Total donors 3,751 New donors 1,047
Total funds raised $12,028,694
Total funds distributed $12,344,626 Funds raised $1,104,804 GEISINGER COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Total endowment market value as of Dec. 31, 2024: $97,652,723 representing about 212 individual endowments
Children’s Miracle Network funds raised $1,300,355
Terry
MD, President and CEO
I’d like to thank our donors, partners and sponsors for your continued support of Geisinger. Together, we have accomplished great things this year.
This report shows the impact in our communities and in the lives of our friends, neighbors and team members. From supporting our neurology residency program and the building of our neurology skills lab to increasing access to fresh, healthy foods through the mobile food pantry, your kindness is a source of pride for our community.
We have much to celebrate, including the success of the Beyond the Bricks Campaign meeting its $10 million goal to support pediatrics and women’s health. Thanks to the generosity of many, we’ll have more resources to meet the needs of children and families across our region.
As I’ve gotten to know Geisinger, its people and the community, I’ve seen how there is a mutual desire to lift our communities. As a nonprofit health system, support from and partnership with donors like you ensure we’re meeting the needs today and in the future.
With thanks,
Terry Gilliland, MD President and CEO
Chief Philanthropy Officer
As we reflect on 2024, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who supported Geisinger Health Foundation this year. Your generosity has made possible vital healthcare innovations, expanded services, and the development of new facilities that are already transforming lives across our communities. Philanthropy is at the heart of Geisinger’s mission. It fuels our ability to care for patients with compassion and excellence, supports our dedicated learners and employees, and strengthens the communities we proudly serve. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us move forward with purpose and determination.
Because of you – our generous donors – we remain committed to leading the way in research, patient care, and the education of tomorrow’s caregivers. Your belief in our mission empowers us to lead boldly and make meaningful, lasting change in the health and well-being of our region.
On behalf of everyone at Geisinger, thank you again. Your commitment and partnership inspire us every day, and we are deeply grateful for all that you make possible.
Sincerely,
Nancy Lawton-Kluck Chief Philanthropy Officer Geisinger Health Foundation
Thanks to a generous donation from The GIANT Company, Geisinger, in partnership with Central Susquehanna Opportunities and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, launched a new mobile food pantry in July 2024. The pantry has already served more than 1,200 people across the Greater Susquehanna Valley, visiting 3 locations per month in Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties. In fact, more than 40,000 pounds of food were distributed in the mobile unit’s 6 months of service in 2024!
The mobile food pantry offers families the chance to choose from a selection of fresh produce, meat, dairy and other nutritious items. People facing food insecurity are often struggling in other areas of their lives, and the pantry has also allowed Geisinger to coordinate additional social services and assistance programs for families in need.
And the need in our regions has grown. Our food bank partners reported a 27% increase in the number of households served from 2022 to 2023, reflecting a post-pandemic surge in food insecurity across our region. Among Geisinger patients who have taken an adult social needs screening, nearly 10,500 have worried they would run out of food before having resources to buy more.
The GIANT Company’s generosity has made it possible to bring fresh, healthy food options closer to those who need it most in communities across the region. An extension of Geisinger’s food-is-health strategy, the mobile food pantry reinforces Geisinger’s commitment to improving quality of life and access to care.
Geisinger Health Foundation was granted $40,000 by the Ralph and Josephine Smith Fund of the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania to support Geisinger at Home™. This program cares for patients with complex, difficult-to-manage health conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, cancers and dementia, and Geisinger’s team of doctors, registered nurses, dietitians, case managers and medical support staff visit them in their residences.
Geisinger College of Health Sciences continues to grow and thrive thanks to generous support from the community. This year, 23 students received philanthropically funded scholarships at Geisinger School of Medicine, helping to make sure enough physicians and health practitioners are available to care for patients in our service area.
Clinical research is also a key arm of the College, and its forward-thinking programs are changing and saving lives because of charitable contributions. Geisinger’s MyCode® Genomic Screening and Counseling research program and the clinical Population Health DNA Screening pilot program have also been generously supported by the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, among other donors.
As part of Geisinger’s MyCode program, genetic counselors partner with clinicians to return medically actionable genetic results to patients, letting them know they’re at increased risk for certain conditions, such as cancer or heart disease. As of January 2025, more than 5,000 patientparticipants have received actionable results, giving them information to make informed decisions for the future of their health and that of their families.
One such patient-participant was found to have a gene change that significantly increased his risk for thyroid cancer. After receiving his result, William* had consultations with genetics, primary care and otolaryngology. He opted to have his thyroid removed, revealing a previously undetected thyroid cancer. William said, “If it wasn’t for MyCode, they
would not have found the cancer. Finding this early made the experience truly worthwhile.”
His surgeon, Nicholas Purdy, DO, added, “I felt a preventative surgical procedure that removes the thyroid gland was the way to go. [William] agreed and now he doesn’t have to worry — MyCode gave him the information he needed to make an informed decision.”
Funding from the Foundation has also provided for other innovations, like the Clinical Genomics Resource Center, which makes on-call genetic counselors available around the clock to support patients and their clinicians. Genetic counselors also facilitate “cascade genetic testing” for at-risk relatives of patient-participants who are identified with genomic risk.
*Name changed
Philanthropic support is vital to our clinical research. It empowers us to innovate and swiftly translate new discoveries into clinical care. The generosity of our donors is directly impacting our ability to take better care of our patients and their families.
Christa Lese Martin, PhD Chief Scientific Officer at Geisinger
In 2024, Geisinger Health Foundation surpassed an ambitious $10 million fundraising goal for its Beyond the Bricks campaign. Launched in 2019, the campaign has enabled Geisinger and Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital to move “beyond the bricks” of the hospital and even closer to every child, mother, family and community we serve.
The clinical leaders of this campaign are Sandra Culbertson, MD, chair of the Geisinger Women and Children’s Institute, and Frank Maffei, MD, chair of pediatrics for the Geisinger Women and Children’s Institute and chair of Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital.
Geisinger Health Foundation would like to thank Gary and Sandy Sojka, campaign co-chairs, for their tireless efforts and leadership in shepherding the effort, which has helped to expand behavioral healthcare for young patients, protect children and promote research and innovation that benefits women and children.
Fundraising for the Beyond the Bricks campaign is now complete, reaching a total of $10.9 million in 5 years. Of course, many of the projects supported by this campaign will require additional funding. Beyond the Bricks is just the beginning as these and other programs grow and make a deeper impact in the communities Geisinger serves. Your continued support is very much needed and appreciated.
Sleep disorders are a growing issue in the United States and can have profound impact on a person’s health and quality of life. Geisinger has recognized the issue and is using funding from the community to face the issue head on — so we can all get a good night’s rest.
Developed by Anne Marie Morse, MD, director of the Child Neurology and Pediatric Sleep Medicine programs at Geisinger and Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, the Wake Up and Learn™ (WUAL) program is designed to help students improve their sleep so they can reach their goals in the classroom and beyond.
Middle and high school students, college students, medical students — even residents and fellows — have benefited from the program. WUAL provides free sleep education, screening and resources to raise awareness about how sleep impacts students’ grades, relationships, athletic performance and mental health.
The program started at a single school district with specific age groups. Thanks to funding from the Beyond the Bricks campaign, WUAL has expanded to multiple school systems throughout the state and led to the launch of the Sleep to Be Well (STBW) program. STBW brings similar services and resources to expecting mothers, who can enhance their mood and immune system, support fetal growth and development, and reduce the risk of complications with better sleep.
STBW has been successfully implemented with:
7,000+ students
across 8 Pennsylvania school districts
5,500+ school faculty and staff
across 20 Pennsylvania school districts
300+ employees at 2 Geisinger Health Plan commercial employer sites
4,600+ pediatric patients across 3 Geisinger clinics
600+ GHP Kids members receiving sleep health education
Data from the pilot school highlights the powerful impact of sleep education and screening in schools — a 22% decrease in students exhibiting common behaviors linked to lack of sleep between December 2020 and March 2024.
Integrating STBW into the Geisinger Medical Center Pediatric Neurology clinic resulted in 742 patients completing the sleep screening, 68% of whom had scores indicating high risk for sleep problems.
Southern Columbia School District in Columbia County was so impressed with the STBW pilot through their employer partnership that they are bringing WUAL to their students, creating a foundation for improving sleep health for people throughout the whole school community.
“[STBW] added significant value to our staff by providing them with resources to enhance their sleep… We believe that continuing the conversations with students, parents and our staff will deepen their understanding of sleep, the potential challenges we all face.” – Christopher A. Snyder, director of Finance & Business Affairs, Southern Columbia Area School District
Newly pregnant parents are always excited to see the first images of their baby in the womb, usually thanks to an ultrasound. Though common, it can also be difficult to access these appointments close to home. Thanks to donor funds to the Beyond the Bricks campaign, Geisinger’s Lewisburg clinic purchased a new ultrasound machine, which has allowed technicians to obtain clearer, more high-quality images that support accurate diagnoses and better identify and manage high-risk pregnancies.
Lewisburg’s original equipment was delivered to Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, offering care much closer to home in Lycoming County. Previously, parents had to travel about an hour to Danville for this care. For those with transportation issues or work conflicts, this accessibility is a big benefit. Diane Timms, DO, Geisinger’s maternal fetal medicine division (MFM) chief said, “We’ve been able to offer appointments to patients in Jersey Shore who would otherwise not have gotten MFM care at all. This was desperately needed for our patients, and we’re so pleased to be able to offer this now right here where they live and work.”
Care after a sexual assault must be compassionate and specialized, especially when evidence collection is crucial. Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital was the first Geisinger location with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program in 2016. The name has evolved to Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE), which refers to a healthcare provider who has specialized training in the care of sexual assault victims, competency in conducting a forensic exam and the ability to provide expert testimony in court.
Thanks to funding from this campaign, more nurses and caregivers have received this training.
The program expanded regionally in 2018, which required additional resources for equipment for the collection and storing of forensic evidence to aid in prosecution, and adult and pediatric training and certification for nurses across the health system. This instruction also includes identifying signs of abuse or trafficking. Donations to the Beyond the Bricks campaign helped to fund these vital needs.
We continue our efforts to provide SAFE/SANE coverage 24/7/365 for every Geisinger hospital. We are also working to enhance victim support programs, increase community involvement and provide continuing education and recertification for SANE nurses. Thanks to a generous community of donors, these special nurses stand ready when this need arises.
Hip dysplasia is a condition, typically found in newborns, in which the hip joint doesn’t develop normally. As a result, the hip socket doesn’t fully cover the ball of the thigh bone and the hip can become partially or completely dislocated. The most common causes of hip dysplasia include breech birth, tight swaddling or genetics, and if left untreated, can lead to painful complications and possible surgeries later in life. With 1 in 10 newborns born with hip instability, the importance for early screening and treatment is clear.
At Geisinger, the goal is always to get upstream to minimize the risk of serious conditions that affect a patient’s quality of life. Funding from the Beyond the Bricks campaign was used to develop a hip dysplasia clinic through the Geisinger pediatric orthopaedic and pediatric sports medicine programs. Specifically, new equipment was purchased to enable more advanced newborn screening. Charitable contributions are also funding the staffing resources required to perform screenings, examine patients and accurately diagnose hip dysplasia and other conditions.
Launched in 2024, the Geisinger Hip Dysplasia Clinic is already helping newborns move and grow normally and avoid painful complications later in life. “Of the 433 patients screened, 51 required treatment,” pediatric sports medicine physician Elyse Jensen, MD, noted. Only 3 had positive clinical exam findings. “The remaining 48 patients likely would have been missed using conventional testing methods, so the enhanced screenings are working very well.”
Child Life school teacher elevated to full-time
• Is in hospital full time, 7 am-2:30 pm daily
• Attends interdisciplinary Team Rounds to learn about patient and anticipated length of stay
• Collaborates with care managers, outpatient social workers, providers and nursing staff
• Can now work with students who previously did not qualify (homeschool, non-district cyber programs, out-ofstate, charter school or private school)
No kid wants to stay at the hospital for any length of time. But when it’s necessary, patients and their families don’t need to worry about the student falling behind in school. The Hospital School Program, a collaboration between the Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital and the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, is a core service provided by Geisinger Child Life. The program is available to children in grades K – 12, as well as special education students up to age 21, who expect to miss at least 2 days of school or require frequent hospital visits.
For about 10 years, the Hospital School Program only received enough funding for a part-time teaching position. Sherry Musser, a Pennsylvania public school teacher for more than 20 years with a master’s degree in educational leadership from Wilkes University, came on board after the pandemic.
When the Child Life team was able to demonstrate the need for additional resources, funding from the Beyond the Bricks campaign made it possible to elevate Ms. Musser’s position to full-time for the 2022 –2023 school year — and the number of sessions provided exploded.
Ms. Musser has also been able to help students from more districts — 17 during the 2023 – 2024 school year — as well as through cyber programs and charter schools.
Ms. Musser sees students receiving treatment for a wide range of issues, from serious infections, to leukemia treatment, to suicidal ideation. Beyond the increases in numbers, the real-world impact has been immeasurable.
For example, a patient awaiting a kidney transplant planned to quit school to pursue a GED. With Ms. Musser’s help, she earned her high school diploma in 2024 and is now working at Geisinger while continuing dialysis.
When a student was admitted for cancer treatment, Ms. Musser found a place for her to practice her musical instrument without fear of disturbing other patients. Another student facing a long recovery from a fracture was granted permission to have school sessions outside on the play deck or in the Healing Garden to enjoy sunshine and fresh air.
“The relationships I’ve built with patients and families are very special,” Ms. Musser said. “The opportunity to see more students 1-on-1, sometimes for years, is very unique. It allows me to reduce their stress and help them feel a sense of normalcy, whether I’m working on basic reading skills with a kindergartener or biology with a high school student. Every day is challenging but truly rewarding.”
Comparison of part-time v. full-time impact:
Part-time
During the 2021-2022 school year (15 hours per week):
35 students instructed
135 instructional sessions were provided.
in PICU, CH2, CH3, HFAM6, BP2, Pediatric ED, and Dialysis
Full-time
From Aug. 24, 2022-March 17, 2023:
38 students instructed
235 instructional sessions provided (112 for students who would not have qualified in previous year)
Geisinger Neuroscience Institute is dedicated to the innovative integration of neurology, neurosurgery and otolaryngology. The team provides outstanding patient care while offering exceptional training and residency programs through Geisinger College of Health Sciences.
The institute uses philanthropic support to fund new initiatives in diagnosis and treatment options, and to expand educational opportunities that position residents for success in their neurology careers. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, residents will have access to more tools and training, and patients will continue to receive advanced care.
When George Burman developed a neurological condition, he saw Scott Friedenberg, MD, director of Neurology at Geisinger Medical Center, to diagnose and treat the condition. Over the course of his visits, Mr. Burman developed a close relationship with Dr. Friedenberg, driven by a deep appreciation for his expertise and compassion throughout the experience.
A long-time philanthropist in his community, Mr. Burman wanted to show his gratitude by giving back to Geisinger and honoring Dr. Friedenberg. He decided to focus on an initiative that Dr. Friedenberg believed was most important to fund — recruiting, educating and retaining talented neurologists at Geisinger.
Their collaboration led to the creation of the Friedenberg-Burman Neuro Residency Fund. The fund has supported:
Resident education through guest speakers, including David Lacomis, MD, from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Neuromuscular Disorders in the ICU: Mainly Critical Illness Myopathy and Neuropathy) and Kelly Sloan, MD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Innovative Approaches to Stroke Recovery).
Recognition for achievement, granting awards to two Resident Scholar of the Year recipients for reaching above and beyond achievements during the academic year. Six residents have been honored since the 2021 – 2022 school year.
Funding away rotations for residents who choose to gain insight on a subspecialty that isn’t offered at Geisinger. Four residents have received the funding since the 2021 – 2022 school year.
Thanks to Mr. Burman’s leadership and generosity, neurology residents at Geisinger will continue to benefit from additional educational opportunities and, ideally, practice at Geisinger and serve our local communities.
They essentially saved our lives, and there’s no greater gift than that.
“ ”
Molly Schwartz Geisinger Health nurse
Molly Schwartz spent 44 years as a nurse, including the last 10 years of her career with Geisinger Health Plan before retiring in 2009. Her nursing spirit, however, remains as strong as ever.
“I was a case manager in rehab, set up end-of-life care plans, and organized health plans, and I’ve volunteered with Health and Human Services in Centre County since I retired,” Ms. Schwartz said. “I know how hard it is to work through complicated situations and keep care going in the right direction. That’s one of the things I’ve always loved about Geisinger, both as a nurse and a patient with my own medical issues.”
Ms. Schwartz has been seeing Dr. Friedenberg, for an autoimmune disorder with debilitating symptoms that range from difficulty walking to chronic nerve pain.
“Neurology is very complicated,” Ms. Schwartz said. “I see Dr. Friedenberg, a nurse practitioner, a nurse navigator, an infectious disease doctor… all working together to keep me upright and moving. I can’t give up. There’s so much work that needs to be done with these relatively rare diseases, and that’s why I want to support neuroscience at Geisinger.”
Ms. Schwartz has graciously pledged a planned gift to the Friedenberg-Burman Neuro Residency Fund. Her husband, Ed Olsen, has also pledged a planned gift to the Cardiology Fund at Geisinger, which funds equipment, salaries, travel, patient education, training and other important investments.
“Ed had a heart attack in North Carolina,” Ms. Schwartz said. “When we returned home, the Geisinger cardiologist had made all the arrangements for a stent placement and follow-up care. It was such a smooth continuum. I’m glad to support the Neuroscience Institute, and Ed is glad to support cardiology.
Karl Storz donation of neurosurgical equipment enhances training
Karl Storz, a premier designer and manufacturer of devices used in endoscopic medical procedures, was the first company to support the Neurosurgical Skills Lab at Geisinger School of Medicine.
This early commitment helped fund the establishment of the Geisinger 3D Bioskills Lab for Microneurosurgical and Endoscopic Skull Base. The lab’s mission is to advance neurosurgical education, research and patient care by providing an unparalleled learning environment that integrates cuttingedge technology, anatomical precision and innovative simulation.
“The generous support from Karl Storz has been instrumental in expanding our ability to train the next generation of neurosurgeons,” said Rafael Martinez-Perez, MD, PhD, assistant professor of neurosurgery and fellowship program director. “The lab provides residents, fellows and medical students with the opportunity to refine their microsurgical techniques, enhance their understanding of skull base anatomy and develop proficiency in handling complex neurosurgical cases in a controlled setting. By incorporating high-quality instruments and state-of-theart tools, we are not only improving surgical training but ultimately impacting patient care by supporting safer, more precise procedures.”
Karl Storz continued their support with a generous donation of advanced neurosurgical equipment.
Geisinger School of Medicine is grateful for this partnership with Karl Storz, which has enabled the creation of a dynamic and stateof-the-art environment.
For the Metz family of Metz Culinary Management, bringing nutrition and comfort to their customers is a decades-long legacy. But the gift that created the Metz Family Wellness Café at the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Cancer Center at Geisinger Wyoming Valley is personal, borne of a connection between families that endures today.
In the 1970s, John Metz and Frank Henry developed a friendship after meeting through a professional organization. The relationship extended to their families as the men worked together to continuously improve northeast Pennsylvania in partnership with cultural, educational and other nonprofit organizations, including Geisinger. Their shared commitment to giving back lives on in the next generation of both families.
To renew that commitment, the Metzes funded the creation of the Metz Family Wellness Café. The Metz family’s connection with the Henry family, and their desire to support people with cancer, makes the café the perfect way to honor their father, John, who comforted and cared for people through food and drink. The café serves smoothies and smoothie bowls packed with fruits, vegetables and nutrient-rich ingredients.
“The Metz Family Wellness Café and Henry Cancer Center are built on the idea that healing goes beyond medicine,” said Maureen Metz, John’s daughter. “Healing comes through nourishment, connection and emotional support. We believe the café will have a profound impact on patients and families to ensure they’re not only cared for but embraced by a circle of comfort and hope.”
It would be unusual to find a family or community who have not been affected by a cancer diagnosis. Frank and Dorothea Henry’s granddaughter, Olivia Marquart, received cancer treatment for 6 years, and her spirit inspired countless Geisinger patients, families and staff. She passed away in 2019 at age 28, and her loss deeply affected those who knew and loved her.
“We all knew Olivia very well and marveled at her strength, resilience, determination and sense of humor during her difficult battle,” Ms. Metz said. “She had an inner strength that many don’t know they have until they’ve been pushed to the limit. My family always wanted to support people going through this experience. My father started our family in the food industry when he was 15, and we’ve seen how food brings people together. It’s not just about nourishment. It’s about love and care.”
In July, Geisinger Health Foundation kicked off its Employee Giving Campaign to support the Employee Assistance Fund, which provides financial support for Geisinger families getting back on their feet after illness, injury, loss or other life hardships that don’t rise to the level of an emergency or catastrophic event. Employees may be eligible for up to $1,000 per calendar year.
“The Employee Assistance Fund was created during the pandemic to support employees,” said Miranda Peruso, director, Annual Giving, Geisinger Health Foundation. “This year, everyone who participated received an extra card to wear with their name badges to show they supported their colleagues in need.”
As a nonprofit, Geisinger understands the importance of having employees give back, whether they’re supporting the Employee Assistance Fund or another area of the system that shows the impact of their work.
This year, Geisinger Administrative Fellows, a group of administrative healthcare professionals, organized a pumpkin decorating contest, which also promoted the Geisinger Giving Tuesday campaign. People donated to vote for their favorite pumpkin, with proceeds benefiting the Employee Assistance Fund. The contest raised more than $1,000 in just one day.
“We look forward to hosting more events that engage Geisinger employees in support of our mission,” Peruso said. “We want people to know that we’re here for the community and each other.”
I know what it’s like to have my life turned upside down in a moment. In 2008, we lost our home and everything we had. My coworkers helped us get back on our feet then, and again in 2022, when my son needed a bone marrow transplant. I will be eternally grateful for the providers, staff and my coworkers who showed me a great deal of support when my family needed an extra hand.
Darlene Yeager phlebotomist, Geisinger Pittston
In 2024, the Geisinger Health Foundation launched the Corporate Giving Circle, a corporate partner program that provides businesses and organizations with an opportunity to boldly demonstrate their commitment to improving the lives of neighbors and loved ones.
Giving circles have become an increasingly popular form of collective giving because they enable members to pool their money, resources and/or time to advance initiatives important to them.
Geisinger is excited to welcome EwingCole to the Corporate Giving Circle, joining Howard Industries and the Hershey Company as the circle’s inaugural members. EwingCole designs inventive solutions that enable clients to advance their mission, transforming everyday buildings and landscapes into meaningful experiences. All 3 organizations have generously contributed to Geisinger initiatives prior to joining our corporate giving program and are exploring ways to remove barriers to better health.
Multiple levels of giving provide Corporate Giving Circle members with varying levels of exposure in the community, access to exclusive events and tours of Geisinger, and networking opportunities with local businesses, healthcare industry executives and community leaders. We look forward to collaborating with our partners to identify initiatives that will enable us to make a bigger difference in the communities we serve.
Jeanne Hafer has always been the biggest fan of her younger sister, Janet Tomcavage, Geisinger executive vice president and chief nursing officer. From a young age, she saw Ms. Tomcavage pursue her calling as a nurse, selflessly caring and advocating for people who needed help.
“Janet started off as a nurse and became a diabetic specialist,” Ms. Hafer said. “I think that was partly because our mother and grandmother both had diabetes. She went on to get her master’s, studying at night while working full-time and caring for her son. When our brother in Texas had bladder cancer, Janet dropped everything to take care of him. She’s just always there for everyone, including patients who she’s never met — not because she wants acknowledgement, but because she feels it’s the right thing to do.”
Ms. Hafer and her husband, Ken, surprised Ms. Tomcavage with an endowment to Geisinger’s nursing program to honor her 40-plus-year nursing career. The Janet Tomcavage Endowment for Nursing Innovation provides Geisinger’s nurses and leadership the backing to improve nursing at Geisinger through innovation, training and equipment. The Hafers also created a fund that would be accessible immediately.
Funds have already been used to:
• Open a facility for new Geisinger nurses at the Glenmaura Building. The center was created to position new nurses for success and provide modern training and simulation equipment for experienced nurses.
• Purchase a new, ultrasound-guided IV insertion device to make it easier and faster to insert IVs.
• Purchase an amplified stethoscope to enable a nurse with hearing loss to continue working.
• Invest in wound care specialization training and extend wound care expertise to every Geisinger campus.
“ ”
Janet is just an amazing person. She has given her life to nursing. It was just in my heart to do something to honor who she is and what she’s meant to so many people. I’m so grateful that she can use these funds to support nurses who share her passion and the patients they serve.
Ms.
Jeanne Hafer Sister of Janet Tomcavage
Geisinger Health Foundation works with corporations large and small to connect their charitable giving with programs and services at Geisinger that align with the businesses’ priorities and interests. An exciting new option for generous companies is Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), which encourages businesses to invest in projects that strengthen communities, offering a tax credit of up to 90% for contributions to approved NAP programs. Introduced in 2024, NAP is a unique “win-winwin” initiative that brings together the state government and nonprofit organizations to fund programs that drive meaningful change in people’s lives.
Geisinger shared with the business community that they use NAP to help fund the Child Advocacy Center at Geisinger. The center works tirelessly to break the cycle of child abuse, providing care and support to children and families in a safe environment. The center served 511 children across Northumberland, Columbia, Lycoming, Union, Snyder and Tioga counties in 2023. The vast majority of its services cannot be supported through fees and service billing, therefore philanthropic support is vital to its work.
When Baylor-Hamm Companies, a third-generation, family-owned hospitality business based in Lewisburg, was approached about supporting the Child Advocacy Center and receiving a 90% tax credit through NAP, they had a very simple response: “Why wouldn’t we do it?”
“You’re supporting an organization that’s offering such important services to children in our community,” said Robert Pierce, chief financial officer at Baylor-Hamm Companies. “As an added benefit, you get a significant reduction in your tax obligation. Our company’s donation to the Child Advocacy Center qualified for the maximum tax credit.”
He continued, “The process was very simple — commit to the donation, provide proof of payment and receive confirmation of the tax credit. The financial benefit is substantial, but we’re grateful to be able to support such a worthy cause with Geisinger.”
Coterra, a national energy company, also gave to Geisinger through Pennsylvania’s NAP initiative. Thanks to Coterra’s generosity, Geisinger established a ConvenientCare+ location in Tunkhannock. ConvenientCare+ provides a higher level of care for residents of Wyoming County, treating injuries or illnesses that require immediate treatment but may not warrant an emergency room visit. This funding has also enabled Geisinger to increase access to lab services, ultrasound, imaging, and other important services, expand CT services and upgrade a critical care transport vehicle for the region. Unlike an ambulance, which is designed and equipped for emergencies, a critical transport care vehicle transports patients who require medical assistance but not emergency care.
“Coterra is committed to bettering the communities it serves, not only by delivering sustainable returns through efficient, responsible development, but through its approach to strategic partnerships,” said William desRosiers, external affairs manager for Coterra. “Understanding the need for access to highquality urgent care in Wyoming County, we chose to support the expansion of Geisinger’s Tunkhannock Clinic to include a ConvenientCare+. This provides access to the only CT machine in the county and easier access to other diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, mammogram, and on-site labs.”
NAP benefits small businesses as well as large corporations like Coterra. For Clint and Julie Rockey, owners of Rockey Auctions, giving to Geisinger this way made good business sense. The Rockeys have also seen the impact of Geisinger’s life-changing care up close.
“Geisinger has been very good to Rockey Auctions through our business relationship, and they’ve also helped my family through serious health issues,” Mr. Rockey said. “My wife was treated for breast cancer at Geisinger and Dr. James Evans saved her life.”
When Mr. Rockey heard about NAP, he hesitated because it sounded too good to be true. He asked his chief financial officer to research the program to make sure he fully understood how it worked. Just weeks after donating, he received confirmation that Rockey Auctions would receive the full 90% tax credit.
“It was just a no-brainer,” he said. “The tax benefit gave us that extra incentive to give as a company, but it also allowed us to make a larger donation. I also researched the Child Advocacy Center. They help kids and families in so many ways, but their services desperately need funding. We’re happy to help them make a difference in our community.”
“ ”
Understanding the need for access to high quality urgency care in Wyoming County, [Coterra] chose to support the expansion of Geisinger’s Tunkhannock Clinic to include a ConvenientCare+.
William desRosiers External Affairs Manager for Coterra
Throughout 2024, the Foundation held special events to recognize our donors and highlight the programs and services that benefit from generous contributions. These fundraising events also make sure those funds are replenished. More than $750,000 was raised to support our patients, learners, caregivers and communities.
Last year, Geisinger Health Foundation held an educational luncheon for donors to learn more about planned giving and including the School of Medicine in their wills or estate plans.
The gala honored important school partners and alumni and raised needed funds for medical student scholarships at Geisinger School of Medicine.
Geisinger School of Medicine hosted the NEPA Health Care Foundation and the medical student recipients of the Foundation’s scholarships at a reception in May.
Dancing in the Dark for Cancer rocked and rolled with Bruce Springsteen tribute band, The B Street Band.
Geisinger Health Foundation recognized and celebrated 1915 Society members, donors who consistently give $1,000 to support Geisinger patients, learners and programs.
Geisinger Community Medical Center Golf Classic
The classic in May raised funds for workplace violence initiatives at the Scranton hospital. More than 120 golfers participated.
The open featured PGA Tour Professional Ben Crane, who shared tips and stories about his life on the tour. Proceeds benefited the Beyond the Bricks Campaign.
Geisinger Medical Center School of Nursing Alumni Luncheon
The Foundation hosted the annual gathering of Geisinger Medical Center School of Nursing alumni at the Pine Barn Inn in September. Friends and former colleagues chatted and reminisced.
The ball in September helped the Foundation cross the finish line with its $10 million campaign supporting maternal and pediatric initiatives across the Geisinger footprint.
Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital Golf Tournament
The 2024 Jane F. Korbich Memorial Golf Tournament was held in July and raised funds for programs and services at Geisinger Shamokin Community Hospital.
In recognition of all of its scholarship students, the School of Medicine hosted a celebratory brunch. Scholarships help ease the financial burden of our students and enable the School to attract the best students from a diverse array of socioeconomic backgrounds.