URGENT UPDATE: The landscape of healthcare in Wilkes-Barre is shifting dramatically as Tenor Health Foundation has just finalized an agreement to acquire Wilkes-Barre General Hospital along with two other hospitals in a landmark deal. This acquisition comes at a critical time for local healthcare services and aims to secure essential resources for vulnerable communities.
In an announcement made earlier today, Tenor Health confirmed the acquisition of Commonwealth Health’s hospitals, including the Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. Tenor CEO Radha A. Savitala expressed gratitude to community leaders and hospital staff, stating, “This acquisition exemplifies our organization’s commitment to preserve valuable healthcare resources in the most vulnerable communities.”
Tenor Health, a California-based nonprofit, plans to finance the acquisition through $47 million in tax-exempt bonds and $25 million in taxable bonds, as per a resolution approved by Luzerne County Council in November. However, concerns are surfacing regarding the future of property tax revenues, with Luzerne County potentially losing $1.9 million annually if the properties transition to nonprofit status.
In related news, Geisinger Health System has reached a new three-year labor agreement for approximately 800 nurses at its Luzerne County campuses. This deal includes pay raises between 13% and 26% over the contract’s duration, addressing critical staffing concerns that led to a five-day strike in February.
In a distressing turn, Keystone Mission announced it will close two of its three homeless shelters by July 10, 2025, citing rising operational costs and declining donations. This closure will result in significant layoffs, reducing staff from 21 employees to 6. The board’s decision underscores the increasing challenges nonprofits face in sustaining services amid financial strain.
Further compounding the community’s challenges, nearly a dozen Rite Aid stores in Luzerne County have closed following the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in May. The pharmacy chain has struggled under the weight of billions in debt and ongoing legal issues, leading to the shuttering of more than 1,200 locations nationwide. Rite Aid’s decline marks a significant loss for the region, where it has operated since 1962.
This series of developments highlights a critical moment for healthcare and human services in Wilkes-Barre and its surrounding areas. As Tenor Health steps in to acquire vital hospitals, the region grapples with the implications of nonprofit transitions and the closure of essential services.
Stay tuned for updates as these stories continue to evolve, impacting the lives of thousands in the community.
