The Whitehall-Coplay Communities That Care coalition assisted with Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which takes place every three years. Scott Hoke and Kerrie Baker, from the Cedar Crest College Center for Police Innovation and Community Engagement, led the conversation, intended at identifying the county’s top health care needs and why.

The discussion opened with Hoke asking the group how they define “health.” The majority of the answers reflected a whole-body approach, with emphasis on the link between physical and mental wellness.

The follow-up question about how the CTC members stay healthy also reflected this idea with answers including physical exercise, talking about emotions, eating well, maintaining strong relationships and more. It was noted “community health is individual health,” so having access to clean water, healthy food and safe housing is important.

The coalition members were given a sheet of 15 health needs identified for Lehigh County and were asked to identify what they believed to be the most pressing. The three highest selected items were housing instability, suicides and social and economic disadvantages to a growing Hispanic population.

It was noted Hispanic groups often operate as an insulated community. This can make it harder for them to access or find resources that are available. This can lead to a lag in getting necessary or needed health care.

Additional barriers can include a lack of bilingual options, particularly for mental health providers, and transportation problems. It was noted there are long waiting lists for people to get appointments due to a need for more health care providers and options.

The group reported the school district does a good job of working to make health care needs and requirements for students clear. It also focuses on keeping diversity and inclusion at the forefront, offering multiple language options for district communications and keeping resources and outreach available.

It was reported the health network could work on offering more psychiatric, Medicare or Medicaid and general health providers and retaining the ones they already have to help with access. Additionally, having a community liaison to regularly connect with the community would be helpful.

One of the main housing concerns was the need for more affordable and lower-income housing options. Hoke noted his surprise, saying they more often hear concerns about healthy housing, such as safe modifications or options for seniors.

There was discussion about general financial stresses being a concern. The CTC members agreed reducing costs would be helpful because costs in other areas and industries continue rising. Health care needs often take a back seat when people have to choose between taking time off work for appointments or choosing between paying for medications or groceries.

Long mental health provider wait lists and a lack of affordable providers in the area were cited as reasons for suicide rates. It was reported the school district does a good job of working with students and addressing needs at that age, but once someone is out of high school, it gets more complicated. These young adults on the bridge between childhood and adulthood often struggle while learning to “stand on their own two feet” with less reliance on parents.

The coalition members noted good strides have been made to fight the stigma of mental health concerns and asking for help. More people are talking about it, so they may be more likely to reach out. Additionally, there has been increased training for community members in how to recognize someone who is struggling and how to help. More resources, particularly at the school-age level, have been made available to hopefully catch and address issues early.

Other health care needs and concerns identified by the group, which were not included in the original list, were larger economic concerns, loneliness among seniors, anxiety, vaping, the opioid crisis, wait lists and more. It was noted it would be helpful to streamline access for resources and services.

The next Whitehall-Coplay CTC meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 24, 2025.