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                Stephanie Kasulka/LehighValleyNews.comWith SNAP benefits delayed in November and the holidays approaching, Lehigh Valley residents can help or get help. Here's where to find food pantries, volunteer opportunities, and donation info.
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                Micaela Hood/LehighValleyNews.comU.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, has organized a food drive while pinning the ongoing government shutdown on Senate Democrats. SNAP benefits that help feed millions of low-income Americans are hours away from expiring.
 
Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute now offers treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib) with a new system that uses pulsed electrical fields to target problematic heart muscle cells instead of extreme heat or cold.
        
        
    Health & Wellness News
    
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                        It's that time of year for summer cookouts and barbeques, but there are a few things to know about food safety. A local dietician has tips to avoid food poisoning.
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                        The Allentown Health Bureau is collecting menstrual products for residents that don't have access or can't afford them. The period poverty initiative is underway during Menstrual Health Awareness Month.
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                        Professional cyclists and amateurs alike participated in races on a 0.8-mile circuit winding through Easton’s Downtown throughout the day and into the evening.
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                        As residents and tourists explore the region’s many parks, bike trails and scenic overlooks — May is recognized as National Lyme Disease Awareness Month — health and environmental officials are cautioning visitors to check for ticks after their outdoor adventures.
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                        County Executive Lamont McClure said the closings mark the end of a significant chapter in the county’s COVID-19 response. More than 3.5 million cases and 50,000 deaths in Pennsylvania have been attributed to COVID since 2020.
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                        The Peeps chick paid a visit to Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital to help celebrate the pediatric hospital's 12th anniversary.
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                        Andy Wright endorses LVHN's Executive Health Program for its thorough, efficient one-day health assessments, costing $3,900, offering extensive tests, results reviews, and a year of follow-up coaching.
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                        The president of the Midway Manor Community Association says the money will be used to update playground equipment and a snack stand, as well as buy youth sports uniforms and equipment.
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                        The Veterans Affairs clinic in South Whitehall Township is hosting a free event Wednesday aimed at helping veterans enroll in VA health care and understand the PACT Act. More people are now eligible for benefits following changes to the law.
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                        Fountain Hill native Evelyn Smith gives a nod to living a good, simple and long life, with family and close friends for a pre-birthday celebration.
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                        The second annual Greenway Pride event in Bethlehem drew a warm crowd despite the damp weather. Attendees said the Lehigh Valley needs more events and places that cater to the region's LGBT community.
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                        Northampton County Council tabled a measure Thursday night that would declare the county a “sanctuary” for abortion access.
 
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                        With the Lehigh Valley under an extreme heat warning next week, Allentown is offering free pool admission. Find out other ways to beat the heat.
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                        The Lehigh Valley Transportation Study approved nearly $2.6 million in projects designed to fund children’s education programs, improve safety, extend trails and expand bicycle and pedestrian options across the region.
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                        Tick season is in full swing in the Lehigh Valley. In addition to blacklegged ticks, those most often associated with Lyme disease, the invasive Asian longhorned tick also calls the Valley home.
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                        High school Ultimate Frisbee teams from across the U.S. began competing Friday in the High School National Invite tournament, held in the Lehigh valley for the first time.
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                        A rededication ceremony of the repaired Sacred Heart of Jesus statue damaged in 2023 was held at St. Luke' Sacred Heart campus in Allentown on Friday.
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                        The 49th annual Boutique for Hope at St. Luke's SportsPlex is a clothing and household items shopping event, with proceeds benefiting three cancer-centric departments at St. Luke's Hospital.
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                        A group from the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living traveled to Harrisburg on Wednesday to speak with local legislators about the importance of continued state funding for organizations that help the disabled.
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                        Krista Brown-Ly has served as the center's interim executive director after Ashley L. Coleman resigned last year.
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                        Sister started colorectal cancer awareness fundraiser last year for her brother, who loved cars and cookies and died too young from the disease.
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                        Eileen Miller, whose son Paul Miller was killed in a collision by a distracted driver, on Friday spoke on a piece of legislation that bans the use of handheld devices while driving in Pennsylvania.
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                        Nestled between John Makuvek Field and Priscilla Payne Hurd Academic Complex, the Main Street North Campus’ 70,000-square-foot, four-floor centerpiece dedicated to student wellness is set to open in the fall.
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                        The $13 million contract was with the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program. A pandemic-era program, commonwealth farmers were paid to supply local food banks with fresh produce.