Misericordia University Hosts 2026 Healthcare Symposium Focused on Education, Innovation and Community Health

Healthcare Leaders, Educators and Community Partners Gather to Discuss Preventive Care, Health Equity and the Future of Healthcare 

DALLAS, Pa. — Misericordia University’s College of Health Sciences and Education hosted its 2026 Healthcare Symposium, “Connected Care: Aligning Education, Innovation & Community Health,” on Friday, Oct. 23, in Lemmond Theater on the university’s Dallas campus.  

With Geisinger serving as presenting sponsor, the symposium brought together healthcare professionals, educators, students and community leaders to explore innovative approaches to improving patient care, addressing healthcare disparities and strengthening collaboration among healthcare organizations and the communities they serve. 

“The message to take away from this is that we are stronger together, and that we really need to connect higher education, our foundations, our healthcare systems, our students and our future workforce,” said Lisa May Norton, Ed.D., dean of Misericordia University’s College of Health Sciences and Education, in an interview with FOX56 News. “We really are more powerful together when we look at the gaps in healthcare and the opportunities emerging both regionally and nationally, and bring in experts who can speak to those issues.” 

Elena Ríos, M.D., president of the National Hispanic Health Foundation and former president and CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association, delivered the keynote address, “Advancing Health Equity: Strengthening Communities and Shaping the Future of Healthcare.” 

Her presentation focused on the importance of reducing healthcare disparities, strengthening community partnerships and advancing equitable access to healthcare services. The discussion reinforced the role of education, collaboration and community engagement in improving health outcomes for underserved populations. 

A plenary panel titled “Preventative Health: National, Regional and Local Projects with Impact” explored initiatives focused on preventing chronic disease, improving cardiovascular and metabolic health and expanding access to preventive healthcare services. 

Panelists included Thomas Moreland, M.D., physician leader and principal investigator of Geisinger’s Healthy Hearts-All Hands project; Bobbie Johannes, Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor in Population Health Sciences at Geisinger; Marguerite Balasta, M.D., of Penn Medicine; and Sandra Federo, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC, director and nurse practitioner of Misericordia University’s Health & Wellness Center. 

The discussion highlighted population-level approaches to improving cardiovascular health, addressing healthcare disparities and promoting wellness through prevention and community-based initiatives. 

Robert Bonacci, M.D., M.P.H., special advisor to Pennsylvania’s secretary of health, served as the featured luncheon speaker. Bonacci, who previously served as a medical officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and as a lieutenant commander in the United States Public Health Service, brought a public health perspective to the symposium’s discussions. He focused on the immediate public health update and needs in Pennsylvania from an evidence-based lens. 

Afternoon breakout sessions provided opportunities for participants to explore community-based approaches to behavioral and maternal health. 

The session “Our HAIR: Health Access Initiative for Recovery” examined efforts to improve behavioral health outcomes in Black and Hispanic communities through trusted conversations in local barbershops and salons. The initiative highlighted the importance of community relationships and culturally responsive approaches to connecting individuals with behavioral health resources. 

A second session, “Perinatal Health, Postpartum Depression & Anxiety,” addressed maternal health challenges and the role of education, community partnerships and support services in improving outcomes for mothers and families. 

Throughout the symposium, discussions emphasized the importance of connecting healthcare providers, higher education institutions and community organizations to address gaps in care and develop solutions that respond to the evolving needs of the region. 

The event also reinforced Misericordia University’s commitment to preparing future healthcare professionals through interdisciplinary education, experiential learning and meaningful partnerships with regional healthcare organizations. 

Geisinger’s support as presenting sponsor reflected a shared commitment to advancing healthcare education, innovation and community health. The symposium also offered continuing education opportunities for eligible physical therapists, occupational therapists and nurses. 

Through initiatives such as the Healthcare Symposium, Misericordia University’s College of Health Sciences and Education continues to foster collaboration among healthcare professionals and community partners while promoting innovative approaches to addressing evolving healthcare needs.