University of Scranton’s Leahy Clinic Receives Grant

The University of Scranton’s Edward R. Leahy Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured was the recipient of a $35,000 grant from The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation. At the grant presentation are, seated from left, Henry Sallusti, Kerry O’Grady, Natalie Gelb, Michele McGowan, Christopher Dressel, M.D., and Mark Mitchell, all representing the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation. Standing, representing the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, are Matthew Haggerty, Esq., James Mileski, Robert Knowles and James Clemente; representing The University of Scranton are Meg Hambrose, Donald Boomgaarden, Ph.D., and Gary Olsen; Jeremiah Egan, M.D., and the Honorable Terrence Nealon, representing the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation; and Laura Ducceschi, president of the Scranton Area Foundation and administrator for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation.

The University of Scranton’s Edward R. Leahy Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured received a $35,000 grant from The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation for the support and operation of the free clinic.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, which was established in 2011 following the sale of Mercy Hospital in Scranton, supports the health care needs of the residents of Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming counties and seeks to improve their physical, mental and social well-being. Health needs supported by the public foundation, include, but are not limited to, health education, community wellness and payment for medical care of the uninsured and underinsured, regardless of the facility of treatment.

The University dedicated The Leahy Community Health and Family Center of the Panuska College of Professional Studies in 2003. The center’s numerous initiatives and programs provide opportunities for faculty, students and community members to work together to provide health, wellness and educational services to marginalized and underserved populations. The programs include a free clinic offering primary health-care services to the uninsured residents of Lackawanna County.

 In addition to the medical clinic, services offered through the Leahy Clinic include a nutrition clinic, a physical therapy clinic, a counseling clinic, a smoking cessation program, a “Strong Bones” program and a “Peacemakers” program.

In 2013-2014, the University’s Leahy Clinic treated 1,638 patients with the help of 138 students who contributed 2,567 hours of service.