Press Releases

Scranton, PA – U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today announced the release of $150,000 in new federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act’s Centers of Excellence COVID-19 program.

Awards were made to organizations based on their capacity to implement COVID-19 telehealth activities that train high-demand professions across the health care team. These investments will help train students, physicians, nurses, physician assistants, allied health and other high-demand professionals in telehealth. This will enable these professionals to maximize telehealth for COVID-19 referrals for screening and testing, case management, outpatient care and other essential care during the crisis.

“This new funding is an important part of putting innovative tools to work to help our health professionals continue on their mission of caring for those with the coronavirus,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I applaud Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine for continuing to play a critical role in northeastern Pennsylvania’s response to COVID-19.”

“HRSA Center of Excellence COVID-19 funds will help us understand the impact on medically underserved communities and how to best serve them,” said Ida Castro, JD, vice president for community engagement and chief diversity officer at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. “Training our students and clinical staff to educate and advocate for these communities is crucial to the overall wellbeing of our region. This grant will allow us to pilot important new initiatives in this area.”