Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation

10/12/2026

Each year, the Lights of Love project provides an opportunity to remember and celebrate those who have touched our lives. During the holiday season, this thoughtful tribute offers a meaningful way to honor loved ones and recognize the lasting impact they have made.

A Lights of Love tribute is a cherished holiday gift that recognizes family members, friends, and others who have made a difference. Donors may request a handwritten acknowledgment card be mailed or emailed to the individual being honored or to the family of a loved one being remembered.

Is there anyone special in your life that you would like to honor this holiday season?

Few gifts are greater than knowing your life has mattered to someone.
Make someone feel special, and dedicate a light in honor of someone today.
https://ssl.charityweb.net/lahas/lightsoflove/

10/07/2026

There may be 800 family medicine residency programs across the country - but there's only one coveted Latrobe Area Family Medicine Program!

The Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation and the Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society co-hosted the annual First-Year Residency Reception on October 6, 2026, welcoming the newest members of the Latrobe Area Family Medicine Program.

We are honored to welcome 10 new residents to the Family Medicine Program, now in its 53rd year. The Latrobe Area Family Medicine Program has graduated 272 physicians, with 45% choosing to remain within our health system to skillfully and compassionately care for patients throughout our community.

By training and retaining talented physicians locally, the Latrobe Area Family Medicine Program helps keep vital medical talent right here in our neighborhoods.

It is especially poignant to celebrate these dedicated residents as they begin their residency journey in the same beloved Latrobe community that produced two hometown heroes, Arnold Palmer and Fred Rogers, both of whom exemplified the spirit of putting community first.

A special thank you to all of the donors that sponsored the first-year residents' welcome gift bags!

10/01/2026

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Butler Memorial Hospital, Clarion Hospital, Frick Hospital, Latrobe Hospital, and Westmoreland Hospital, as well as their affiliated physician practices and outpatient facilities, officially joined the West Virginia...

09/28/2026

The Trustees and Foundation Staff of the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation extend their sincere appreciation to the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation for its generous grant, which will enable Latrobe Hospital's Advance Lung Center (ALC) and thoracic surgical team to purchase the ION Robotic Bronchoscopy System. This state-of-the-art technology will enhance the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, bringing advanced care closer to the patients we serve.

The Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation has been a longstanding valued supporter of the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation, Latrobe Hospital, and our patients. Through its generosity, numerous projects have been funded that have advanced medical technology, improved patient outcomes, and strenghtened healthcare services throughout our community.

Your continued support alllows us to invest in innovative technologies and expand access to the highest quality care. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and commitment to improving the health and well-being of the Latrobe community.

Independence Health System today announced that the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation awarded it a $600,000 grant for lung cancer care.

09/28/2026

The Trustees and Staff of the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation extend our sincere gratitude to the Richard King Mellon Foundation for its generous gift in support of the new Adult Behavioral Health project at Latrobe Hospital. This investment will help expand services and enhance the care available to individuals and families throughout our community.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation has been a longstanding supporter of the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation, Latrobe Hospital, and the greater Latrobe community. Your ongoing partnership and commitment have played a vital role in helping us meet the evolving needs of healthcare and adapt to the challenges of a changing environment.

We are deeply grateful for your generosity, collaboration, and dedication to improving the health and well-being of our region. Thank you for your continued support and confidence in our mission.

Independence Health System has expanded behavioral health access and resources for Westmoreland County. This initiative includes the recent construction of its inpatient Adult Behavioral Health Unit at Latrobe Hospital, supported by a $1M grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, recent extensi...

08/19/2026

At Latrobe Hospital, healthcare philanthropy begins with gratitude and grows through the generosity of our community.

Dr. John R. Mazero, former Medical Director of Latrobe Hospital, understood the vital role philanthropy and reinvestment play in strengthening our healthcare system. To honor the generosity of Foundation donors, he established the John R. Mazero Fellow Recognition Program. His vision continues today through the John R. Mazero Fellow Wall, which recognizes donors whose ongoing support helps provide state-of-the-art equipment and care, innovative programs, and advanced educational opportunities at Latrobe Hospital.

Dr. Mazero served the Foundation as President and dedicated many years of service to Latrobe Hospital, first as a physician and later as its Medical Director. In recognition of his unwavering commitment, leadership, and devotion to the hospital and the community it serves, this distinguished donor recognition program bears his name.

The Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation is proud to recognize the newest additions to the John R. Mazero Fellow Wall:

Paul G. Benedum Junior Trust, Ken DeFurio, PNC, Kelley Skoloda, Overly's Country Christmas, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Optum 360, Excela Health Marketing and Communications, Circulogene, Westmoreland Mechanical Testing and Research, Inc., Ensemble Health Partners, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP).

Because of the commitment and generosity of donors like these, significant advancements in patient care continue to be possible. We are deeply grateful for their support of our patients, hospital, and community.

To learn more about the John R. Mazero Fellow Recognition Program, please contact the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation at 724-537-1925 or email [email protected].

08/07/2026

The Foundation staff had the opportunity to attend the Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp this week as guests of the Philanthropy and Alumni Relations Office at Saint Vincent College.

Steeler Nation pride and passion were on full display, with thousands of enthusiastic fans gathering to support their team. One of the most memorable moments came at the conclusion of practice when the entire Pittsburgh Steelers team assembled for a final huddle, receiving closing coaching points before leaving the field together as one united team. It was a powerful reminder of the value of teamwork, shared purpose, and collective commitment, lessons that resonate well beyond the football field.

A special thank you to Butch Bryner and Saint Vincent College for providing us with the opportunity to experience both Steeler pride and Saint Vincent College pride firsthand.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Saint Vincent College, particularly as its new School of Nursing expands and prepares the next generation of nurses who will play an essential role in caring for our patients and strengthening the health of our communities.

Go Steelers! 🖤💛



Pictured are Butch Bryner, Director of Major Gifts at Saint Vincent Collge and Anthony Cancro, Chief Development Officer at Independence Health System.

07/28/2026

Latrobe Hospital and the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation donated $30,000 to the Latrobe Police Department in support of continued specialized officer training to effectively manage mental health crises in the Latrobe community.

This partnership began last summer and has already proven to be highly beneficial for patients, first responders, and the broader community. While significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done as mental health challenges continue to impact our region.

With the recent opening of Latrobe Hospital’s new Child, Adolescent, and Adult Behavioral Health Units, our commitment to expanding access to compassionate mental health care has never been stronger. We recognize the critical role law enforcement officers play in responding to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises and the importance of equipping them with the training and resources needed to do so safely, compassionately, and effectively.

We are proud to partner with Chief Richard Bosco and the dedicated officers of the Latrobe Police Department as we continue working together to provide a safe, compassionate, and coordinated response to mental health emergencies requiring intervention.

Pictured are Anthony Cancro, Independence Health System Chief Development Officer; Susan Trout, Manager of the City of Latrobe; Chief Richard Bosco, Latrobe Chief of Police; Dr. Barbara Wang, Chair of the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation; and Maryann Singley, Latrobe Hospital Chief Nursing Officer.

07/21/2026

You're Our Type of Hero - Urgent Call for Blood Donors

You can help address this critical shortage by donating at one of the upcoming Independence Health System blood drives. Please register today.

07/14/2026

The Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation is proud to recognize the very accomplished Kristina Smouse, CNM, CRNP, as the recipient of the 2026 Thomas P. Gessner, MD Healthcare Scholarship.

Kristina's commitment to advancing her education in healthcare reflects the very spirit of this scholarship - dedication to learning, professional growth, and delivering exceptional care to our communities. Through her hard work and passion, she exemplifies what it means to invest in both personal and professional development.

Kristina earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Penn State University, a Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Carlow University, and a Post-Masters Certificate in Nurse Midwifery from Frontier Nursing University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Nurse Midwifery at Frontier Nursing University.

She began her career at WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital in the Emergency Department before transitioning into Nurse Midwifery, where she found her true calling in the continuum of obstetrical care. As a Connellsville native, Kristina welcomed the opportunity to work closer to home at Independence Health System. Our patients are fortunate to have such a dedicated and compassionate practitioner caring for them.

The Thomas P. Gessner, MD Healthcare Scholarship supports Independence Health System employees who are pursuing advanced degrees in the healthcare disciplines, helping them take the next step in their careers while strengthening the future of patient care.

Kristina's journey is an inspiration to her colleagues, demonstrating that with determination and support, continued education is within reach. Her advice to others considering graduate studies in healthcare is to dive in, take action, and stop postponing. There is never a perfect time to add to an already busy schedule, but tenacity and perseverance will see you through.

Please join us in congratulating Kristina on this well-deserved scholarship award and wishing her continued success!

Pictured: Dr. Thomas P. Gessner, Current Trustee on the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation Board, Retired Pediatrician and Medical Director of LAH, and Kristina Smouse, Certified Nurse Midwife and Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner.