Health & Wellness News

Advocates and service providers fear a proposed $20 million funding increase for community mental health services would not go far enough.

A professor of law is weighing in on a medical repatriation — or as some call it, a 'medical deportation' case — in the Lehigh Valley. Professor Lori Nessel is the director of the Immigrants’ Rights/International Human Rights Clinic at the Seton Hall University School of Law.

Richard M. Bodner testified on Friday to the safety measures implemented not only to the existing Bethlehem Landfill but its proposed expansion in Lower Saucon Township.

Northampton County is approved to join other municipalities and residents who have a legal standing in opposing the proposed landfill in Lower Saucon Township.

The specialty flight company MedEscort says it has "repatriated" over 6,000 patients to more than 100 countries. Critics say they're profiting from "medical deportations." The company challenges the phrase, and denies pressuring the family.

Patient advocates protested Wednesday outside Lehigh Valley Health Network's Cedar Crest Campus.

Our daily list of useful information, chosen to inform and enhance your day, includes news you can use and then some!

The Lehigh Valley will host a marathon for the first time since the pandemic started. Registration will open this month for the St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest.

Lehigh Valley Health Network was victimized in a cybersecurity attack last month. The network said it refused to pay a ransom. Now, patient information and photos have been posted on the dark web, according to LVHN.

Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced $52.5 million in grants intended to prevent suicide. Named for Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox, the suicide prevention grant program is now in its second year. Its goal is to fund community-based organizations that work with veterans and their families. Last year, the VA gave awards to three groups in Pennsylvania, including more than $530,000 to St. Luke’s Penn Foundation in Carbon County. Eighty recipients won awards nationwide in the program’s first year. Grant applications are due by May 19 with awards expected to be announced in September. Selected organizations will receive funding for 2024. More information on how to apply is available at mentalhealth.va.gov.

Drug shortages seem to be a big issue in the wake of the pandemic. Children's pain medication and other prescriptions have been hard to get in the past few months because of supply chain issues.

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 8, would remove out-of-pocket costs and require 100% coverage for preventative breast cancer screenings and genetic testing. Proponents say it would be the first of its kind in the nation.

With more people working long hours from home, some doctors say there could be negative impacts on your physical health. WLVR’s Staci Inez reports.

The national guard is stepping in to help shore up a staffing shortage at Northampton County’s nursing home following a serious outbreak at the facility.

Pennsylvania hospitals may be able to resume elective procedures and surgeries in the near future.

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania's governor is calling for mandated race and ethnicity data collection in COVID-19 cases across the state. That’s because…

Stimulus checks are popping up in mailboxes and bank accounts across the Lehigh Valley. Although some may be tempted to splurge — WLVR’s Brittany Sweeney spoke to a financial expert about smart ways to make it last.

The Lehigh Valley will not be among the first areas of the state to reopen next month. Governor Tom Wolf outlined more details on the plan for Pennsylvania on Wednesday, April 22 and as WLVR’s Tyler Pratt reports, it will move forward in three phases: red, yellow and green.

Pennsylvania’s liquor control board is ramping up operations to try and meet demand for online orders.

In many ways, Dr. Rachel Levine has become the face of the COVID-19 crisis in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has new mandatory protections for workers employed at essential businesses with in-person operations.

As coronavirus cases spike in nursing homes across the Lehigh Valley, state health officials are reporting that about half of all COVID-19-related deaths are in Pennsylvania’s long term care facilities.

Reports of child abuse and neglect have fallen significantly in the Lehigh Valley and across the state but it’s not a good sign for children in a time of social distancing.

State officials say Pennsylvania seniors should stock up on their medications now -- and should have them delivered to avoid going out.