Volunteers in Medicine receives Dr. Jack McConnell Circle of Caring Award
The 2026 Dr. Jack McConnell Circle of Caring Award is displayed on Friday.
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
Kelly L. Ranieli, executive director of Volunteers in Medicine of Wilkes-Barre, gives a presentation Friday at Kevin’s Restaurant.
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
About 20 people who donate their time to Volunteers in Medicine of Wilkes-Barre attend an event at Kevin’s Restaurant Friday in honor of the organization receiving the 2026 Dr. Jack McConnell Circle of Caring Award.
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
KINGSTON — Volunteers in Medicine of Wilkes-Barre was recently named the recipient of the 2026 Dr. Jack McConnell Circle of Caring Award by the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC).
The nonprofit, which has been helping the uninsured and under-insured of Luzerne County access vital healthcare services for almost 20 years, celebrated the award Friday with a reception at Kevin’s Restaurant.
About 20 volunteers, including healthcare providers and service staff, attended the event, which included drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a short presentation on the the history of the organization, and the resources it provides.
“Today’s event is to express our gratitude to obviously you guys — we can’t do this without our volunteers and dedicated staff, so thank you so much,” said Kelly L. Ranieli, executive director of Volunteers in Medicine of Wilkes-Barre.
Volunteers in Medicine Wilkes-Barre Clinic opened its doors in the summer of 2008 in the downtown area, with a dental clinic opening in 2011.
The nonprofit offers a wide range of services, including medical, dental and behavioral health services, as well as specialty care, pharmacy services, nutrition counseling, physical therapy, dermatology, social services, and more, at no cost to those who qualify.
Susan Pruseck, 78, of Drums, has worked as a volunteer with the organization for over a decade.
As a screener, Pruseck interviews prospective clients to determine if they are eligible to become a patient of the Volunteers in Medicine.
“The service we give to people who are totally under-serviced is so important,” Puresck said. “Being able to serve them and make sure they do get proper healthcare, especially dental care, which is so expensive.”
It warmed her heart when she found out Volunteers of Medicine was named the recipient of the 2026 Dr. Jack McConnell Circle of Caring Award.
“I know we do really good work. It’s an amazing honor,” she said.
Eugene Lucas Jr., an associate professor at Wilkes University and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, has volunteered with the organization for 13 years.
For Lucas, his favorite part about working with the nonprofit is the people gets to meet and help.
“They are hard-working people who are looking for help, who can’t find it anywhere else,” he said.
In addition to the medical services Volunteers in Medicine provides, Lucas also highlighted how the organization collections food for those in need as well.
“They’re really doing good work in the community,” said Lucas.
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