIS ACTION REFLECTED VALUES-BASED STEWARDSHIP RATHER THAN AN EXPANSION OF HOSPITAL OPERATIONS OR OWNERSHIP. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE $500,000 WAS REPLETED THROUGH SHARED SAVINGS GENERATED BY THE ORGANIZATION'S ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION (ACO) PARTICIPATION AND RESTORED TO ITS LONG-TERM INVESTMENT ACCOUNT WITH MORGAN STANLEY, MAINTAINING FISCAL DISCIPLINE AND BALANCE SHEET INTEGRITY. THROUGH THIS WORK, TWCCH AND TWCGME LEADERSHIP ENGAGED IN SUSTAINED, SOLUTION-FOCUSED DIALOGUE WITH STATE AGENCIES, LABOR REPRESENTATIVES, FOUNDATIONS, AND REGIONAL PARTNERS, REINFORCING ITS ROLE AS A TRUSTED CONVENER DURING A DEFINING MOMENT FOR THE REGION'S HEALTH CARE INFRASTRUCTURE. THESE EFFORTS CONTRIBUTED TO THE EMERGENCE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH HUB, A SCRANTON-BASED 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT COMMITTED TO FOSTERING A MORE SUSTAINABLE, TRANSPARENT, AND COMMUNITY-OWNED REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM THROUGH COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE AND SHARED ACCOUNTABILITY. ALTHOUGH THE SUBSEQUENT ACQUISITION OF THESE HOSPITALS BY TENOR HEALTH FOUNDATION FORMALLY CLOSED ON FEB. 1, 2026, OUTSIDE THE COVERED PERIOD, THE PROLONGED SALE PROCESS MATERIALLY INFLUENCED THE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT DURING FISCAL YEARS 2023-2024 AND 2024-2025, CONTRIBUTING TO HEIGHTENED COMMUNITY CONCERN, WORKFORCE INSTABILITY, AND PLANNING COMPLEXITY FOR SAFETY-NET PROVIDERS AND GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION PARTNERS. GUIDED BY THE SAME ETHICAL COMMITMENTS THAT SUSTAINED ACCESS TO CARE THROUGHOUT THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, TWCCH'S PARTICIPATION REFLECTED ITS ENDURING PROMISE TO SAFEGUARD ESSENTIAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS, PROTECT WORKFORCE STABILITY, AND UPHOLD CONTINUITY OF CARE FOR MEDICALLY VULNERABLE POPULATIONS, WITHOUT ASSUMING HOSPITAL OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, OR OPERATIONAL CONTROL. |
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BUILDING ON THESE WORKFORCE INVESTMENTS, TWCCH ADVANCED NEW SPECIALTY-ENRICHED PRIMARY CARE MODELS DESIGNED TO EXPAND ACCESS, STRENGTHEN TEAM-BASED LEARNING, AND ALIGN SPECIALTY TRAINING WITH COMMUNITY-BASED PRIMARY CARE DELIVERY. BY BRINGING SPECIALTY TRAINEES AND FACULTY INTO PRIMARY CARE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS EARLY AND CONSISTENTLY, TWCCH STRENGTHENED TEAM-BASED LEARNING AND PREPARED PHYSICIANS TO CARRY THOSE PRIMARY CARE RELATIONSHIPS FORWARD INTO FUTURE PRACTICE. OVER TIME, THIS APPROACH RESHAPES THE VERY DEFINITION OF SPECIALTY PRACTICE. SPECIALISTS ARE NOT TRAINED IN ISOLATION; THEY ARE CLINICIANS WHO REMAIN DEEPLY CONNECTED TO THE PRIMARY CARE ENGINE THAT INFORMS, FEEDS, AND STRENGTHENS THEIR WORK. COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS, WITH ADVANCE APPROVAL FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, ENABLED TWCCH AND TWCGME TO LAUNCH SPECIALTY-ENRICHED PRIMARY CARE CLINICS THAT EXPANDED ACCESS FOR ALL PATIENTS TO PODIATRY, GASTROENTEROLOGY, AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PHYSICIAN FACULTY WHILE ALSO ENHANCING THE EDUCATION OF PRIMARY CARE RESIDENTS AND SPECIALTY FELLOWS. THROUGH THESE SPECIALTY-ENRICHED PRIMARY CARE CLINICS EMBEDDED WITHIN TWCCH'S AMBULATORY SETTINGS, SPECIALTY PHYSICIANS FOCUS ON UNMET POPULATION HEALTH NEEDS, SUCH AS PATIENTS WITH DIFFICULT-TO-CONTROL CHRONIC CONDITIONS, WHILE WORKING SIDE BY SIDE WITH PRIMARY CARE TEAMS. IN DOING SO, SPECIALISTS HELP IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR THE MOST COMPLEX PATIENTS WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY ELEVATING THE CLINICAL CAPACITY AND CONFIDENCE OF PRIMARY CARE CLINICIANS THROUGH SHARED PROBLEM-SOLVING AND REAL-TIME LEARNING. IN THIS MODEL, PRIMARY CARE FUNCTIONS AS THE COORDINATING CENTER OF THE LEARNING CULTURE, CONTINUOUSLY STRENGTHENING THE SKILL SETS OF THE ENTIRE WORKFORCE THROUGH SUSTAINED, HUMAN-CENTERED COLLABORATION WITH SPECIALISTS. AT THE SAME TIME, THE ROLE OF THE SPECIALIST IS ELEVATED AND CLEARLY ARTICULATED WITHIN PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOMES, NOT AS AN EXTERNAL REFERRAL DESTINATION, BUT AS AN INTEGRATED PARTNER IN CARE DELIVERY. THESE DURABLE RELATIONSHIPS STRENGTHEN REFERRAL NETWORKS, CLOSE REFERRAL LOOPS WITHIN EVERYDAY CLINICAL WORKFLOWS, AND REPLACE FRAGMENTED, TRANSACTIONAL HANDOFFS WITH MEANINGFUL, REAL-TIME CLINICAL DIALOGUE WITHIN THE AMBULATORY CARE ENVIRONMENT. AS PART OF THIS WORK, TWCCH EXPANDED ITS DEFINITION OF THE PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME TO INCLUDE ON-SITE SPECIALTY-ENRICHED SERVICES DELIVERED WITHIN THE PRIMARY CARE ENVIRONMENT. BY EMBEDDING CARDIOLOGISTS, PODIATRISTS, AND GASTROENTEROLOGISTS AND SECURING APPROPRIATE PENNSYLVANIA MEDICAID PROVIDER APPROVALS, THE ORGANIZATION STRENGTHENED ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES WHILE POSITIONING ITS CARE MODEL TO REMAIN ROBUST AND SUSTAINABLE AMID POTENTIAL FUTURE REIMBURSEMENT REDUCTIONS. THIS FULL INTEGRATION OF SPECIALTY-ENRICHED SERVICES INTO PRIMARY CARE STRENGTHENS CONTINUITY, COMMUNICATION, AND SHARED ACCOUNTABILITY FOR OUTCOMES, WHILE PREPARING THE FUTURE WORKFORCE TO PRACTICE WITHIN INTEGRATED, RELATIONSHIP-CENTERED SYSTEMS RATHER THAN SILOS. IN EFFECT, THE PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME BECOMES THE ORGANIZING CENTER OF A "MEDICAL VILLAGE" WHERE CARE TEAMS CONNECT, COORDINATE, AND COLLECTIVELY ADDRESS COMPLEX CLINICAL QUESTIONS, CREATING A MORE POWERFUL, RESPONSIVE, AND SUSTAINABLE CARE SYSTEM FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES. AS THESE INTEGRATED CLINICAL MODELS EXPANDED IN SCALE AND COMPLEXITY, TWCCH TURNED TO DATA-DRIVEN PLANNING TO ENSURE THAT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING CAPACITY, AND SERVICE GROWTH REMAINED ALIGNED WITH VERIFIED REGIONAL COMMUNITY NEEDS. TO ENSURE THAT THESE INTEGRATED CARE AND TRAINING MODELS REMAIN RESPONSIVE TO DOCUMENTED REGIONAL COMMUNITY NEEDS, DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH CONTRACTED WITH ITS LONGTIME COMMUNITY PARTNER, THE INSTITUTE, AN INDEPENDENT, NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED, NONPROFIT BASED IN WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA, THAT PROVIDES COMMUNITY-BASED DATA ANALYSIS, RESEARCH, AND CONSULTING SERVICES TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REGIONAL HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE NEEDS ASSESSMENT (HCWNA) ACROSS 14 COUNTIES IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. THE ASSESSMENT CONFIRMED SIGNIFICANT AND PERSISTENT SHORTAGES ACROSS BOTH CLINICAL AND ANCILLARY HEALTH CARE ROLES, PARTICULARLY IN NURSING, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, PRIMARY CARE, AND KEY SUPPORT POSITIONS IN RURAL AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES WHERE EDUCATIONAL PIPELINES AND TRAINING CAPACITY REMAIN LIMITED. THESE WORKFORCE FINDINGS ALIGN DIRECTLY WITH THE RESULTS OF THE ORGANIZATION'S 2025 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CHNA), COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 2025 BY COMMUNITY LINK CONSULTING, IN COMPLIANCE WITH HRSA REQUIREMENTS, REINFORCING THE INTERDEPENDENCE OF HEALTH ACCESS, WORKFORCE CAPACITY, AND COMMUNITY CONDITIONS. THE CHNA IDENTIFIED PERSISTENT UNMET NEEDS ACROSS THE SERVICE AREA RELATED TO ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE, MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, DENTAL CARE, AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT. HIGH RATES OF POVERTY, FOOD INSECURITY, HOUSING INSTABILITY, TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS, AND CHRONIC DISEASE BURDEN FURTHER COMPOUND THESE ACCESS CHALLENGES AND CONTRIBUTE TO DISPARITIES IN HEALTH OUTCOMES AND SUSTAINED ENGAGEMENT IN CARE. |
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TOGETHER, THE HCWNA AND CHNA REINFORCED THE URGENCY OF INVESTING IN COMMUNITY-EMBEDDED TRAINING MODELS; STRENGTHENING K-12, POSTSECONDARY, AND EMPLOYER-ALIGNED CAREER PATHWAYS; EXPANDING APPRENTICESHIP AND EARN-WHILE-YOU-LEARN OPPORTUNITIES; AND ADVANCING TARGETED RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, AND INCENTIVE STRATEGIES. THESE FINDINGS DIRECTLY INFORMED THE INTENTIONAL EXPANSION OF TWCCH AND TWCGME EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE-TRAINING PIPELINES EMBEDDED IN COMMUNITY-BASED PRIMARY CARE SETTINGS. THESE FINDINGS ALSO REINFORCED THE NEED FOR PAYMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY MODELS THAT CAN SUSTAIN COMMUNITY-BASED CARE, WORKFORCE INVESTMENT, AND PREVENTIVE SERVICES OVER TIME. TWCCH HAS LONG APPROACHED VALUE-BASED CARE AND ACCOUNTABLE CARE PARTNERSHIPS AS VEHICLES FOR COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND REINVESTMENT, RATHER THAN SOLELY AS FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS. AS A FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER LOOK-ALIKE, TWCCH IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN ONLY ONE MEDICARE SHARED SAVINGS PROGRAM (MSSP) ACO AT A TIME. FROM 2016 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025, TWCCH PARTICIPATED IN KEYSTONE ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION (KACO). ATTRIBUTION WITHIN KACO WAS DRIVEN BY TWCCH'S PRIMARY CARE SERVICES, WITH GOVERNANCE PARTICIPATION THROUGH ITS AFFILIATED ENTITY, TWCGME, WHICH HELD AN 11.1% OWNERSHIP INTEREST DURING THE COVERED PERIOD AND BORE BOTH SHARED-SAVINGS OPPORTUNITY AND DOWNSIDE RISK UNDER MSSP ENHANCED TRACK ARRANGEMENTS. THROUGHOUT ITS PARTICIPATION, TWCCH VIEWED KACO AS A MECHANISM TO SUSTAIN REINVESTMENT BY LARGER INTEGRATED DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN COMMUNITY-BASED PRIMARY CARE PLATFORMS, REINFORCING THE PRINCIPLE THAT POPULATION HEALTH IMPROVEMENT, COMMUNITY WELL-BEING, ECONOMIC VIABILITY, AND LONG-TERM HEALTH SYSTEM RESILIENCE ARE FUNDAMENTALLY INTERCONNECTED AND INSEPARABLE, AND REQUIRE INTENTIONAL STEWARDSHIP AND LONG-TERM VISION. AS THE KACO EVOLVED AND EXPANDED, TWCCH'S SHARE OF ATTRIBUTED PATIENTS DECREASED; HOWEVER, ITS SHARED SAVINGS REMAINED STABLE, REFLECTING A SUSTAINED COMMITMENT TO MISSION-ALIGNED PARTICIPATION AND RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP. WITH THE REGIONAL ACO LANDSCAPE CONTINUING TO SHIFT, KACO ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD BECOME CLINICALLY NONOPERATIONAL EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 31, 2025, TO FACILITATE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A WHOLLY OWNED GEISINGER ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION. IN ANTICIPATION OF THIS TRANSITION, TWCCH WAS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEW GEISINGER ACO BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2026. UNDER THIS MODEL, TWCCH SERVES AS A CLINICAL PARTNER WITHOUT AN OWNERSHIP INTEREST, SHARING IN SAVINGS PROPORTIONATE TO PATIENT ATTRIBUTION WHILE BENEFITING FROM PRESERVED CARE-COORDINATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENHANCED POPULATION-HEALTH RESOURCES. THIS TRANSITION REFLECTS A DELIBERATE EFFORT TO REMAIN ALIGNED WITH HIGH-PERFORMING VALUE-BASED CARE MODELS WHILE THOUGHTFULLY NAVIGATING THE OPERATIONAL REALITIES OF LARGE, INTEGRATED HEALTH SYSTEMS. CONCURRENTLY, TWCCH MADE A PURPOSEFUL, MISSION-ALIGNED DECISION TO ADVANCE ITS VALUE-BASED CARE STRATEGY, BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2026, BY PARTNERING WITH ALEDADE, A PHYSICIAN-LED ORGANIZATION THAT SUPPORTS PRIMARY CARE-ANCHORED, MULTI-PAYER ACO PARTICIPATION AS A VALUE-BASED AGGREGATOR RATHER THAN A HEALTH SYSTEM PROVIDER. THIS RELATIONSHIP, WHICH BEGAN WITH LIMITED PARTICIPATION DURING THIS COVERED PERIOD, REFLECTS AN INTENTIONAL INCUBATION PHASE IN WHICH TWCCH TESTED VALUE-BASED CONTRACTING WITH SELECT COMMERCIAL PAYERS WHILE EVALUATING LONGER-TERM STRATEGIC PARTNERS ACROSS THE ACO LANDSCAPE. RECOGNIZING THAT LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY IN PRIMARY CARE INCREASINGLY DEPENDS ON CARE DELIVERED BETWEEN TRADITIONAL OFFICE VISITS, TWCCH EXPANDED NURSE-LED CARE MANAGEMENT, CARE COORDINATION, AND INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM-BASED SUPPORTS. THESE MODELS STRENGTHEN THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE, IMPROVE OUTCOMES, ALIGN WITH EVOLVING VALUE-BASED REIMBURSEMENT STRUCTURES, AND REINFORCE PRIMARY CARE AS THE ORGANIZING ENGINE OF WHOLE-PERSON CARE. TWCCH ALSO RECOGNIZES THE POTENTIAL OF THIS BLOSSOMING PARTNERSHIP WITH ALEDADE TO STRENGTHEN TWCCH'S INFORMATION AND ANALYTIC INFRASTRUCTURE IN SUPPORT OF VALUE-BASED REENGINEERING. |
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DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH ADVANCED ITS USE OF AZARA DRVS AS A PARALLEL POPULATION HEALTH AND UNIFORM DATA SYSTEM (UDS) REPORTING PLATFORM AND BEGAN FOUNDATIONAL WORK TO INTEGRATE AZARA MORE DIRECTLY INTO CLINICAL WORKFLOWS. ALEDADE'S TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM IS DESIGNED TO INTEGRATE WITH AZARA AND, IN THE FUTURE, WITH TWCCH'S EHR SYSTEM, MEDENT, ENABLING SECURE DATA EXCHANGE VIA APPLICATION PROGRAMMING INTERFACES (APIS). THIS EVOLVING INTEGRATION IS EXPECTED TO ENABLE THE DIRECT INCORPORATION OF PAYER UTILIZATION AND COST-OF-CARE DATA INTO CLINICAL WORKFLOWS, AN ESSENTIAL CAPABILITY FOR ADVANCING COST CONSCIOUSNESS, CARE COORDINATION, AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN VALUE-BASED MODELS. WHILE THE FULL IMPACT OF THIS INTEGRATION WILL CONTINUE TO UNFOLD IN FUTURE COVERED PERIODS, TWCCH VIEWS THIS ENGAGEMENT AS A STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN THE DIGITAL AND ANALYTIC CAPABILITIES NECESSARY TO ALIGN POPULATION HEALTH REPORTING, CLINICAL DECISION-MAKING, AND PAYER ACCOUNTABILITY. THROUGH THIS PARTNERSHIP, TWCCH AIMS TO STRENGTHEN PRIMARY CARE-ANCHORED POPULATION HEALTH MANAGEMENT, RESPONSIBLY STEWARD RISK, AND FURTHER ALIGN CARE DELIVERY WITH AFFORDABILITY, QUALITY OUTCOMES, AND WHOLE-PERSON CARE FOR THE COMMUNITIES IT SERVES. HAVING RECOUPED TWCGME'S DECADE-LONG INVESTMENTS IN KACO FOR THE FIRST TIME, TWCGME HAD THE OPPORTUNITY DURING THE COVERED PERIOD TO EVALUATE HOW SHARED SAVINGS GENERATED THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE MEDICARE SHARED SAVINGS PROGRAM WOULD BE STEWARDED MOST RESPONSIBLY. DETERMINED TO REINVEST THOSE DOLLARS DIRECTLY INTO THE POPULATION SERVED, TWCGME (AS A KACO OWNER/PARTNER AT THE TIME) PASSED THROUGH THE MAJORITY OF SHARED SAVINGS TO TWCCH (AS A KACO PARTICIPANT), WHICH USED THOSE FUNDS TO ENHANCE PATIENT CARE, EXPAND ACCESS, AND DELIVER MISSION-ALIGNED SERVICES. CONSISTENT WITH THIS STEWARDSHIP-ORIENTED APPROACH TO VALUE-BASED CARE AND REINVESTMENT, THE ORGANIZATION ALSO EVALUATED ADDITIONAL ENTERPRISE STRATEGIES TO RESPONSIBLY MANAGE COSTS, PROTECT ACCESS, AND ENSURE THAT LIMITED PUBLIC RESOURCES ARE DIRECTED TOWARD PATIENT CARE AND WORKFORCE SUSTAINABILITY RATHER THAN UNNECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE INTERMEDIARIES. WITH COSTS OF PROVIDING HEALTH INSURANCE FOR EMPLOYEES CONTINUING TO CLIMB BEYOND MULTIPLES OF AVERAGE INFLATION, AND WITH INCREASING CONCERN REGARDING THE ROLE PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS (PBMS) PLAY IN DRIVING THE COSTS OF COMMERCIAL HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS, DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH BEGAN RESPONSIBLY EXPLORING THE FEASIBILITY OF SELF-INSURING FOR EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS AND INTERNALIZING CERTAIN PHARMACY-RELATED SERVICES. THESE GOVERNANCE-LED ASSESSMENTS WERE INTENDED TO ANALYZE WHETHER SUCH APPROACHES COULD ENHANCE TRANSPARENCY, AFFORDABILITY, AND ACCESS WHILE MAINTAINING FULL REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND FISCAL PRUDENCE. TWCCH ANTICIPATED THAT THESE STRATEGIES COULD SUPPORT TIMELY, AFFORDABLE ACCESS TO MEDICATIONS FOR PATIENTS, LEARNERS, AND STAFF WHILE STRENGTHENING STEWARDSHIP OF ENTERPRISE RESOURCES. THE EXISTING FULLY INSURED HIGHMARK HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN FOR TWCCH AND TWCGME WAS PROJECTED TO INCREASE BY APPROXIMATELY 35% IN 2026, MAKING IT FINANCIALLY UNSUSTAINABLE FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS EMPLOYEES OVER THE LONG TERM. PRIOR COST-SHARING AND PLAN DESIGN ELEMENTS ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO UNINTENDED OVERUTILIZATION AND INTRODUCED DISPROPORTIONATE ORGANIZATIONAL RISK. THROUGH INTENTIONAL DISCUSSIONS AMONG EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE GOVERNING BOARDS, THE ORGANIZATION EXPLORED COLLABORATIVE SELF-INSURED MODELS DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP WHILE CONTINUING TO PROTECT EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY HEALTH. THIS EVALUATION EMPHASIZED THE VALUE OF FLEXIBILITY THROUGH BENEFIT DESIGNS THAT CAN BE TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL WORKFORCE, RATHER THAN A ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL PACKAGE; ENHANCED COST MANAGEMENT BY PAYING ONLY FOR CARE ACTUALLY UTILIZED TO HELP CONTROL RISING HEALTH CARE COSTS AND SUSTAIN BENEFITS OVER TIME; AND INCREASED TRANSPARENCY THROUGH THE USE OF DE-IDENTIFIED, AGGREGATE DATA TO INFORM TARGETED WELLNESS INITIATIVES, INCLUDING DIABETES PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT SUPPORTS, MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES, AND OTHER WORKFORCE WELL-BEING PROGRAMS. THIS ANALYSIS CULMINATED IN BOARD APPROVAL TO TRANSITION TO A SELF-INSURED HEALTH PLAN EFFECTIVE JAN. 1, 2026, THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE PA MOUNTAINS HEALTHCARE ALLIANCE (PMHA). THIS TRANSITION REFLECTS A BALANCED, MISSION-ALIGNED APPROACH TO EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SUSTAINABILITY THAT RESPONSIBLY STEWARDS ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCES WHILE SUPPORTING WORKFORCE HEALTH, WELL-BEING, AND LONG-TERM ORGANIZATIONAL RESILIENCE. |
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IMPORTANTLY, THIS STRATEGIC SHIFT ALSO ALIGNS WITH TWCCH'S LONGER-TERM GOAL OF EXPANDING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE MEDICATIONS BY ESTABLISHING ON-SITE, REVENUE-NEUTRAL PHARMACIES AT ITS LARGER COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, OFFICIALLY LAUNCHING MARCH 13, 2026, AT ITS FQHC LOOK-ALIKE WILKES-BARRE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, WITH PLANS TO OPEN PHARMACIES AT TWCCH'S OTHER HIGH-VOLUME FQHC LOOK-ALIKE LOCATIONS. THESE INTEGRATED PHARMACY SERVICES ARE INTENDED TO IMPROVE MEDICATION ACCESS AND ADHERENCE, REDUCE OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS FOR PATIENTS AND EMPLOYEES, FURTHER ALIGN EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS WITH TWCCH'S BROADER MISSION, AND SUPPORT CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT THROUGH INTEGRATED, WHOLE-PERSON CARE DELIVERY, WITH ROBUST, COMPLIANT 340B COST AND EXPENSE REPORTING TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE, AND RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP OF RESOURCES. TWCCH HAS ALSO STRENGTHENED ITS ACADEMIC COLLABORATION WITH WILKES UNIVERSITY, WITH PLANS TO INTEGRATE WILKES UNIVERSITY'S PHARMACY LEARNERS AND FACULTY INTO TWCCH'S REGIONAL PHARMACY HUBS, SUPPORTING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION, AND TEAM-BASED MEDICATION MANAGEMENT IN COMMUNITY-BASED CARE SETTINGS. THESE DECISIONS WERE UNDERTAKEN AS PART OF A BROADER, GOVERNING BOARD-APPROVED STRATEGY TO RESPONSIBLY DIVERSIFY REVENUE STREAMS AND REDUCE EXPOSURE TO EXTERNAL VOLATILITY IN FEDERAL, STATE, AND COMMERCIAL REIMBURSEMENT ENVIRONMENTS. BY STRENGTHENING INTERNAL CONTROL OVER PHARMACY SERVICES, EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, AND COMPLIANT 340B STEWARDSHIP, TWCCH ADVANCED BOTH PATIENT BENEFIT AND ENTERPRISE RESILIENCE WITHOUT COMPROMISING ITS NONPROFIT MISSION OR COMMUNITY ACCOUNTABILITY. TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE HIGH-INTEGRITY REINVESTMENT OF 340B RESOURCES INTO PATIENT SERVICES, TWCCH UNDERTOOK A REASSESSMENT OF THE INTENTIONAL ALLOCATION OF 340B REVENUES. AS A LONG-STANDING PARTICIPANT IN THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 340B DRUG PRICING PROGRAM AS BOTH A RYAN WHITE PROGRAM HRSA GRANTEE AND TITLE X SERVICE PROVIDER, TWCCH HAS CONSISTENTLY PRIORITIZED AFFORDABLE ACCESS TO MEDICATIONS. FOLLOWING ITS DESIGNATION AS AN FQHC LOOK-ALIKE EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2019, TWCCH EXPANDED ITS 340B PARTICIPATION ACROSS PRIMARY CARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS, STRENGTHENING ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE, NON-DISCRIMINATORY, WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES. THIS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT FEDERAL PROGRAM ENABLES ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS TO PURCHASE OUTPATIENT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AT REDUCED PRICES, WITH DISCOUNTS PASSED ON TO QUALIFYING PATIENTS THROUGH PARTICIPATING PHARMACY PARTNERS. PATIENT ELIGIBILITY FOR 340B DISCOUNTS IS DETERMINED BASED ON INCOME AND DEMONSTRATED HARDSHIP. PROGRAM REVENUES GENERATED THROUGH RYAN WHITE AND FQHC LOOK-ALIKE SERVICES ARE INTENTIONALLY REINVESTED INTO THEIR RESPECTIVE PROGRAMS TO ENHANCE ACCESS, REDUCE AVOIDABLE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT UTILIZATION, STRENGTHEN CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT, AND SUPPORT LONG-TERM SYSTEM SUSTAINABILITY. FURTHERMORE, 340B REVENUES SUPPORT COMMUNITY OUTREACH INITIATIVES DESIGNED TO ADDRESS NON-MEDICAL DRIVERS OF HEALTH, INCLUDING HEALTH FAIRS, PREVENTIVE SCREENINGS, POP-UP FOOD AND CLOTHING PANTRIES, AND PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION. RYAN WHITE-RELATED 340B RESOURCES CONTINUE TO SUPPORT COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS, INCLUDING MEDICAL CARE, LABORATORY AND TELEHEALTH SERVICES, MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT, TRANSPORTATION, EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND EXPANDED DENTAL CARE. ANY SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION TO THE 340B PROGRAM WOULD MATERIALLY IMPAIR THE ORGANIZATION'S ABILITY TO SUSTAIN THESE ESSENTIAL SERVICES, AS THE ASSOCIATED COSTS CANNOT BE ABSORBED WITHIN EXISTING CLINICAL REIMBURSEMENT STRUCTURES WITHOUT REDUCING ACCESS OR SCOPE OF CARE. THIS EXECUTION OF VALUE-BASED CARE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ALIGNMENT IS COMPLEMENTED BY TWCCH'S BROADER ENGAGEMENT IN MISSION-ALIGNED PARTNERSHIPS THAT EXTEND BEYOND ACO PARTICIPATION ALONE. TWCCH REMAINS ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN PARTNERSHIPS THAT STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. THE ORGANIZATION IS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA AND NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AND A COLLABORATING PARTNER OF THE NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (AHEC), THE INSTITUTE, AND PENN STATE PROJECT ECHO (EXTENSION FOR COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE OUTCOMES), A KNOWLEDGE-SHARING NETWORK LED BY EXPERT SPECIALIST TEAMS MENTORING PARTICIPATING COMMUNITY PROVIDERS. THESE COLLABORATIONS REFLECT TWCCH'S ENDURING COMMITMENT TO SHARED LEARNING, COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT, AND THE INTENTIONAL SHARING OF RESOURCES AND EXPERTISE TO ADVANCE ACCESS TO CARE, WORKFORCE SUSTAINABILITY, AND REGIONAL ECONOMIC MOBILITY. |
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TWCCH IS PURSUING A PENNSYLVANIA MEDICAL SOCIETY INNOVATION GRANT TO ADVANCE ITS SPECIALTY-ENRICHED PRIMARY CARE INITIATIVE AND IS ACTIVELY DEVELOPING ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS TO INTEGRATE SPECIALTY-ENRICHED NEUROLOGY, OB/GYN, HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY, DERMATOLOGY, ENDOCRINOLOGY, AND ADDITIONAL PODIATRY SERVICES INTO PRIMARY CARE AND THE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER ENVIRONMENT. THIS INTEGRATION-FIRST APPROACH ALSO GUIDED TWCCH'S CONTINUED STRENGTHENING OF PRIMARY CARE-EMBEDDED MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES ACROSS ITS NETWORK. TWCCH ALSO ADVANCED A SERIES OF TARGETED INITIATIVES TO STRENGTHEN INTEGRATED PRIMARY CARE, MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, AND PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES ACROSS ITS NETWORK, WHILE SUPPORTING PHYSICIAN AND INTERPROFESSIONAL LEARNER TRAINING. IN RESPONSE TO GROWING DEMAND FOR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES AND PERSISTENT WORKFORCE SHORTAGES, TWCCH EXPANDED PRIMARY CARE-BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTEGRATION THROUGH NEW CARE TEAM ROLES, PARTNERSHIPS, AND SERVICE DELIVERY APPROACHES. TWCCH RECEIVED A LOCAL GRANT, WHICH ENABLED IT TO LAUNCH, TRAIN, AND EMPLOY MENTAL HEALTH PEER SPECIALISTS AS A NEW COMPONENT OF ITS CARE TEAMS. THESE TRAINED PEERS - INDIVIDUALS WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE WHO CAN SUPPORT AND GUIDE OTHERS ON THEIR OWN RECOVERY JOURNEYS - ARE HELPING TO EXPAND ACCESS TO MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES WITHIN TWCCH'S MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY CARE MODEL ACROSS ITS PRIMARY CARE AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS. THEIR ENGAGEMENT STRENGTHENS TWCCH'S WHOLE-PERSON CARE MODEL BY PROVIDING PRACTICAL SUPPORT, SHARED INSIGHTS, AND TRUSTED RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING THAT COMPLEMENT CLINICAL TREATMENT, REDUCE BARRIERS TO CARE, AND CONNECT PATIENTS WITH THE RESOURCES THEY NEED TO PURSUE STABILITY, RECOVERY, AND WELL-BEING. TWCCH ALSO EXPANDED MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CAPACITY BY ADDING SUPERVISED-USE, REMOTE-DELIVERED PSYCHIATRY SERVICES FOR PATIENTS OF ALL AGES WITHIN ITS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, IN ADDITION TO IN-PERSON SERVICES PROVIDED BY ITS TWO FULL-TIME PUBLIC HEALTH PSYCHIATRISTS. THIS STRATEGY SUPPORTS CONTINUITY OF CARE, ENHANCES CLINICAL INTEGRATION, AND MITIGATES THE IMPACT OF REGIONAL SHORTAGES OF SPECIALISTS WHILE MAINTAINING ALIGNMENT WITH TWCCH'S MISSION TO DELIVER COMPREHENSIVE, AFFORDABLE, WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES. ADDITIONALLY, TWCCH CONTINUED TO STRATEGICALLY ENHANCE ITS MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE LINE BY INCREASING INVESTMENTS IN EXPANDING ITS PROVIDER BASE, ENCOURAGING PSYCHIATRY CERTIFICATION FOR ITS PRIMARY CARE NURSE PRACTITIONERS AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, AND RECRUITING ADDITIONAL LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS AND LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS. SCHEDULES WERE ALSO MADE VISIBLE TO OPTIMIZE AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT SLOTS AGAINST THE WAITING LIST. TWCCH ALSO DEEPENED ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH A LOCAL PSYCHIATRIC PRACTICE TO ENHANCE ITS ABILITY TO PROVIDE INTEGRATED, NEEDS-RESPONSIVE PRIMARY CARE MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES TO PATIENTS AND FAMILIES. THIS PSYCHIATRIC PRACTICE HAS HISTORICALLY MAINTAINED A STRONG BIDIRECTIONAL REFERRAL RELATIONSHIP WITH TWCCH. ITS PSYCHIATRISTS ARE THANKFULLY ENGAGED TO PROVIDE CONTRACTED SUPERVISION SERVICES FOR TWCCH'S PSYCHIATRY-CERTIFIED NURSE PRACTITIONERS AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS. PROUDLY, THIS WORK LED TO TWCCH BEING SELECTED AS ONE OF THREE PRACTICES IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA TO PARTICIPATE IN A PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES GRANT AWARDED IN FYE 2025 FROM THE U.S. SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (SAMHSA), PROMOTING THE COLLABORATIVE CARE MODEL (COCM) TO INTEGRATE PRIMARY CARE AND PSYCHIATRY SERVICES. CONSISTENT WITH TWCCH'S INTERIM VISIT CARE MODEL, COCM IS INTENTIONALLY RECOGNIZED AS A FOUNDATIONAL PILLAR FOR INTEGRATING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND PSYCHIATRY INTO PRIMARY CARE, USING THE SAME DISCIPLINE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND TEAM-BASED MENTALITY USED TO INTEGRATE MEDICAL SPECIALTIES. WHILE PSYCHIATRY IS OFTEN DESCRIBED AS A PRIMARY CARE DISCIPLINE, IT OPERATES AS A SPECIALTY. COCM ENABLES ITS FULL INTEGRATION INTO WHOLE-PERSON CARE RATHER THAN RELEGATING IT TO EPISODIC, REFERRAL-BASED TREATMENT. THIS INTEGRATION IS PARTICULARLY CRITICAL FOR HIGH-RISK POPULATIONS COMMONLY SERVED THROUGH PRIMARY CARE, MANY OF WHOM ARE DUALLY ELIGIBLE AND EXPERIENCE DISPROPORTIONATELY HIGH LEVELS OF HEALTH-RELATED SOCIAL NEEDS ALONGSIDE COMPLEX CARE MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS. THESE PATIENTS FREQUENTLY FACE COMPOUNDED RISKS, INCLUDING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, OBESITY, AND OTHER CHRONIC CONDITIONS AT RATES THAT FAR EXCEED THOSE OF THE GENERAL POPULATION, CONTRIBUTING TO SIGNIFICANTLY SHORTENED LIFE EXPECTANCY. THROUGH COCM, TWCCH STRENGTHENS ITS ABILITY TO ADDRESS THESE INTERSECTING CLINICAL AND SOCIAL DRIVERS OF HEALTH, POSITIONING CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REDUCTION, CARE COORDINATION, AND LONGITUDINAL MANAGEMENT AS CORE COMPONENTS OF MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTEGRATION. |
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WHILE IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINES AND FUNDING FLOWS WERE AFFECTED BY NATIONAL-LEVEL ADMINISTRATIVE UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDING THE SAMHSA GRANT, THE ORGANIZATION EXERCISED PRUDENT STEWARDSHIP BY SEQUENCING PLANNING ACTIVITIES WITHOUT PREMATURELY COMMITTING STAFFING OR INFRASTRUCTURE RESOURCES. THIS DISCIPLINED APPROACH ALLOWED TWCCH TO REMAIN FULLY PREPARED TO ADVANCE CARE COORDINATION OBJECTIVES ONCE FUNDING STABILITY WAS CLARIFIED, WHILE PROTECTING WORKFORCE CONTINUITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL RESILIENCE. A FIVE-YEAR OPPORTUNITY, TWCCH'S PARTICIPATION IN THIS SAMHSA GRANT HOLDS MUCH PROMISE FOR INNOVATIVE INTEGRATION TOOLS AND METHODS THAT WILL IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR THE POPULATIONS SERVED WHILE INFORMING OPTIMAL BUSINESS MODELING TO ENSURE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY. ADDITIONALLY, DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH RECEIVED A GRANT FROM ATSU-SOMA TO ADVANCE THE INTEGRATION OF PRIMARY CARE WITH MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES ACROSS ITS FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, STRENGTHENING WHOLE-PERSON CARE DELIVERY. TWCCH ALSO BENEFITED FROM A GRANT AWARDED BY THE U.S. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA) TO ITS PRIMARY AFFILIATED ENTITY, THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (TWCGME), WHICH WILL ENHANCE FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY TRAINING IN INTEGRATED PRIMARY AND MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE, EXPAND THAT CARE INTEGRATION WITHIN TWCCH FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, AND INCREASE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN. TWCCH CONTINUED TO EXPAND MISSION-ALIGNED WORKFORCE PIPELINES, INCLUDING CLINICAL TRAINING FOR ADVANCED EDUCATION GENERAL DENTISTRY (AEGD) RESIDENTS IN COLLABORATION WITH NYU LANGONE HEALTH'S AEGD RESIDENCY, WHICH IS ACCREDITED BY THE COMMISSION ON DENTAL ACCREDITATION (CODA). FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF A COMPETITIVE HRSA DENTAL WORKFORCE PLANNING GRANT, TWCCH WELCOMED TWO NEW DENTAL RESIDENTS TO THE COLLABORATIVE AEGD PROGRAM. TWCCH'S DENTAL SERVICES LEADERSHIP COLLABORATED WITH NYU LANGONE TO CONTINUE EDUCATING ACTIVELY ENGAGED AEGD RESIDENTS - ONE DURING THIS REPORTING PERIOD AND TWO DURING FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 - WHO CONTRIBUTED THEIR SKILLS AND COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THE SMILES OF THE COMMUNITIES TWCCH SERVES. TWCCH CELEBRATED THE RETENTION AND EMPLOYMENT ENGAGEMENT OF TWO OF ITS PUBLIC HEALTH DENTAL RESIDENCY GRADUATES, AS NOTED ABOVE, AND JOYFULLY SECURED THE CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT OF ANOTHER AS FUTURE FACULTY. GIVEN THE AEGD PROGRAM'S ACADEMIC AND PIPELINE WORKFORCE-RETENTION SUCCESS, TWCCH AND NYU LANGONE HAVE PURSUED AND RECENTLY RECEIVED CODA APPROVAL TO EXPAND THEIR NYU LANGONE AEGD PARTNERSHIP TO THREE TRAINEES ANNUALLY. THE WORSENING SHORTAGE OF DENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA REMAINS A PRESSING PRIORITY FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. FOR THIS REASON, TWCCH AND OTHER COMMUNITY PARTNERS CAME TOGETHER LAST YEAR AS THE NEWLY INCORPORATED COMMONWEALTH DENTAL CARE INITIATIVE (CDCI) TO CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY AND PLANNING STUDY TO DETERMINE THE VIABILITY AND ACTION STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW PUBLIC HEALTH DENTAL SCHOOL. WITH THE FEASIBILITY STUDY NOW COMPLETE, TWCCH HAS REENVISIONED THE CDCI'S ORIGINAL PURPOSE. RATHER THAN FUNCTIONING SOLELY AS A TRADITIONAL ACADEMIC INITIATIVE, THE CDCI NOW SERVES AS THE FOUNDATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR EXTENDING TWCCH/TWCGME'S GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION SAFETY-NET CONSORTIUM MODEL INTO DENTAL EDUCATION. THIS WORK RECOGNIZED THAT TWCCH WOULD BE A PRIMARY CLINICAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR DENTAL STUDENTS, IDEALLY EXTENDING PIPELINE TRAINING FOR INTERESTED CANDIDATES INTO THE ORGANIZATION'S FLOURISHING TWCCH-NYU LANGONE HEALTH AEGD RESIDENCY PROGRAM AND POTENTIALLY A NEW PEDIATRIC DENTAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM. BY EMBEDDING DENTAL TRAINING WITHIN COMMUNITY-BASED, SAFETY-NET CLINICAL SETTINGS, THIS APPROACH BUILDS UPON THE ORGANIZATION'S PROVEN "TRAIN-WHERE-THEY-LIVE" STRATEGY, CREATING A REPLICABLE PATHWAY TO STRENGTHEN THE DENTAL WORKFORCE. IN DOING SO, TWCCH IS ENSURING THAT FUTURE DENTISTS AND DENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ARE EDUCATED, SUPPORTED, AND RETAINED IN THE VERY COMMUNITIES WHERE ACCESS GAPS ARE MOST SIGNIFICANT AND LONG-TERM IMPACT IS MOST URGENTLY NEEDED. AS WORK CONTINUES TO ADVANCE THE CDCI, TWCCH IS ALSO EXPLORING COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES WITH TEMPLE UNIVERSITY'S KORNBERG SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY FOR A PEDIATRIC DENTAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM AND A CLINICAL PARTNERSHIP AT THE SCHOOL'S NEW RURAL DENTAL EDUCATION CENTER AND CLINIC IN TAMAQUA, WHICH THEY ANNOUNCED IN JUNE 2025. |
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AS TWCCH CONTINUES TO ADDRESS THE GROWING NEED FOR DENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, THE ORGANIZATION IS ALSO PURSUING A COLLABORATIVE TRAINING PARTNERSHIP WITH JOHNSON COLLEGE FOR FUTURE DENTISTS, HYGIENISTS, DENTAL ASSISTANTS, AND EXPANDED FUNCTION DENTAL ASSISTANTS WHILE ADVANCING A COMMUNITY-BASED WORKFORCE PIPELINE INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN DENTAL CAREER PATHWAYS AND OFFER EXPANDED DENTAL SERVICES, INCLUDING AT TWCCH'S NEW FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER AT THE WYOMING COUNTY HEALTHCARE CENTER IN TUNKHANNOCK. TWCCH ALSO CONTINUES TO EXPLORE ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC AND HEALTH SYSTEM PARTNERSHIPS WITH LUZERNE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO EXPAND REGIONAL DENTAL WORKFORCE CAPACITY AND ADDRESS SIGNIFICANT TRAINING BOTTLENECKS, PARTICULARLY IN DENTAL HYGIENE, WHERE LIMITED PROGRAM CAPACITY AND EXTENDED WAITLISTS HIGHLIGHT UNMET DEMAND. UNDER AN AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH DENTAL SCHOOL FOR DENTAL ASSISTANT DEVELOPMENT AND CLINICAL TRAINING, TWCCH TRAINED AND RETAINED THREE DENTAL ASSISTANTS DURING THE COVERED PERIOD. THESE EFFORTS EMPHASIZE ANCHOR-INSTITUTION STRATEGIES AND ACCESS-TO-CARE INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT FIRST-LINE DENTAL CAREERS THAT OFFER MEANINGFUL ECONOMIC MOBILITY, WHILE ALSO EXPANDING CLINICAL TRAINING, VOLUNTEER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES, AND INNOVATIVE MODELS, INCLUDING MOBILE DENTISTRY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CENTURY DENTAL AND HYBRID, COMMUNITY-BASED DENTAL ASSISTANT TRAINING PROGRAMS. TWCCH RECEIVED SEVERAL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL GRANTS DURING THIS COVERED PERIOD TO SUPPORT DENTISTRY TRAINING AND EXPAND DENTAL SERVICES. DURING FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025, TWCCH TRAINED MORE THAN 200 INTERPROFESSIONAL HEALTH STUDENTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MORE THAN 10 ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING LAKE ERIE COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE (LECOM), AND THE A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY'S SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE IN ARIZONA (ATSU-SOMA), AND ITS CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT TRAINING PROGRAM (ATSU-CCPAP) IN CALIFORNIA. DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH WELCOMED A NEW COHORT OF 10 ATSU-SOMA SECOND-YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS, WHO JOINED 20 UPPER-YEAR ATSU-SOMA COLLEAGUES TRAINING AND SERVING IN THE ORGANIZATION'S SERVICE AREA, AND FIVE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDENTS FROM ATSU-CCPAP. SINCE WE CELEBRATED THE GRADUATION OF TWCCH'S FIRST COHORT OF ATSU-SOMA STUDENTS IN MAY 2022, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ATSU-SOMA STUDENTS TRAINED/TRAINING WITH TWCCH IS 51. ADDITIONALLY, TWCCH LAUNCHED ITS NEW CLINICAL ROTATION PARTNERSHIP WITH LAKE ERIE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, WELCOMING OUR FIRST FOUR STUDENTS AND PLANNING TO EXPAND TO 10 STUDENTS NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR. IN ADDITION TO SERVING AS A PRIMARY TRAINING SITE FOR PHYSICIAN RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS, TWCCH ALSO EXPANDED ADVANCED PRACTICE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DURING THE COVERED PERIOD FOR BOTH PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS AND NURSE PRACTITIONERS THROUGH CLINIC-EMBEDDED TRAINING PATHWAYS. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ITS AFFILIATED EDUCATIONAL ENTITY, TWCGME, TWCCH OFFERS STRUCTURED, SUPERVISED CLINICAL TRAINING FOR NEWLY LICENSED NURSE PRACTITIONERS ENTERING THEIR FIRST YEAR OF PRACTICE, TO STRENGTHEN PRIMARY CARE ACCESS, CONTINUITY, AND WORKFORCE RETENTION IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES SERVED BY TWCCH. THEY RECEIVE LONGITUDINAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE ACROSS FAMILY MEDICINE, INTERNAL MEDICINE, PEDIATRICS, MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, DENTAL SERVICES, INFECTIOUS DISEASE, AND ADDICTION TREATMENT AND RECOVERY SERVICES WITHIN TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS. TWCGME SEEKS TO FORMALIZE THE PROGRAM AS A NURSE PRACTITIONER POSTGRADUATE FELLOWSHIP IN RESPONSE TO GROWING PATIENT AND COMMUNITY DEMAND FOR EXPANDED TEAM-BASED PRIMARY CARE MODELS THAT IMPROVE ACCESS, QUALITY, AND CONTINUITY OF WHOLE-PERSON CARE. IN ADDITION TO THESE FORMAL POSTGRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PATHWAYS, TWCCH CONTINUED TO INVEST IN EARLIER-STAGE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION INITIATIVES. TWCCH'S SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FURTHER STRENGTHENED THIS WORKFORCE PIPELINE BY HOSTING HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS FROM MORE THAN A DOZEN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ANNUALLY FOR CAPSTONE PROJECTS FOCUSED ON PUBLIC HEALTH AWARENESS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT. BUILDING ON THIS COMMITMENT TO DELIVERING CARE BEYOND TRADITIONAL CLINICAL WALLS, TWCCH ALSO EXPANDED COMMUNITY-EMBEDDED ACCESS MODELS TAILORED TO OTHER VULNERABLE POPULATIONS, INCLUDING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. |
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DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TWCGME, APPLIED FOR AND SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVED A HRSA PRIMARY CARE TRAINING AND ENHANCEMENT (PCTE) GRANT TO SUPPORT THE NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA COMMUNITY CONTINUUM OF CARE (NEPA CCC) PROJECT. THIS INITIATIVE IS DESIGNED TO EXPAND ACCESS TO WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY INTEGRATING STREET MEDICINE-BASED CARE DELIVERY WITH COMMUNITY-BASED WORKFORCE TRAINING. THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, TWCGME WILL TRAIN ITS INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENT PHYSICIANS TO DELIVER CARE OUTSIDE OF TRADITIONAL CLINICAL SETTINGS, INCLUDING THROUGH MOBILE HEALTH CLINICS, HOMELESS SHELTERS, AND COMMUNITY-BASED PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS RURAL AND URBAN AREAS OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. IN CONTRAST, TWCCH'S STREET MEDICINE TEAM AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS PROVIDE DIRECT SERVICES ADDRESSING ACUTE AND CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT AND RECOVERY, BASIC MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE, MEDICATION ACCESS, SURVIVAL SUPPORTS, AND CONTINUITY OF CARE FOLLOWING HOSPITAL DISCHARGE. THE NEPA CCC PROJECT WAS AWARDED $500,000 FOR THE INITIAL BUDGET PERIOD BEGINNING JULY 1, 2025, AS PART OF A FIVE-YEAR TRAINING GRANT, WITH PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AND EXPANSION ACTIVITIES CONTINUING INTO SUBSEQUENT REPORTING PERIODS. ACCORDINGLY, TWCCH EXPANDED COMMUNITY-EMBEDDED ACCESS MODELS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES BY SCALING SCHOOL-BASED SERVICE DELIVERY THROUGH NEW DISTRICT-WIDE PARTNERSHIPS. TWCCH CONTINUED TO DELIVER COMPREHENSIVE, WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL THROUGH ITS SUSTAINABLE FQHC LOOK-ALIKE INTEGRATED SCHOOL-BASED COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER WITHIN THE SCRANTON SCHOOL DISTRICT, ONE OF THE LARGEST PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. SINCE OPENING WITHIN THE DISTRICT IN 2017, TWCCH'S SCHOOL-BASED COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER HAS SERVED MORE THAN 6,300 UNIQUE PATIENTS, WITH MORE THAN HALF COVERED BY MEDICAID OR MEDICARE, UNDERSCORING THE PROGRAM'S ROLE IN EXPANDING ACCESS TO CARE FOR UNDERSERVED CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. ADDITIONALLY, TWCCH EXECUTED A NEW AGREEMENT WITH THE SCRANTON SCHOOL DISTRICT, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025, ESTABLISHING REGULAR HEALTH CLINICS IN EVERY DISTRICT SCHOOL. THESE CLINICS PROVIDE WELLNESS EXAMS, SPORTS PHYSICALS, PREVENTIVE CARE, SCREENINGS, AND RELATED SERVICES IN COORDINATION WITH SCHOOL NURSES. DELIVERING CARE DIRECTLY WITHIN NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS REDUCES BARRIERS TO ACCESS. IT CONNECTS STUDENTS AND FAMILIES TO TWCCH'S BROADER NETWORK OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, WHICH OFFER INTEGRATED PRIMARY CARE, MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, DENTAL SERVICES, AND COMPREHENSIVE CARE TEAM SUPPORTS, INCLUDING COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS. THE DRIVING BETTER HEALTH MOBILE UNIT WILL ALSO SUPPORT SCHOOLS BY PROVIDING SPECIAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND VACCINATIONS AS NEEDED. TWCCH CONTINUES TO EXPLORE SIMILAR INTENTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS WITH PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS ITS SERVICE AREA TO FURTHER EXPAND ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, HIGH-QUALITY, WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY AND PREVENTIVE CARE FOR ALL THROUGH ADDITIONAL SUSTAINABLE FQHC LOOK-ALIKE INTEGRATED SCHOOL-BASED COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, BENEFITING STUDENTS, FAMILIES, SCHOOL EMPLOYEES, AND THE BROADER COMMUNITY. IN RESPONSE TO OUTREACH, TWCCH ALSO CONTINUES TO DEPLOY ITS MOBILE MEDICAL AND DENTAL UNIT, DRIVING BETTER HEALTH, TO DELIVER ESSENTIAL MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND PREVENTIVE SERVICES DIRECTLY TO STUDENTS IN OTHER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS. IN OCTOBER 2024, PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR JOSH SHAPIRO FORMALLY RECOGNIZED TWCCH'S LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCING SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CARE BY APPOINTING THE ORGANIZATION'S DEPUTY CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF PEDIATRICS AND SCHOOL- AND COMMUNITY-BASED MEDICAL HOME SERVICES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH ALLIANCE. THIS IMPORTANT APPOINTMENT REFLECTS TWCCH'S GROWING ROLE IN SHAPING INNOVATIVE, COMMUNITY-EMBEDDED, AND SCALABLE MODELS OF SCHOOL-BASED CARE THAT ADDRESS THE INTERCONNECTED MEDICAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND ACADEMIC NEEDS OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS ACROSS NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, THE COMMONWEALTH, AND BEYOND. IN PARALLEL, TWCCH ADVANCED SIGNIFICANT EXPANSIONS OF AGING-FOCUSED PROGRAMS AND INTERPROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE INITIATIVES TO RESPOND TO THE RAPIDLY GROWING OLDER-ADULT POPULATION. |
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TWCCH CONTINUED TO DEMONSTRATE ITS COMMITMENT TO BEING AN INSTITUTE FOR HEALTHCARE IMPROVEMENT (IHI)-RECOGNIZED "AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTH SYSTEM A STRONG PARTNER IN LARGER COLLECTIVE-IMPACT INITIATIVES TO BUILD "AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES." THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING AND EMPLOYING QUALIFIED, COMPASSIONATE GERIATRICIANS AND PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS, NURSE PRACTITIONERS, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, LICENSED SOCIAL WORKERS AND COUNSELORS, AND ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WITH GERIATRIC COMPETENCIES HAS NEVER BEEN SO URGENT: BASED ON 2023 DATA, PENNSYLVANIA HAS THE NINTH-HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF RESIDENTS AGE 65 AND OLDER AMONG ALL 50 STATES. CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENTIRE WORKFORCE'S GERIATRIC COMPETENCIES SUPPORTS TWCCH'S AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTH SYSTEM INITIATIVE. TWCCH, THE EIGHTH HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN THE COUNTRY TO ADOPT UCLA'S JOHN A. HARTFORD FOUNDATION-FUNDED, AWARD-WINNING ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA CARE (ADC) PROGRAM MODEL, CONTINUED TO OFFER ADC SERVICES FOR ITS REGIONAL COMMUNITY, WHILE ALSO IMPLEMENTING PRINCIPLES OF THE INSTITUTE FOR HEALTHCARE IMPROVEMENT'S "AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTH SYSTEM" IN ALL OF ITS PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES SITES FOR SENIORS. THESE INITIATIVES ENRICH THE GERIATRIC-SENSITIVE PREPARATION OF THE CURRENT AND FUTURE HEALTH WORKFORCE TRAINING AT TWCCH'S PRIMARY ENTITY AND AFFILIATED EDUCATIONAL PARTNER, THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (TWCGME). FOLLOWING APPROVAL DURING THE PRIOR COVERED PERIOD BY THE ASSOCIATION OF DIRECTORS OF GERIATRICS ACADEMIC PROGRAMS (ADGAP) AND THE ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (ACGME), TWCGME, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TWCCH, LAUNCHED AN ADVANCING INNOVATION IN RESIDENCY EDUCATION (AIRE) MEDICINE-GERIATRICS INTEGRATED RESIDENCY AND FELLOWSHIP (COMBINED MED-GERI PATHWAY) DURING THIS COVERED PERIOD. THIS NEW, INNOVATIVE RESIDENCY AND FELLOWSHIP PATHWAY IS DESIGNED TO ADDRESS CRITICAL WORKFORCE SHORTAGES BY PREPARING PHYSICIANS TO MEET THE COMPLEX PRIMARY AND GERIATRIC CARE NEEDS OF AN AGING POPULATION. TWCCH CONTINUED ITS SUPPORT OF TELESPOND SENIOR SERVICES AS IT PREPARED TO OPEN ITS OLDER ADULT ADVOCACY CENTER (OAAC), THE FIRST CENTER OF ITS KIND IN PENNSYLVANIA. THE OAAC OFFICIALLY OPENED IN MAY 2025 IN SCRANTON TO SERVE OLDER ADULT VICTIMS OF ABUSE, NEGLECT, FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION, ABANDONMENT, AND OTHER FORMS OF MALTREATMENT ACROSS NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND PROVIDE TEMPORARY HOUSING AND COORDINATED ACCESS TO LEGAL SERVICES, PERSONAL CARE, TRANSPORTATION, AND OTHER ESSENTIAL SUPPORTS. OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, PENNSYLVANIA HAS SEEN A 62% INCREASE IN ELDER ABUSE REPORTS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGING. TWCCH'S COLLABORATION WITH TELESPOND SENIOR SERVICES ALSO CONTINUED IN THE PROVISION OF PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES AND THE ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA CARE UNIT FOR SENIORS IN THE REGION. TWCCH COLLABORATED WITH AND SUPPORTED LACKAWANNA COUNTY AND ITS AREA AGENCY ON AGING IN THE IMPORTANT PROCESS OF BEING DESIGNATED AN AGE-FRIENDLY COUNTY. UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF TWCCH'S FOUNDING GERIATRICS SERVICE LINE DIRECTOR, DURING THIS COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH EXPANDED WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS, INCLUDING HOME-BASED SERVICES FOR HOMEBOUND SENIORS, NURSING HOME COLLABORATION, AND AN ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA CARE PROGRAM THAT SUPPORTS PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS THROUGH COORDINATED MEDICAL, SOCIAL, AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES. TWCCH'S GERIATRICS SERVICE LINE SERVES OVER 175 VULNERABLE ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA, AS WELL AS A VULNERABLE POPULATION OF ISOLATED GERIATRIC PATIENTS IN NURSING HOMES, SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES, AND HOME-BASED SETTINGS. THESE EFFORTS WERE FURTHER OPERATIONALIZED THROUGH CROSS-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS CONVENED AT TWCCH'S INAUGURAL SYMPOSIUM ON AGING, HELD IN JANUARY 2025 AT TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE SCRANTON TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, WHICH BROUGHT TOGETHER REGIONAL AGING, SOCIAL SERVICE, AND PHILANTHROPIC STAKEHOLDERS TO ADDRESS DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES, SOCIAL ISOLATION, AND ELDER FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION, AMONG OTHER TOPICS. BUILDING ON ITS INITIAL SUCCESS, TWCCH PLANS TO CONVENE THE SYMPOSIUM ON AGING ANNUALLY. EXTENDING THIS COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING WHOLE-PERSON CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS INTO BROADER POLICY AND PLANNING EFFORTS, AT THE STATE LEVEL, THIS FOCUS WAS REINFORCED THROUGH THE APRIL 2025 APPOINTMENT OF TWCCH/TWCGME'S SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND ENTERPRISE CHIEF OPERATIONS AND STRATEGY OFFICER TO PENNSYLVANIA'S INAUGURAL ALZHEIMER'S, DEMENTIA, AND RELATED DISORDERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ENSURING THAT THE NEEDS OF VULNERABLE OLDER ADULTS REMAIN CENTRAL TO BOTH LOCAL AND STATEWIDE COMMUNITY PLANNING EFFORTS. TWCCH ALSO INITIATED FEASIBILITY-BASED SERVICE EXPANSION WORK FOR ADDITIONAL HIGH-NEED POPULATIONS WHILE STRENGTHENING THE SUSTAINABILITY AND CERTIFICATION CAPACITY OF ITS COMMUNITY-BASED CARE TEAMS. |
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IN PARALLEL WITH THESE NEEDS-RESPONSIVE, CROSS-SECTOR EFFORTS, TWCCH UNDERTOOK GOVERNANCE-LED, FEASIBILITY-BASED WORK DURING THE COVERED PERIOD TO ASSESS OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY CARE ACCESS FOR INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH PHYSICAL AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES. BUILDING ON ITS LONGSTANDING, MISSION-ALIGNED PARTNERSHIP WITH ALLIED SERVICES INTEGRATED HEALTH SYSTEM AND RESPONSIVE TO EMERGING COMMUNITY NEEDS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL, AND/OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, TWCCH ENGAGED IN RAPIDLY DEVELOPING PLANS TO ESTABLISH A PLATFORM TO DELIVER COMPREHENSIVE, WHOLE-PERSON HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH A CO-LOCATION WITHIN AN ALLIED SERVICES SETTING IN SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA, SUBJECT TO FEASIBILITY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND REGULATORY APPROVAL. THIS WORK WAS CONSISTENT WITH COMPLEMENTARY TWCGME EDUCATIONAL AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, INCLUDING GRANT-SUPPORTED CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT TO IMPROVE THE PREPARATION OF CLINICIANS AND INTERPROFESSIONAL LEARNERS TO MEET THE COMPREHENSIVE, LIFELONG HEALTH NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH PHYSICAL AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES. CONCURRENTLY, TWCCH ALSO ADVANCED AN ENTERPRISE-WIDE ASSESSMENT OF ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (ADL) ACCESSIBILITY ACROSS ITS CLINICAL ENVIRONMENTS TO ENSURE ALIGNMENT WITH THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF DISABILITY ACCESS AND DIGNITY IN CARE DELIVERY. FINDINGS FROM THIS ASSESSMENT INFORMED TARGETED FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS AT EXISTING SITES, INCLUDING ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS AT TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE MID VALLEY TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN JERMYN, PENNSYLVANIA. COLLECTIVELY, THESE EARLY-STAGE EFFORTS REFLECT TWCCH'S INTENTIONAL APPROACH TO "SLOWING DOWN TO GO FAST" BY GROUNDING FUTURE ACCESS EXPANSION IN CAREFUL FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT, COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP, AND WORKFORCE READINESS WHILE FOSTERING BROADER COMMUNITY DIALOGUE AROUND SUSTAINABLE, INTEGRATED MODELS OF PRIMARY CARE, EDUCATION, AND DEVELOPMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES. IN ADDITION, TWCCH STRENGTHENED CARE-TEAM SUSTAINABILITY AND PATIENT NAVIGATION CAPACITY BY ADVANCING CERTIFICATION AND ROLE EXPANSION FOR ITS COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER WORKFORCE. TWCCH ENGAGED IN THE STRATEGIC SUSTAINABILITY OF THE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER (CHW) SERVICES LINE BY SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CERTIFICATION THROUGH A COLLABORATION WITH THE NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (NEPA AHEC). THIS ENGAGEMENT ENABLED CHWS TO PARTICIPATE IN ENROLLMENT SERVICES, CHRONIC CARE MANAGEMENT, COMMUNITY HEALTH INTEGRATION, HOME HEALTH, AND PRINCIPAL-ILLNESS NAVIGATION AND BILLING. THE WORK OF CHW TEAMS IS CRITICAL TO SUSTAINING NON-MEDICAL SERVICES THAT SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES. IMPORTANTLY, TWCCH'S APPROACH TO CHW-LED ENROLLMENT AND NAVIGATION SERVICES IS GROUNDED IN INFORMED CHOICE AND ETHICAL STEWARDSHIP, RATHER THAN REVENUE GENERATION. WHILE PUBLIC REIMBURSEMENT FOR ENROLLMENT ACTIVITIES REMAINS LIMITED, TWCCH RECOGNIZES A BROADER RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT MEDICARE-ELIGIBLE PATIENTS, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN RURAL AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES, ARE EQUIPPED WITH ACCURATE, COMPLETE, AND UNBIASED INFORMATION WHEN MAKING COMPLEX COVERAGE DECISIONS. THROUGH ITS CHW INFRASTRUCTURE, TWCCH IS INTENTIONALLY DESIGNING PATHWAYS THAT ALLOW BENEFICIARIES TO UNDERSTAND THE FULL LANDSCAPE OF MEDICARE OPTIONS, INCLUDING TRADITIONAL MEDICARE AND MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS, SO THAT DECISIONS ARE DRIVEN BY INDIVIDUAL HEALTH NEEDS, CONTINUITY OF CARE, AND LONG-TERM WELL-BEING RATHER THAN BY INCOMPLETE OR OVERLY MARKETED INFORMATION. THIS WORK IS GUIDED BY A COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY, PATIENT AUTONOMY, AND INFORMED CONSENT, ENSURING THAT INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT LEFT TO NAVIGATE HIGH-STAKES HEALTH COVERAGE DECISIONS IN ISOLATION OR AT THE MERCY OF DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING. BY INVESTING IN THIS ETHICALLY GROUNDED, CHW-SUPPORTED NAVIGATION MODEL, TWCCH IS STRENGTHENING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF ITS COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES, SAFEGUARDING PATIENT TRUST, ADVANCING HEALTH LITERACY, AND LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE SYSTEM INNOVATIONS THAT PRIORITIZE PATIENT UNDERSTANDING AND PROTECTION ALONGSIDE FINANCIAL VIABILITY. THIS INTENTIONAL DESIGN IS OPERATIONALIZED THROUGH THE DAILY WORK OF TWCCH'S CHW TEAMS, WHOSE SUSTAINED PRESENCE IN CARE DELIVERY AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS ALLOWS THESE PRINCIPLES TO BE REALIZED AT SCALE. TWCCH'S CHW TEAMS HAD NEARLY 10,000 ENCOUNTERS WITH PATIENTS REQUIRING HEALTH-RELATED SOCIAL NEEDS (HRSN)-RELATED SERVICES DURING THIS COVERED PERIOD. |
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IN SUPPORT OF ADVANCING THE INTEGRATION OF THE CHW WORKFORCE, TWCCH CONTINUED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA READINESS IN SKILLED EMPLOYMENT (NEPA RISE) PROGRAM TO PROMOTE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES ALIGNED WITH TWCCH'S MISSION AND TO CREATE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES THAT SUPPORT ECONOMIC MOBILITY. RISE IS A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM THAT FOCUSES ON AN INDIVIDUAL'S STRENGTHS, CREATING OPPORTUNITIES TO ACCESS TECHNICAL TRAINING AND ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR SUCCESS. RISE HELPS INDIVIDUALS LIFT THEMSELVES OUT OF POVERTY BY DEVELOPING MARKETABLE SKILLS THAT QUALIFY THEM FOR SKILLED EMPLOYMENT WITH ECONOMIC MOBILITY. RISE PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE CAREER COACHING, EDUCATION TO DEVELOP SOFT SKILLS, AND A RANGE OF ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO ENSURE ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND JOB PLACEMENT. SUPPORT INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION, CHILDCARE, HOUSING, TECHNOLOGY, AND LANGUAGE SUPPORT RESOURCES. TWCCH PROUDLY EMPLOYS CHWS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE RISE PROGRAM, WHICH CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THEIR CAREER ADVANCEMENT INTO HIGHER-LEVEL, HIGHER-PAYING POSITIONS. BEYOND DIRECT CLINICAL PROGRAMS, TWCCH ADVANCED MISSION-ALIGNED CROSS-SECTOR WORKFORCE AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY INITIATIVES THROUGH ANCHOR-INSTITUTION PARTNERSHIPS AND REGIONAL RECOVERY-TO-WORK COLLABORATIONS. TWCCH AND ITS AFFILIATED ENTITY, TWCGME, WERE INVITED AND CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ANCHORS FOR EQUITY PROGRAM, WHICH IS THE ANCHOR ECONOMY INITIATIVE AT THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA (FRB) THAT EXPLORES HOW ANCHOR INSTITUTIONS SUSTAIN JOBS, DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND SUPPORT REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN 524 REGIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. ANCHOR INSTITUTIONS ARE LARGE, PUBLIC-SERVING ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS HOSPITALS AND UNIVERSITIES THAT PROVIDE JOBS AND SERVICES WHILE SUPPORTING LOCAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY. THE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND MOBILITY PROJECT BRINGS TOGETHER RESEARCHERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO DEVELOP INNOVATIVE, ACTIONABLE, COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS TO LOCAL OR REGIONAL ECONOMIC CHALLENGES THROUGH RESEARCH IN ACTION LABS THAT ADVANCE SOLUTIONS TO SPECIFIC CHALLENGES AND REDUCE ECONOMIC BARRIERS IN COMMUNITIES. TOGETHER, THE ANCHOR ECONOMY INITIATIVE AND THE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND MOBILITY PROJECT LAUNCHED THE ANCHORS FOR EQUITY RESEARCH IN ACTION LAB. TWCCH'S PARTNER, THE INSTITUTE, A NONPROFIT BASED IN WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA, THAT PROVIDES COMMUNITY-BASED DATA ANALYSIS, RESEARCH, AND CONSULTING SERVICES THROUGHOUT NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, WAS SELECTED FOR THE ANCHORS FOR EQUITY RESEARCH IN ACTION LAB BECAUSE OF ITS STRONG POSITION TO LEVERAGE THE INITIATIVE: THE INSTITUTE IS LOCATED IN A REGION WITH 14 HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND FIVE MAJOR HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS, INCLUDING TWCGME AND TWCCH. FURTHERMORE, "HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE" IS THE LARGEST EMPLOYMENT SECTOR IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, AND "EDUCATIONAL SERVICES" IS AMONG THE FIVE LARGEST IN SEVERAL COUNTIES. GUIDED BY ITS MISSION, THE GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION SAFETY-NET CONSORTIUM MODEL, AND RESPONSIBILITY AS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNITY-GOVERNED, FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, TWCCH, TOGETHER WITH ITS PRIMARY AFFILIATE ENTITY, TWCGME, EMBRACES ITS ROLE AS AN ANCHOR INSTITUTION COMMITTED TO ADVANCING ECONOMIC MOBILITY, ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE, WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITY, AND SHARED REGIONAL PROSPERITY. CONSISTENT WITH THE FEDERAL RESERVE'S VISION OF ANCHOR INSTITUTIONS AS COMMUNITY ASSETS, TWCCH AND TWCGME BELIEVE THAT INSTITUTIONS ENTRUSTED WITH PUBLIC RESOURCES MUST BE OUTWARD-LOOKING BY DESIGN-INVITED INTO AND ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIGH-IMPACT, CROSS-ORGANIZATIONAL WORK THAT CREATES DURABLE COMMUNITY VICTORIES, RATHER THAN RETREATING INTO INTERNALLY FOCUSED CRISIS MANAGEMENT. AT THE SAME TIME, BOTH TWCCH AND TWCGME EXERCISE STRONG, COMMUNITY-LED GOVERNANCE, RIGOROUS COMPLIANCE OVERSIGHT, AND DISCIPLINED FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP TO ENSURE THAT OUTWARD-FACING COMMITMENTS NEVER COMPROMISE INTERNAL SUSTAINABILITY OR CAPACITY TO SERVE. TWCCH, AS A PREMIER PROVIDER OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT AND RECOVERY SERVICES IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, ENGAGED IN ANOTHER FRUITFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (NEPA AHEC), LUZERNE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, THE INSTITUTE, AND THE WAYNE PIKE WORKFORCE ALLIANCE ON PROJECT PROGRESS, A WORKFORCE INITIATIVE TO CREATE JOBS WITH ECONOMIC MOBILITY TO INCREASE THE ACTIVE EMPLOYMENT OF PEOPLE IN RECOVERY. PROJECT PROGRESS, FUNDED IN PART THROUGH AN APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION INSPIRE GRANT, WAS A THREE-YEAR EFFORT LED BY TWCCH IN COLLABORATION WITH PARTNERS ACROSS A MULTI-COUNTY AREA IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA HEAVILY IMPACTED BY THE ONGOING OPIOID CRISIS. THE ACRONYM PROGRESS STANDS FOR PROVIDING RECOVERY OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH, EDUCATION, AND SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS. THROUGHOUT THE PROGRAM, THE PROJECT FACILITATED SIX CERTIFIED RECOVERY SPECIALIST TRAINING SESSIONS. A TOTAL OF 122 INDIVIDUALS HAD ACCESS TO THE TRAINING; 101 COMPLETED THE SCREENING PROCESS AND ENROLLED IN A CLASS. A TOTAL OF 76 PARTICIPANTS COMPLETED THE TRAINING, AND 44 EARNED PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS, INCLUDING CERTIFIED RECOVERY SPECIALIST (CRS), CERTIFIED FAMILY RECOVERY SPECIALIST (CFRS), CERTIFIED RECOVERY SPECIALIST SUPERVISOR (CRSS), OR A COMBINATION OF THESE CREDENTIALS; TWO INDIVIDUALS EARNED BOTH CRS AND CFRS. |
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DURING THIS PERIOD, TWCCH AND ITS REGIONAL PARTNERS CONVENED A COMMUNITY-WIDE CELEBRATION TO FORMALLY RECOGNIZE THE SUCCESS OF PROJECT PROGRESS, HIGHLIGHT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS, AND CHALLENGE THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH EMPLOYING INDIVIDUALS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS. THIS CAPSTONE EVENT UNDERSCORED THE PROGRAM'S IMPACT NOT ONLY ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BUT ALSO ON COMMUNITY ATTITUDES TOWARD RECOVERY AND REINTEGRATION. PROJECT PROGRESS SERVED AS AN IMPORTANT CALL TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO RECOGNIZE ADDICTION AS A CHRONIC ILLNESS AND TO WORK ACROSS SECTORS TO CREATE A RECOVERY ECOSYSTEM IN WHICH PEOPLE MOVING FROM TREATMENT TO LIFE IN RECOVERY ARE TRAINED AND SUPPORTED TO BECOME CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS OF SOCIETY. THAT ECOSYSTEM INTENTIONALLY EXTENDED BEYOND HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO INCLUDE EDUCATION, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT, REFLECTING A WHOLE-COMMUNITY APPROACH TO RECOVERY AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY. ALTHOUGH THE GRANT PERIOD CONCLUDED IN SEPTEMBER 2024, PROJECT PROGRESS CONTINUES TO PROVIDE LASTING VALUE THROUGH THE ONGOING AVAILABILITY OF RECOVERY-TO-WORK RESOURCES, EMPLOYER EDUCATION, AND STIGMA-REDUCTION TOOLS, ENSURING THAT THE PROGRAM'S IMPACT EXTENDS BEYOND THE FORMAL GRANT TIMELINE. ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE WERE ALSO PROVIDED BY THE ALLONE FOUNDATION, THE GREATER SCRANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA ALLIANCE, THE WAYNE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, THE WAYNE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, AND CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP, WHOSE COLLECTIVE SUPPORT STRENGTHENED REGIONAL COLLABORATION AND EXPANDED THE PROGRAM'S REACH, PARTICULARLY IN RURAL AND UNDERSERVED COUNTIES. COLLECTIVELY, PROJECT PROGRESS ADVANCED TWCCH'S LONG-TERM WORKFORCE STRATEGY BY EXPANDING A PEER-INFORMED TALENT PIPELINE THAT SUPPORTS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTEGRATION, RECOVERY SERVICES, AND COMMUNITY-BASED CARE DELIVERY ACROSS THE REGION. THROUGHOUT THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH ADVANCED ITS MISSION BY DEEPENING PARTNERSHIPS WITH SCHOOLS, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, AND REGIONAL STAKEHOLDERS TO ADDRESS HEALTH-RELATED SOCIAL NEEDS AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY RESILIENCE. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LACKAWANNA COUNTY LITERACY COMMITTEE, TWCCH BECAME A REGIONAL HUB FOR REACH OUT AND READ, A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED, EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAM THAT INTEGRATES EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY PROMOTION INTO PEDIATRIC PRIMARY CARE. THROUGH THIS PARTNERSHIP, TWCCH INCORPORATES DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE BOOKS INTO WELL-CHILD VISITS AND SUPPORTS CAREGIVERS IN BUILDING EARLY LANGUAGE AND LITERACY SKILLS BY ENCOURAGING READING ALOUD TOGETHER, RECOGNIZING LITERACY AS A FOUNDATIONAL SOCIAL DETERMINANT OF LONG-TERM HEALTH, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, AND LIFE OUTCOMES. IN AUGUST 2025, THE LACKAWANNA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED TWO TWCCH PEDIATRICIANS TO THE LITERACY COMMITTEE, REFLECTING FORMAL RECOGNITION OF TWCCH'S LEADERSHIP ROLE IN ADVANCING EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY AS A CORE COMPONENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH STRATEGY. THIS LITERACY-CENTERED PARTNERSHIP EXEMPLIFIES TWCCH'S BROADER APPROACH TO COMMUNITY COLLABORATION, WHICH ALIGNS EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS, AND YOUTH-FOCUSED INITIATIVES AROUND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR HEALTH, RECOVERY, AND DEVELOPMENTAL WELL-BEING. CONSISTENT WITH THIS APPROACH, TWCCH MAINTAINED LONGSTANDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, SUCH AS SCRANTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL, WHOSE STUDENTS, ALUMS, AND STAFF HAVE SUPPORTED TWCCH'S HEALTHY MATERNAL OPIATE MEDICAL SUPPORTS (HEALTHY MOMS) PROGRAM THROUGH ANNUAL SERVICE AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS, REINFORCING COMMUNITY CONNECTION AND RECOVERY-ORIENTED CARE FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS. IN PARALLEL, TWCCH AND TWCGME CONTINUED TO SPONSOR THE NITTANY LION SUMMER IMPACT FOOTBALL CAMP, A COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVE WHOSE PROCEEDS BENEFIT LOCAL CHARITABLE PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAMS, AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE REGION. TWCCH ALSO WORKED CLOSELY WITH COUNTY GOVERNMENTS ACROSS LACKAWANNA, LUZERNE, WAYNE, AND WYOMING COUNTIES TO EXPAND ACCESS TO SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT, PREVENTION, AND RECOVERY SERVICES, INCLUDING THE RESPONSIBLE DEPLOYMENT OF OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS TO SUPPORT COMPREHENSIVE, COMMUNITY-BASED RESPONSES TO THE OPIOID CRISIS. IN RURAL AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES, TWCCH PARTNERED WITH COUNTY LEADERS, HEALTH SYSTEMS, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, AND HUMAN SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS TO CO-DESIGN INTEGRATED CARE HUBS AND OUTREACH INITIATIVES TO ADDRESS BARRIERS TO ACCESS RELATED TO GEOGRAPHY, TRANSPORTATION, WORKFORCE SHORTAGES, AND ECONOMIC HARDSHIP. COLLECTIVELY, THESE RELATIONSHIPS REFLECT TWCCH'S COMMITMENT TO COLLABORATION OVER COMPETITION AND TO EXTENDING CARE BEYOND CLINIC WALLS THROUGH TRUSTED PARTNERSHIPS THAT ALIGN HEALTH CARE DELIVERY, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING. TOGETHER, THESE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND ACCESS-ENABLING STRATEGIES STRENGTHENED CONTINUITY OF CARE, CARE COORDINATION, AND PATIENT ENGAGEMENT ACROSS THE SERVICE REGION, CREATING THE CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR SUSTAINED IMPROVEMENT IN POPULATION HEALTH OUTCOMES AND CLINICAL QUALITY. |
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TO OPERATIONALIZE THIS ENTERPRISE STRATEGY, TWCCH ESTABLISHED A NEW EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP ROLE, THE CHIEF POPULATION HEALTH AND VALUE-BASED CARE OFFICER, TO STRENGTHEN ENTERPRISE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR POPULATION-LEVEL OUTCOMES, VALUE-BASED CARE READINESS, AND DATA-INFORMED RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP. THIS ROLE REINFORCES TWCCH'S COMMITMENT TO ALIGNING PREVENTIVE CARE, CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT, QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP UNDER A UNIFIED POPULATION HEALTH FRAMEWORK. TO SUPPORT THIS WORK, TWCCH ALSO INTRODUCED A CENTRALIZED POPULATION HEALTH RESOURCE AS A SHARED COMMUNICATION HUB FOR LEARNERS, FACULTY, AND STAFF. INITIALLY DESIGNED TO SUPPORT THE ROLLOUT OF A NEW POPULATION HEALTH ROTATION FOR RESIDENT PHYSICIANS, THIS RESOURCE IS AVAILABLE ENTERPRISE-WIDE TO FACILITATE COLLABORATION, ADDRESS QUESTIONS, SHARE CONCERNS, AND DISSEMINATE POPULATION HEALTH-RELATED TOOLS AND MATERIALS. BY STREAMLINING COMMUNICATION AND STRENGTHENING SHARED LEARNING, THIS INITIATIVE ENHANCES INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORTS THE SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATION OF POPULATION HEALTH PRINCIPLES ACROSS CLINICAL CARE, EDUCATION, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. WITH THIS LEADERSHIP AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN PLACE, TWCCH EXPANDED PREVENTION-FOCUSED CLINICAL SERVICE LINES TO REDUCE CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK AND DOWNSTREAM DISEASE BURDEN. TWCCH ADVANCED THE INTEGRATION OF NUTRITION, LIFESTYLE MEDICINE, AND OBESITY MEDICINE INTO ITS PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH PHILANTHROPIC LOCAL FUNDING SUPPORT. BUILDING ON ITS WHOLE-PERSON, PREVENTION-ANCHORED CARE MODEL, TWCCH COMBINED THE EXPERTISE OF BOARD-CERTIFIED OBESITY AND LIFESTYLE MEDICINE INTERNAL MEDICINE AND FAMILY MEDICINE PHYSICIANS AND PEDIATRICIANS, A REGISTERED DIETITIAN, AND A LIFESTYLE COACH TO LONGITUDINALLY ENGAGE PATIENTS IN PREVENTIVE HEALTH ACTIVITIES AIMED AT REDUCING OBESITY-RELATED RISK, SUPPORTING WEIGHT LOSS, SMOKING CESSATION, AND IMPROVING CARDIOVASCULAR AND METABOLIC HEALTH OUTCOMES. IN JANUARY 2025, TWCCH LAUNCHED A FREE, EVIDENCE-BASED NATIONAL DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM (NDPP), DELIVERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (NEPA AHEC) AND QUALITY INSIGHTS, OFFERING A 26-SESSION LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION CURRICULUM TO HELP INDIVIDUALS WITH PREDIABETES PREVENT OR DELAY THE ONSET OF TYPE 2 DIABETES. TWCCH ALSO PARTNERED WITH PENN STATE EXTENSION TO OFFER FREE, WEEKLY NUTRITION EDUCATION CLASSES IN BOTH ENGLISH AND SPANISH AT TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE SCRANTON COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER FROM MAY 20 THROUGH JUNE 24, 2025. THESE CLASSES SUPPORTED INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES RECEIVING FOOD ASSISTANCE BY PROMOTING HEALTHIER EATING AND EFFECTIVE FOOD BUDGETING. THIS WORK REFLECTS AN INTENTIONAL UPSTREAM STRATEGY THAT NOT ONLY MANAGES CHRONIC DISEASE BUT ALSO ACTIVELY REDUCES FUTURE DISEASE BURDEN BY REDUCING THE NEED FOR DOWNSTREAM INTERVENTIONS. PATIENTS WERE ENROLLED IN LONGITUDINAL MONITORING AND SHARED CARE PLANNING FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABLE BEHAVIOR CHANGE, INFORMED CHOICE, AND EVIDENCE-BASED LIFESTYLE INTERVENTIONS ADDRESSING OBESITY AND ITS COMMON COMORBIDITIES, INCLUDING DIABETES, HYPERTENSION, DYSLIPIDEMIA, AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE. FOLLOWING PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT SECURED DURING THE PRIOR COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH SUCCESSFULLY DISTRIBUTED WELLNESS KITS DESIGNED FOR CLINICIAN-PATIENT USE IN SHARED DECISION-MAKING AND CARE PLANNING. THESE KITS, WHICH INCLUDE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND PRACTICAL TOOLS, NOW ACTIVELY SUPPORT PATIENTS IN ACHIEVING INDIVIDUALIZED WELLNESS GOALS AND REINFORCE PREVENTIVE CARE STRATEGIES DURING ROUTINE PRIMARY CARE VISITS. IN MAY 2025, TWCCH PARTNERED WITH THE EASTERN REGION OF THE PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS TO CONVENE ITS INAUGURAL WEIGHT MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM HELD AT A LOCAL PARTNER UNIVERSITY. THE SYMPOSIUM BROUGHT TOGETHER CLINICIANS, EDUCATORS, AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS FOR EXPERT-LED DISCUSSIONS ON EVIDENCE-BASED OBESITY MANAGEMENT, PREVENTION STRATEGIES, AND THE FUTURE OF WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY CARE, REINFORCING TWCCH'S LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCING PREVENTION-ORIENTED, NON-PHARMACEUTICAL, NON-INVASIVE APPROACHES TO CHRONIC DISEASE. |
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PREVENTION, LIFESTYLE MEDICINE, AND OBESITY MEDICINE REPRESENT CORE, EVIDENCE-BASED SERVICE LINES WITHIN TWCCH'S CARE DELIVERY MODEL. THESE APPROACHES EMPHASIZE NUTRITION, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SLEEP HEALTH, STRESS MANAGEMENT, HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, AVOIDANCE OF RISKY SUBSTANCES, AND INTENTIONAL REDUCTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND DIABETES RISK FACTORS THROUGH PERSONALIZED, SUSTAINABLE CARE PLANS. BY PRIORITIZING THESE UPSTREAM INTERVENTIONS, TWCCH IS ADVANCING MEASURABLE IMPROVEMENTS IN POPULATION HEALTH WHILE SUPPORTING PROGRESS TOWARD HRSA QUALITY RECOGNITION BENCHMARKS, INCLUDING CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REDUCTION AND CANCER PREVENTION SCREENING TARGETS. DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH OBSERVED CONTINUED POSITIVE TRENDS IN LIPID CONTROL, BLOOD PRESSURE MANAGEMENT, DIABETES OUTCOMES, AND PREVENTIVE COLORECTAL, BREAST, AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING RATES, REINFORCING THE ORGANIZATION'S DISCIPLINED, DATA-DRIVEN COMMITMENT TO PREVENTION AS A CORNERSTONE OF COMMUNITY-BASED PRIMARY CARE. AS THESE PREVENTION-FOCUSED, INTEGRATED CARE MODELS MATURED, TWCCH'S WORK DURING THE COVERED PERIOD WAS ACCOMPANIED BY MEASURABLE IMPROVEMENTS IN QUALITY, COMPLIANCE, AND EXTERNALLY VALIDATED PERFORMANCE. TWCCH DEMONSTRATED SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE IN CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REDUCTION AND WHOLE-PERSON CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT, REFLECTING A DELIBERATE, ENTERPRISE-WIDE STRATEGY THAT INTEGRATES QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, POPULATION HEALTH, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP. THE U.S. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA) ANNUALLY REVIEWS HEALTH CENTERS' PERFORMANCE DATA REPORTED THROUGH ITS UNIFORM DATA SYSTEM (UDS) AND HIGHLIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS THAT MEET OR EXCEED ITS SPECIAL FOCUS GOALS. IT AWARDS TOP PERFORMERS ITS COMMUNITY HEALTH QUALITY RECOGNITION (CHQR) BADGES. HRSA FIRST AWARDED CHQR BADGES IN 2021, USING DATA FROM THE PRIOR YEAR'S COVERED PERIOD. THROUGH RIGOROUS, EVIDENCE-BASED CLINICAL PRACTICE AND TEAM-BASED CARE MODELS, TWCCH HAS PROUDLY EARNED 16 HRSA CHQR BADGES SINCE 2021, INCLUDING HEART HEALTH, HIGH-VALUE CARE, AND IMPROVING HEALTH CARE ACCESS IN 2025; ADVANCING HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (HIT) FOR QUALITY BADGES IN 2023, 2024, AND 2025; AND ADDRESSING SOCIAL RISK FACTORS AND COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH CHAMPION BADGES IN 2023.TWCCH ALSO RECEIVED THE ONE-TIME UDS+ EARLY ADOPTER BADGE IN 2024. ADDITIONALLY, IN JANUARY 2026, HRSA AWARDED TWCCH ITS NEWLY ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY HEALTH QUALITY RECOGNITION (CHQR) GOLD OPERATIONAL SITE VISIT BADGE FOR ACHIEVING 100% COMPLIANCE WITH FQHC LOOK-ALIKE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS DURING ITS NOVEMBER 19-21, 2024, HRSA OPERATIONAL SITE VISIT (OSV). TWCCH DEMONSTRATED 100% COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ACROSS GOVERNANCE, CLINICAL OPERATIONS, ACCESS, QUALITY, AND FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP. HRSA'S OSV IS AN ON-SITE EVALUATION CONDUCTED BY EXPERIENCED REVIEWERS, TRAINED AND ENGAGED BY HRSA'S BUREAU OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE (BPHC), TO ASSESS HEALTH CENTER COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AS SPECIFIED IN THE HEALTH CENTER COMPLIANCE MANUAL. TWCCH DILIGENTLY PREPARED AND THOROUGHLY VALIDATED THAT IT WAS IN A CONSTANT STATE OF COMPLIANCE AND READINESS FOR THE OSV. THIS LEVEL OF ENTERPRISE-WIDE PREPARATION DIRECTLY UNDERPINNED THE OSV'S FULL COMPLIANCE FINDINGS. THE OSV REVIEW TEAM METICULOUSLY REVIEWED DOCUMENTS, CHALLENGED AND QUESTIONED CERTAIN PRACTICES WHERE APPROPRIATE, AND PROVIDED CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK FOR CONSIDERATION TO INFORM TWCCH'S JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE. OSVS PROVIDE INCREDIBLE EXPERIENTIAL AND REFLECTIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND MISSION-DRIVEN OPERATIONS AND COMPLIANCE EFFORTS, AND TO ENSURE ALIGNMENT WITH THE EVOLVING PRIORITIES OF HRSA, BPHC, AND HHS, THEREBY MAINTAINING PUBLIC TRUST. TWCCH CONTINUED TO ADVANCE ITS PERFORMANCE IN PREVENTIVE COLORECTAL, BREAST, AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING MEASURES DURING THIS COVERED PERIOD, MAKING MEASURABLE PROGRESS TOWARD HRSA NATIONAL QUALITY LEADER (NQL) CANCER SCREENING BADGE BENCHMARKS WHILE RECOGNIZING ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT. SUBSEQUENT TO THE CLOSE OF THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH AND TWCGME FURTHER STRENGTHENED THIS WORK BY STANDARDIZING EVIDENCE-BASED CANCER PREVENTION WORKFLOWS ACROSS TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AND ACTIVATING COMMUNITY FORUMS TO PROMOTE SCREENING AWARENESS, INCLUDING SPONSORSHIP OF A FREE "LOUDER THAN CANCER!" COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS CONCERT FEATURING A BAND COMPOSED OF TWCGME'S GASTROENTEROLOGY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND SEVERAL GASTROENTEROLOGY FELLOW PHYSICIANS, WITH VOLUNTARY DONATIONS BENEFITING THE NORTHEAST REGIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE. |
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THESE RECOGNITIONS BY HRSA ALIGN WITH AND REINFORCE TWCCH'S PARALLEL ACHIEVEMENTS FOR CLINICAL QUALITY IN CARDIOMETABOLIC OUTCOMES THROUGH THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION (AHA) AND AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AMA), INCLUDING IN 2025, GOLD PLUS RECOGNITION AS PART OF TARGET: BP, A NATIONAL INITIATIVE CREATED BY THE AHA AND AMA IN RESPONSE TO THE HIGH PREVALENCE OF UNCONTROLLED BLOOD PRESSURE. THIS HIGHEST AWARD, GOLD PLUS, RECOGNIZES HEALTH CARE ENTERPRISES THAT HAVE DEMONSTRATED EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES FOR BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT AND TREATMENT, WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROLLED IN 70% OR MORE OF AFFECTED ADULT PATIENTS. TWCCH ALSO RECEIVED TWO OTHER GOLD AWARDS IN 2025 FROM THE AHA: ONE FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS THROUGH THE TARGET: TYPE 2 DIABETES PROGRAM; AND THE OTHER FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF CARE THROUGH AWARENESS, DETECTION, AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL WITH EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGIES AND TOOLS THROUGH THE PROGRAM, CHECK. CHANGE. CONTROL. CHOLESTEROL. TWCCH ALSO EARNED RECOGNITION FROM QUALITY INSIGHTS, A PENNSYLVANIA-BASED NONPROFIT FOCUSED ON IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES THROUGH DATA-DRIVEN QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES. BASED ON ITS PERFORMANCE AND OUTCOMES ACHIEVED THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION'S NATIONAL CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH PROGRAM DURING THE 2023-2024 REPORTING CYCLE, TWCCH WAS DESIGNATED A CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH HALL OF FAME CHAMPION FOR 2024. THIS RECOGNITION REFLECTS SUSTAINED, EVIDENCE-BASED CARDIOVASCULAR RISK-REDUCTION EFFORTS EMBEDDED IN TWCCH'S PRIMARY CARE MODEL AND POPULATION HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE. NOTABLY, TWCCH'S CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES EARNED ITS FIRST THREE-YEAR ACCREDITATION FROM THE COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION OF REHABILITATION FACILITIES (CARF) INTERNATIONAL, FOLLOWING A SITE VISIT IN AUGUST 2025. CARF INTERNATIONAL GRANTED THE WRIGHT CENTER'S CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES ACCREDITATION THROUGH AUG. 31, 2028, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST LEVEL POSSIBLE. TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS IN CLARKS SUMMIT, JERMYN, SCRANTON, AND WILKES-BARRE RECEIVED COMMENDATIONS FOR DELIVERING HIGH-QUALITY, WHOLE-PERSON, PATIENT-CENTERED CARE BY MAINTAINING NCQA PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME CERTIFICATION DURING THIS COVERED PERIOD. TWCCH ALSO ACHIEVED GOLD ADVOCACY CENTER OF EXCELLENCE RECOGNITION FOR A FOURTH TIME FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS. TWCCH AND TWCGME ALSO CONTINUE TO JOYFULLY ENGAGE IN THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE'S "CHANGE MAKER CAMPAIGN FOR HEALTH WORKFORCE WELL-BEING." IN AUGUST 2024, TWCCH WAS SELECTED BY THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE'S ACTION COLLABORATIVE ON COMBATING SUBSTANCE USE AND OPIOID CRISES AS ONE OF 16 SITES NATIONWIDE TO PARTICIPATE IN A MULTI-SITE INITIATIVE ADVANCING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING IN SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER CARE. THROUGH THIS COLLABORATION, TWCCH IS IMPLEMENTING THE ACTION COLLABORATIVE'S 3CS FRAMEWORK FOR PAIN AND UNHEALTHY SUBSTANCE USE, WHICH IS CORE KNOWLEDGE, COLLABORATION, AND CLINICAL PRACTICE, TO STRENGTHEN INTERPROFESSIONAL HEALTH EDUCATION, CARE COORDINATION, AND WHOLE-PERSON, RECOVERY-ORIENTED APPROACHES TO SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT ACROSS CLINICAL AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. THIS NATIONAL INITIATIVE BUILDS ON TWCCH'S LONGSTANDING LEADERSHIP IN ADDICTION MEDICINE, INCLUDING ITS DESIGNATION AS ONE OF PENNSYLVANIA'S FIRST OPIOID USE DISORDER CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE AND THE EXPANSION OF COMPREHENSIVE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SERVICES ACROSS ITS NETWORK. IT ALSO COMPLEMENTS TWCCH'S HEALTHY MOMS PROGRAM, LAUNCHED THROUGH A REGIONAL CONSORTIUM TO SUPPORT PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM WOMEN IN RECOVERY AND TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME THROUGH INTEGRATED MEDICAL, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, AND SOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES. TOGETHER, THESE EFFORTS REINFORCE TWCCH'S ROLE AS BOTH A REGIONAL AND NATIONAL CONTRIBUTOR TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, CLINICAL INNOVATION, AND EVIDENCE-INFORMED APPROACHES TO ADDRESSING SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS WITHIN COMMUNITY-BASED PRIMARY CARE. FOR THE SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, TWCCH WAS NAMED AS ONE OF TIMES LEADER MEDIA GROUP'S 2025 NEPA BEST PLACES TO WORK, EARNING PLATINUM-LEVEL RECOGNITION IN THEIR READERS' POLL. TWCCH HAS ALSO RECEIVED PLATINUM RECOGNITION FOR HRSA'S DONATION CAMPAIGN, WHICH UNITES AMERICA'S WORKFORCE FOR ORGAN, EYE, AND TISSUE DONATION; THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION'S SILVER RECOGNITION FOR BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL OUTCOMES; THE PENNSYLVANIA QUALITY INSIGHTS' CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE FOR IMPROVING CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH AS A CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH HALL OF FAME CHAMPION; AND NCQA RECOGNITION FOR DATA AGGREGATION AS A MEMBER OF THE KEYSTONE HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE. |
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IMPORTANTLY, THESE RECOGNITIONS ARE NOT VIEWED AS ENDPOINTS, BUT AS CATALYSTS FOR CASCADING COMMUNITY ACTION THROUGH PREVENTION-FOCUSED REINVESTMENT. THAT CARDIOVASCULAR-FOCUSED QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND DATA-DRIVEN CARE MODELS DIRECTLY INFORMED TWCCH'S TARGETED RURAL INVESTMENT, INCLUDING EXPANSION OF SERVICES AT ITS FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN HAWLEY, PENNSYLVANIA, WHERE HIGH RATES OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS, AND SOCIOECONOMIC STRESSORS INTENSIFY CARDIOVASCULAR RISK. IN HAWLEY, TWCCH INTEGRATED PRIMARY CARE, ADDICTION MEDICINE, COLLABORATIVE CARE MODEL (COCM) BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT COURT AND LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH AGENCIES, CREATING A MUTUALLY REINFORCING MODEL THAT ADDRESSES MEDICAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND SOCIAL DRIVERS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE. BUILDING ON THIS PREVENTION-ORIENTED APPROACH ACROSS BOTH EXISTING AND NEWLY REINVESTED SITES, TWCCH ADVANCED COMMUNITY-FOCUSED CANCER PREVENTION EFFORTS BY LAUNCHING ITS INAUGURAL SKIN CANCER SCREENING CLINIC IN MAY 2025 AT ITS FQHC LOOK-ALIKE SCRANTON TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, A NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT-SUPPORTED PROJECT SITE. THIS INITIATIVE WAS INITIATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LACKAWANNA VALLEY DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES AND THE NORTHEAST REGIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE, REFLECTING TWCCH'S COMMITMENT TO COLLABORATIVE, COMMUNITY-ANCHORED PREVENTION STRATEGIES. DURING THE CLINIC, VOLUNTEER DERMATOLOGY CLINICIANS WORKED ALONGSIDE 10 TWCGME INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENTS TO PROVIDE FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS TO 64 COMMUNITY MEMBERS. CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS WERE IDENTIFIED IN 21 INDIVIDUALS, INCLUDING 15 PATIENTS REQUIRING REFERRAL FOR BIOPSY AND SIX PATIENTS RECEIVING IMMEDIATE CRYOTHERAPY, UNDERSCORING BOTH THE UNMET NEED FOR DERMATOLOGIC ACCESS AND THE VALUE OF EARLY DETECTION IN COMMUNITY SETTINGS. CONSISTENT WITH TWCCH'S PATIENT-CENTERED AND LEARNING-ORIENTED CARE MODEL, A REGISTERED NURSE COORDINATED FOLLOW-UP BY DIRECTLY COMMUNICATING FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO EACH PARTICIPANT'S PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER, REINFORCING CONTINUITY OF CARE AND CLOSED-LOOP REFERRALS ALIGNED WITH PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME PRINCIPLES. IMPORTANTLY, THIS INITIATIVE ALSO SERVED AS AN ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITY, REINFORCING TWCCH'S PHILOSOPHY THAT GRANT-FUNDED INNOVATIONS SHOULD BE INTENTIONALLY DESIGNED AS PATHWAYS TO LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY RATHER THAN EPISODIC SERVICES. LESSONS LEARNED FROM PRIOR SCHOOL-BASED AND SPECIALTY-ACCESS INITIATIVES INFORMED A STRATEGIC REASSESSMENT OF THE CLINIC'S OPERATIONAL MODEL, INCLUDING PLANS TO INTEGRATE INSURANCE-BASED REIMBURSEMENT, CREDENTIAL PARTICIPATING SPECIALISTS, AND EMBED DERMATOLOGIC SCREENING WITHIN SUSTAINABLE CLINICAL WORKFLOWS. BASED ON STRONG COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CLEAR CLINICAL NEED, TWCCH IS ACTIVELY PLANNING FUTURE SCREENINGS TO ESTABLISH A DURABLE, FINANCIALLY VIABLE PREVENTION SERVICE LINE. THESE PREVENTION-FOCUSED EFFORTS ALIGN WITH TWCCH'S BROADER POPULATION HEALTH STRATEGY, WHICH VIEWS POPULATION HEALTH AS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY BRIDGING PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE DELIVERY. BY LEVERAGING GRANT RESOURCES TO CATALYZE PERMANENT, COMMUNITY-ANCHORED CARE PLATFORMS, TWCCH ADVANCES A PREVENTION MODEL THAT CONNECTS PRIMARY CARE, SPECIALTY ACCESS, EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, SUPPORTING THE LONG-TERM HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES. AS DEMAND FOR CARE AND COMMUNITY TRUST GREW, THESE INTEGRATED MODELS PRODUCED A SECOND-ORDER IMPACT: WORKFORCE STABILIZATION AND GROWTH IN A HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED RURAL COMMUNITY. TWCCH SUCCESSFULLY RECRUITED AND RETAINED CLINICIANS, NURSES, CARE MANAGERS, AND ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, RESULTING IN SERVICE VOLUME AND ACCESS EXPANDING SO RAPIDLY THAT THE PHYSICAL FACILITY ITSELF BECAME CONSTRAINING. IN RESPONSE, TWCCH EXPANDED ITS HOURS OF OPERATION AND INITIATED PLANNING FOR A LARGER, MORE SUSTAINABLE SITE, MIRRORING THE GROWTH TRAJECTORY PREVIOUSLY OBSERVED AT ITS FQHC LOOK-ALIKE MID VALLEY TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER. THIS PROGRESSION, FROM NATIONAL QUALITY RECOGNITION TO TARGETED RURAL INVESTMENT TO WORKFORCE RENEWAL, ILLUSTRATES TWCCH'S INTENTIONAL, SYSTEMS-BASED APPROACH TO COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT. BY ALIGNING CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REDUCTION WITH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTEGRATION, RURAL SERVICE EXPANSION, AND LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, TWCCH CONTINUES TO TRANSLATE QUALITY ACHIEVEMENT INTO DURABLE COMMUNITY BENEFIT, ADVANCING BOTH POPULATION HEALTH OUTCOMES AND ACCESS TO CARE IN PENNSYLVANIA'S MOST UNDERSERVED REGIONS. |
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TWCCH CONTINUED TO STRATEGICALLY CLARIFY ITS COLLECTIVE IMPACT VISION FOR A MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL CLINICAL AND EDUCATIONAL INTEGRATED NETWORK (CEIN). THE EMERGING TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF SEVERAL LOCAL HOSPITALS AND OUTPATIENT HEALTH CARE ASSETS IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA IS INCREASING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CEIN INITIATIVE. AS THE ENTERPRISE MATURED OPERATIONALLY, LEADERSHIP'S ATTENTION INCREASINGLY FOCUSED ON THE SUSTAINABILITY, WELL-BEING, AND RESILIENCE OF THE WORKFORCE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT THIS MISSION. AT THIS STAGE OF ORGANIZATIONAL SCALE AND COMPLEXITY, WORKFORCE WELL-BEING WAS NO LONGER ANCILLARY TO MISSION DELIVERY; IT BECAME A PREREQUISITE FOR SUSTAINING ACCESS, QUALITY, AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. TWCCH ALSO CONTINUED ITS DEEP AND SUSTAINED INVESTMENT IN THE TRANSFORMATIONAL WORK OF ADVANCING ITS THREE-YEAR JOURNEY TOWARD SANCTUARY MODEL CERTIFICATION. INCREASINGLY, THIS WORK SERVES NOT ONLY AS A TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE FRAMEWORK BUT AS THE ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BACKBONE FOR THE ENTIRE TWCCH AND TWCGME ENTERPRISE, SHAPING HOW CARE IS DELIVERED, HOW LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS ARE DESIGNED, AND HOW THE WORKFORCE IS SUPPORTED. SEVERAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS REFLECTED MEANINGFUL PROGRESS IN TWCCH'S EVOLUTION FROM A HISTORICALLY OVERBURDENED, TRAUMA-ORGANIZED PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER INTO AN ADVERSITY-COMPETENT, RESILIENCE-SKILLED ENTERPRISE FOCUSED ON WHOLE-PERSON HEALTH SERVICES, PSYCHOLOGICALLY SAFE LEARNING CULTURES, AND INTERPROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE PATHWAYS THAT SUPPORT DIGNITY, ECONOMIC MOBILITY, AND LONG-TERM WORKFORCE SUSTAINABILITY. THE SANCTUARY MODEL PROVIDES A BLUEPRINT FOR BOTH CLINICAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE, PROMOTING PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY AND RECOVERY FROM ADVERSITY BY INTENTIONALLY CREATING AN ADVERSITY-INFORMED COMMUNITY. AN ADVERSITY-COMPETENT ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZES THE VULNERABILITY OF ALL INDIVIDUALS TO THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC STRESS AND ADVERSE EXPERIENCES AND RESPONDS THROUGH SYSTEM-WIDE STRUCTURES THAT MITIGATE HARM, STRENGTHEN RESILIENCE, AND SUPPORT BOTH THOSE SERVED BY THE ORGANIZATION AND THOSE EMPLOYED WITHIN IT. AS TWCCH HAS MATURED BEYOND INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM INCUBATION, THE SANCTUARY MODEL HAS INCREASINGLY SERVED AS A UNIFYING FRAMEWORK FOR TRANSLATING TRAUMA-INFORMED PRINCIPLES INTO ENTERPRISE-WIDE LEARNING, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN. SANCTUARY OFFERS A STRUCTURED FRAMEWORK FOR TRANSFORMATION FROM SURVIVAL-MODE, SILOED SYSTEMS TOWARD RESILIENT, PARTICIPATORY ENVIRONMENTS GROUNDED IN SHARED ACCOUNTABILITY, DEMOCRATIZATION, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND CONTINUOUS LEARNING. SINCE INITIATING ITS FORMAL SANCTUARY ROLLOUT IN AUGUST 2022, TWCCH HAS IMPLEMENTED MULTIPLE FIVE-DAY IMMERSION TRAINING COHORTS ACROSS THE ENTERPRISE, INCLUDING GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS, EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP, EMPLOYEES, AND RESIDENT AND FELLOW PHYSICIANS. IN JANUARY 2024, COMPLETION OF THE THREE-DAY TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM FURTHER STRENGTHENED INTERNAL CAPACITY TO SUSTAIN AND SCALE THIS WORK. SANCTUARY LEARNING HAS ALSO BEEN EMBEDDED INTO REGULAR GOVERNING BOARD MEETINGS, REINFORCING ALIGNMENT BETWEEN GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT, AND OVERALL ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE. DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, SANCTUARY-ALIGNED WORKFORCE WELL-BEING INITIATIVES EXPANDED SIGNIFICANTLY, REFLECTING A DELIBERATE SHIFT FROM ISOLATED WELLNESS ACTIVITIES TOWARD INTEGRATED, ENTERPRISE-LEVEL SUPPORT STRUCTURES. THESE INITIATIVES INCLUDED LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TO ESTABLISH A MANAGER COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK FOCUSED ON SUPERVISION, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND WORKFORCE SUPPORT; PARTICIPATION IN THE MODERN HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE SURVEY TO INFORM SANCTUARY ADOPTION AND CULTURE IMPROVEMENT; AND PREPARATION FOR FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SANCTUARY READINESS SURVEY BY JUNE 2026. TWCCH ALSO APPLIED TO THE INSTITUTE FOR HEALTHCARE IMPROVEMENT'S CHANGE MAKER ACCELERATOR TO BUILD UPON ITS EXISTING NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE CHANGE MAKER STATUS AND FURTHER ADVANCE SANCTUARY-ALIGNED WORKFORCE WELL-BEING STRATEGIES. COMPLEMENTING THESE ENTERPRISE EFFORTS, TWCCH IMPLEMENTED AND EXPANDED MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING SUPPORTS, INCLUDING A CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM; INTEGRATION OF MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING INTO TWCGME ACGME SPONSORING INSTITUTION CURRICULUM TO STRENGTHEN EARLY IDENTIFICATION, PEER SUPPORT, AND RESPONSE; AND ONGOING PARTICIPATION IN NAMI'S CEOS AGAINST STIGMA INITIATIVE TO CULTIVATE A STIGMA-FREE WORKPLACE CULTURE. IN ADDITION, CREATIVE AND RELATIONAL HEALING PRACTICES WERE INITIATED OR EXPANDED, INCLUDING IN-PERSON YOGA AND MINDFULNESS SESSIONS OFFERED ACROSS TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE SCRANTON, WILKES-BARRE, AND MID VALLEY TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS; FACILITATED WELLNESS DROP-INS AND TRAUMA-COMPETENT DIALOGUE SPACES; AND CONTINUED INTEGRATION OF HEALTH HUMANITIES, ART THERAPY, AND PET THERAPY TO FOSTER CONNECTION, PRESENCE, AND RESTORATIVE ENGAGEMENT. |
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THROUGH THIS EVOLUTION, THE SANCTUARY MODEL HAS BECOME THE SHARED ENTERPRISE FRAMEWORK THROUGH WHICH TWCCH ADVANCES ITS LEARNING CULTURE, INTERPROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE STRATEGY, AND LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO RESILIENT, COMMUNITY-ROOTED SYSTEMS OF CARE. IMPORTANTLY, SANCTUARY PRINCIPLES ALSO INFORMED THE DESIGN OF STRUCTURED WORKFORCE EXPOSURE AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES, INCLUDING ORGANIZED SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS AND EMERGING PROFESSIONALS. THESE EARLY-ENTRY PATHWAYS REINFORCE TWCCH'S ROLE AS AN ANCHOR INSTITUTION THAT CONNECTS LEARNING, SERVICE, AND WORKFORCE PIPELINES ROOTED IN DIGNITY, BELONGING, AND OPPORTUNITY. BEYOND INTERNAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, TWCCH ALSO ADVANCED COMMUNITY-ROOTED BELONGING AND RESILIENCE THROUGH VISIBLE, PLACE-BASED CIVIC INVESTMENTS THAT STRENGTHEN SOCIAL COHESION AND PUBLIC TRUST-CONDITIONS INSEPARABLE FROM LONG-TERM COMMUNITY HEALTH. THIS COMMITMENT INCLUDED FORMAL PARTICIPATION IN AMERICA250PA INITIATIVES. TWCCH'S ENGAGEMENT IN AMERICA250PA REFLECTS ITS ROLE AS A COMMUNITY ANCHOR INSTITUTION ADVANCING CIVIC TRUST, PLACE-BASED STEWARDSHIP, AND COMMUNITY COHESION, WHICH ARE RECOGNIZED SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH IN RURAL AND POST-INDUSTRIAL REGIONS. IN 2026, THE UNITED STATES WILL MARK ITS 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. THE MISSION OF AMERICA250 IS TO CELEBRATE AND COMMEMORATE THIS SEMI QUINCENTENNIAL. IN 2018, PENNSYLVANIA'S LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR ESTABLISHED AMERICA250PA TO PLAN, ENCOURAGE, DEVELOP, AND COORDINATE THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES, PENNSYLVANIA'S INTEGRAL ROLE IN THAT EVENT, AND THE IMPACT OF ITS PEOPLE ON THE NATION'S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE. TWCCH ENTHUSIASTICALLY SUPPORTS AMERICA250PA AS AN EXPRESSION OF CIVIC STEWARDSHIP, SHARED HERITAGE, AND COMMUNITY SOLIDARITY, AND ENGAGED IN TWO OF ITS SIGNATURE INITIATIVES DURING THE COVERED PERIOD: THE LIBERTY TREE PROJECT AND THE BELLS ACROSS PA INITIATIVE. TWCCH'S FIRST ENGAGEMENT FOCUSED ON THE LIBERTY TREE PROJECT, ALIGNING A LIVING PUBLIC SYMBOL WITH THE ORGANIZATION'S PLACE-BASED STEWARDSHIP PHILOSOPHY. THE GOAL OF AMERICA250PA'S LIBERTY TREE PROJECT, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AND SPONSORED BY THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASONS, IS TO PLANT A CERTIFIED LIBERTY TREE IN EACH OF PENNSYLVANIA'S 67 COUNTIES THROUGH 2026. ACCORDING TO AMERICAN250PA, "DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR, THE SONS OF LIBERTY OFTEN CONVENED UNDER THE NATION'S ORIGINAL LIBERTY TREE IN BOSTON TO DISCUSS THEIR OPPOSITION TO BRITISH RULE IN THE COLONIES. THIS HISTORIC TREE BECAME A BEACON OF HOPE TO COLONISTS AND A SYMBOL OF AMERICAN FREEDOM. IN AN ATTEMPT TO STYMIE THESE COLONISTS, THE BRITISH DESTROYED BOSTON'S LIBERTY TREE. SUDDENLY, PATRIOTS THROUGHOUT THE 13 COLONIES BEGAN TO DESIGNATE NEW LIBERTY TREES. THE LAST KNOWN ORIGINAL LIBERTY TREE SAT ON THE CAMPUS OF SAINT JOHN'S UNIVERSITY IN MARYLAND UNTIL IT WAS DESTROYED BY HURRICANE FLOYD IN 1999. TODAY, SEEDS FROM A SCION OF THE ORIGINAL TREE ARE BEING COLLECTED, GROWN INTO SEEDLINGS, AND PLANTED ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH." |
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TWCCH USED THIS FRAMEWORK TO ELEVATE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AS A COMPLEMENT TO COMMUNITY HEALTH WORK ALREADY UNDERWAY ACROSS ITS SERVICE REGION. FOLLOWING THE SUBMISSION OF EXTENSIVE, ARCHIVALLY GROUNDED RESEARCH IDENTIFYING PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE SITES WITH DOCUMENTED HISTORICAL TIES TO THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, TWCCH WAS SELECTED TO SPONSOR AND STEWARD THREE CERTIFIED LIBERTY TREES, EACH A LIVING SYMBOL OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. IN KEEPING WITH TWCCH'S MISSION-DRIVEN PHILOSOPHY OF GENEROSITY, COLLABORATION, AND REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP, THESE PLANTINGS EXTENDED BOTH WITHIN AND BEYOND TWCCH'S DIRECT SERVICE FOOTPRINT. THE FIRST LIBERTY TREE WAS PLANTED IN SEPTEMBER 2024 AT VFW PARK IN DICKSON CITY, LACKAWANNA COUNTY, THE BOROUGH HOME TO ONE OF TWCCH'S NEWEST FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS. THE SECOND WAS PLANTED IN JUNE 2025 AT LAZYBROOK PARK IN TUNKHANNOCK, WYOMING COUNTY, IN FRONT OF THE WYOMING COUNTY HEALTHCARE CENTER, WHICH NOW HOUSES A TWCCH FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER. THE THIRD LIBERTY TREE WAS PLANTED IN OCTOBER 2024 AT SOLDIERSPHAN SCHOOL IN KINGSLEY, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, REFLECTING TWCCH'S INTENTIONAL DECISION TO EXTEND SPONSORSHIP BEYOND ITS IMMEDIATE SERVICE AREA TO STRENGTHEN REGIONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND SHARED CIVIC ENGAGEMENT. TWCCH PURCHASED AND DONATED A FOURTH CERTIFIED LIBERTY TREE TO GUTHRIE, A PARTNER HEALTH SYSTEM WITH A CLINIC AT THE WYOMING COUNTY HEALTHCARE CENTER, TO SUPPORT GUTHRIE'S PARTICIPATION IN AMERICA250PA'S LIBERTY TREE PROJECT IN BRADFORD COUNTY, WHERE GUTHRIE IS HEADQUARTERED. THIS CONTRIBUTION ENABLED THE PLANTING OF A LIBERTY TREE AT HOWARD ELMER PARK IN SAYRE. THE FOUR HISTORIC TULIP POPLARS SPONSORED BY TWCCH ARE THE ONLY LIBERTY TREES PLANTED IN EACH OF THESE NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA COUNTIES AS PART OF THE STATEWIDE AMERICA250PA INITIATIVE. COLLECTIVELY, THEY REFLECT TWCCH'S BELIEF THAT COMMUNITY HEALTH, CIVIC PRIDE, AND INTERORGANIZATIONAL COLLABORATION WITHIN A MULTI-PARTNER HEALTH CARE ECOSYSTEM ARE MUTUALLY REINFORCING. THAT MISSION-DRIVEN GENEROSITY ACROSS INSTITUTIONAL BOUNDARIES CAN CATALYZE BROADER DIALOGUE ON HEALTH CARE ACCESS, COORDINATION, AND SUSTAINABILITY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES, DEEPEN PARTNERSHIPS, AND DRIVE SHARED IMPACT. THEIR PRESENCE REINFORCES TWCCH'S MISSION COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF COMMUNITIES THROUGH STEWARDSHIP, CONNECTION, AND LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN PLACE. TWCCH ALSO PARTICIPATED IN AMERICA250PA'S BELLS ACROSS PA PUBLIC-ART INITIATIVE, PART OF THE COMMONWEALTH'S SEMI QUINCENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION. THROUGH THIS STATEWIDE EFFORT TO PLACE AT LEAST ONE ARTIST-DESIGNED FIBERGLASS LIBERTY BELL IN EACH OF PENNSYLVANIA'S 67 COUNTIES, TWCCH COMMISSIONED FIVE LIBERTY BELLS WITHIN ITS SERVICE REGION. THE BELLS WERE INSTALLED AT CARBONDALE CITY HALL (LACKAWANNA COUNTY); WAYNE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN HONESDALE (WAYNE COUNTY), A LONGSTANDING RURAL COMMUNITY PARTNER; AND AT TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS IN JERMYN (LACKAWANNA COUNTY), WILKES-BARRE (LUZERNE COUNTY), AND TUNKHANNOCK (WYOMING COUNTY),AT THE WYOMING COUNTY HEALTHCARE CENTER. EACH LIBERTY BELL WAS CONCEPTUALLY DESIGNED AND PAINTED BY TWCCH'S ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS, WITH ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM COMMUNITY COLLABORATORS, INCLUDING A STUDENT ARTIST, AND SUPPORTED BY HISTORICALLY GROUNDED RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY TWCCH'S ARCHIVIST. COLLECTIVELY, THE BELLS FUNCTION AS BEAUTIFUL, DURABLE, PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE SYMBOLS OF PLACE-BASED PRIDE AND CIVIC SOLIDARITY, REFLECTING LOCAL HERITAGE (INCLUDING THE BIRTHPLACE OF FIRST AID IN AMERICA IN JERMYN, THE BIRTHPLACE OF ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON IN CARBONDALE, THE BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICA'S FIRST COMMERCIAL STEAM LOCOMOTIVE IN HONESDALE, THE FOUNDING CITY OF THE PLANTERS PEANUTS COMPANY AND ORIGIN OF ITS MR. PEANUT BRAND ICON IN WILKES-BARRE, AND THE TUNKHANNOCK CREEK VIADUCT/NICHOLSON BRIDGE IN WYOMING COUNTY) WHILE REINFORCING TWCCH'S MISSION-DRIVEN COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITIES IT SERVES THROUGH RESPONSIVE, WHOLE-PERSON CARE AND WORKFORCE RENEWAL. IN PARALLEL WITH THESE PUBLIC-FACING CIVIC INVESTMENTS, TWCCH ADVANCED COMMUNITY BENEFIT THROUGH POLICY ENGAGEMENT, ADVOCACY, AND PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP ALIGNED WITH SUSTAINED ACCESS TO WHOLE-PERSON CARE. |
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AS NOTED ABOVE, TWCCH PROUDLY RECEIVED ITS SECOND GOLD ADVOCACY CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (ACE) RECOGNITION FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (NACHC). TWCCH WAS AWARDED GOLD ACE STATUS IN JANUARY 2022, BECOMING THE FIRST COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN PENNSYLVANIA TO RECEIVE THIS RECOGNITION. BEING AWARDED A SECOND GOLD ACE STATUS IN DECEMBER 2023 SHOWS TWCCH'S CONTINUED DEDICATION TO ADVOCATING FOR AND SUPPORTING COMPREHENSIVE, WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL, REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY, ZIP CODE, OR INSURANCE STATUS. TWCCH IS COMMITTED TO MISSION-DRIVEN ADVOCACY EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT ELECTED OFFICIALS AT LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL LEVELS GENUINELY UNDERSTAND AND COMMIT TO INVESTING IN THE COMPREHENSIVE, AFFORDABLE, AND INNOVATIVE PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES AND INTERPROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT THAT TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SUCH AS TWCCH PROVIDE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, INCOME LEVELS, AND INSURANCE STATUSES. ADDITIONALLY, TWCCH'S PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY AND ADVOCACY DEPARTMENT CONTINUED ITS WORK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO EDUCATE ELECTED OFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATORS ON THE VALUE OF ITS COMMUNITY-IMMERSED GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION SAFETY-NET CONSORTIUM (GME-SNC) AS A POWERFUL, FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE, AND REPLICABLE SOLUTION TO THE AMERICA'S PRIMARY CARE SHORTAGE AND MISDISTRIBUTION, AND RELATED HEALTH, HEALTH CARE SERVICES, AND HEALTH CARE CAREER NEEDS AND CHALLENGES. TWCCH ALSO RESPONDED TO MULTIPLE REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL, STATE, AND PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS AND ASSOCIATIONS, SHARING LESSONS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE TRENCHES OF PRIMARY CARE DELIVERY AND HEALTH WORKFORCE TRAINING SITES TO ADVANCE BEST PRACTICES AND INFORM POLICY DEVELOPMENT AT THE STATE AND FEDERAL LEVELS. COMPLEMENTING ADVOCACY AND EXTERNAL LEADERSHIP, TWCCH ALSO ADVANCED WORKFORCE READINESS AND QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE BY FORMALIZING RECOGNITION OF CLINICAL PRACTICE AND EXPANDING COMMUNITY TRAINING CAPACITY. JOINING TWCCH'S MID VALLEY AND CLARKS SUMMIT FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, ITS SCRANTON AND WILKES-BARRE FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS RECEIVED NCQA'S PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME (PCMH) CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION. THIS ACCOMPLISHMENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT EACH THC HAS THE TOOLS, SYSTEMS, AND RESOURCES TO PROVIDE PATIENTS WITH THE RIGHT CARE AT THE RIGHT TIME IN THE RIGHT VENUE. PCMH PRACTICES ARE DESIGNED TO ENABLE PATIENTS AND THEIR CARE TEAMS TO BUILD BETTER RELATIONSHIPS, SUPPORT PATIENTS IN MANAGING CHRONIC CONDITIONS MORE EFFECTIVELY, AND IMPROVE THE OVERALL PATIENT AND PROVIDER EXPERIENCE. IN ADDITION, THE PCMH MODEL HAS BEEN SHOWN TO REDUCE OVERALL HEALTH CARE COSTS. THE NCQA WAS FOUNDED IN 1990 WITH SUPPORT FROM THE ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION AND SEEKS TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE QUALITY THROUGH MEASUREMENT, TRANSPARENCY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY. TWCCH OFFICIALLY BECAME A CERTIFIED AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION (AHA) TRAINING SITE IN AUGUST 2023, ENABLING IT TO DELIVER ESSENTIAL LIFE-SAVING TRAINING TO INTERPROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND STUDENTS, AS WELL AS GENERAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN THE ORGANIZATION'S SERVICE AREA. THESE TRAINING ACTIVITIES DIRECTLY SUPPORT TWCCH'S EXEMPT PURPOSE BY STRENGTHENING THE REGIONAL HEALTH WORKFORCE CAPACITY REQUIRED TO SUSTAIN ACCESS TO CARE. TWCCH, AS AN AHA TRAINING SITE, OFFERS A ROBUST, HIGH-QUALITY TRAINING CURRICULUM. FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, INCLUDING TWCCH AND TWCGME STAFF AND LEARNERS, AS WELL AS OTHER MEDICAL PROVIDERS AND STUDENTS IN THE REGION, TWCCH PROVIDED CERTIFICATIONS AND RECERTIFICATIONS IN BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS), ADVANCED CARDIOVASCULAR LIFE SUPPORT (ACLS), PEDIATRIC ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT (PALS), AND PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT, RECOGNITION AND STABILIZATION (PEARS). FOR THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, TWCCH OFFERED HEARTSAVER CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) AND AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) AS WELL AS NARCAN ADMINISTRATION TRAINING. HEARTCODE SKILLS TESTING WAS AVAILABLE ACROSS ALL DISCIPLINES. DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH ALSO PROVIDED TRAINING IN HEARTSAVER CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION + FIRST AID, PEDIATRIC ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT, AND PEDIATRIC HEARTSAVER CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION + FIRST AID. DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH ALSO PROVIDED TRAINING IN HEARTSAVER CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION + FIRST AID, PEDIATRIC ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT, AND PEDIATRIC HEARTSAVER CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION + FIRST AID. TWCCH AWARDED 2,310 CERTIFICATIONS/RECERTIFICATIONS DURING THE COVERED PERIOD: 1,917 IN BLS (INCLUDING HEARTSAVER CPR, 39 BLS INSTRUCTOR, AND 25 BLS PROVIDER), 255 IN ACLS (INCLUDING 10 ACLS INSTRUCTOR), AND 138 IN PALS. ALL TRAINING CONDUCTED ADHERED TO THE AHA'S SUPERIOR TRAINING SITE GUIDELINES, WHICH ARE WIDELY CONSIDERED THE GOLD STANDARD. |
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DURING THE COVERED PERIOD AND INTO EARLY 2026, TWCCH ADVANCED PLANNING FOR A REGIONAL SIMULATION AND CLINICAL SKILLS TRAINING PLATFORM TO SUPPORT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACROSS MEDICINE, NURSING, PHARMACY, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT, NUTRITION, AND ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS. BUILDING ON ITS DESIGNATION AS AN AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION (AHA) TRAINING SITE, TWCCH SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION IN JANUARY 2026 TO BECOME A FULL AHA TRAINING CENTER. THIS DESIGNATION WOULD ALLOW EXPANDED DELIVERY OF BASIC LIFE SUPPORT, ADVANCED CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT, PEDIATRIC ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT, AND OTHER HIGH-FIDELITY SIMULATION-BASED TRAINING PROGRAMS. THIS INITIATIVE ADDRESSES IDENTIFIED REGIONAL WORKFORCE NEEDS AND CREATES A MISSION-ALIGNED PATHWAY TO DIVERSIFY EDUCATIONAL AND WORKFORCE REVENUE STREAMS RESPONSIBLY. TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN TRAUMA-RESPONSIVE CAPACITY ACROSS STAFF, LEARNERS, AND THE PUBLIC, TWCCH EXPANDED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LITERACY AND EARLY-INTERVENTION TRAINING. THE ADDITION OF THE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (MHFA) TRAINING PROGRAM TO TWCCH'S TRAINING PORTFOLIO FURTHER STRENGTHENS THE ORGANIZATION'S CAPACITY TO EQUIP STAFF, LEARNERS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH PRACTICAL, EVIDENCE-BASED SKILLS THAT SUPPORT EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND TIMELY INTERVENTION FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE CHALLENGES. MHFA IS A CERTIFICATE COURSE THAT TEACHES INDIVIDUALS HOW TO IDENTIFY, UNDERSTAND, AND RECOGNIZE EARLY, WORSENING, AND CRISIS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL ILLNESSES AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS. THE TRAINING EQUIPS PARTICIPANTS WITH A PRACTICAL ACTION PLAN, SKILLS, AND RESOURCES TO ENGAGE AND PROVIDE INITIAL HELP AND SUPPORT TO SOMEONE WHO MAY BE DEVELOPING A MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE PROBLEM OR SOMEONE EXPERIENCING A CRISIS. TWCCH'S MHFA PROGRAM, WHICH NOW HAS FOUR CERTIFIED MHFA INSTRUCTORS, DELIVERED 10 MHFA TRAININGS ACROSS TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AND IN SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES DURING THE COVERED PERIOD. A TOTAL OF 98 INDIVIDUALS EARNED MHFA CERTIFICATION, INCLUDING 45 STAFF MEMBERS, TWO COMMUNITY MEMBERS, AND ONE BOARD MEMBER, DEMONSTRATING STEADY GROWTH IN TWCCH'S TRAUMA-RESPONSIVE TRAINING CAPACITY. THIS YEAR, 50 RESIDENT AND FELLOW PHYSICIANS RECEIVED ADULT MHFA TRAINING DURING THEIR ORIENTATION. TWCCH PARTNERED WITH THE LOCAL BRANCH OF THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) TO ACCOMPLISH THIS GOAL. ADDITIONALLY, A TWCCH REPRESENTATIVE PARTICIPATED IN A FORMAL TRAIN-THE-TRAINER COHORT DESIGNED TO PREPARE EMERGING LEADERS TO SERVE AS CERTIFIED COACHES WITHIN THE INTEGRATIVE COMMUNITY THERAPY (ICT) MODEL, WITH THE LONG-TERM GOAL OF BECOMING AN APPROVED TRAINER OF THE MODEL. THIS TRAINING WAS COMPLETED IN COLLABORATION WITH LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK'S LEONARD PARKER POOL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH, AN ORGANIZATION THAT IS DEEPLY INVESTED IN INTRODUCING AND EXPANDING ICT NATIONWIDE AS A SCALABLE, COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH AND RESILIENCE-BUILDING STRATEGY. INSPIRED BY THE BRAZILIAN MODEL, TERAPIA COMUNITARIA INTEGRATIVA, ICT IS AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT THAT USES GUIDED CONVERSATION AMONG COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO CREATE A SAFE SPACE FOR PARTICIPANTS TO SHARE LIFE EXPERIENCES AND WISDOM. THIS ACCESSIBLE, EFFECTIVE METHOD DOES NOT RELY ON THE TRADITIONAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM'S REFERRALS, DOCTORS, INSURANCE, OR OTHER SERVICES. TWCCH ALSO ENGAGED IN ACTIVITIES OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS (ACP), SUCH AS THE SECOND ANNUAL SPRING INTO A DAY OF GIVING POP-UP FOOD PANTRY IN MARCH 2025, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EASTERN REGION OF THE PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER OF THE ACP, AND PROMOTED THE CONCEPT OF "PARTICIPATORY CITIZENSHIP" INTERNALLY TO EMPOWER THE ORGANIZATION'S STAFF AND TWCGME LEARNERS TO UNDERSTAND BETTER ITS SHARED PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES AND THE IMPORTANT ROLE EACH PERSON PLAYS IN CONTRIBUTING TO TWCCH'S MISSION DELIVERY. TWCCH ALSO CONTINUED ITS SUPPORT OF STAFF AND LEARNER ENGAGEMENT ON RELEVANT EXTERNAL COMMITTEES WITH ASSOCIATIONS SUCH AS THE ACGME, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF TEACHING HEALTH CENTERS (AATHC), PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (PACHC), NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (NACHC), PENNSYLVANIA MEDICAL SOCIETY, NORTHEAST COUNTIES MEDICAL SOCIETY, AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER, NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER, THE INSTITUTE, AND IN OTHER COMMUNITY FORUMS IN SUPPORT OF ITS "PARTICIPATORY CITIZENSHIP" PHILOSOPHY. NOTABLY, THE ORGANIZATION REQUIRES ALL EMPLOYEES TO COMPLETE TWO COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES ANNUALLY, RESULTING IN AT LEAST 1,200 HOURS OF DIRECT COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENTS DELIVERED BY TWCCH AND TWCGME EMPLOYEES DURING THIS REPORTING PERIOD. TOGETHER, THESE PARTICIPATORY CITIZENSHIP COMMITMENTS EXTEND BEYOND SERVICE AND ADVOCACY TO A DELIBERATE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY THAT RECOGNIZES COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING AS INSEPARABLE COMPONENTS OF SUSTAINABLE, WHOLE-PERSON CARE DELIVERY. TWCCH INVESTED IN A LAYERED WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CONTINUUM SPANNING EARLY EXPOSURE, FORMAL EDUCATION, CLINICAL TRAINING, CERTIFICATION, AND ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. |
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TWCCH CONTINUED ITS CLINICAL TRAINING PARTNERSHIP WITH ATSU-SOMA, HOSTING 26 OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL STUDENTS FOR DIDACTICS AND CLINICAL TRAINING IN SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA. TWCCH SUCCESSFULLY ENTERED ITS THIRD YEAR AS A TRAINING SITE FOR THE PUBLIC HEALTH-ORIENTED CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM (CCPAP) AND ITS SIMILARLY DESIGNED HOMETOWN SCHOLARS PIPELINE PARTNERSHIP WITH A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES, NACHC, AND THE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST, CALIFORNIA. ADDITIONALLY, TWCCH DEVELOPED AND TRAINED ITS OWN MEDICAL ASSISTANTS (MAS) IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANT ADVANCEMENT (NIMAA), AND ALSO COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS (CHWS) THROUGH BOTH THE AHEC-AFFILIATED COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER TRAINING PROGRAM AND THE NATIONAL HEALTH CORPS, AS WELL AS THE LOCAL READINESS IN SKILLED EMPLOYMENT (RISE) ACADEMIC INITIATIVE. TWCCH ALSO COLLABORATES WITH THE FORTIS INSTITUTE TO SUPPORT ALLIED HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH HANDS-ON CLINICAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES ALIGNED WITH THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY-BASED CARE DELIVERY AND WORKFORCE SUSTAINABILITY. AS THESE MULTI-LEVEL CLINICAL TRAINING AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES EXPANDED ACROSS DISCIPLINES, PARTNERS, AND CARE SETTINGS, TWCCH CONCURRENTLY STRENGTHENED ITS ENTERPRISE-WIDE FEEDBACK, EVALUATION, AND MEASUREMENT INFRASTRUCTURE TO ENSURE ACCOUNTABILITY, QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, AND ALIGNMENT ACROSS CLINICAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND STAKEHOLDER ENVIRONMENTS. DURING THIS PERIOD, THE INSTITUTE, A NONPROFIT BASED IN WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA, THAT PROVIDES COMMUNITY-BASED DATA ANALYSIS, RESEARCH, AND CONSULTING SERVICES, WAS ENGAGED TO DESIGN AND ADMINISTER MULTIPLE SURVEYS, INCLUDING THE MISSION CRITICAL CLIMATE SURVEYS OF RESIDENT, FELLOWS, AND FACULTY AS WELL AS THE SEMI-ANNUAL EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION SURVEY AND ANNUAL AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND QUALITY (AHRQ) MEDICAL OFFICE SURVEYS ON PATIENT SAFETY CULTURE (MOSOPS) AND PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME ASSESSMENT (PCMH-A) SURVEYS. TWCCH CONTINUED TO CONNECT CLINICAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING WITH TWCGME AND AFFILIATED HOSPITAL OPERATIONS, ADVANCING THE ACGME SPONSORING INSTITUTION 2025 (SI2025) VISION OF SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF CLINICAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING. THIS INCLUDES WORKING TOWARD A MORE SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATION OF DENTAL, MENTAL, AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTO PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES DELIVERY. WITH INCREASED FOCUS ON VALUE-BASED CARE (VBC) AT CLINICAL DELIVERY SITES AND CONCORDANT DYNAMICS IN VALUE-BASED PAYMENT CHANGES, TWCCH SUPPORTED TWCGME'S INTEGRATION OF VBC INITIATIVES INTO ITS SPONSORING INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION HEALTH CURRICULUM TO PREPARE RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS FOR THE FUTURE. TWCCH CONTINUED TO INVEST SIGNIFICANT EFFORT IN PREPAREDNESS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AND IMPACTFUL ACGME CLINICAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT REVIEW (CLER) SITE VISIT FOR TWCGME'S AMBULATORY AND HOSPITAL PARTNERS. THE ACGME IMPLEMENTED THE CLER PROGRAM AS PART OF THE NEXT ACCREDITATION SYSTEM IN RECOGNITION OF THE "PUBLIC'S NEED FOR A PHYSICIAN WORKFORCE CAPABLE OF MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF A RAPIDLY EVOLVING HEALTH CARE ENVIRONMENT." THEREFORE, THE ACGME CLER PROGRAM PROVIDES PERIODIC FEEDBACK TO CLINICAL SETTINGS AFFILIATED WITH ACGME-ACCREDITED PROGRAMS AND INSTITUTIONS, ADDRESSING THE FOLLOWING SIX AREAS OF IMPORTANCE TO RESIDENT AND FELLOW PHYSICIAN TRAINING: PATIENT SAFETY; HEALTH CARE QUALITY; TEAMING; SUPERVISION; WELL-BEING; AND PROFESSIONALISM. GMEC LAUNCHED A CLER SUBCOMMITTEE LED BY CLINICAL LEADERSHIP OF TWCCH (TWCGME'S PRIMARY AMBULATORY CLINICAL TRAINING ENVIRONMENT PARTNER). CLER MOCK SITE VISITS WERE CONDUCTED AT GEISINGER COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER (GCMC), TWCCH'S MID VALLEY AND SCRANTON FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, AND REGIONAL HOSPITAL THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. TOGETHER, THESE EFFORTS TO INTEGRATE CLINICAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING AND STRENGTHEN CLINICAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS PROVIDED THE FOUNDATION FOR TWCCH'S BROADER, SYSTEM-LEVEL APPROACH TO MEASURING AND ADVANCING OUTCOMES ACROSS PATIENT CARE, POPULATION HEALTH, WORKFORCE WELL-BEING, AND HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR ALL. TWCCH DEVELOPED A MULTI-TIER APPROACH TO SYSTEMATIZING THE QUINTUPLE AIM, ADAPTED FROM THE INSTITUTE FOR HEALTHCARE IMPROVEMENT'S (IHI) TRIPLE AIM, THAT CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS: THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE OF CARE (INCLUDING QUALITY AND SATISFACTION) AND WELL-BEING, IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF THE POPULATION, REDUCING PER CAPITA COST OF CARE FOR THE BENEFIT OF COMMUNITIES, IMPROVING THE WELL-BEING OF THE HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE, AND ADVANCING ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL. ADDITIONALLY, IN AUGUST 2025, TWCCH, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ITS COMMUNITY COLLABORATORS, FORMALLY JOINED THE IHI'S COLLECTIVE ACTION COLLABORATIVE. THROUGH THIS INITIATIVE, TWCCH IS ADVANCING AN INTEGRATED MODEL THAT SYSTEMATICALLY ADDRESSES PATIENTS' SOCIAL NEEDS ALONGSIDE MEDICAL CARE, STRENGTHENING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STANDARDIZED PATIENT AND COMMUNITY RESOURCE SCREENINGS AND REFERRAL PROCESSES AND ENABLING EARLIER IDENTIFICATION OF HEALTH RISKS AMONG PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT PATIENTS UNDER AGE 21. |
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TWCCH STRATEGICALLY MADE STRIDES IN DEMONSTRATING IMPROVED STANDARDIZATION OF CLINICAL CARE ACROSS ALL CLINICAL LOCATIONS AND SERVICE LINES, INCLUDING ITS AZARA PLATFORM, WHICH ALLOWS FOR THE DISSEMINATION OF INDIVIDUALIZED CLINICIAN, TEAM, AND CLINIC-LEVEL REPORT CARDS TO PROMOTE THE ORGANIZATION'S COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE OF VISIBILITY, TRANSPARENCY, AND CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AS RELATED TO STANDARDS OF CARE. THIS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY IMPROVEMENT REQUIRES CONTINUOUS, FOCUSED TEAM EFFORT AND, TO DATE, HAS YIELDED POSITIVE RESULTS ACCORDING TO HRSA'S UNIFORM DATA SYSTEM (UDS) REPORTING MEASURES. PROUDLY, TWCCH WAS ONE OF THE PIONEERING HEALTH CENTERS THAT SUBMITTED ITS OUTCOMES REPORTING THROUGH HRSA'S NEWLY LAUNCHED UDS+ PLATFORM DURING THE PRIOR COVERED PERIOD. THE OUTCOMES DATA SHOWED MEASURABLE DECREASES IN VARIABILITY IN PRIORITIZED CLINICAL PRACTICES, INDICATING IMPROVED STANDARDIZATION, PARTICULARLY EVIDENT IN PREVENTIVE CARE, INCLUDING SCREENINGS FOR MENTAL HEALTH (MH), SLEEP APNEA, ILLICIT SUBSTANCE USE, ALCOHOL USE, AND BREAST, COLORECTAL, AND CERVICAL CANCERS. IN PARALLEL, TWCCH PILOTED SUKI, A SECURE AMBIENT DOCUMENTATION TECHNOLOGY, TO SUPPORT CLINICAL NOTE-TAKING AND DOCUMENTATION WORKFLOWS, REDUCE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN, AND ENABLE CLINICIANS TO DEVOTE GREATER FOCUS TO PATIENT CARE. EXPERIENCES WITH SUKI INDICATE IMPROVED DOCUMENTATION EFFICIENCY AND CLINICIAN ENGAGEMENT, REINFORCING TWCCH'S COMMITMENT TO THOUGHTFUL, PRIVACY-PROTECTIVE ADOPTION OF TECHNOLOGIES THAT SUPPORT WORKFORCE SUSTAINABILITY AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS. TWCCH IS ALSO ASSESSING ITS ACCUVAX AND VAXSERVE PARTNERSHIPS TO STRENGTHEN VACCINE OPERATIONS, INTEROPERABILITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY. TWCCH IS CONTINUOUSLY ENHANCING ITS FACILITIES AND IT INFRASTRUCTURE TO IMPROVE THE DELIVERY OF ITS CLINICAL AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES. FOR EXAMPLE, TWCCH EQUIPPED WAITING ROOMS WITH ELECTRONIC TABLETS FOR PATIENTS TO COMPLETE ESSENTIAL SCREENINGS LISTED ABOVE, STREAMLINING THE PROCESS WHILE EMPOWERING PATIENTS TO TAKE AN ACTIVE OWNERSHIP ROLE IN THEIR HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES. THE EXTENSIVE PREPARATION FOR HRSA'S OSV POSITIONED TWCCH TO SUBMIT A HIGH-QUALITY FEDERAL NEW ACCESS POINT (NAP) APPLICATION. ON MAY 30, 2024, THE WEB-BASED NAP APPLICATION PORTAL WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO CURRENT AND ASPIRING HRSA-DESIGNATED FQHCS TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW HEALTH CENTER SERVICES AND DELIVERY SITES THAT EXPAND AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE, HIGH-QUALITY PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES FOR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES AND POPULATIONS. THE FIRST PHASE OF TWCCH'S APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED ON TIME BEFORE THE AUGUST 30, 2024, DEADLINE, AND THE SECOND PHASE WAS SUBMITTED BEFORE THE OCTOBER 2, 2024, DEADLINE. IN SUPPORT OF THIS APPLICATION AND IN FURTHERANCE OF TWCCH'S MISSION, TWCCH SECURED A NEW LOCATION IN BLAKESLEE, PENNSYLVANIA, WHERE UNMET HEALTH NEEDS INDICATED A NAP CLINICAL LOCATION WOULD BE MOST IMPACTFUL. IDENTIFYING A LOCATION IN MONROE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, TWCCH CONDUCTED DUE DILIGENCE TO SECURE THE PROPERTY DURING THE PRIOR COVERED PERIOD. THE CLOSING ON THAT PROPERTY OCCURRED DURING FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025, AND THIS PRINCIPLED HOLDING PATTERN ALIGNS WITH TWCCH'S BROADER APPROACH TO MISSION-ALIGNED CAPITAL INVESTMENT ACROSS ITS SERVICE AREA. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE FEDERAL NAP FUNDING PATHWAY WAS PLACED ON HOLD, DELAYING THE OPERATIONALIZATION OF PLANNED EXPANSION SITES DESPITE TWCCH'S DEMONSTRATED READINESS AND COMPLIANCE. BECAUSE TWCCH'S MONROE COUNTY NAP HAS NOT YET BEEN OPERATIONALIZED DUE TO THE PAUSED NAP PROCESS, THE PROPERTY IS NOT YET DELIVERING THE COMMUNITY VALUE IT WAS ACQUIRED TO UNLOCK. NEVERTHELESS, CONSISTENT WITH ITS VALUES AND ITS RESPONSIBILITY AS A COMMUNITY-GOVERNED NONPROFIT, TWCCH CHOSE TO PAY LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES ON THE BLAKESLEE SITE AS THE RIGHT AND TRANSPARENT THING TO DO UNTIL THE ORGANIZATION CAN OPEN AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY AS INTENDED. THIS DECISION REFLECTS DISCIPLINED STEWARDSHIP OF REAL ESTATE ASSETS, ACCOUNTABILITY TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES, AND ETHICAL INVESTMENT EVEN WHEN EXTERNAL FEDERAL TIMELINES SHIFT. AS ORGANIZATIONAL SCALE AND COMPLEXITY INCREASED, TWCCH ADVANCED AN INTEGRATED GOVERNANCE, COMPLIANCE, CAPITAL, AND INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGNED TO PRIORITIZE STEWARDSHIP, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND READINESS OVER GROWTH. TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS AND OVERSIGHT, TWCCH PROMOTED ITS CONTROLLER TO CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO), REINFORCING DISCIPLINED FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP AND ENTERPRISE-WIDE ACCOUNTABILITY. BRINGING THE SKILL SET OF AN EXPERIENCED CONTROLLER TO THE CFO ROLE HAS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED A VALUE THAT CANNOT BE OVERSTATED. FOLLOWING THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD'S APPROVAL OF A NEW COMPLIANCE PROGRAM, TWCCH APPOINTED A CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER TO LEAD A CENTRALIZED COMPLIANCE FUNCTION, A CHIEF CLINICAL OPERATING OFFICER TO SUPPORT THE QUALITY AND STANDARDIZATION OF CARE, AND A CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER TO ADVANCE VALUE-BASED CARE INITIATIVES AND PAYER CONTRACT STEWARDSHIP. |
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TWCCH ADVANCED CLINICAL LEADERSHIP CONTINUITY AND WORKFORCE PIPELINE MATURATION DURING THE COVERED PERIOD THROUGH THE APPOINTMENT OF ERIN MCFADDEN, M.D., FACP, AS TWCCH'S CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER. DR. MCFADDEN COMPLETED HER INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY TRAINING AT TWCGME AND HAS REMAINED DEEPLY ROOTED IN THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY TWCCH. HER APPOINTMENT REFLECTS THE ORGANIZATION'S INTENTIONAL GME-SNC STRATEGY TO TRAIN PHYSICIANS IN COMMUNITY-BASED PRIMARY CARE AND RETAIN THEM AS CLINICAL LEADERS COMMITTED TO WHOLE-PERSON, MISSION-DRIVEN CARE. ADDITIONALLY, TWCCH'S PRIMARY AFFILIATED ENTITY, TWCGME, HIRED A VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS/ASSOCIATE DESIGNATED INSTITUTIONAL OFFICIAL IN DECEMBER 2023 TO SUPPORT CLINICAL AND EDUCATIONAL INTEGRATED NETWORK (CEIN) DEVELOPMENT AND TO ALIGN GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (GME), UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (UME), INTERPROFESSIONAL MEDICAL EDUCATION (IME), AND CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION (CME) STRATEGIES. IN PARALLEL WITH THESE LEADERSHIP AND COMPLIANCE ENHANCEMENTS, THE ORGANIZATION FURTHER STRENGTHENED ITS FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE AND FIDUCIARY OVERSIGHT TO ENSURE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY AND ALIGNMENT WITH ITS MISSION AND VALUES. IN FEBRUARY 2024, THE GOVERNING BOARDS OF TWCCH AND TWCGME APPROVED A TRANSITION OF THE ORGANIZATION'S INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TO MORGAN STANLEY TO MORE INTENTIONALLY ALIGN THE ENTERPRISE'S INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO WITH COMMUNITY HEALTH PRIORITIES AND RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP PRINCIPLES. THROUGH THIS TRANSITION, THE ORGANIZATION OPERATIONALIZED A MISSION-ALIGNED INVESTING FRAMEWORK THAT ENABLES EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY-LED GOVERNING BOARDS TO CONFIRM THAT ORGANIZATIONAL INVESTMENTS AVOID HEALTH-HARMING INDUSTRIES WHILE SUPPORTING POSITIVE, RESPONSIBLE SECTORS CONSISTENT WITH THE ORGANIZATION'S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY WELLNESS. THIS FRAMEWORK INCORPORATES RESTRICTION SCREENING, SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTING (SRI) GUIDELINES, AND MISSION-ALIGNED, VALUES-BASED INVESTMENT STEWARDSHIP AS CORE COMPONENTS OF INVESTMENT DECISION-MAKING. THE COVERED PERIOD MARKED THE FIRST FULL FISCAL YEAR IN WHICH FULLY INTEGRATED MISSION-ALIGNED INVESTMENT OVERSIGHT AND VALUES-BASED STEWARDSHIP WERE FULLY VISIBLE TO EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNING BOARDS. AS A RESULT OF THIS INTENTIONAL REORIENTATION, APPROXIMATELY 42% OF THE ORGANIZATION'S INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO MET THE DEFINED MISSION- AND VALUES-ALIGNED CRITERIA, UP FROM 0% BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION. IMPORTANTLY, INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE REMAINED STRONG DURING THIS PERIOD, WITH THE PORTFOLIO APPRECIATING BY APPROXIMATELY 12%, OR $957,000, IN REALIZED/UNREALIZED GAINS AND DIVIDEND/INTEREST INCOME, DEMONSTRATING THAT VALUES ALIGNMENT AND FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP CAN BE ADVANCED CONCURRENTLY. THIS COMMITMENT WAS FORMALLY CODIFIED BY EARLY DECEMBER 2024 THROUGH THE GOVERNING BOARDS' ADOPTION OF AN UPDATED INVESTMENT POLICY STATEMENT, WHICH EXPLICITLY ARTICULATES THE ORGANIZATION'S IMPACT OBJECTIVES, MISSION-DRIVEN CONSIDERATIONS, AND FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES. LEADERSHIP ANTICIPATES THAT MISSION-ALIGNED INVESTMENT ALIGNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO INCREASE OVER TIME, WHEN APPROPRIATE, AS THIS GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK MATURES. LEADERSHIP ALSO UNDERTOOK A COMPREHENSIVE, ENTERPRISE-WIDE BLUEPRINTING OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DATA SYSTEMS TO IDENTIFY EFFICIENCIES, REDUCE DUPLICATION, AND CLEARLY DEFINE THE ROLE AND JURISDICTION OF EACH PLATFORM CONTRIBUTING TO ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT. TO SUPPORT THIS LEVEL OF CLINICAL INTEGRATION, WORKFORCE GROWTH, AND ACCOUNTABILITY, THE ORGANIZATION UNDERTOOK A PARALLEL EFFORT TO ALIGN ITS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ACROSS THE ENTERPRISE. IN PARALLEL, TWCCH INITIATED CEO-LEVEL OUTREACH TO PEER FQHCS ACROSS NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA TO PROMOTE COLLABORATION IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, LEARNING NETWORKS, AND ACCOUNTABLE CARE PARTICIPATION. THESE QUARTERLY ENGAGEMENTS FOSTER SHARED RESPONSIBILITY, MUTUAL SUPPORT, AND COLLECTIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING TO OPTIMIZE THE USE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES ACROSS THE REGION. TO FURTHER ALIGN WITH THIS COLLABORATIVE APPROACH, TWCCH ALSO BEGAN EVALUATING ITS HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (HIT) AND EXPLORING PARTICIPATION IN HEALTH CENTER CONTROLLED NETWORKS (HCCNS) TO ENSURE LONG-TERM ALIGNMENT WITH ITS MISSION, GOVERNANCE, INTEROPERABILITY, VALUE-BASED CARE READINESS, AND LONG-TERM CAPACITY. AS PART OF THIS PROCESS, TWCCH CONCLUDED ITS PARTICIPATION IN THE HEALTH CENTER FEDERATION AND JOINED A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED HEALTH CENTER CONTROLLED NETWORK (HCCN), REFLECTING A DELIBERATE SHIFT TOWARD PLATFORMS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT ADVANCED DATA INTEGRATION, APPLICATION PROGRAMMING INTERFACES (APIS), AND SCALABLE POPULATION HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE. ENGAGEMENT WITH THE HEALTH CHOICE NETWORK, A NATIONAL HCCN, EXPANDED TWCCH'S EXPOSURE TO HEALTH CENTER-FIRST ACO MODELS AND REINFORCED THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING STRATEGIC OPTIONALITY WITHIN A RAPIDLY EVOLVING VALUE-BASED CARE LANDSCAPE AND INTENTIONALLY INVESTING IN RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND SYSTEMS READINESS TO ENSURE THE ORGANIZATION IS NOT CONSTRAINED BY LEGACY STRUCTURES THAT MAY LIMIT FUTURE INNOVATION, INTEROPERABILITY, OR COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT. |
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THIS APPROACH REFLECTS TWCCH'S LONG-STANDING PHILOSOPHY OF REMAINING FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE IN THE PRESENT WHILE POSITIONING THE ORGANIZATION FOR MISSION-ALIGNED EVOLUTION, ENSURING THAT FUTURE TRANSITIONS IN VALUE-BASED CARE PARTNERSHIPS ARE DRIVEN BY DESIGN, NOT NECESSITY. WHILE ADVANCING MORE COMPLEX ENTERPRISE STRATEGIES, TWCCH REMAINED FIRMLY ANCHORED IN NEEDS-RESPONSIVE COMMUNITY OUTREACH ADDRESSING THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS THAT DIRECTLY INFLUENCE HEALTH OUTCOMES. TWCCH ANALYZED ITS DE-IDENTIFIED POPULATION HEALTH DATA TO ENSURE ALIGNMENT WITH ANY SPECIFIC NEEDS-RESPONSIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS IN THE RESPECTIVE SERVICE AREA OF EACH FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER. TWCCH'S GOVERNING BOARD'S PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REVIEWED AND EVALUATED THE NEEDS OF EACH CLINICAL LOCATION AND WORKED WITH THE TWCPCE DIRECTORS AND VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBERS TO SCHEDULE RESPONSIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENTS ACCORDINGLY. FOOD INSECURITY AND CLOTHING ASSISTANCE CONTINUED TO EMERGE AS PREDOMINANT HEALTH NEEDS ACROSS CLINICAL LOCATIONS. TWCCH, TWCGME, AND TWCPCE COLLECTIVELY HOSTED MORE THAN 275 COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENTS, INCLUDING FOOD PANTRIES, MEAL DISTRIBUTIONS, AND COAT AND CLOTHING GIVEAWAYS, TO ADDRESS THE HEALTH-RELATED SOCIAL NEEDS (HRSN) AFFECTING PATIENTS, FAMILIES, AND NEIGHBORHOODS. ACROSS ALL TWCCH LOCATIONS, NEARLY 3,000 FAMILIES RECEIVED NUTRITIOUS FOOD THROUGH ONGOING FOOD DISTRIBUTION EVENTS, AND AN ADDITIONAL 268 FAMILIES RECEIVED SPECIAL HOLIDAY MEALS. THROUGH COMMUNITY CLOSET EVENTS AND ADDITIONAL CLOTHING AND COAT DISTRIBUTION INITIATIVES, 21,979 PIECES OF FREE CLOTHING WERE DISTRIBUTED ACROSS ALL TWCCH LOCATIONS. THE INCREASED NEED FOR COMMUNITY-BASED SUPPORT LED TO THE HIRING OF SEVEN ADDITIONAL CHWS DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, INCLUDING ONE FUNDED BY A RURAL HEALTH GRANT, BRINGING TWCCH'S CHW TEAM TO 15. WHILE ANCHORING ITS MISSION IN NEEDS-RESPONSIVE COMMUNITY SERVICES AND OUTREACH AND ADVANCING MORE COMPLEX, INTERDEPENDENT ENTERPRISE STRATEGIES, TWCCH MADE NOTABLE PROGRESS IN STRENGTHENING THE GOVERNANCE-MANAGEMENT INTERFACE DURING THIS COVERED PERIOD THROUGH THE INTENTIONAL USE OF TWO AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES OF THE GOVERNING BOARD'S PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. ONE SUBCOMMITTEE WAS CONVENED TO GUIDE THE ORGANIZATION'S LONG-TERM EXPLORATION OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFIT SUSTAINABILITY, INCLUDING LEARNING FROM BEST PRACTICES AMONG PEER FQHCS, ASSESSING ORGANIZATIONAL RISK TOLERANCE, AND PREPARING FOR A POTENTIAL TRANSITION FROM A FULLY INSURED MODEL THAT HAD CONSTRAINED STRATEGIC FLEXIBILITY FOR DECADES. AS PART OF ITS BROADER ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT AND FIDUCIARY OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES, THE ORGANIZATION CONDUCTED COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT PROCESSES DURING THE COVERED PERIOD FOR KEY INSURANCE COVERAGES, INCLUDING PROPERTY AND CASUALTY, CYBERSECURITY, PROFESSIONAL AND MALPRACTICE LIABILITY, AND EMPLOYEE MEDICAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS. OVERSIGHT AND COORDINATION OF THESE RISK MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES TRANSITIONED TO THE ORGANIZATION'S SVP, CHIEF ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL OFFICER AND THE CHIEF RESOURCE OFFICER, REINFORCING CENTRALIZED ACCOUNTABILITY, FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE, AND ALIGNMENT WITH GOVERNING BOARD-APPROVED RISK TOLERANCE. THESE COMPETITIVE REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS WERE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE APPROPRIATE COVERAGE, COST CONTAINMENT, AND ALIGNMENT WITH THE ORGANIZATION'S EVOLVING RISK PROFILE, WHILE MAINTAINING REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND PROTECTING PATIENTS, WORKFORCE MEMBERS, FACILITIES, AND PUBLIC RESOURCES ENTRUSTED TO THE ORGANIZATION. IN PARALLEL, THE SECOND GOVERNING BOARD AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE FOCUSED ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE GOVERNANCE, ADDRESSING LONG-STANDING CHALLENGES RELATED TO INTEROPERABILITY, DATA INTEGRITY, COMPLIANCE MONITORING, AND ANALYTICS READINESS. THIS WORK WAS UNDERTAKEN IN CLOSE COORDINATION WITH THE MATURATION OF THE ORGANIZATION'S COMPLIANCE FUNCTION AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROCESSES, ENSURING THAT INNOVATION PROCEEDED IN PARALLEL WITH FIDUCIARY OVERSIGHT AND REGULATORY DISCIPLINE. BUILDING ON THIS GOVERNANCE-LED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WORK, THE ORGANIZATION ADVANCED A COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING PROCESS TO INTEGRATE BETTER CLINICAL CARE DELIVERY, POPULATION HEALTH MANAGEMENT, AND FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP. TWCCH COMPLETED A MULTI-SYSTEM INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BLUEPRINT AND INITIATED A STRUCTURED ASSESSMENT OF THE COST, VALUE, AND INTEROPERABILITY OF EXISTING PLATFORMS TO INFORM RESPONSIBLE, PHASED INVESTMENT DECISIONS. TO SUPPORT THIS WORK, THE ORGANIZATION CONSULTED NATIONAL HEALTH CARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY FIRMS TO HELP SHAPE AN ENTERPRISE-WIDE TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY AND PREPARE FOR THE PLANNED RELEASE OF A FORMAL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR STRATEGIC IT PLANNING AND ADVISORY SERVICES. AS PART OF THIS DISCIPLINED PLANNING PROCESS, TWCCH CONDUCTED AN ENTERPRISE-WIDE GAP ANALYSIS AND BEGAN EVALUATING EMERGING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ADVANCED ANALYTICS NEEDS TO INFORM A PROPOSED THREE-YEAR CAPITAL EXPENSE ROADMAP FOR FUTURE GOVERNING BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL. |
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IN PARALLEL, THE ORGANIZATION UNDERTOOK A FOCUSED EVALUATION OF ITS ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD (EHR) ENVIRONMENT, INCLUDING ASSESSMENT OF READINESS FOR VALUE-BASED CARE WORKFLOWS, PARTICIPATION IN HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGES (HIES), ALIGNMENT WITH TRUSTED EXCHANGE FRAMEWORK AND COMMON AGREEMENT (TEFCA) STANDARDS, AND POTENTIAL CONNECTIVITY WITH QUALIFIED HEALTH INFORMATION NETWORKS (QHINS). THESE EVALUATIONS WERE CONDUCTED TO ENSURE THAT ANY FUTURE EHR DECISIONS SUPPORT CARE COORDINATION, INTEROPERABILITY, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE, AND POPULATION HEALTH OUTCOMES. OPERATIONALLY, TWCCH ALSO ADVANCED ANALYTICS AND WORKFLOW REDESIGN EFFORTS, INCLUDING USING PROVIDER PRODUCTIVITY AND UTILIZATION TOOLS TO INFORM INCENTIVE PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT TRANSPARENCY, EQUITY, AND ALIGNMENT WITH QUALITY OUTCOMES. THE ORGANIZATION FURTHER EXPLORED TRANSFORMING ITS CENTRALIZED CALL CENTER INTO AN EXTENSION OF PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME (PCMH) CARE TEAMS, WITH A FOCUS ON CLOSING CARE GAPS, IMPROVING ACCESS, AND STRENGTHENING CONTINUITY OF CARE BETWEEN VISITS. IN ANTICIPATION OF EXPANDED ON-SITE PHARMACY SERVICES AND LABORATORY INTEGRATION, TWCCH INITIATED EVALUATION OF PHARMACY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS TO ENSURE FUTURE READINESS FOR COMPLIANT OPERATIONS, DATA INTEGRITY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICATION MANAGEMENT. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO BEGAN HIGH-LEVEL EVALUATION OF ENTERPRISE EHR PLATFORMS CAPABLE OF CONSOLIDATING MULTIPLE CLINICAL AND ANALYTIC SYSTEMS INTO A UNIFIED ENVIRONMENT, RECOGNIZING THAT ANY SUCH TRANSITION WOULD REQUIRE EXTENSIVE GOVERNANCE OVERSIGHT, FINANCIAL ANALYSIS, AND PHASED IMPLEMENTATION PLANNING. IMPORTANTLY, THESE TWO GOVERNANCE WORKSTREAMS CONVERGED ON DEVELOPING ON-SITE PHARMACY SERVICES AS A UNIFYING CLINICAL AND STEWARDSHIP STRATEGY. PHARMACY WAS RECOGNIZED AS A CRITICAL ENABLER OF WHOLE-PERSON CARE DELIVERY, MEDICATION ACCESS, AND LONG-TERM WORKFORCE AND BENEFIT SUSTAINABILITY, WHILE ALSO SERVING AS A NEXUS FOR 340B COMPLIANCE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION, RISK MONITORING, AND EMERGING CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO RESPONSIBLE DATA USE AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GOVERNANCE. TOGETHER, THESE EFFORTS REFLECT A DELIBERATE PHILOSOPHY OF PLACING GOVERNANCE IN FRONT OF COMPLEXITY, THEREBY GROUNDING ENTERPRISE EVOLUTION IN LEARNING, COMPLIANCE, AND DISCIPLINED RISK STEWARDSHIP TO PROTECT ACCESS, SUPPORT THE WORKFORCE, AND RESPONSIBLY STEWARD PUBLIC RESOURCES OVER THE LONG TERM. DIVERSIFICATION OF REVENUE STREAMS, THROUGH VALUE-BASED CARE PARTICIPATION, PHARMACY INTEGRATION, WORKFORCE TRAINING PLATFORMS, AND FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP, WAS INTENTIONALLY PURSUED TO SUSTAIN WHOLE-PERSON CARE DELIVERY RATHER THAN REACT TO EXTERNAL VOLATILITY. AS A DIRECT OUTCOME OF THIS GOVERNANCE-LED GROUNDWORK, THE ENTERPRISE REACHED A CRITICAL INFLECTION POINT IN ORGANIZATIONAL INTEGRATION DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, FORMALIZING AN INTEGRATOR ROLE WITHIN ITS EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE. THIS MILESTONE MARKED THE MATURATION OF TWCCH'S ADOPTION OF THE ENTREPRENEURIAL OPERATING SYSTEM (EOS), ALIGNING STRATEGY, EXECUTION, AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACROSS CLINICAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND OPERATIONAL DOMAINS. THE INTEGRATOR ROLE WAS DESIGNED TO TRANSLATE BOARD-APPROVED STRATEGY INTO DISCIPLINED, OUTCOMES-DRIVEN EXECUTION, ANCHORING ENTERPRISE DECISION-MAKING IN DATA, PERFORMANCE METRICS, AND A RIGOROUSLY DEPLOYED BALANCED SCORECARD. BY SITUATING THIS ROLE AT THE INTERSECTION OF CLINICAL LEADERSHIP, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GOVERNANCE, AND ENTERPRISE ANALYTICS, TWCCH STRENGTHENED ITS CAPACITY TO EXECUTE COMPLEX INITIATIVES RELIABLY AND TO PREPARE FOR FUTURE INNOVATION. THIS INTEGRATION REFLECTS A SIGNIFICANT ORGANIZATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: THE ALIGNMENT OF PEOPLE, PROCESSES, SYSTEMS, AND PRIORITIES THROUGH GOVERNANCE-INFORMED EXECUTION. IT POSITIONS TWCCH TO RESPONSIBLY NAVIGATE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES, INCLUDING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, WHILE MAINTAINING A STEADFAST FOCUS ON MISSION DELIVERY, COMPLIANCE, WORKFORCE SUSTAINABILITY, AND LONG-TERM FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP. |
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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS GOVERNANCE-LED, OUTCOMES-DRIVEN APPROACH WAS FURTHER REFLECTED DURING THE COVERED PERIOD AND IN THE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CLOSE OF FISCAL YEAR 2025 THROUGH A RANGE OF EXTERNAL AWARDS, HONORS, LEADERSHIP RECOGNITIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS RECEIVED BY THE ENTERPRISE, ITS GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS, EXECUTIVE LEADERS, FACULTY, STAFF, AND LEARNERS: ORGANIZATIONAL RECOGNITIONS: *2024 SCRANTON AWARDS FOR GROWTH AND EXCELLENCE (SAGE) AWARD FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT EXCELLENCE, THE GREATER SCRANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE *2024 DIVERSITY CHAMPION BUSINESS OF THE YEAR, GREATER WYOMING VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE *2025 TIMES LEADER MEDIA GROUP'S NEPA BEST PLACES TO WORK, PLATINUM-LEVEL RECOGNITION (ALSO NAMED NEPA BEST PLACES TO WORK IN 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, AND 2020) *2025 RISE TO HEALTH COALITION RECOGNITION FOR PARTICIPATION IN ITS HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS LEARNING NETWORK EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP RECOGNITIONS AND APPOINTMENTS: *DR. LINDA THOMAS-HEMAK, PRESIDENT & CEO; AND PRIMARY CARE / INTERNAL MEDICINE, PEDIATRICS, ADDICTION MEDICINE, OBESITY MEDICINE, AND NUTRITION PHYSICIAN: 2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (NACHC); 2025 ATHENA AWARD, GREATER SCRANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; 2024 WILFORD PAYNE HEALTH CENTER MENTOR AWARD, PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (PACHC); 2024 HOMETOWN SCHOLARS ADVOCACY AWARD, NACHC AND A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY; NAMED BOTH A 2024 TRAILBLAZER IN HEALTH CARE AND ONE OF PENNSYLVANIA'S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN, CITY & STATE PENNSYLVANIA; AND APPOINTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (OCTOBER 2025) AND TO THE PARTNERSHIP FOR QUALITY MEASUREMENT (PQM) ENDORSEMENT & MAINTENANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON COST AND EFFICIENCY (AUGUST 2025) *DR. JIGNESH Y. SHETH, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND ENTERPRISE CHIEF OPERATIONS AND STRATEGY OFFICER; AND PRIMARY CARE / INTERNAL MEDICINE, AND ADDICTION MEDICINE PHYSICIAN: 2025 LAUREATE AWARD, EASTERN REGION, PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS (PA-ACP); 2025 TRAILBLAZER IN HEALTHCARE, CITY & STATE PENNSYLVANIA; 2024 OUTSTANDING PRIMARY CARE CLINICIAN AWARD, PACHC; 2024 INNOVATIVE RESEARCH IN PRIMARY CARE AWARD, NACHC; 2024 TRAILBLAZER IN BUILDING AND INFRASTRUCTURE, CITY & STATE PENNSYLVANIA; AND APPOINTED BY PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR JOSH SHAPIRO TO THE PENNSYLVANIA ALZHEIMER'S, DEMENTIA, AND RELATED DISORDERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (APRIL 2025) *DR. ERIN MCFADDEN, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER; MEDICAL DIRECTOR, TWCCH'S SCRANTON AND SCRANTON COUNSELING CENTER TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS; TWCGME CORE FACULTY, INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM; AND PRIMARY CARE / INTERNAL MEDICINE PHYSICIAN: 2025 EVERYDAY HERO AWARD, PENNSYLVANIA MEDICAL SOCIETY *DR. WILLIAM DEMPSEY, CHIEF POPULATION HEALTH VALUE-BASED CARE OFFICER; MEDICAL DIRECTOR, TWCCH'S CLARKS SUMMIT TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER; TWCGME CORE FACULTY, FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM; AND PRIMARY CARE / FAMILY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN: 2025 OUTSTANDING PRIMARY CARE CLINICIAN AWARD, PACHC; AND APPOINTED TO THE PENNSYLVANIA MEDICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES (JANUARY 2025) *JENNIFER WALSH, ESQ., SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF ENTERPRISE INTEGRITY, CHIEF LEGAL AND GOVERNANCE OFFICER: 2025 PENNSYLVANIA IMPACT AWARD HONOREE, CITY & STATE PENNSYLVANIA *BRIAN EBERSOLE, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC ENTERPRISE AND ECOSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT: NAMED TO THE 2025 "FORTY IN THEIR 40S" LIST, CITY & STATE PENNSYLVANIA *LAURA SPADARO, VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF PRIMARY CARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY OFFICER: NAMED TO THE 2025 "WHO'S WHO IN GOVERNMENT RELATIONS" LIST, CITY & STATE PENNSYLVANIA |
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GOVERNING BOARDS OF DIRECTORS' COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP RECOGNITIONS: *MARY MARRARA, SECRETARY, TWCCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS; AND COCHAIR, TWCPCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 2025 ETHEL BOND MEMORIAL CONSUMER AWARD, NACHC *DEBORAH KOLSOVSKY, CHAIR, TWCCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 2024 ATHENA AWARD, GREATER SCRANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE *PEDRO L. ANES, MEMBER, TWCCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND TREASURER, TWCPCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 2024 IMPACT AWARD, CITY & STATE PENNSYLVANIA *MICHAEL P. CURRAN, MEMBER, TWCGME BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 2024 IMPACT AWARD, CITY & STATE PENNSYLVANIA *GERARD J. GEOFFROY, IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR, TWCCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS; AND IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR, TWCPCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: NAMED TO THE 2024 "FIFTY OVER 50" LIST, CITY & STATE PENNSYLVANIA FACULTY, STAFF, AND LEARNERS RECOGNITIONS AND APPOINTMENTS: *DR. STEPHEN S. LONG JR., INTERNAL MEDICINE-PEDIATRICS PHYSICIAN; TWCGME ASSOCIATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR, INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM; AND TWCGME PHYSICIAN FACULTY MEMBER, INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY PEDIATRICS PROGRAM: 2025 ACP WELL-BEING CHAMPION, PA-ACP EASTERN REGION; AND 2025 TOP PHYSICIANS UNDER 40 AWARD, PENNSYLVANIA MEDICAL SOCIETY *CATIE NEALON, ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF CLINICAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, POPULATION HEALTH, AND THE 340B PROGRAM: 2025 INNOVATION AWARD, PACHC *NICOLE SEKELSKY, DIRECTOR OF NEEDS-RESPONSIVE OUTREACH ENGAGEMENT AND ENROLLMENT: 2025 COVERAGE CHAMPION AWARD, PACHC; AND 2024 ALUMNI/ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD HONORABLE MENTION, NATIONAL AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTERS *KARA SEITZINGER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 2024 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, EASTERN STATES REGION, AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION *DR. MARY LOUISE DECKER, INFECTIOUS DISEASE MEDICAL DIRECTOR; AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE PHYSICIAN: ACCEPTED FOR FELLOWSHIP IN THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS (FACP) (DECEMBER 2025) *DR. IVAN CVOROVIC, PRIMARY CARE / INTERNAL MEDICINE AND LIFESTYLE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN AND INTERNAL MEDICINE HOSPITALIST; AND DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES AND (TWCGME) INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM: ACCEPTED FOR FELLOWSHIP IN THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS (FACP) (JUNE 2024) *DR. KRISTINA TANOVIC, PRIMARY CARE / INTERNAL MEDICINE, OBESITY MEDICINE, AND LIFESTYLE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN; AND TWCGME ASSOCIATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR, INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM: ACCEPTED FOR FELLOWSHIP IN THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS (FACP) (JUNE 2024) *DR. MANJU MARY THOMAS, PEDIATRICS AND OBESITY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN; DEPUTY CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF PEDIATRICS AND SCHOOL- AND COMMUNITY-BASED MEDICAL HOME SERVICES; AND TWCGME PHYSICIAN FACULTY MEMBER, FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY PEDIATRICS PROGRAM: APPOINTED TO THE PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH ALLIANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (OCTOBER 2024) *CHELSEA CHOPKO, CHIEF OF ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO THE PRESIDENT AND CEO: NAMED TO THE 2025 "FORTY UNDER 40" LIST, CITY & STATE PENNSYLVANIA *MARIA KOLCHARNO, DIRECTOR OF ADDICTION SERVICES: APPOINTED TO THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE (JANUARY 2025) *DR. SANDRA RABAT, PGY-3 CHIEF RESIDENT, INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY: 2024 ALUMNI/ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD HONORABLE MENTION, NATIONAL AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTERS *SHARON WHITEBREAD, MANAGER OF MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT AT TWCCH'S RYAN WHITE CLINIC; AND DEANNA DIGIAMPAOLO, OUTREACH AND PREVENTION EDUCATION COORDINATOR AT TWCCH'S RYAN WHITE CLINIC: APPOINTED TO THE PENNSYLVANIA HIV PLANNING GROUP BY THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN COLLABORATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH (FEBRUARY 2025) *DR. EDWARD DZIELAK, INTERNAL MEDICINE AND GERIATRIC MEDICINE PHYSICIAN; AND TWCGME PROGRAM DIRECTOR, GERIATRICS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM: RECOGNIZED IN AGS NEWS, THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, FOR LEADERSHIP IN INTEGRATING THE AGS OLDER ADULTS VACCINE INITIATIVE INTO TWCCH'S GERIATRICS CARE SERVICE LINE, ADVANCING EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE VACCINATION RATES AMONG OLDER ADULTS FOR COVID-19, INFLUENZA, SHINGLES (ZOSTER), AND PNEUMONIA. (OCTOBER 2024) *DR. MUHAMMAD ISHAQ, 2024 GRADUATE, TWCGME GERIATRICS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM: HIGHLIGHTED IN AGS NEWS FOR SPEARHEADING QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES TO INCREASE VACCINATION RATES AMONG OLDER ADULTS AT TWCCH'S FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMART GOALS, ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD-BASED VACCINATION PROMPTS, AND TARGETED PATIENT EDUCATION STRATEGIES (OCTOBER 2024) *DR. MAUREEN LITCHMAN, PRIMARY CARE / FAMILY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN; AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR, TWCCH'S WILKES-BARRE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER (DURING THE COVERED PERIOD; RETIRED JUNE 30, 2025); DR. TEJAS NIKUMBH, PGY-3 SCHOLARLY ACTIVITY CHIEF RESIDENT, INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY; AND DR. SIMRAN BHIMANI, PGY-2 RESIDENT LEADER, INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY: APPOINTED TO THE NORTHEAST COUNTIES MEDICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS (FEBRUARY 2025) *DR. AADHYAA SHENOY, PGY-3 CHIEF RESIDENT, INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY: 2025 PROFESSIONALISM AWARD, PA-ACP EASTERN REGION *DR. USMAN RANA, RESIDENT PHYSICIAN, INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY (DURING THE COVERED PERIOD; GRADUATED IN JUNE 2025): 2025 ELIZABETH K. COOKE ADVOCACY MVP AWARD, NACHC *DR. SYED SHAHMEER RAZA, PGY-1 RESIDENT PHYSICIAN, FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY: 2025 CUREUS LAUREATE, CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE *DR. CLAUDINE NWADIOZOR, PGY-3 RESIDENT PHYSICIAN, NATIONAL FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY - UNITY HEALTH CARE, WASHINGTON, D.C.: 2024 EMERGING LEADER INSTITUTE SCHOLAR, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4c PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION |
A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY - SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE IN ARIZONA - PRIMARY CARE TRAINING AND ENHANCEMENT (TOTAL: $13,600) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY'S SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE IN ARIZONA (ATSU-SOMA) AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) THROUGH A SUBAWARD UNDER A U.S. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA) PRIMARY CARE TRAINING AND ENHANCEMENT GRANT. THIS FUNDING SUPPORTS CLINICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCING THE SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF BEHAVIORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES INTO PRIMARY CARE. THE INITIATIVE STRENGTHENED THE DELIVERY OF FULLY INTEGRATED, WHOLE-PERSON CARE WITHIN CLINICAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS THAT SERVE AS TRAINING SITES FOR ATSU-SOMA MEDICAL STUDENTS. ALLONE CHARITIES - DENTAL SCREENING FOR CHILDREN ENROLLED IN HEAD START PROGRAMS (TOTAL: $25,000) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: ALLONE CHARITIES AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO IMPLEMENT HEALTHY SMILES, AN INITIATIVE THAT PROVIDES DENTAL SERVICES AND ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION TO CHILDREN ENROLLED IN HEAD START PROGRAMS ACROSS THE REGION. HEAD START IS A FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND SOCIAL SERVICES TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGES 3 THROUGH 5. THROUGH THIS GRANT, TWCCH DENTAL STAFF CONDUCTED ON-SITE SCREENINGS AT HEAD START CENTERS USING TWCCH'S MOBILE MEDICAL AND DENTAL UNIT, DRIVING BETTER HEALTH. DURING THESE VISITS, A PUBLIC HEALTH DENTAL HYGIENIST PROVIDED DENTAL SCREENINGS AND CLEANINGS, EDUCATED CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF ROUTINE ORAL CARE, AND DISTRIBUTED HYGIENE KITS CONTAINING ESSENTIAL ITEMS SUCH AS TOOTHBRUSHES, TOOTHPASTE, AND DENTAL FLOSS. APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION - JOB TRAINING FOR ADULTS IN RECOVERY (TOTAL: $40,243) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO ADDRESS THE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER CRISIS BY STRENGTHENING AND EXPANDING THE REGIONAL RECOVERY ECOSYSTEM TO SUPPORT WORKFORCE ENTRY AND REENTRY. THE INITIATIVE PROVIDED ENHANCED JOB TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED PEER RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALISTS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE INSTITUTE, THE NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER, LUZERNE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS. THE GOAL OF THE GRANT IS TO IMPROVE THE EDUCATION, SKILLS, HEALTH, AND ECONOMIC STABILITY OF AREA RESIDENTS SO THEY CAN SUCCESSFULLY WORK AND THRIVE IN THE APPALACHIAN REGION. THE TARGET POPULATION INCLUDES ADULTS AGES 18 AND OLDER IN RECOVERY WHO SELF-IDENTIFY OR ARE NOMINATED AS STRONG CANDIDATES TO SERVE AS CERTIFIED PEER RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALISTS AND/OR COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS. CENTENE DENTAL SERVICES, NATIONAL COUNCIL ON INDEPENDENT LIVING - REMOVING BARRIERS TO ACCESSIBILITY (TOTAL: $20,000) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: CENTENE DENTAL SERVICES AND THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON INDEPENDENT LIVING (NCIL) AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO REDUCE PHYSICAL AND PROGRAMMATIC BARRIERS TO DENTAL CARE ACROSS ITS DENTAL PRACTICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. GRANT FUNDS WERE USED TO PURCHASE SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, INCLUDING SENSORY HEADPHONES, A DENTAL DRILL DESIGNED FOR PATIENTS WITH SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDERS, AND A PORTABLE NITROUS OXIDE UNIT. THESE ENHANCEMENTS HELP ENSURE THAT INDIVIDUALS WITH PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL, AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES CAN RECEIVE HIGH-QUALITY DENTAL CARE IN A SAFER, MORE COMFORTABLE, AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. CITY OF SCRANTON, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT & SCRANTON AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION - CENTRALIZED DATA REPORTING AND ANALYTICS (TOTAL: $344) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE CITY OF SCRANTON AWARDED AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDING THROUGH ITS "NON-PROFIT GRANT PROGRAM," ADMINISTERED BY THE SCRANTON AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH). THE GRANT SUPPORTED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A CENTRALIZED DATA REPORTING AND ANALYTICS PLATFORM FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AND PRIMARY CARE ASSOCIATIONS. THIS SYSTEM ENHANCES CARE TRANSFORMATION EFFORTS, DRIVES QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES, SUPPORTS COST-REDUCTION STRATEGIES, AND STREAMLINES MANDATED REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR ORGANIZATIONS AFFECTED BY COVID-19. THE PLATFORM HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED AT TWCCH'S FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4c PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION |
CITY OF SCRANTON, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT - WELLNESS PROGRAMMING (TOTAL: $19,426) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE CITY OF SCRANTON AWARDED AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDING THROUGH ITS "NON-PROFIT GRANT PROGRAM" TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH TO SUPPORT WELLNESS PROGRAMMING FOR INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY COVID-19. GRANT FUNDS ARE USED TO INTEGRATE LIFESTYLE MEDICINE INTO ROUTINE CLINICAL PRACTICE, STRENGTHENING THE DELIVERY OF PRIMARY CARE SERVICES AND ADVANCING THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY AS A CHRONIC DISEASE. THE INITIATIVE ALSO EXPANDS ACCESS TO INTENSIVE DIETARY THERAPY AND NUTRITION COUNSELING FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS. CITY OF WILKES-BARRE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION TITLE V MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES BLOCK GRANT - SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH SPECIAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS (TOTAL: $22,642) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE WILKES-BARRE CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN THE CITY OF WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA, AWARDED THE HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION TITLE V FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO SUPPORT ENGAGEMENT AMONG PENNSYLVANIA'S FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS, CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS, AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE PROJECT AIMS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE FOR LOW-INCOME MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN, INCLUDING PREVENTIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, AS WELL AS COMMUNITY-BASED SYSTEMS OF COORDINATED CARE. COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAMS - PREGNANCY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR MOMS WITH OPIOID USE DISORDER (TOTAL: $164,754) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAMS AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) THROUGH THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) TO SUPPORT A PREGNANCY SUPPORT SERVICES GRANT. THIS FUNDING ENABLED TWCCH TO EXPAND THE HEALTHY MATERNAL OPIATE MEDICAL SUPPORT (MOMS) PROGRAM INTO LUZERNE, WAYNE, AND SUSQUEHANNA COUNTIES. IN COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS, TWCCH COORDINATES THE DELIVERY OF MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT) ALONG WITH COMPREHENSIVE PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM MATERNAL AND CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES. THESE EFFORTS FOCUS ON COMMUNITIES THAT LACK A STRONG, COORDINATED NETWORK OF HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PREGNANT AND PARENTING INDIVIDUALS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER. COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - SUPPORT TO EXPAND THE DENTAL SERVICE LINE AT A FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING HEALTH CENTER LOCATED IN WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA (TOTAL: $124,998) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO SUPPORT THE EXPANSION OF ITS DENTAL SERVICE LINE AT ITS FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA. THIS EXPANSION ADDED 10 NEW DENTAL OPERATORIES, SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASING CAPACITY AND HELPING TO ADDRESS ORAL HEALTH DISPARITIES AND UNMET DENTAL NEEDS IN LUZERNE COUNTY. THE INITIATIVE IS PART OF THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH'S COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH CARE PROGRAM, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL HEALTH SERVICES. THE GRANT ALSO SUPPORTS THE SALARIES OF A DENTIST AND A PUBLIC HEALTH DENTAL HYGIENIST, THEREBY STRENGTHENING ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL CARE IN LUZERNE COUNTY. COUNTY OF LACKAWANNA, PENNSYLVANIA, ARTS AND CULTURE GRANT (TOTAL: $ 956) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE COUNTY OF LACKAWANNA, PENNSYLVANIA, THROUGH ITS ARTS & CULTURE DEPARTMENT, AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY ART PROJECTS. GRANT FUNDS WERE DESIGNATED FOR THE PURCHASE OF ART SUPPLIES, INCLUDING PAINT, BRUSHES, CRAYONS, AND PAPER. THESE FREE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS ENGAGE VULNERABLE AND MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS, INCLUDING SENIOR CITIZENS AND INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER AND MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS. COMMUNITY ART EVENTS ARE HELD AT ACCESSIBLE LOCATIONS SUCH AS SENIOR CENTERS, PUBLIC LIBRARIES, AND OTHER COMMUNITY-BASED VENUES TO ENCOURAGE BROAD PARTICIPATION AND REDUCE BARRIERS TO ENGAGEMENT. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4c PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION |
COUNTY OF LACKAWANNA, PENNSYLVANIA, LACKAWANNA COUNTY OPIOID FUND SETTLEMENT COMMITTEE (TOTAL: $65,354) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE COUNTY OF LACKAWANNA, THROUGH THE LACKAWANNA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - OFFICE OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAMS, WHICH IS THE SINGLE COUNTY AUTHORITY FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES WITHIN LACKAWANNA AND SUSQUEHANNA COUNTIES, AWARDED OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH). THESE FUNDS WERE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE OPIOID MISUSE AND ADDICTION ABATEMENT COMMISSION (OMAAC). THE PROJECT SUPPORTS A COMPREHENSIVE CONTINUUM OF CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH OPIOID USE DISORDER, EMPHASIZING BOTH TREATMENT AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES THAT ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSES OF OPIOID MISUSE AND DEPENDENCE IN LACKAWANNA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. FUNDING WAS ALLOCATED TO SUPPORT THE HEALTHY MATERNAL OPIATE MEDICAL SUPPORT (MOMS) PROGRAM, WHICH DELIVERS COORDINATED CARE AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO HELP PREGNANT WOMEN AND NEW MOTHERS ACHIEVE AND SUSTAIN RECOVERY FROM OPIOID USE DISORDER. COUNTY OF LUZERNE, PENNSYLVANIA, LUZERNE COUNTY OPIOID MISUSE AND ADDICTION ABATEMENT COMMITTEE (OMAAC) SETTLEMENT FUNDS (TOTAL: $198,337) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE COUNTY OF LUZERNE, THROUGH THE LUZERNE COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE, AWARDED OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH). THESE FUNDS WERE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE OPIOID MISUSE AND ADDICTION ABATEMENT COMMISSION (OMAAC). THE PROJECT SUPPORTS A COMPREHENSIVE CONTINUUM OF CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH OPIOID USE DISORDER, INCLUDING TREATMENT SERVICES, RECOVERY SUPPORTS, AND PREVENTION INITIATIVES. FUNDING ALSO ADDRESSES THE UNDERLYING DRIVERS OF OPIOID MISUSE AND DEPENDENCE IN LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, WITH THE GOAL OF STRENGTHENING LONG-TERM COMMUNITY HEALTH OUTCOMES. COUNTY OF PIKE, PENNSYLVANIA - PREGNANCY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR MOMS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER (TOTAL: $16,000) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: PIKE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO PROVIDE PREGNANCY SUPPORT SERVICES AND EXPAND THE HEALTHY MATERNAL OPIATE MEDICAL SUPPORT (MOMS) PROGRAM INTO RURAL PIKE COUNTY. IN COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS, HEALTHY MOMS PROVIDES COORDINATED, COMPREHENSIVE CARE AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO HELP PREGNANT WOMEN AND NEW MOTHERS ACHIEVE AND SUSTAIN RECOVERY FROM OPIOID USE DISORDER. THE PROGRAM PRIORITIZES COMMUNITIES THAT LACK A STRONG, INTEGRATED NETWORK OF HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS TO ADEQUATELY SUPPORT PREGNANT AND PARENTING INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION - BRIDGE ACCESS PROGRAM - CONTINUING ESSENTIAL COVID-19-RELATED SERVICES (TOTAL: $19,785) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE U.S. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA) AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) THROUGH THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) TO SUSTAIN ESSENTIAL COVID-19-RELATED SERVICES AND MITIGATE COVID'S IMPACT ON UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS. GRANT FUNDS SUPPORTED COVID-19 TESTING AND VACCINATION EFFORTS, AS WELL AS ENABLING SERVICES SUCH AS COMMUNITY OUTREACH, HEALTH EDUCATION, INSURANCE ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE, TRANSPORTATION, LANGUAGE TRANSLATION, AND CARE COORDINATION TO ENSURE ACCESS TO CARE FOR ALL. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION - POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING IN GENERAL, PEDIATRIC, AND PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY AND DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM (TOTAL: $390,196) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE U.S. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA), THROUGH ITS POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING IN GENERAL, PEDIATRIC, AND PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY AND DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM, AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO COLLABORATE WITH THE NEW YORK UNIVERSITY (NYU) LANGONE HEALTH ADVANCED EDUCATION IN GENERAL DENTISTRY (AEGD) RESIDENCY PROGRAM. THIS PARTNERSHIP ENABLES TWCCH TO SERVE AS A CLINICAL TRAINING SITE AS PART OF THE EXPANSION OF NYU LANGONE'S AEGD PROGRAM. THE TWCCH/NYU LANGONE RESIDENCY PROGRAM FOCUSES ON CARING FOR VULNERABLE AND MEDICALLY COMPLEX POPULATIONS, INCLUDING OLDER ADULTS, INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, SURVIVORS OF ABUSE OR TRAUMA, INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS, INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, AND THOSE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS AND HEPATITIS C. THE AEGD RESIDENCY IS EMBEDDED WITHIN TWCCH'S NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE (NCQA)-CERTIFIED PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME MODEL, SUPPORTING THE COMPREHENSIVE INTEGRATION OF ORAL HEALTH WITH PRIMARY CARE AND MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4c PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION |
HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION - TEACHING HEALTH CENTER PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM - PEDIATRIC DENTAL RESIDENCY (TOTAL: $99,720) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE U.S. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA), THROUGH ITS TEACHING HEALTH CENTER PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AND SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA), AWARDED FUNDS TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO ESTABLISH A NEW COMMUNITY-BASED RESIDENCY PROGRAM ACCREDITED BY THE COMMISSION ON DENTAL ACCREDITATION (CODA). THIS COVID-19-FUNDED INITIATIVE SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PEDIATRIC DENTAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM IN A REGION WITH LIMITED ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE AND PEDIATRIC DENTAL SERVICES. GRANT FUNDS ARE BEING USED TO BUILD THE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE, CURRICULUM, AND CLINICAL TRAINING CAPACITY TO LAUNCH THE PROGRAM. THE GROWING SHORTAGE OF DENTAL PROFESSIONALS CONTINUES TO INTENSIFY, POSING A SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO ORAL HEALTH OUTCOMES ACROSS PENNSYLVANIA. THIS RESIDENCY PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN THE DENTAL WORKFORCE PIPELINE AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY PEDIATRIC DENTAL CARE IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION - RURAL COMMUNITIES OPIOID RESPONSE PROGRAM (RCORP) NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME ROUND TWO (TOTAL: $463,275) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE U.S. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA) AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO IMPLEMENT THE RURAL COMMUNITIES OPIOID RESPONSE PROGRAM - NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME (RCORP-NAS) INITIATIVE. THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE AND IMPACT OF NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME (NAS) IN RURAL COMMUNITIES BY STRENGTHENING SYSTEMS OF CARE, ENHANCING FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES, AND ADDRESSING SOCIAL AND NONMEDICAL FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE HEALTH OUTCOMES. AS PART OF A SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY, REIMBURSABLE SERVICES ARE BILLED WHEN ELIGIBLE, AND CASE MANAGERS ASSIST PARTICIPANTS WITH MEDICAID ENROLLMENT TO ENSURE CONTINUED ACCESS TO CARE. GRANT FUNDS SUPPORTED PERSONNEL, SUBCONTRACTED SERVICES, PREVENTION EDUCATION, TRAVEL, AND RELATED PROGRAM EXPENSES. THE PROGRAM PRIMARILY BENEFITS PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM MOTHERS ENROLLED IN THE HEALTHY MATERNAL OPIATE MEDICAL SUPPORT (MOMS) PROGRAM AND THEIR INFANTS. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION - RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS PROGRAM PART C (TOTAL: $330,343) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE U.S. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA) AWARDED RYAN WHITE PART C FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF HIV PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE, ESSENTIAL SUPPORT SERVICES, AND MEDICATIONS FOR LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS ACROSS A SEVEN-COUNTY REGION. THROUGH HRSA'S EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES (EIS) PROGRAM, TWCCH DELIVERS HIV COUNSELING, MEDICAL EVALUATION, AND CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES TO ENSURE TIMELY DIAGNOSIS AND LINKAGE TO CARE. THE WRIGHT CENTER'S RYAN WHITE CLINIC SERVES AS THE DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA'S SOLE PROVIDER OF HIV PRIMARY CARE AND WORKS IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS TO REDUCE NEW HIV INFECTIONS, IMPROVE ACCESS TO A COORDINATED CONTINUUM OF CARE, RETAIN PATIENTS IN TREATMENT, AND DECREASE HIV-RELATED HEALTH DISPARITIES WHILE AVOIDING DUPLICATION OF SERVICES. THE PROGRAM SERVES PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN RURAL, LOW-INCOME, AND TRADITIONALLY UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA. JANEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT - PRIVATE DONATION FOR THE HEALTH CITY HUB - ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY TO ADDRESS PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGES (TOTAL: $5,000) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS GENEROUSLY DONATED FUNDS TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO ESTABLISH THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH WILKES-BARRE, A HEALTH CITY HUB MODEL. THIS INITIATIVE IS GROUNDED IN PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND IS DESIGNED TO ADVANCE COMPREHENSIVE, WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL. THE HEALTH CITY HUB MODEL STRATEGICALLY INTEGRATES CLINICAL CARE, INTERPROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMUNITY-CENTERED PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION AND OUTREACH WITHIN A SINGLE, ACCESSIBLE LOCATION. THE MODEL IS DESIGNED TO ADDRESS PREVALENT COMMUNITY HEALTH CHALLENGES, INCLUDING LOW HEALTH LITERACY, SEDENTARY LIFESTYLES, POOR NUTRITION, TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL USE, SUBSTANCE MISUSE, AND OTHER PREVENTABLE RISK FACTORS. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4c PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION |
JEWISH HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION - ANGEL EYES - INTEGRATING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INTO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (TOTAL: $26,958) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE JEWISH HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION, THROUGH THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, AWARDED FEDERAL CORONAVIRUS STATE FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS UNDER THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH). THROUGH THIS INITIATIVE, TWCCH WILL PARTNER WITH A LOCAL HOSPITAL'S NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU) TO IMPLEMENT A SECURE CAMERA SYSTEM THAT PROVIDES LIVE-STREAMING VIDEO ACCESS TO INFANTS' BEDSIDES. THIS TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS PARENTS WHO MUST BE SEPARATED FROM THEIR BABIES DURING PROLONGED TREATMENT TO MAINTAIN VISUAL CONNECTION AND ENGAGEMENT. THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO REDUCE PARENTAL STRESS AND ANXIETY, STRENGTHEN FAMILY BONDING WHEN IN-PERSON PRESENCE IS LIMITED, AND ENABLE CARE TEAMS TO SHARE IMPORTANT UPDATES AND MEANINGFUL MOMENTS IN REAL TIME THROUGH TEXTS, PHOTOS, AND VIDEO. THE INITIATIVE DIRECTLY BENEFITS POSTPARTUM MOTHERS ENROLLED IN THE HEALTHY MATERNAL OPIATE MEDICAL SUPPORT (MOMS) PROGRAM. JEWISH HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION - EXPANDING ACCESS TO DOULA CARE AND SERVICES FOR PREGNANT WOMEN WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER (TOTAL: $31,916) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE JEWISH HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION, THROUGH THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, AWARDED FEDERAL CORONAVIRUS STATE FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS UNDER THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH). THIS GRANT ENHANCES TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AND CLINICIANS IN BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS), PEDIATRIC ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT (PALS), AND THE NEONATAL RESUSCITATION PROGRAM (NRP), ALSO REFERRED TO AS NEONATAL ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT. FUNDING ALSO SUPPORTS THE TRAINING OF HOSPITAL NURSES IN MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT), DISTRIBUTION OF NARCAN KITS, AND THE INTEGRATION OF DOULA SERVICES INTO HOME VISITING PROGRAMS. GRANT FUNDS COVERED PERSONNEL COSTS, DOULA TRAINING SUPPLIES, AND TRAVEL EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH PATIENT TRANSPORT VANS. THE INITIATIVE IS DESIGNED TO BENEFIT PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM MOTHERS ENROLLED IN THE HEALTHY MATERNAL OPIATE MEDICAL SUPPORT (MOMS) PROGRAM. MOSES TAYLOR FOUNDATION - CREATING AN INTEGRATED MENTAL HEALTH PEER SUPPORT SERVICE LINE AT THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) (TOTAL: $ 300,000) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE MOSES TAYLOR FOUNDATION AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO EXPAND ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO ESTABLISH AN INTEGRATED PEER SUPPORT SERVICE LINE THAT INCORPORATES SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT, MENTAL HEALTH CARE, AND PRIMARY CARE USING A WHOLE-PERSON APPROACH. THIS TWO-YEAR GRANT SUPPORTS THE SALARIES AND TRAINING OF PEER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS THROUGH THE INITIATIVE TITLED THE POWER OF PEER SPECIALISTS. THROUGH THIS PROJECT, THE WRIGHT CENTER WILL DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM BY RECRUITING AND TRAINING PEER SPECIALISTS AND STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH CLINICS, HOSPITALS, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO BETTER MEET THE MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITIES TWCCH SERVES. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (NACHC) - REMOTE TRACKING OF BLOOD PRESSURE (TOTAL: $ 40,000) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (NACHC) AWARDED A SUPPORTING MEASUREMENT AWARENESS AND REMOTE TRACKING OF BLOOD PRESSURE (SMART BP) GRANT TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH). THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON FOUNDATION FUNDED THE PROGRAM, WHICH NACHC ADMINISTERS. THE SMART BP GRANT SUPPORTS HEALTH CENTERS IN ENHANCING OR EXPANDING EVIDENCE-BASED SELF-MEASURED BLOOD PRESSURE (SMBP) PROGRAMS. THE INITIATIVE FOCUSES ON IMPROVING HYPERTENSION OUTCOMES AMONG PATIENTS WITH UNCONTROLLED BLOOD PRESSURE AND POPULATIONS THAT WOULD BENEFIT MOST FROM REMOTE MONITORING AND IMPROVED CARE COORDINATION. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4c PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION |
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS LEARNING COLLABORATIVE - ADDRESSING DISPARITIES IN OPIOID PRESCRIBING, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT AND LINKAGES TO CARE (TOTAL: $8,333) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (NACHC), IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS COUNCIL AND THE FENWAY INSTITUTE, AND SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC), AWARDED COVID-19-RELATED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH). NACHC ESTABLISHED A LEARNING COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, PRIMARY CARE ASSOCIATIONS, AND HEALTH CENTER CONTROLLED NETWORKS IN PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGIES TO REDUCE GAPS IN ACCESS AND OUTCOMES AMONG VULNERABLE AND UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS. THE INITIATIVE ALSO ADDRESSES THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES RELATED TO PAIN MANAGEMENT, OPIOID PRESCRIBING, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT, AND CARE COORDINATION. GRANT FUNDS SUPPORTED PERSONNEL TIME AND TRAINING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATION IN THE NACHC COLLABORATIVE. PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS (AAP) - IMPROVING BREASTFEEDING RATES AMONG WOMEN WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER - FIRST FOOD: IMPROVING BREASTFEEDING RATES (TOTAL: $7,500) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, THROUGH THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH'S FIRST FOODS CONTRACT, AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO SUPPORT THE IMPROVED BREASTFEEDING INITIATION AMONG MOMS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PROJECT. THIS INITIATIVE AIMS TO INCREASE BREASTFEEDING INITIATION AND DURATION RATES AMONG MOTHERS AFFECTED BY SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER. PARTICIPANTS ENROLLED IN THE HEALTHY MATERNAL OPIATE MEDICAL SUPPORT (MOMS) PROGRAM ARE CONNECTED WITH BREASTFEEDING PEER SUPPORT SERVICES AND PROVIDED WITH ESSENTIAL BREASTFEEDING SUPPLIES TO PROMOTE SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES. PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS (AAP) - INCREASING ACCESS TO VACCINES IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES (TOTAL: $97,898) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE PENNSYLVANIA IMMUNIZATION COALITION AND THE PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, THROUGH FUNDING RECEIVED FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC), AWARDED COVID-19 VACCINE OUTREACH FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH. THIS FUNDING SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO AND EDUCATION ABOUT VACCINES, WITH A PARTICULAR FOCUS ON THE COVID-19 VACCINE. GRANT FUNDS WERE USED TO CONDUCT COMMUNITY OUTREACH THROUGH EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGNS, TARGETED COMMUNICATIONS, AND POP-UP IMMUNIZATION CLINICS. THESE INITIATIVES PRIORITIZE COMMUNITIES IN NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA THAT WERE DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED BY COVID-19, INCLUDING RURAL POPULATIONS, COMMUNITIES OF COLOR, IMMIGRANTS, INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY, THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS OR HOUSING INSTABILITY, AND LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS. PA HEALTH AND WELLNESS, NATIONAL COUNCIL ON INDEPENDENT LIVING- REMOVING BARRIERS TO ACCESSIBILITY (TOTAL: $3,101) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: PA HEALTH & WELLNESS AND THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON INDEPENDENT LIVING (NCIL) AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO REDUCE PHYSICAL AND PROGRAMMATIC BARRIERS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AT ITS MID VALLEY TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN JERMYN, PENNSYLVANIA. GRANT FUNDS WERE USED TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL A WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE SCALE, IMPROVING ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL CLINICAL ASSESSMENTS AND ENHANCING CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH MOBILITY CHALLENGES. PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (PACHC), AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT - INCREASING ACCESS TO COVID-19 TESTING AND PREVENTIVE SERVICES (TOTAL: $92,880) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SUPPORTED BY FUNDING THROUGH THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) AND THE COVID-19 RESPONSE INITIATIVE, AWARDED FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO EXPAND ACCESS TO COVID-19 DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND PREVENTIVE SERVICES. TWCCH USED THESE FUNDS TO INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY OF COVID-19 TESTING AND RELATED PREVENTIVE SERVICES ACROSS THE COUNTIES IT SERVES, WITH A FOCUS ON REACHING VULNERABLE AND UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4c PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION |
PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (PACHC), AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT - REDUCING COVID-19 VACCINE HESITANCY - STAFF RECRUITMENT (TOTAL: $7,254) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (PACHC), IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, AWARDED AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO ADDRESS COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER HESITANCY AND SUPPORT A WORKFORCE MARKETING CAMPAIGN. THE INITIATIVE AIMS TO INCREASE CONFIDENCE IN COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINATIONS, RECRUIT MEDICAL STAFF TO ADMINISTER VACCINES, AND SUPPORT ONGOING COVID-19 RESPONSE. PACHC COLLABORATED WITH AN ADVERTISING AND MARKETING FIRM TO DEVELOP THE CAMPAIGN AND PROVIDED FUNDING TO TWCCH TO IMPLEMENT IT LOCALLY. PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (PACHC), AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT - REDUCING COVID-19 VACCINE HESITANCY - STAFF TRAINING (TOTAL: $118,344) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (PACHC), IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, AWARDED AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO REDUCE HESITANCY TOWARD COVID-19 VACCINES AND BOOSTERS AND TO STRENGTHEN THE FRONTLINE HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE. TWCCH USED THESE FUNDS TO TRAIN AND HIRE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS WHO CONDUCTED OUTREACH WITHIN COMMUNITIES, PROVIDING EDUCATION ON THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF COVID-19 VACCINES. THE FUNDING ALSO SUPPORTED HIRING MEDICAL ASSISTANTS, WHO PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN THE VACCINATION PROCESS BY ASSISTING CLINICIANS AND SUPPORTING PATIENTS DURING VACCINE CLINICS. PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (PACHC), THE HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA) TITLE V MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES BLOCK GRANT - SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH SPECIAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS (TOTAL: $50,000) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AND THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AWARDED THE HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION TITLE V FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH TO SUPPORT ENGAGEMENT AMONG PENNSYLVANIA'S FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS, CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS, AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE PROJECT AIMS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE FOR LOW-INCOME MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN, INCLUDING PREVENTIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, AS WELL AS COMMUNITY-BASED SYSTEMS OF COORDINATED CARE. THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION - MEDICARE SHARED SAVINGS PROGRAM ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION (ACO) (TOTAL: $1,090,426) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) RECEIVED A SHARED SAVINGS PAYMENT AS A PARTICIPATING PROVIDER IN A MEDICARE SHARED SAVINGS PROGRAM ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION (ACO). THIS PAYMENT REFLECTS TWCCH'S ROLE IN ACHIEVING COST SAVINGS WHILE MEETING ESTABLISHED QUALITY PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES WITHIN THE ACO. THE SHARED SAVINGS FUNDS WERE REINVESTED TO STRENGTHEN CARE DELIVERY, ENHANCE PATIENT SERVICES, AND IMPROVE OVERALL HEALTH OUTCOMES. UNITED WAY OF WYOMING VALLEY - RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS PROGRAM PART B MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES (TOTAL: $1,503,744) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE UNITED WAY OF WYOMING VALLEY, BASED IN WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA, PROVIDES FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) THROUGH AN AWARD FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH USING RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS PROGRAM FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE U.S. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA). THROUGH THIS SUPPORT, TWCCH DELIVERS RYAN WHITE PART B MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS ACROSS A SEVEN-COUNTY REGION. THE FUNDING ALSO SUPPORTED ESSENTIAL SERVICES, INCLUDING MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION, EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, ORAL HEALTH CARE, HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUM ASSISTANCE, REFERRALS TO SPECIALTY CARE, AND ACCESS TO MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4c PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION |
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH MEDICAL CENTER SUBAWARD - PROMOTING THE INTEGRATION OF PRIMARY AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE (TOTAL: $80,806) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH MEDICAL CENTER (UPMC), THROUGH AN AWARD FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES USING FUNDS FROM THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (SAMHSA), CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (CMHS), PROVIDES FUNDING TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO SUPPORT THE INTEGRATION OF PRIMARY CARE AND MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COLLABORATIVE CARE MODEL (COCM). THE COCM IS AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH THAT INTEGRATES MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INTO PRIMARY CARE TO IMPROVE THE IDENTIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS. THIS MODEL ENHANCES CARE COORDINATION, SUPPORTS MEASUREMENT-BASED TREATMENT, AND PROMOTES COLLABORATION AMONG PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS, MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS, AND CARE MANAGERS. THROUGH THIS INITIATIVE, SAMHSA AIMS TO INCREASE THE TIMELY IDENTIFICATION AND EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONDITIONS IN PRIMARY CARE SETTINGS, WHERE SUCH CONDITIONS ARE OFTEN UNDERDIAGNOSED, UNDERTREATED, AND ASSOCIATED WITH SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT AND DISABILITY. WILLIAM G. MCGOWAN CHARITABLE FUND - ENHANCING ACCESS TO PRIMARY DENTAL CARE FOR LOW-INCOME POPULATIONS (TOTAL: $50,000) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE: THE WILLIAM G. MCGOWAN CHARITABLE FUND AWARDED GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT TO THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) TO BENEFIT VULNERABLE POPULATIONS IN LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. THESE FUNDS ENHANCED ACCESS TO PRIMARY DENTAL CARE, WITH A PARTICULAR FOCUS ON PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PATIENTS REQUIRING DENTURES AND OTHER PROSTHETIC DEVICES DUE TO TOOTH LOSS FROM INJURY OR DISEASE. THE SUPPORT ENABLED LOW-INCOME AND MEDICALLY VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS TO OBTAIN NEEDED DENTURES, SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVING THEIR ORAL HEALTH, FUNCTIONALITY, AND OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 2 New program services |
IN RESPONSE TO DOCUMENTED COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS AND REGIONAL PROVIDER SHORTAGES, DURING THE COVERED PERIOD, THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH) EXPANDED ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE PRIMARY AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH THE STRATEGIC GROWTH AND ENHANCEMENT OF ITS FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, THE LAUNCH OF NEW INTEGRATED CARE MODELS, AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PREVENTION-FOCUSED PROGRAMS. TWCCH ADVANCED ITS FQHC LOOK-ALIKE SERVICES AND MISSION BY HELPING RESTORE LOCAL ACCESS TO PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES IN WYOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. AFTER THE CLOSURE OF TYLER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN TUNKHANNOCK IN 2021 - THE ONLY HOSPITAL IN WYOMING COUNTY, WHICH IS A DESIGNATED MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED AREA AND EXPERIENCES SOME OF THE HIGHEST MORTALITY RATES IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA FOR CANCER, CHRONIC LOWER RESPIRATORY DISEASE, AND DIABETES - NEARLY 26,000 RESIDENTS, MANY OF THEM SENIOR CITIZENS AND CHILDREN, WERE LIVING IN WHAT HAD BECOME A RURAL HEALTH CARE DESERT. IN 2023, A LIMITED FAMILY PARTNERSHIP LED BY WYOMING COUNTY BUSINESSMAN BILL RUARK ACQUIRED THE FORMER HOSPITAL PROPERTY. IT BEGAN REDEVELOPING IT INTO A NONPROFIT MEDICAL FACILITY, NOW KNOWN AS THE WYOMING COUNTY HEALTHCARE CENTER. IN ALIGNMENT WITH IDENTIFIED COMMUNITY NEEDS AND TWCCH'S COMMUNITY-GOVERNED PURPOSE, THE RUARK FAMILY ENGAGED TWCCH LEADERSHIP IN FALL 2024 TO EXPLORE THE ADDITION OF WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES AT THE WYOMING COUNTY SITE. A TWCCH FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, THE COUNTY'S FIRST FQHC LOOK-ALIKE, ANCHORS THE FOURTH FLOOR INSIDE THE TUNKHANNOCK HUB THAT HOUSES 22 PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS, SPANNING HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, NONPROFITS, BUSINESSES, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES, GOVERNMENT SERVICES, AND HUMAN RESOURCE SUPPORTS. IN PARTNERSHIP, PLANS BEGAN DURING THE 2024-2025 FISCAL YEAR FOR THE ADDITION OF A FULL-SERVICE PHARMACY INSIDE THE WYOMING COUNTY HEALTHCARE CENTER, AND, THROUGH A BUDDING PARTNERSHIP WITH JOHNSON COLLEGE, TWCCH WILL BE ADDRESSING A CRITICAL SHORTAGE OF DENTAL CARE IN WYOMING COUNTY WHILE CREATING NEW EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER PATHWAYS IN ORAL HEALTH. SUBSEQUENT TO THE COVERED PERIOD, TWCCH SECURED A COMMITMENT FROM GUTHRIE AND CHILDREN'S SERVICE CENTER TO REFER DENTAL PATIENTS TO TWCCH, FINALIZED DENTAL SUITE FLOOR PLANS, PROCURED DENTAL EQUIPMENT, PURSUED SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT FUNDING, AND BEGAN EXPLORING LOCAL DENTIST RECRUITMENT, WHILE ALSO ADVANCING A 24/7 AMBULATORY CARE PARTNERSHIP WITH GUTHRIE TO EXPAND URGENT SERVICES, ANCILLARY IMAGING, DENTAL, AND PHARMACY ACCESS, AND EXPLORING A COLLABORATIVE RURAL FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY PLANNING GRANT AT THE WYOMING COUNTY HEALTHCARE CENTER. IN PARALLEL WITH THIS RURAL ACCESS RESTORATION IN WYOMING COUNTY, TWCCH ALSO RESPONDED TO ACUTE ACCESS DISRUPTIONS AND SITE-BASED OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS LACKAWANNA COUNTY. THE ACUTE DEPARTURE OF TWO WELL-ESTABLISHED PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS IN PRACTICE FOR OVER 25 YEARS PROMPTED TWCCH'S INVITATION TO OPEN FQHC LOOK-ALIKE SERVICES IN DICKSON CITY, PENNSYLVANIA, IN RESPONSE. TWCCH IMPLEMENTED A RAPID ACTION STRATEGY AND PLAN TO PURCHASE AND RENOVATE THE BUILDING WHERE THOSE PHYSICIANS PRACTICED, OPENING THE DOORS TO A NEW TWCCH FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN DICKSON CITY IN OCTOBER 2024 THAT PREVENTED A SERIOUS GAP IN ACCESS TO PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE PATIENTS AND FAMILIES IN THAT COMMUNITY. AS PART OF ITS ONGOING STRATEGY TO GROW PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES CAPACITY AND SUPPORT JOB CREATION, TWCCH INITIATED AND ADVANCED PLANNING FOR A FUTURE EXPANSION OF ITS FQHC LOOK-ALIKE TEACHING COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN JERMYN, PENNSYLVANIA. BUILDING ON THE PURCHASE OF AN ADJACENT PROPERTY DURING THE PRIOR FISCAL YEAR, TWCCH SECURED SUPPORT THROUGH THE PENNSYLVANIA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. THIS TAX CREDIT INITIATIVE ENCOURAGES PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN PROJECTS THAT BENEFIT DISTRESSED COMMUNITIES AND SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION. TWCCH IS CURRENTLY PLANNING THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PROPERTY TO ENHANCE CLINICAL OPERATIONS AND BETTER MEET THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF PATIENTS, FAMILIES, PHYSICIANS, AND INTERPROFESSIONAL LEARNERS SERVED AT THE JERMYN SITE. TWCCH ALSO EXPANDED ACCESS TO INTEGRATED PRIMARY CARE AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL THROUGH A CO-LOCATED WHOLE-PERSON PRIMARY CARE MODEL INTEGRATED WITHIN AN ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PARTNER. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4d Description of other program services |
(Expenses $ 131,751 including grants of $ 126,000)(Revenue $ 746,935) |
| Form 990, Part IV, Line 28 BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS |
IN NOVEMBER 2017, TWCCH AND ITS AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION OF TWCGME, EXECUTED A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH WYOMING AVENUE DEVELOPMENT, LLC TO DEVELOP AND RENT A 36,500 SQ. FT. FLAGSHIP CLINICAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE HUB AT 501 SOUTH WASHINGTON AVENUE, SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA, A CITY THEN DESIGNATED AS FINANCIALLY DISTRESSED UNDER PENNSYLVANIA'S ACT 47. MR. JOSEPH FERRARIO WAS THE CHAIR OF TWCGME'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SERVED AS A VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR ON TWCGME'S AFFILIATED ENTITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO TWCCH. ON JULY 12, 2019, MR. FERRARIO RESIGNED FROM TWCGME'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND FROM ALL BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF ITS AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS. AT THE TIME THE LEASE TRANSACTION WAS CONSUMMATED, MR. FERRARIO OWNED MORE THAN 35% OF WYOMING AVENUE DEVELOPMENT, LLC. MR. FERRARIO'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST WAS FULLY DISCLOSED AND COMMUNICATED, ETHICALLY ASSESSED, AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TWCGME AND TWCCH BEFORE ENTERING INTO THE TRANSACTION. THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY DESCRIBED IN FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C WAS FOLLOWED, AND A LEGAL ETHICS OPINION APPROVING AND OFFERING BEST PRACTICES FOR ADDRESSING AND MANAGING A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON A NONPROFIT BOARD WAS OBTAINED FROM OUTSIDE LEGAL COUNSEL; ALL GUIDANCE WAS FOLLOWED. ON JULY 25, 2019, THE 15-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WAS AMENDED TO COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, AND TWCGME BECAME THE SOLE LESSEE OF THE LEASED SPACE. TWCGME SUBLEASES SPACE TO TWCCH AT 501 SOUTH WASHINGTON AVENUE, SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA, FOR FQHC LOOK-ALIKE PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS. THE LEASE WENT INTO EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 26, 2019, CLARIFYING THAT TWCGME WAS THE PRIMARY LESSEE OF 41,990 SQ. FT. OF SPACE, UTILIZING ADDITIONAL SPACE ON THE SECOND FLOOR FOR EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. RENOVATIONS TO THE DEMISED PREMISES ON THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS OF THE BUILDING WERE COMPLETED BETWEEN EARLY 2018 AND DECEMBER 2019, WITH THE AMENDED AND RESTATED LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THE FIRST FLOOR COMMENCING ON NOVEMBER 26, 2019. |
| Form 990, Part V, Line 2a COMMON PAYMASTER |
TWCCH IS AFFILIATED WITH TWCGME (EIN: 23-2007832), WHICH SHARES A 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. TWCGME SERVES AS THE COMMON PAYMASTER FOR BOTH TWCGME AND TWCCH, ADHERING TO IRS W-2 REPORTING REGULATIONS. THIS CONSOLIDATED PAYROLL SYSTEM COVERS ALL EMPLOYEES EXCEPT FOR TWCCH'S PRESIDENT AND CEO, SVP AND ENTERPRISE CHIEF OPERATIONS AND STRATEGY OFFICER, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, AND CHIEF CLINICAL OPERATING OFFICER, WHO ARE DIRECTLY EMPLOYED BY TWCCH. THE SERVICES OF TWCCH'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND SVP AND ENTERPRISE CHIEF OPERATIONS AND STRATEGY OFFICER ARE CONTRACTED FOR SERVICES AS KEY EMPLOYEES/EXECUTIVES OF TWCGME IN THE POSITIONS OF PRESIDENT AND CEO AND SVP AND ENTERPRISE CHIEF OPERATIONS AND STRATEGY OFFICER, RESPECTIVELY. TWCGME REPORTS ALL REMAINING EMPLOYEES ON ITS FORM W-3. THEREFORE, ALL FULL-TIME EQUIVALENTS (FTES) ARE ACCURATELY ALLOCATED TO EACH RESPECTIVE ENTITY, AVOIDING DUPLICATION, UNDER A SHARED MISSION COVENANT AND RELATED STAFFING LEASE AGREEMENTS. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 12a 12b, & 12c - CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY |
A WRITTEN CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, CREATED AND RECOMMENDED BY THE SVP FOR ENTERPRISE INTEGRITY, HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT AND CEO AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE SVP OF ENTERPRISE INTEGRITY AND THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE IT IS REVIEWED, UPDATED AS NEEDED, AND RENEWED ANNUALLY OR MORE FREQUENTLY AS APPROPRIATE. THE SVP FOR ENTERPRISE INTEGRITY, ALONG WITH THE GOVERNANCE AND CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICERS, ENSURES THAT THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE FORM IS COMPLETED ANNUALLY BY ALL GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS ("DIRECTORS") AND OFFICERS. TOGETHER, THIS TEAM AND THE VP OF HUMAN RESOURCES ENSURE THAT THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE FORM IS COMPLETED ANNUALLY BY EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT AND ALL STAFF, INCLUDING KEY EMPLOYEES. SHOULD A CONFLICT OF INTEREST OR POTENTIAL CONFLICT ARISE DURING THE YEAR AMONG DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS, THE GOVERNANCE OFFICER AND THE SVP FOR ENTERPRISE INTEGRITY ENSURE THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE FORM IS UPDATED TO REFLECT THE POSSIBLE CONFLICT. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS, IF ANY, ARE FULLY DISCLOSED, VETTED BY INTERNAL COUNSEL AND THE AUDIT/COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE, AND REVIEWED BY THE BOARD WITH OUTSIDE ETHICS CONSULTATION OBTAINED WHEN APPROPRIATE. EDUCATION ON CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IS PROVIDED TO NEW DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS DURING BOARD ORIENTATION AND TO THE FULL BOARD ANNUALLY DURING THE REVIEW, UPDATE, AND RENEWAL OF THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. DIRECTORS OFFICERS' COMPLIANCE WITH THE POLICY IS MONITORED BY THE BOARD'S AUDIT/COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE AND SUPPORTED BY THE GOVERNANCE OFFICER AND THE SVP FOR ENTERPRISE INTEGRITY. EDUCATION ON CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, INCLUDING ANY REVISIONS TO THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, IS PROVIDED TO NEW EMPLOYEES DURING ORIENTATION AND ANNUALLY DURING THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW PROCESS. ADHERENCE BY STAFF TO THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY IS MONITORED BY MANAGERS WITH THE SUPPORTIVE OVERSIGHT OF THE VP OF HUMAN RESOURCES, THE SVP FOR ENTERPRISE INTEGRITY, AND THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 11b Review of form 990 by governing body |
TWCCH'S FORM 990 IS PREPARED BY THE SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM OF THE FINANCE AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTS WITH REVIEW AND INPUT FROM THE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM AND PRESIDENT & CEO. AN INDEPENDENT, CONTRACTED CPA FIRM THEN REVIEWS THE DRAFT FORM 990. THE REFINED FORM 990 IS THEN DISTRIBUTED TO THE AUDIT/COMPLIANCE AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SUBSEQUENTLY TO THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR REVIEW, INPUT, AND APPROVAL FOR FEDERAL FILING. UPON COMPLETION OF THIS REVIEW, NECESSARY REVISIONS, AND APPROVAL, THE FORM 990 IS FINALIZED, SIGNED BY THE ORGANIZATION'S PRESIDENT & CEO, AND FILED WITH THE IRS. TWCCH'S THREE MOST RECENTLY FILED 990S ARE TRANSPARENTLY AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE IN A DOWNLOADABLE FORMAT AND ARE KEPT IN A SECURE LOCATION AT EACH REQUIRED OPERATIONAL SITE, WHERE THEY MAY BE REVIEWED IN HARD COPY UPON REQUEST, CONSISTENT WITH IRS APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 15a Process to establish compensation of top management official |
TWCCH CONTRACTS .25 FTE OF ITS PRESIDENT AND CEO TO TWCGME TO PERFORM THE ROLE AS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF TWCGME. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE TWCCH BOARD LEADS THE PROCESS FOR DETERMINING THE COMPENSATION OF TWCCH'S PRESIDENT & CEO, ENGAGING A THIRD-PARTY EXTERNAL CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT A FORMAL, PERIODIC, OBJECTIVE, COMPREHENSIVE, ORGANIZATION-WIDE COMPENSATION STUDY GENERALLY EVERY THREE TO FIVE YEARS. DURING CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE PRESIDENT AND CEO, THE RELEVANT COMPONENTS OF THE STUDY ARE APPROPRIATELY AGED AND SUPPLEMENTED BY DATA FROM SOURCES SUCH AS THE AMERICAN JOB CENTER NETWORK, MEDICAL GROUP MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (MGMA), FORM 990S OF COMPARABLE ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMPENSATION SURVEYS FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA AND NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, AMONG OTHER RELEVANT REGIONAL AND NATIONAL BENCHMARKS. ANNUALLY, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES COLLABORATIVELY CONDUCT A THOROUGH PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S PERFORMANCE FOR EACH ORGANIZATION, ASSESSING THE APPROPRIATENESS OF SALARY AND BENEFIT ADJUSTMENTS. THESE ADJUSTMENTS, IF MADE BETWEEN CONTRACT TERMS, ARE BENCHMARKED AGAINST PUBLICLY AVAILABLE COMPARABLE DATA. ULTIMATELY, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S COMPENSATION IS DETERMINED BASED ON A ROBUST PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE, AND CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE INDEPENDENT COMPENSATION STUDY, MARKET COMPARABILITY, AND FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES' DELIBERATIONS AND DECISIONS REGARDING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ARE METICULOUSLY DOCUMENTED IN MEETING MINUTES WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE EVALUATION'S COMPLETION AND THE COMPENSATION DETERMINATION. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 15b Process to establish compensation of other employees |
IN ADDITION TO THE PRESIDENT & CEO, CHIEF STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS OFFICER, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, AND CHIEF CLINICAL OPERATING OFFICER ARE DIRECTLY EMPLOYED BY THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH (TWCCH). THE COMPENSATION OF ALL OTHER EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING KEY EMPLOYEES, IS DETERMINED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (TWCCH PRESIDENT & CEO) AND THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, GUIDED BY A FORMAL, PERIODIC, OBJECTIVE, COMPREHENSIVE, ORGANIZATION-WIDE COMPENSATION STUDY COMPLETED GENERALLY EVERY THREE TO FIVE YEARS. THE VP OF HR AND THE PRESIDENT & CEO MAY ALSO CONSIDER ADDITIONAL DATA IN DETERMINING COMPENSATION LEVELS WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION, SUCH AS INFORMATION FROM THE AMERICAN JOB CENTER NETWORK WEBSITE, MEDICAL GROUP MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (MGMA), FORM 990S OF COMPARABLE ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMPENSATION SURVEYS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, AMONG OTHER REGIONAL AND NATIONAL BENCHMARKS. TWCCH ALSO LEASES THE SERVICES OF TWCCH'S CHIEF STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS OFFICER TO TWCGME AS A KEY EMPLOYEE/EXECUTIVE FOR TWCGME. THE THIRD-PARTY EXTERNAL COMPENSATION CONSULTANT JOINTLY ENGAGED BY TWCCH AND TWCGME ALSO INCLUDES THE SERVICES OF THIS POSITION, LIKE ALL EXECUTIVE POSITIONS, IN ITS FORMAL, PERIODIC, OBJECTIVE, COMPREHENSIVE, ORGANIZATION-WIDE COMPENSATION STUDY COMPLETED GENERALLY EVERY THREE TO FIVE YEARS. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 19 Required documents available to the public |
THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH'S (TWCCH) DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE KEPT IN A SECURE LOCATION AND ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION DURING BUSINESS HOURS AT THE ORGANIZATION'S ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE AT 501 SOUTH WASHINGTON AVENUE, SUITE 1000 IN SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA, 18505, AND OTHER LOCATIONS AS REQUIRED BY IRS RULES AND REGULATIONS. HARD COPIES ARE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST FOR REVIEW. TWCCH'S THREE MOST RECENTLY FILED FORM 990S, ALONG WITH THREE CONSECUTIVE ANNUAL REPORTS, ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON ITS WEBSITE. |
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.