Maternal & Family Health Services, Inc. (MFHS) announces that its Annual Community Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, October 3^rd, 2023, at noon at The Venue by Culinary Creations in Dupont. The agency will be presenting several awards, including the Rose Allan Tucker Award.

Maternal & Family Health Services began its journey of service in April 1971, with a vision to improve access to vital health care services for families and improve the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Today, MFHS has grown to a regional organization serving over 90,000 individuals in 17 Pennsylvania counties.  

The Rose Allan Tucker Award is being presented to Maria Kolcharno, MSW, LSW, of The Wright Center for Community Health. Ms. Kolcharno is Director of Addiction Services and was instrumental in founding the Healthy MOMS community collaborative in 2018, which provides treatment and support for pregnant women and new mothers living with substance use disorder. Throughout her career, Maria has helped hundreds of individuals enter recovery, and offers non-judgmental, relatable and honest encouragement to hundreds of pregnant women and new moms who are working through addiction and finding their way into long-term recovery. She is also involved in local causes and nonprofits that support mental health and recovery awareness and is an active participant in the Luzerne County Breastfeeding Coalition, amongst other organizations to which she gives her time and talents.

Several other awards will be presented during the MFHS Annual Community Awards Luncheon:

• The Community Partner Award: Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP)
• The Community Service Award: John Cimini, DMD
• The Kathryn A. Dickerson Memorial Scholarship

The public can RSVP online via the MFHS website. The luncheon reception is $50. RSVP by Friday, September 29^nd, 2023. Program advertising opportunities are also available.