CU–Bloomsburg’s McCormick Center Reimagined to Train Future CRNAs

The newly renovated McCormick Center at Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg is now a cutting-edge hub for hands-on learning, especially for students pursuing careers as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). 

At a recent rededication ceremony, Dr. Debra Minzola—Program Director of the Geisinger/Bloomsburg Nurse Anesthesia Program, Associate Professor of Nursing, and current President of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA)—joined university leaders to showcase the center’s upgrades. Alongside Bryan Kapish, CRNA, Clinical Coordinator for the program, Dr. Minzola demonstrated the use of the Anatomage table, a high-tech virtual dissection tool, to Senator Dave McCormick and other guests. 

This renovation marks a major milestone for CU–Bloomsburg, reinforcing its commitment to workforce readiness through immersive, applied learning experiences. The McCormick Center now stands as a symbol of innovation and excellence in healthcare education. 

Read more from CU–Bloomsburg: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/news/mccormick-center-reimagined-hub-hands-learning-and-workforce-readiness

Bridging Tradition and Care: A Muscogee Creek CRNA’s Journey to Transform Tribal Health

Being an Indigenous provider means honoring my Muscogee Creek heritage and serving my community through healthcare. Though I wasn’t raised on the reservation, my grandmother and great aunt nurtured my connection to our traditions and identity. Their love laid the foundation I carry with me today. 

My tribe’s values—fortitude, service, and community—have guided me through my education and career. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has shown incredible resilience, including building its own health system, but health disparities persist. Native people face lower life expectancy, higher chronic disease rates, and limited access to care. 

With less than 1% of healthcare providers identifying as Native, representation matters. I strive to build trust, treat the whole person, and show the next generation they belong in these spaces too. 

I’m proud to be part of a growing movement to strengthen tribal health and to honor my family and community through this work. 

Brittany Harris, CNP, CRNA, a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program. Brittany continues serving patients in Philadelphia as a Temple Fox Chase Cancer Center CRNA.

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Super Bowl rematch – PANA style!

Congratulations to Mark J. Haffey, MSN, CRNA, APRN, FAANA.

Mark was the highest bidder in the PANA PAC auction, which included two tickets to the Super Bowl LIX rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles at the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Sept. 14 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

Mark and his son, Brett, had a great time at the game – despite the score. (Check out some of the photos and just guess which team they were cheering for!)

The Eagles won, 20-17, running their record to 2-0 on the year. The Chiefs fell to 0-2. It was the first time the two teams played since Philadelphia beat Kansas City in the last Super Bowl, 40-22.

But for CRNAs like Mark, it was about more than just the game.

The PANA PAC – funded entirely by contributions, not member dues – helps the association support advocacy efforts in Harrisburg and our work on policies and issues that advance our profession.

You can make a PANA PAC donation HERE.

The tickets were donated for auction by Stanton Barrett, a stuntman, race car driver, director, and winery proprietor. A big thanks to Stanton, who is married to Sadie Cooke, one of the student representatives on the PANA Board of Trustees.

Thanks to everyone involved for making our PANA PAC stronger – and for helping Mark and his some make some great memories along the way!