Anniversary Year for Leahy Initiatives

Milestone anniversaries celebrated for the Leahy Community Health and Family Center and Edward R. Leahy Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured.
The University of Scranton’s Panuska College of Professional Studies is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Leahy Community Health and Family Center and the 10th anniversary of the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured.
The University of Scranton’s Panuska College of Professional Studies is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Leahy Community Health and Family Center and the 10th anniversary of the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured.

The University of Scranton is marking the 15th anniversary of the Leahy Community Health and Family Center and the 10th anniversary of the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured by celebrating the success of the programming inspired by – and run through – these centers. The numerous initiatives made possible by generous donations and dedicated volunteers from throughout our region, as well as students, faculty, staff and alumni, have benefited greatly area residents many of whom are among our most vulnerable populations.

The center, established in 2003 and housed in the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies, is designed to provide programming opportunities for faculty and students in the area of teaching research and service intended to meet the needs of the greater Scranton community.

“A university today that does not engage with its community is like the plant that, no matter how beautiful, is in danger of withering.”- Edward Leahy

The center and clinic supports the University’s Jesuit and Catholic Mission by leveraging the University’s expertise and resources to serve the most vulnerable populations in the region,” said Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies. “Through the center, students in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling and other allied health fields gain practical learning experience through programming that allows them to work with the community under the supervision of the Leahy staff, faculty and physicians. We are literally taking theory into practice while giving back to our community.”

On Feb. 19, 2008, at the dedication of the Leahy Clinic for the Uninsured, which is part of the programming offered through the Leahy Community Health and Family Center, University alumnus and benefactor Edward Leahy said “it is not enough today for a University merely to teach - to talk the talk. Rather, it is more important than ever to put our teaching to the practical test; to implement our learning within our community for the wellbeing of all - University and residents alike … A university today that does not engage with its community is like the plant that, no matter how beautiful, is in danger of withering. Its knowledge comes only from within and, therefore, tends to be secondhand, repetitive and usually one-dimensional.”

The clinic was first established with volunteer physician support offered through the Lackawanna County Medical Society to provide non-emergency health care to uninsured Lackawanna county residents who do not have, and cannot afford private health insurance and who do not qualify for public health insurance.

“As the U.S. health care system becomes increasingly complicated to navigate and more low income residents are seeking care in free and charitable clinics, it is the ideal place for physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to promote social justice and equity in the community where we live and work,” said Andrea Mantione, DNP, director of the University’s Leahy Community Health and Family Center said about the community members who generously support the center.

According to Dean Pellegrino, the clinic has expanded services through the innovative use of undergraduate and graduate student volunteers and faculty members, as well as other University resources. Volunteer community healthcare providers and the Leahy Center and Clinic staff mentor premed, health profession students and facilitate undergraduate and graduate-level nursing students. In addition, undergraduate students from various majors have an opportunity to work alongside staff performing patient intakes, filing charts, assisting clients with follow up care, and serving as medical translators for Spanish, Portuguese and a variety of Asian speaking clients.

In addition to the Clinic for the Uninsured, The Leahy Community Health and Family Center has several other initiatives, which include the University of Success, Alice V. Leahy Food and Clothing Pantry, the “Peacemakers After School” program, exercise and nutrition education programs and the annual disABILITY conference. Each program meets a unique need in the community. For instance, the Alice V. Leahy Food is a student-supported effort to provide low income and at-risk residents and families with healthy and fresh food options. The University of Success is a pre-college program designed to provide academic, social and cultural enrichment and experiences to high school students. The program is funded almost entirely by corporate and foundation grants.

Since opening in 2007, a total of 6,000 patients generated 13,617 visits through the Leahy Clinic and more than 2,500 individuals have participated in programming offered through the Leahy Community Health and Family Center. In 2017, 700 hours were volunteered by community physicians, nurses, pharmacist, interpreters and care coordinators, with an additional provided by professional faculty and staff of The University of Scranton.

Read more about the programming offered through the center in the fall 2017 issue of Challenges in Theory and Practice. To learn more about volunteer opportunities for the medical clinic for physicians, nurses and community members, visit the Leahy Clinic website or call 570-941-6112.

 

On Feb. 19, 2007, then University of Scranton President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., dedicated the Leahy Clinic for the Uninsured, which is part of the programming offered through the Leahy Community Health and Family Center, housed in the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies.

    Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies, discusses the programs offered through the Leahy Community Health and Family Center, which include the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured, the University of Success, Alice V. Leahy Food and Clothing Pantry, the “Peacemakers After School” program, the “Growing Stronger” program and the annual disABILITY conference. Read more about the programming offered through the center in the fall 2017 issue of Challenges in Theory and Practice.

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