Health & Wellness News

Proposed federal budget cuts would impact programs such as the free summer meal program for children in the Allentown School District.

The $2.75 million payment to the federal government resolves allegations that a pharmacy technician stole controlled substances on about 40 occasions and the health network failed to institute proper controls.

Despite 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.

A generous donation from a Lehigh Valley native and others funds free swim lessons for children and adults in the River Crossing YMCA's Safety Around Water, or SAW, swim education program.

The bill would limit the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firefighting foam containing PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, beginning in 2026.

Xylazine, 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.

The funding comes from the commonwealth’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Known as "tranq" on the streets, an animal tranquilizer named xylazine infiltrated drug supplies throughout Pennsylvania since 2019. Its presence in the Lehigh Valley has grown, with deadly consequences.

With the Lehigh Valley under an extreme heat warning through Wednesday, area doctors are urging residents to keep hydrated and stay cool.

The U.S. Senate could vote on the proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act this week. If passed, millions of Americans would lose access to Medicaid and SNAP benefits in order to fund border security and tax cuts to wealthy Americans.

The anti-violence program is funded through a $1.28 million grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The program will continue next school year.

The Neighborhood Center and Andre Reed Foundation are partnering to kick off the season with an event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at 344 N. 7th St.

For Dr. Amy Miller, running has always been her "thing." But a huge obstacle stood in the way to this weekend's St. Luke's D&L RaceFest half-marathon: She had just spent nine months battling cancer.

Lights in the Parkway will have Move It Mondays, where walkers, bikers and runners will be able to explore the dazzling display for free on select Mondays through December.

Two health fairs this weekend offer a variety of help in different areas of health care. Cetronia Ambulance Corps is offering trainings and screenings while collecting food for those in need, while NHCLV is offering help with insurance registrations.

Even with 1,500 turkeys donated from a local grocery chain, some families in the Lehigh Valley will go without thanksgiving dinner.

As Allentown’s warming station is set to open, a training program provides resources for how to engage those with active addiction. The St. Joe's program that typically trains first responders is branching out to community groups.

Respiratory disease season is the topic Pennsylvania’s Acting Secretary of Health is addressing as she stops at local health bureaus across the state. She paid a visit to both the Allentown and Bethlehem Health Bureaus Monday.

Two more companies are pulling potentially lead-tainted pouches of fruit puree from store shelves amid an expanded recall.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

The American Red Cross is reminding people to use the end of Daylight Saving Time to test smoke alarms. The nonprofit says changing the clocks twice a year can serve as a life-saving reminder.

Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley is holding a community awareness event Saturday. Cancer patients, their families and caregivers are invited to learn about the resources available to them.

Lehigh County commissioners will likely delay their investigation into potential reforms to the county’s Office of Children and Youth Services. The delay comes after the Greater Lehigh Valley Parents’ Medical Rights Group appeared to take steps toward litigation.

In an audit, Controller Mark Pinsley alleged Lehigh Valley Health Network may be over-diagnosing cases of medical child abuse. The attorney selected to pursue a lawsuit over the matter donated $50,000 to Pinsley's political action committee in October.