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Jay Bradley/LehighValleyNews.comDespite not being approved for human consumption, veterinary tranquilizers are infiltrating the illicit drug supply in Pennsylvania. Harm reduction specialists and health care professionals say these overdoses can't be approached solely with naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug. -
Makenzie Christman/LehighValleyNews.comXylazine, an animal-grade tranquilizer that's not approved for human use, has taken Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply by storm. Known on the streets as "tranq," it accounted for almost 1 in 4 overdose deaths in Pennsylvania by 2023. Last year in Lehigh County, it was a contributing cause of death in 20 of the 112 deadly overdoses, or 17.9 percent of cases.
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The Veterans Hub of Northeastern PA has started offering counseling for veterans every Wednesday at a new clinic at St. Luke's Lehighton campus. -
Speak up if something doesn't feel right.
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The Safe2Say Something program receives thousands of tips about mental health, bullying and harassment.
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Research in a growing scientific field called ecotherapy at Harvard University shows activities like walking in the woods can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Even a few minutes outside can do the trick.
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A Lehigh Valley woman tells her story about going through two cancer diagnosis' and what she does to pay it forward. She was one of the survivors honored at the Celebration of Champions gala.
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Take a look at stories throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.
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In Pennsylvania, there’s currently no single resource for people to see how counties and local governments plan to spend the money. But understanding the process can help you influence it.
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Lehigh Valley Health Network honored trauma survivors and their families on National Trauma Survivors Day. One man shared his story of survival and how he copes with lingering effects.
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Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center hosted a virtual event about the state of mental health in the LGBTQ community.
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People without a permanent place to stay should "enjoy the same rights as the rest of us who have a house," Allentown Commission on Homelessness chair Abigail Goldfarb said.
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Take a look at stories throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.
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Talking to children about their mental health can be challenging for parents. During Mental Health Awareness Month, educators are sharing how they address the topic with kids.
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A panel of young people, ranging from middle-school-aged to college, shared their thoughts on mental health and health care in a conference organized by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital. They all had one thing in common — direct experience.
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The Palmer Recovery Center is the site of a free trauma-informed yoga class every Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m. The class helps veterans with their mental health struggles.
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The U.S. surgeon general issued a public health advisory about loneliness, isolation and lack of connection. The health consequences are enormous — equivalent by some estimates to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
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Lehigh Valley Mental Health Awareness Walk offers the public education and resources. Behavioral health needs are growing.
