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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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Valley Youth House's THRIVE Program, which helps sex-trafficked folks, will receive $150,000 in state funding, Rep. Josh Siegel, D-22nd District, announced at a news conference on Wednesday. -
St. Luke's University Health Network is teaching parents where to look for drug paraphernalia and other dangerous substances in their teen's room. It's all part of their Drug Abuse and Recovery week.
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September is recognized as a time to pay homage to service dogs and the guidance they provide. Lehigh County commissioners approved a resolution in support of guide dogs and their handlers.
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The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley will hold its first Nonprofit Impact Conference on Oct. 23 at Wind Creek Bethlehem. The event will give nonprofit staff the chance to connect, network, and discover new resources.
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A local Boy Scout working on his Eagle Scout project is receiving grant money from Capital Blue Cross. His is one of a handful of initiatives receiving the money for community and educational projects.
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The program of mental health professionals and trained volunteers makes contact with families reeling after a loved one's suicide. The group has responded to 20 of 22 suicides in Lehigh County so far in 2024.
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For Overdose Awareness Day, Easton will host a march from the free bridge to the amphitheater where community advocates will be recognized for their efforts, followed by an evening event where authorities and experts will share their thoughts and experiences concerning overdoses.
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A pair of women with a lengthy history connected to cows have joined up to create La Farm Girls, an Easton-based location where visitors can book sessions for cow cuddling.
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Digital navigators are individuals trained to help inform, educate, lead others to success.
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The FDA recently approved a new medication for those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. A Lehigh Valley doctor said it could be an option for his local patients suffering from mild cases.
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DeSales University professor Elisabeth Felten is in her second year teaching non-traditional, special needs adults to give them a college experience.
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An upcoming event in the Lehigh Valley aims to educate people about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. It’s a topic not often talked about that plagues a number of new parents.
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A mental health summit at St. Luke's hosted healthcare workers, legislators, and community members. The panel addressed issues treating mental health problems and how to work towards fixing the crisis.
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A suicide prevention bench was dedicated to Moravian University. Students lined up to participate in the unveiling.
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Lehigh County officials determined the proposed legislation had more than a dozen problems, making it too problematic to present to Allentown voters. The bill would have dispatched an EMT and mental health professional to certain calls and prohibited other first responders from going.
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Halloween and Christmas decorations are up early again this year. How are members of the community reacting?
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Decluttering a home can help decrease stress and anxiety, according a Lehigh Valley psychologist and a professional organizer. Both say back to school time is usually when they see people wanting more organization.
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A program that brings mindfulness to schools continues their efforts through summer. The Mindful Child Initiative serves more than 350 classrooms throughout the year and visits playgrounds throughout the summer.
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The virtual town hall will be streamed on Zoom at 7 p.m. Thursday. Lehigh Valley Stands Up is planning to host an in-person watch party.
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Lehigh County’s mental health line switched from Warmline to PeerLine in cost cutting move. A new company is answering calls after more than 2 decades.
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Dr. Amy Jibilian is LVHN's new chief wellness officer. She will oversee the development of programs that promote a healthy work environment as well as help physicians avoid burnout.
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The monthly Artists in Recovery Art Exhibit has seen a drop in attendance since the pandemic, but organizers hope to change that. The Bethlehem nonprofit offers mental health services.
