(L-R) K-9 Security handler Karri Dodson, her partner Jäger and Ron Strony, MD, donor to the K-9 program.
Let’s see what we can accomplish together
Thank you for another year of giving — the support, financial and otherwise, that community members, like you, have shown is impactful.
I’ve been a long-time fan of Geisinger and followed the innovative work happening here. One of the things that drew me to join Geisinger is the deep roots the system has in the community. Of course, there is the 100-plus year legacy in central Pennsylvania, but it’s more than that. There is something unique about how the system and community are so intertwined. When everyone feels a sense of pride and ownership in making something the best it can be, that’s when amazing things happen.
When I read the stories of impact in this report, I see the generous spirit of our communities. From individuals to families to businesses — you’re connecting Geisinger with resources to support so many. Whether that’s kids who need fresh food, students who need cutting-edge technology, or patients with cancer who need help with transportation and lodging, these are the stories of communities lifted up by your kindness.
Thank you for your ongoing support and the way you’ve welcomed me into Geisinger and the community. Our work means so much to these communities, and they need us now more than they ever have. I look forward to seeing what we can do together!
Sincerely,
Terry Gilliland, MD President and CEO
Philanthropy has never been more important
On behalf of Geisinger’s patients, physicians and caregivers, researchers, students and faculty, I’d like to thank all of you, our generous donors. I’m eager for you to read the following pages to learn more about the programs and people who’ve been helped by your support.
In 2023, Geisinger became the first health system to join Risant Health, a new nonprofit organization created by Kaiser Foundation Hospitals. Despite these changes behind the scenes, Geisinger is still Geisinger.
Our mission is the same. Our commitment to uplifting communities remains steadfast. We continue to focus on serving our patients, students and members through philanthropy. In fact, having access to additional tools, expertise and resources will enable Geisinger to impact more people across Pennsylvania.
We are incredibly grateful for your support, which has touched so many throughout the region. From our Beyond the Bricks campaign to dramatic improvements to the Henry Cancer Center at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, to innovative enhancements to Geisinger programs and facilities and scholarships for the next generation of providers, you have made positive change possible.
Of course, there is always more work to be done. Geisinger still relies on the support of individuals, foundations and businesses that generously establish funds, host events and manage campaigns in support of the Geisinger mission.
Philanthropy has never been more important, and the stories here prove what can be accomplished through philanthropic endeavors. Your gifts
continue to help us remove barriers to better health, develop innovative care and treatment programs, and train future healthcare teams. On behalf of the Geisinger family, I thank you for your generosity and passion for philanthropy, now and in the future.
Nancy Lawton-Kluck Chief Philanthropy Officer Geisinger Health Foundation
Total donors 3,821 New donors 998
Total funds raised $10,473,522
Total funds distributed $9,450,070
Total endowment market value as of Dec. 31, 2023 = $91,069,628 representing about 210 individual endowments
Rite Aid Healthy Futures expands food program for kids
In 2023, Rite Aid Healthy Futures expanded on its previous support of a pediatric food insecurity pilot program with a new gift. This contribution was designed to help expand equitable care and improve health outcomes for children in underserved and vulnerable neighborhoods. The funding, which totals $184,750 over three years of giving, has been used to partner with Geisinger pediatrics and Geisinger’s Fresh Food Farmacy to develop a pilot program that expands food access to patients age 6 to 17. The impact of this gift, as well as generous donations from other organizations, has been extraordinary.
553 unique enrollees in Shamokin and Scranton
119 of those households, or 22%, include children In Scranton alone, more than 200,000 meals were provided to more than 2,200 patients and household members
Babies sleep safely, thanks to the Hershey Company
The Hershey Company plant in Hazleton is known for producing delicious Cadbury, Caramello and Kit Kat products. The company is also known for its legacy of support for many philanthropic initiatives, including Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine’s Regional Education Academy for Careers in Health – Higher Education Initiative, or REACH-HEI, and pediatric patient camps, adding up to more than $25,000 over the last two years.
In 2022, The Hershey Company funded the launch of Cribs for Kids in our northeastern Pennsylvania region, a program that provides a Pack ‘n Play for parents who cannot afford a safe sleeping place for their baby. The company then donated additional funds to Cribs for Kids and several other programs in 2023. By the end of the year, the program had purchased 80 Pack ‘n Plays for families in need. Hershey also supported the Safe Sleep Sack program, which helps new parents safely swaddle their newborn. “Every child deserves a safe place to sleep, and every parent deserves the peace of mind of knowing their child is sleeping safely and comfortably,” said Indira Case, associate manager, Community Impact at The Hershey Company. “We’re grateful to support this wonderful program for parents and newborns.”
1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation grant funds UNITY and Free2BMom programs to stop child abuse
Geisinger is fortunate to work in tandem with the 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation and grateful for grant support that continues to have a tremendous impact on the communities we serve. The Foundation donated $500,000 for various projects in 2023 alone. The UNITY and Free2BMom programs, which focus on getting upstream on child abuse and maltreatment, are among the most recent beneficiaries of the Foundation’s generosity.
The UNITY program focuses on five core tenets: offering parent training programs like Changing Our Parenting Experience (COPE24); creating social value for strong families; identifying children and families at risk and engaging them in tiered, responsive actions; coordinating care referrals and follow-up between clinic and community services (concierge, data sharing, communication); and improving access and availability of real-time support for parents at immediate risk for harming a child. Sixty individual community stakeholders and 26 Geisinger representatives have participated in quarterly stakeholder meetings for the program.
With assistance from community organizations like the Nurse Family Partnership, UNITY strives to break the cycle of abuse and change families’ lives. Geisinger has been able to reach countless families across the region, thanks in large part to the philanthropy and partnership of the 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation.
Geisinger is also grateful for a generous gift in support of the Free2BMom program. The stigma surrounding opioid and substance use disorder can create worry and anxiety about seeking treatment, especially for new parents and pregnant women. Free2BMom helps families overcome these challenges, providing case management, peer support and connection to social and medical services without judgment to support a mother’s path to recovery and decrease the risk of recurrence of use.
Free2BMom is a free program offered from pregnancy to two years after childbirth to mothers in recovery or finding their way into recovery. The program connects mom and baby to services like outpatient counseling, medication-assisted treatment, social services and community-based assistance, and help with finding therapy and recovery support meetings. Family members are welcome to participate so everyone can begin healing together.
Live Like Brent Foundation seeks to ‘shred blood cancers’
The Live Like Brent Foundation honors Brent Evans, who came up with the idea for the Carve 4 Cancer Winter Festival at Montage Mountain while receiving treatment for stage IV non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The purpose of the ski and snowboarding event was to “shred blood cancers” and raise funds for those affected, including those treated at Geisinger. After Brent passed away in 2017 at the age of 33, the organization he created was transformed into the Live Like Brent Foundation.
Live Like Brent puts money into the hands of blood cancer patients to fund travel, lodging, utilities, medical expenses and other qualified expenses during their time of need. As a partner hospital, Geisinger received a portion of proceeds from Carve 4 Cancer, now Live Like Brent’s signature fundraiser, and other events throughout 2023.
“We always give back to communities where we raise funds, so Geisinger was a natural choice,” said Josh Frank, a close friend of Brent and current President of Live Like Brent. “There has been an unbelievable outpouring of support from northeastern Pennsylvania. As a 100 percent volunteer-run nonprofit, the only performance metric that matters is how many patients we help. Brent would be very proud that we’re making their battles just a little bit easier. Everything we do truly reflects the amazing, giving individual Brent was.”
Children benefit from giving ‘Spirit’
For the sixth consecutive year, Spirit Halloween’s Spirit of Children Foundation made a generous donation to support Child Life Services at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, bringing their total giving to $276,700 since 2019. Money raised from coupons and collections at Spirit Halloween’s seasonal stores will be used to help children cope with pain, and anxiety through play and education like the use of distraction toys or educational toys that walk a patient and their families through procedures, demystifying what could be scary parts and helping everyone feel better prepared.
Lauren Pluskey McLain (center), Geisinger Health Foundation senior director of corporate and foundation relations, accepts the check from the Live Like Brent Foundation in February 2023.
Howard Industries gift supports Geisinger employees in need
Howard Industries generously donated in support of the Employee Assistance Fund, which helps Geisinger employees with immediate needs after emergencies like fires or deaths in the family. The donation was then used as a matching gift during the Geisinger Health Foundation’s annual endof-year giving campaign in 2023 to inspire more people to donate and make a bigger difference.
Based in Fairview, Pa., Howard Industries, proudly crafting architectural signage since 1928, has also donated to the Geisinger Behavioral Health Catalyst Fund. This fund kick-starts important initiatives like the Emergency Department’s Bridge Clinic, which links psychological intervention with patient needs right in the emergency room.
“Matching gifts allow every donor to deliver more impact through their generosity,” said Patrick Sutton, president of Howard Industries. “We’re honored to support the Employee Assistance Fund and match gifts that support Geisinger’s efforts to sustain and improve upon the valuable services it provides to the community.”
MLB manager Maddon supports radiothon
“We’re honored to support the Employee Assistance Fund and match gifts that support Geisinger’s efforts to sustain and improve upon the valuable services it provides to the community.
“ ”
Patrick Sutton
President, Howard Industries
World Series-winning manager and West Hazleton native Joe Maddon visited the 102.7 KISS-FM studio and spent time with Miracle Kid Mason Ostrich during the station’s Holiday Radiothon benefiting Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger. The organization raises funds to strengthen the life-saving pediatric treatments, research, services and equipment Geisinger provides for children every day. For example, in 2023, Children’s Miracle Network provided funding for high-frequency jet ventilators, video laryngoscopes and various infant warmers.
K-9 program enhances safety at Geisinger Northeast
Did you know healthcare workers are five times more likely than other professions to sustain an injury caused by workplace violence? Researchers estimate the rate of violence is even higher due to underreporting.
When Geisinger initiated a workplace violence committee to address this issue, the idea of implementing a K-9 security program was introduced. Recognizing the daily risk to healthcare staff, System Chair of Emergency Medicine for Geisinger Ronald Strony, MD and his wife, Elisa, were eager to donate in support of the K-9 program at Geisinger Northeast, after completing their pledge to start an endowed scholarship at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Their new gift resulted in the “adoption” of Jager, the German shepherd K-9 used at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre and throughout the region.
“The majority of violence in healthcare happens in and around the emergency department,” Dr. Strony said. “Elisa and I had discussed that if we can’t create a safer environment for the people who work so hard for our community, they won’t be able to serve our patients. When we heard the K-9 officer’s name was Jäger, we knew this was our opportunity to make a difference.”
The Stronys also had a dog named Jäger, a Belgian Malinois, which is the same breed employed by the military, as well as a German shepherd, which is the same breed as Aria, the K-9 officer employed at Geisinger Danville. Given the personal connections and their love for animals, funding the K-9 program was the perfect fit for the Stronys.
Geisinger staff and patients benefit from Jäger’s skills that range from de-escalation and the detection of dangerous items, to assisting with the tracking of at-risk patients and supporting community relations.
K-9 Security handler Karri Dodson, her partner Jäger and Ron Strony, MD, donor to the K-9 program.
TraumaMan enables real-world simulation lab training
Although the name may conjure images of a caped superhero, TraumaMan® is actually an anatomically correct simulation mannequin that enables students and physicians to gain valuable, hands-on training on real-world emergency room procedures. The purchase of TraumaMan for the Clinical Skills and Simulation Center at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine was funded by a generous gift of more than $36,000 from James Gregory, MD.
Dr. Gregory is coordinator of Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) courses at Geisinger for both students and instructors. He has been teaching ATLS since 1987 and built simulation labs at multiple hospital systems prior to joining Geisinger nine years ago.
Between the Simulation Center and Geisinger General Surgery and Emergency Medicine residency programs, Dr. Gregory estimates that about 150 students per year are trained using the remarkably lifelike TraumaMan.
“The impact on our ability to train on these lifesaving procedures is huge,” Dr. Gregory said. “Students use TraumaMan to learn how to perform procedures like emergency tracheostomies, emergency chest tubes and pericardiocentesis. They learn how to identify landmarks and can physically perform these procedures on a mannequin.”
In addition to TraumaMan, a whole-body mannequin and advanced airway trainer are being used to simulate rare situations that a doctor may encounter in an emergency room. These innovative tools have significantly enhanced the training received by students at Geisinger.
The impact on our ability to train on these lifesaving procedures is huge.
James Gregory, MD Coordinator of Advanced Trauma Life Support courses, Geisinger
Surgical resident Kristen Wahlen, DO, demonstrates on TraumaMan.
Weis Markets’ giving helps to save lives
Since the first Weis Markets store opened more than 100 years ago, the Weis team has prioritized serving the community. This tradition continued in 2023 as Weis Markets supported multiple Geisinger initiatives, including gifts to Geisinger’s Stop the Bleed first-aid training, a generous donation to the Beyond the Bricks campaign which supports maternal and pediatric care, and sponsorship of the Geisinger Ball on Broadway. In addition to gifts at the corporate level, individual Weis Markets stores have contributed to Geisinger programs.
Service 1st Federal Credit Union continues tradition of philanthropy
Did you know Service 1st Federal Credit Union was originally founded by a group of Geisinger employees in 1975? In fact, volunteers would open accounts in the hospital cafeteria. Geisinger Federal Credit Union would eventually become Service 1st Federal Credit Union in 1995.
The generosity of Service 1st to Geisinger has been on display every year since 1995, including recent gifts to the COVID-19 Fund and the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fund, as well as corporate sponsorships for the Ball on Broadway, Emerald City Ball, Children’s Miracle Network, golf tournaments and other events. Total giving will likely eclipse $500,000 in 2024.
“We’re proud to be a long-time supporter and partner of Geisinger,” said Mike Thomas, president and CEO of Service 1st. “Our shared values and dedication to the communities we serve have enabled us to build an extremely rewarding relationship, and we’re grateful to be able to help Geisinger make a difference in people’s lives.”
Throughout the last two years, Weis’ support to Geisinger has totaled $82,000. “Weis Markets has been a proud supporter of Geisinger for many years, supporting their great work and numerous programs, including their Stop the Bleed training which undoubtedly saved one of our customers’ lives,” said Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing for Weis Markets Bob Gleeson. “As a cornerstone of the community, Weis Markets is deeply committed to enhancing the well-being of those we serve. We are proud to stand alongside Geisinger in their mission to provide innovative healthcare solutions, advance medical research and create healthier, safer communities.”
The team from Service 1st at the Geisinger Ball on Broadway. (l-r) Seth Herb; Rachael Herb, Assistant Vice President Lewisburg Market, Service 1st; Terry Brown; Linda Brown, Chief Administrative Officer, Service 1st; Mike Thomas, President/CEO, Service 1st; Tabitha Thomas; Tom Rambo, Regional Vice President (East); Service 1st; and Kaycee Rambo.
Kathryn Bommer leads a Stop the Bleed workshop.
Sanofi grant brings REACH-HEI to Monroe County students
Geisinger College of Health Sciences launched the Regional Education Academy for Careers in Health – Higher Education Initiative (REACH-HEI) to provide academic enrichment opportunities to low-income and/or first-generation-to-college students who pursue careers in science and health-related professions. More than 80 percent of REACH-HEI participants go on to earn a degree, while many earn advanced degrees.
Thanks to a generous $60,000 gift from Sanofi, the global healthcare company with a campus in Swiftwater, students in Monroe County will benefit from REACH-HEI. Sanofi’s grant is being used to identify and admit students in the Stroudsburg Area, Pocono Mountain East and Wallenpaupack Area school districts with the goal of introducing students to biomedical research and the varied careers associated with the life sciences through programs at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.
REACH-HEI is an out-of-school program that provides students with hands-on experiences at Geisinger Commonwealth, an introduction to biomedical science, an opportunity to embark on a year-long research project and mentoring by medical and graduate students. The goal is to provide students with guidance and real-world experiences to help them achieve academic and career success.
“As the second-largest employer in Monroe County, we are dedicated to elevating our communities,” said Phillip St. James, Sanofi’s Associate Director, US CSR & Community Relations. We’re happy to support REACH-HEI and encourage young people to explore the rewarding careers available in pharmaceuticals, research and medicine.
Students from NativityMiguel School of Scranton participate in the REACH-HEI program at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.
Runtagh Scholarship supports aspiring nurses
Anne and Robert Runtagh called Lewistown home for more than half a century and raised their family there. Later in life, they were grateful for the exceptional care and compassion they received from the nursing staff at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital.
The children and grandchildren of Anne and Robert were thrilled to honor their memory and support the next generation of nurses by creating the Runtagh Family Endowed Nursing Scholarship with a $100,000 gift.
The scholarship is dedicated to assisting aspiring nurses who are passionate about their calling but face financial obstacles to education. The scholarship will be open to one or more nursing students from Mifflin and Juniata counties who demonstrate a commitment to making a difference in the healthcare field.
“We’re excited to be able to honor our parents and the remarkable nurses of Geisinger,” said Hellene Runtagh, daughter of Anne and Robert. “Creating a lasting legacy with scholarships that support the future of healthcare in the region they loved is extremely gratifying.”
Left: Aliyah Shoop celebrates completing her nursing program and graduating from Geisinger School of Nursing.
Anne and Robert left an indelible mark on their community by contributing their time and talents to organizations such as Roundtable of Christians and Jews, Sacred Heart Church, Lewistown Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary, March of Dimes Campaign, American Heart Association Campaigns, Music Study Club and Women’s Club. The generosity of the Runtaghs is just the latest example of a family tradition of giving and service.
Above: Geisinger School of Nursing student Maura Bunnell works with a patient.
Right: Geisinger School of Nursing students Andrew Oldt and Michelle Clayton study in class.
Special events
Throughout 2023, special events were held to recognize our donors and raise further funds for important programs across our care footprint. In total, more than $800,000 was raised to support our patients, students and learners, caregiving teams and communities.
The Jane F. Korbich Memorial Golf Tournament, held in July at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course in Elysburg, raised funds for women’s health services at Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Golf Tournament took to the links in Moosic and raised much-needed funds for medical student scholarships.
Friday Night’s Alright for Fighting Cancer, a Henry Cancer Center benefit, was a fête worthy of Elton John in May, with Philadelphia Freedom playing Sir Elton’s hits.
The Lewistown Social was a night under the stars in support of the expansion of the Geisinger School of Nursing in downtown Lewistown. Guests stargazed, enjoyed the sounds of Trip the Light band and learned more about the school’s expansion, which opened in spring 2024.
The annual Scholarship Reception at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine celebrated the year’s scholarship recipients and the donors who made those scholarships possible. 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.
The Ball on Broadway, held in September, supported maternal and pediatric initiatives across the Geisinger footprint, including improved access to adolescent behavioral health programs, our Child Advocacy Center and breastfeeding support and education for new moms.
The new donor wall at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center was unveiled and recognizes donors who made a gift or pledge of $10,000 or more from January 2020 to present. We’ll continue to add new donors who meet this criteria.
A reception for the 1915 Society was held to celebrate donors who consistently give $1,000 or more to support Geisinger patients, students and programs.
The 36th Annual Geisinger Golf Pro-Am welcomed PGA Tour Pro Mark Calcavecchia and raised funds for pediatric programs and resources at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital.
