Penn State Health News

Live Music in Lobbies Today
2026-01-27 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Main Entrance Lobby – Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, United States
10 – 11:30 am • Main Lobby
Frances Drost (Piano)

Live Music in PSCI Lobby Today
2026-01-27 13:00 - 14:30 | Penn State Cancer Institute Lobby, 400 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, United States
Seasons, harp and hammered dulcimer
1:00pm – 2:30pm, PSCI lobby
Sponsored by the Penn State Cancer Institute

Interlibrary Loan Office Hours
2026-01-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Room C1620K – Harrell Library Technology Sandbox, 700 HMC Crescent Road, Hershey, PA, 17033, United States
Have you ever had questions about interlibrary loan, like who can use it?
What types of materials can be requested through interlibrary loan?
Or why is it taking so long for my request to be filled?
On Tuesday, January 27th from 2pm – 4pm interlibrary loan staff will be hosting drop – in office hours in the Harrell Health Sciences Library Technology Sandbox.
During office hours, interlibrary loan staff will be on hand to answer all of your ILL questions. Office hours are open to all students, staff, faculty members, and affiliates of the Penn State College of Medicine and the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Registration is not required for this event and office hours are structured as first come, first serve.
Questions about interlibrary loan office hours can be directed to hmcill@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.

SurviveWELL
2026-01-27 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-03 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-10 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
The Kristen Olewine Milke CARE Center at Penn State Cancer Institute offers patients the SurviveWELL program.
What does it mean to be “well”? And how might we treat ourselves “well” even when we are ill or having a “bad day”? SurviveWELL – this program, the community of participants, the practices, and the monthly themes – are offered in support of treating ourselves well. Doing so on a regular basis represents important acts of kindness for one’s self in service of self-care.
Program Overview
SurviveWELL consists of four sessions – one per week – each month over the course of six months. All sessions are being conducted virtually via Zoom, which supports joining where ever participants are able to access the internet. The weekly sessions greater health and wellness. The program strives to support patients during the active phase treatment for cancer and beyond. Each session is facilitated by professional(s) with expertise in nutrition, yoga, mindfulness and energy work | quigong, respectively. Participants are encouraged to invite a wellness partner to join them for each of the sessions.
Click here to join the Zoom meeting. Meeting password is [REDACTED].
Registration
SurviveWell is held every Tuesday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., offered in two sessions each year: January-June and July-December. Register prior to beginning the program by contacting the CARE Center at 1-888-531-6585 (option 4). Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Inclusion Academy, Experiential Learning: The Importance of Language Services in Healthcare. Bridging Communication Gaps
2026-01-28 07:30 - 08:30 | Webinar
The Importance of Language Services in Healthcare: Bridging Communication Gaps
Clear communication is essential to quality care—and language should never be a barrier.
Join us for an important session on how Language Access Services at Penn State Health help ensure every patient is heard, understood, and respected—no matter what language they speak.
In this session, you’ll learn how to:

Recognize the Language Access Services available at Penn State Health
Understand the protocol for bilingual employees to become qualified medical interpreters
Take action to access language services and support inclusive, patient-centered care

Whether you’re a provider, staff member, or simply passionate about equitable healthcare, this session will equip you with the tools to help bridge communication gaps and build trust with every patient.
7:30a – Registration
3:30p – Registration
Let’s make healthcare truly accessible—for everyone.

Mothers Circle
2026-01-28 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center, 2200 Good Hope Rd, Enola, PA, 17025, United States
All are welcome! Share your journey and connect with other moms and future moms at our weekly support group every Wednesday. Our lactation team will be available to answer your questions and address your concerns regarding any type of feeding. We will be sharing our stories and discussing anything and everything motherhood related.

Live Music in Lobbies Today
2026-01-28 11:30 - 13:00 | Main Entrance Lobby – Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, United States
11:30 am – 1 pm • Main lobby
Michael Marini (Piano)

Catholic Mass
2026-01-28 12:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-04 12:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-11 12:00 - 12:30 | Di and Dallas Krapf Interfaith Chapel, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA, 17033, United States
Catholic Mass will be held weekly in the interfaith chapel. All are welcome.

CTSI TSS Webinar: "It’s Raining Bots: How Easier Access to Internet Surveys Has Created the Perfect Storm"
2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM / January 28, 2026

The Translational Science Seminar (TSS) Series is held monthly. Each month, speakers present practical information related to clinical and translational topics, with the goal to expose participants to contemporary issues and tools that can accelerate the translation of research to benefit human health. This session is presented by Brian Sonak, MS, Project Manager with the Survey Research Center, and Laura Felix, MPH, Research Project Manager.
Register here.

Embark with CARE – Introduction to Yoga Therapy
2026-01-28 16:00 - 16:30, 2026-02-02 12:00 - 12:30 | Zoom
The Kristen Olewine Milke CARE Center at Penn State Cancer Institute offers patients an introduction to yoga therapy through the Embark with CARE program. This group session provides a welcoming space for patients to learn about yoga therapy, ask questions, and explore how it compares to traditional yoga – highlighting both its unique benefits and shared practices. No prior experience or personal practice is required.
For more information or to register for an upcoming session, patients can contact the CARE Center at 1-888-531-6585 (option 4). Alternatively, inquiries can be directed to Beth Voss via email at bvoss@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Sessions are held virtually via Zoom and last approximately 30 minutes.

Greening the Curriculum: Challenges and Insights from Building Educational Experiences in Climate Health w/Dr. Amanda Cooper, 2025 Distinguished Educator Award Recipient
2026-01-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Woodward Center for Excellence in Health Sciences Education presents Greening the Curriculum: Challenges and Insights from Building Educational Experiences in Climate Health
Presenter: Dr. Amanda Cooper, 2025 Distinguished Educator Award Recipient
LO’s:

Defend the role and power of students in creating and shaping curricula
Plan strategies to approach course directors with new content for existing courses
Analyze the impact of planetary health on human health and health inequities

Register now

Cancer Community Mindfulness Practice
2026-01-30 13:00 - 13:30, 2026-02-06 13:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
The Kristen Olewine Milke CARE Center at Penn State Cancer Institute offers a cancer community mindfulness practice.
This program is open to everyone – no prior experience or personal mindfulness practice is required. Sessions are offered free of charge and take place every Friday afternoon virtually from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Click here to join the Zoom meeting. Meeting password is [REDACTED].

Grief Services Support Group
2026-02-02 10:30 - 11:30 | Virtual
The Kristen Olewine Milke CARE Center at Penn State Cancer Institute offers patients a grief therapy support group.
A cancer diagnosis or death of a loved one from cancer can create feelings of loss and grief as well as unwelcomed changes. You may find new demands are made on your time and energy, and it can be difficult to know where or who to turn to for support. Caring for yourself and those around you can be especially difficult.
This support group offers a form of psychotherapy that brings together individuals with shared experiences, such as being diagnosed or treated for cancer, or coping with cancer-related loss. Group members support one another, share coping strategies, and offer meaningful connection during difficult times.
Click here to join the virtual meeting. Meeting passcode is aBE3Sm. Held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month.
For more information, please contact the CARE Center at 1-888-531-6585 (option 4). Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Breastfeeding Basics Class
2026-02-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Auditorium – Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, 503 N. 21st St., Camp Hill, PA, 17011, United States
This one-evening class covers basic techniques for positioning and latch, how to assess a good feeding, mechanics of producing milk, pumping and storage of breastmilk, and available resources. For registration information, call 717-981-8238 or e-mail hmoretz@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.

Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center Hiring Event (Virtual)
2026-02-04 08:00 - 12:00 | Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center, 2500 Bernville Road, Reading, PA, 19605, United States
This event is virtual. Connect with recruiters and hiring managers and learn more about Penn State Health
First Wednesday of the Month
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Critical open roles for our health system are:

Nursing
Respiratory Care
Lab
Pharmacy
Imaging/Radiology
Behavioral Health
Surgical

Register Now
For more information, contact:
Erin McCaw
emccaw@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
610-378-2310

Long-Term Care RISE ECHO Program
2026-02-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
TRAINING FOR NURSING HOME PROFESSIONALS
(CE & NHA CREDITS AVAILABLE)
No-cost Monthly Sessions | 1-2 p.m. EST | Sep. 4, 2025 – May 7, 2026 | 100% Virtual
Are you working in long-term care or assisted living settings and want to:

Increase high-quality care for residents?
Join insightful conversations with experts & peers?
Foster confidence in providing specialized care?

Register Here
Grow Your Skills. Strengthen Your Network. Champion Long-Term Care.
JOIN our innovative, no-cost, virtual program—a monthly series designed to help long-term care facility leaders & staff improve health outcomes for residents—especially those facing age-related care challenges.
Sessions provide an evidence-based approach to increasing high-quality care for residents by bringing together specialists and non-specialists to improve care for residents in the communities where they live.
How It Works

Monthly live Zoom sessions (1–2 p.m. EST)
Rolling registration—sign up once and attend as you’re able
Each session features real participant cases + 15-minute expert “FlashTalks”

This South Central LTC-RISE program is offered in partnership with Project ECHO at Penn State College of Medicine, a trusted model that connects specialists with on-the-ground care teams to share knowledge and build community-based capacity.
Registration is free and open now. Sign up once to access all sessions

Schedule & Curriculum

Session Time 1–2 p.m. EST | ️ Upcoming Dates & Topics

Sep. 4, 2025 – Resident Councils

Oct. 2, 2025 – Family Councils

Nov. 6, 2025 – Advanced Care Planning in Assisted Living & Personal Care

Dec. 4, 2025 – Medication Reconciliation in Personal Care & Assisted Living

Feb. 5, 2026 – Introduction to the 4Ms of Behavioral Health Training from E4

Mar. 5, 2026 – Non-Ageist Approach to Care

Apr. 2, 2026 – Trauma-Informed Care

May 7, 2026 – How to Effectively Collaborate with Ombudsman

Weekend Childbirth Preparation
2026-02-07 09:00 - 16:00 | Auditorium – Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, 503 N. 21st St., Camp Hill, PA, 17011, United States
This all day class covers phases/stages of labor and delivery, comfort measures and breathing techniques to use during labor, pain medication options and what to expect postpartum. It is best if taken in the last 4 months of pregnancy. For registration information, call 717-981-8238 or e-mail hmoretz@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.

LION Mobile Clinic at the Military Share Food Distribution
2026-02-09 09:30 - 12:00 | UEC Theaters 12 125 Premiere Drive, State College PA 16801, 125 Premiere Dr., State College, PA, 16801, United States
Free health screenings

Loved Ones Support Group
2026-02-09 10:30 - 11:30 | Virtual
The Kristen Olewine Milke CARE Center at Penn State Cancer Institute offers a Loved Ones Support Group for those supporting someone with cancer.
This support group provides a therapeutic space for adult caregivers, family members, and friends of individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Group members support one another, share coping strategies, and offer meaningful connection during difficult times.
Click here to join the virtual meeting. Meeting passcode is aBE3Sm. Held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month.
For more information, please contact the CARE Center at 1-888-531-6585 (option 4). Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Clinical Ethics Grand Rounds presented by Ana S. Iltis, PhD
2026-02-10 07:30 - 08:30 | Lecture Room D (Room C7619) – Penn State College of Medicine, 700 HMC Crescent Road, Hershey, PA, 17033, United States
Clinical Ethics Grand Rounds
Ana Iltis Jointly organized by the Departments of Humanities, Medicine, and Surgery
Normothermic Regional Perfusion: The Ethical Landscape
February 10, 2026 • 7:30-8:30 a.m. • Lecture Room D
TEAMS INFO: Meeting ID: 218 808 290 920 5 Passcode: [REDACTED] Dial in by phone:+1 267-405-6044, Phone conference ID#: 400 728 40 United States, Ambler. Join on a video conferencing device:
Tenant key: teams@pennstatehealth.onpexip.com Video ID: 113 565 374 2
PRESENTED BY:
Ana S. Iltis, PhD
Carlson Professor of University Studies,
Professor of Philosophy,
Director, Center for Bioethics Health and Society,
Wake Forest University
The history of organ transplantation includes debates over the ethical and legal permissibility of various practices. Sometimes, legal and ethical analysis culminated in new laws or new interpretations of existing laws. Implementation of donation after circulatory death (DCD) with normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) (DCD-NRP) is renewing attention to ethical and legal questions at the center of those debates, including questions that previously appeared to be relatively settled. This presentation reviews some ways in which the emerging practice of DCD-NRP re-ignites old ethical and legal questions regarding organ transplantation and introduces new ones and assesses possible responses.
At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees will be able to:

Describe at least two ethical questions DCD-NRP raises.
Contrast interpretations of key terms in the Uniform Determination of Death Act.
Assess the implications of different understandings of key terms in the Uniform Determination of Death Act for the ethical analysis of DCD-NRP.

CE’s are available for Penn State Health and College of Medicine employees. Eeds sign in Methods: Text Code to 828-295-1144 • Visit eeds.com | eeds iPhone/Android App. The Activity Sign-In Code is: 37gash and expires Feb. 11 @ 12:00 p.m. AIN#: 0071
Credit Designation: Penn State College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Donate life. Donate blood.
2026-02-10 09:00 - 18:00 | University Conference Center, 30 Conference Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, United States
Your friends and neighbors need your help. Every day, health care workers race to provide care to accident victims, surgical patients and those needing regular transfusions. That care starts with you and your donation.
Schedule your appointment today
Appointments are strongly recommended to ensure a smooth experience.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Code: PS Hershey to view available appointments or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Save time by completing your pre-donation reading and health history online at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass
Please remember to bring a photo ID to your blood drive appointment
Snacks and refreshments are provided

How to prepare for your appointment
View additional dates and times
Questions? Contact Sean Erony at 717-531-8232.

Connecting Through Literature: Classic American Short Stories Session 3
2026-02-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Online Discussion – Short Story: “The Lottery,” Shirley Jackson
Description from Wikipedia:
“The Lottery” is a short story by Shirley Jackson that was first published in The New Yorker on June 26, 1948. The story describes a fictional small American community that observes an annual tradition known as “the lottery”, which is intended to ensure a good harvest and purge the town of bad omens. The lottery, its preparations, and its execution are all described in detail, though it is not revealed until the end what actually happens to the person selected by the random lottery.
Reading link: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1948/06/26/the-lottery
Register to receive the Zoom link the week of the event. Please add to your own calendar.

The Connecting Through Literature Book Club’s Classic American Short Stories series is a collaboration between the Harrell Health Sciences Library and Department of Humanities. Join in on one, a few, or all of the discussions in the series as suits your time and interest. You do not even need to have read the story beforehand to listen in on the conversation – are welcome.

Contact edonne@pennstatehealth.psu.edu if you would like to receive email updates for all of this year’s discussions.

Learn more here.
