Violent Crime in Bethlehem Has Dropped Dramatically Over Past Three Years

Kristen Wenrich, Director of Bethlehem's Health Bureau, provided a City Council Committee with her department's 2022 Community Needs Assessment yesterday. It's something the Health Bureau does every three years. Here are some interesting highlights: 

1) Violent Crime Has Dropped Dramatically Over the Last Three Years - "Violent crimes in Bethlehem have dropped from 376.31 per 100,000 in 2019 to 273.1 in 2022.

"The most common types of violent crimes that occur within the City of Bethlehem are thefts (stealing personal property), followed far behind by burglaries (breaking into a home or building) and robberies (stealing from someone using violent force).

"Despite this, the overwhelming majority of residents surveyed (90.6%, SLUHN 2021) agreed or strongly agreed with the statement 'Bethlehem is a safe place to live'."

2) Bethlehemites Like Fruit, But Are Still Couch Potatoes. - Bethlehemites tend to eat more fruit than the rest of the Lehigh Valley. They are more active than the rest of the Lehigh Valley, but nearly 1/4 of them have been physically inactive for over a month.   

It's probably all that fruit. 

3) The Big C is Bethlehem's Biggest Killer. - Cancer kills 164 per 100,000 people in Bethlehem, followed by heart disease and accidental deaths.  

For some reason, this assessment fails to list COVID, which has killed 320 Bethlehemites since March 2020. 

4) Mental Health A Top Priority in Bethlehem. - "41.8% of Bethlehem residents report their mental health status as 'Not Good' in the past 30 days. This is higher than Pennsylvania (39%) and the United State (38.5%), and up from 37.5% in 2019.

"15% of Bethlehem residents have some type of mental health diagnosis, up from 12% in 2019, but less than Pennsylvania as a whole (19%)."

5) Bethlehem Police Do Respond to Mental Health Calls - "Of the 535 Community Connect Referrals Bethlehem Police Department responded to in 2021-2022, 50 (9.3%) were for depression and 48 (9.0%) were for suicidal ideation for a total of 18.3%."

Wenrich's data concerning prenatal care and pregnancy outcomes is outdated. Apparently, the state Department of Health has failed to update its data since 2016. 

Name Your Poison

Whether you are Christian, Jew or Muslim, you've heard the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Their sin was not homosexuality, as many have since claimed. Rather they "were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me." The Divine retribution was fire and brimstone. Noah's flood was God's answer to a world that had become corrupt and full of violence. Based on the latest school shooting and overall decline in civility, I'd say we're in for one helluva' shit storm.

As much as I think common sense dictates a ban on assault-style rifles and other reforms, this is not about guns. It's about us. We've become an ugly people. I see it on my blog. When I first started in 2006, people were able to disagree cordially. But that's out the window. Some blame me because I allow anonymous comments, but have you looked at Facebook? People say all kinds of hateful things there, and their names are out there for anyone to read.

So what's it gonna' be? Nuclear holocaust? Climate change? Natural calamity?

I'm ruling out nukes or natural calamity, including climate change. We've already survived fire and brimstone, as well as a flood. We're like cockroaches. I'm going with pandemic. There's a new virus going round called the Nipah virus, which originated with bats. It's incurable and there's no vaccine. According to Science Alert, the fatality rate is 40-75%. An outbreak in South India has already killed 10 people.

Not to worry. India says it has everything under control.

Perhaps people need to be reminded that, as Gilgamesh says, "Only the gods live forever." The rest if us are just "breaths of air."

Bethlehem Offers Free Flu Vaccines Tomorrow at East Hills Middle School

From The Bethlehem Health Bureau: The Bethlehem Health Bureau will be conducting a free drive-thru flu vaccine clinic on Saturday, November 14th from 10:00-2:00 at East Hills Middle School (2005 Chester Rd., Bethlehem). The Bethlehem Health Bureau, along with support from Bethlehem Area School District nurses and volunteers, will be offering quadrivalent flu vaccine to Bethlehem Area School District students and their families. Last year, over 850 individuals were vaccinated through the drive thru clinic and we anticipate an even larger response this year. The quadrivalent flu vaccine is designed to protect against four different flu viruses; two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses. This season’s vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses.

Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), seasonal flu-related deaths have ranged from 3,000 people to 49,000 people. The “seasonal flu” in the United States can begin as early as October and as late as May. During this time, flu viruses are circulating in the population. An annual seasonal flu vaccine (either the flu shot or the nasal-spray flu vaccine) is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community.

Everyone six months and older is encouraged to get the flu vaccine annually. If you have not gotten your flu vaccine yet this season, please take advantage of this free drive-thru clinic. Mayor Donchez has stated, “I encourage residents to participate in this beneficial program, and I commend the City’s Health Bureau for taking a proactive approach in protecting our citizens.”

Bethlehem Health Bureau Reports Alarming Increase in Synthetic Marijuana ODs

FROM BETHLEHEM BUREAU OF HEALTH: Overdoses due to the use of synthetic marijuana remain a concern in the City of Bethlehem. The Bethlehem Health Bureau has been working with the Bethlehem Police Department and Bethlehem EMS to collect data on the number of emergency calls from individuals who have used synthetic marijuana. Although the dangers have been widely publicized, the City of Bethlehem has steadily seen an increase in the number of overdose related calls. A total of 55 calls were made to 9-1-1 from April through July and 49 resulted in a transport to a local hospital. The majority of the overdose victims have been young males.

Marketed as a “legal high”, the use of synthetic cannabinoids or synthetic marijuana can cause dangerous side effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, psychotic episodes and seizures. The use of synthetic marijuana also creates a hazard to public safety because of the violent reactions the drug can produce. Newer versions continue to appear on the market because manufacturers change their chemical compounds to create a “new” drug to circumvent existing laws. The Bethlehem Health Bureau warns that synthetic marijuana is dangerous and poses a serious threat to public health. The Bethlehem Health Bureau will continue to work with the police department and EMS to monitor data on overdoses related to synthetic marijuana in an effort to effectively develop and target prevention efforts. In addition, the Bethlehem Police Department is urging store owners to pull synthetic marijuana products from their shelves.

If someone you know has used synthetic marijuana, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Dial 9-1-1 immediately if someone has stopped breathing, collapses or has seizures.

Bi-County Public Health Department Dead

Just one year ago, Lehigh County Commissioners supported Bi-County Public Health. But now, with a 7-person Republican majority, it has been taken off life support. It was a 6-2 vote last night. The dissenters were Republican Percy Dougherty and Democrat David Jones, both of whom have steadfastly supported a regional public health department. Express Times' Colin McEvoy has the details.

A Rallying Cry to Save Bi-County Public Health Dep't Goes Out

At this time last year, it was Northampton County threatening to pull the plug on a Bi-County public health department. But times change, and so do boards. Now it's Lehigh County's turn to play Snidely Whiplash.

Commissioner Mike Schware points out that it will cost too much, but colleague Percy Dougherty counters its only $250,000-500,000 per County.

Former tea party blowhard Joe Hilliard instructs, “There is no pressing need, no outcries or demands for a massive bureaucracy governing two counties to save the roving bands of people keeling over from food poisoning all over the rural areas.”

Oh yeah, what about zombie attacks? Didn't think of that, did you, Joe?

Joe's about to get his wish. Not food poisoning or zombies. But there will be outcries at the August 8 meeting of Lehigh County Commissioners.

Former Commissioner Gloria Hamm, R.N., has sent out this email blast:

"Last evening, several Lehigh County Commissioners proposed Lehigh County stop further efforts to unite with Northampton County to create a bi-county health bureau. A Board of professionals and business people have been meeting for several years to create this partnership, unique in the state. It would cover over 600,000 people of all ages.

"These several commissioners feel they are voting to disband because the LC residents want this. They will vote on Wednesday, August 8 at the 7:30 PM meeting. We would like to show there is a significant segment of the population in support of a two county arrangement. In the interest of time, we should not all speak. Also, please send an email or call these commissioners asap to let them know of your feelings. Refer to the Lehigh County web site for their individual addresses or send an email to commissionersoffice@lehighcounty.org."

Also whipping up support is an unnamed Commissioner, probably Dr. Dougherty:

"Now is the time to give a last minute push. Brad [Osborne] is not totally in their camp and he will bend if there is a big public push to save the Health Department. Mike Schware is in a delicate position and may face an opponent because of his stand, plus lose one of his major financial backers. Get people to contact the commissioners individually.

"The best I hope to gain is a stalemate and have the death penalty tabled for the time being."

Lehigh Prof to Discuss Local Hunger and Public Health on Wednesday

Does Bethlehem have a hunger problem? With farmers' markets and Bottom Dollars everywhere, is there a lack of access to fresh and affordable food? Do we have health problems related to asthma, local air pollution, obesity and diabetes?

According to Lehigh University's Breena Holland (associate professor of political science), we have all those problems.

This Wednesday, 7 PM, at Bethlehem Town Hall (10 E. Church St.), Dr. Holland will deliver the first of the 2012 series of Town Hall Lectures, hosted by the South Side Initiative of Lehigh University and the City of Bethlehem. She's calling it "Environmental Justice, Food Security, and Public Health: A Future For Bethlehem." 

Professor Holland will draw on her research to offer a vision for making Bethlehem a more environmentally equitable and healthy community.

This event is free, open to the public and will be followed by a discussion between audience members and the presenter.

Lehigh Valley Health Department Remains In Limbo

Despite the lack of a quorum, the Lehigh Valley Health Commission met at the Lehigh County Government Center on January 9 to select officers for the upcoming year. In a perfunctory election that Lehigh County's Percy Dougherty insisted was entirely proper, he was unanimously named Chair. The Vice Chair went just as easily to Northampton County's Peg Ferraro. But the absence of four Lehigh County Commissioners made it impossible for the Commission to do anything else, although they did take time to listen to a presentation and plea from the Health Board's Ilene Prokup.

"We feel as though we are in limbo," she complained.

The LV Health Commission is comprised of the combined county legislators of the Lehigh Valley, making it an unwieldy 18-member body whose actions require a majority vote from both Northampton and Lehigh. All nine Northampton County Council members attended the meeting being hosted in Allentown, but ironically, only Lehigh County Commissioners Percy Dougherty, Dan McCarthy, Vic Mazziotti and Scott Ott were present for a meeting on their own home field.

"We're outdone in our own back yard," joked Dougherty.

In October, Prokup and other local public health advocates proposed a five-year plan for four offices in Bethlehem, Allentown, Bangor and Slatington, requiring a $450,000 annual contribution from each County. County officials decided to delay a decision until after the election. Now, with eight new members in the governing bodies of both counties, Percy Dougherty stated that a new presentation would be helpful. He also suggested, as he did in October, that perhaps the voters should weigh in on this decision by referendum.

Those who did have questions were particularly bothered by the lack of cash assistance from area hospital. "We made the deliberate decision not to seek funds from the individual hospitals," stated Prokup, who explained they already provide a "tremendous amount of in-kind services." She also noted a potential conflict of interest because a public health department has regulatory authority over hospitals. But Lehigh's Vic Mazziotti noted that receiving in-kind services would create a potential conflict of interest, too.

Percy Dougherty agreed that area hospitals should provide "hard cash," but noted a ruling last year providing that cash contributions made directly from hospitals to the health bureau would be ineligible for state matching purposes.

Northampton County Executive John Stoffa solved that problem, noting that instead of giving the money directly to the health bureau, hospitals could contribute to the counties. "$250,000 is a quarter in their pockets," he argued, suggesting that a pitch be made directly to the Trustees at each major hospital.

Northampton's Lamont McClure worried that a LV Health Department could become a "bureaucratic leviathon," with rising County contributions. But Prokup answered that the Health Commission could simply refuse to fund the budget, as has already been done. "Just don't fund it," she suggested.

Mazziotti also questioned the empirical data that establishes that public health is better in Allentown and Bethlehem, which have public health departments, than it is in the rest of the Lehigh Valley. Prokup acknowledged her data are insufficient to answer that question.

Noting that the state has seen a decrease in revenue, Northampton's John Cusick wondered whether that would affect public health. He also pointed to layoffs last year in Bethlehem's health department. Because they have not really met since last October, Prokup stated the Health Department has had no opportunity to consider the impact of any budgetary cuts.

Before they adjourned, Dougherty assured Prokup and other public health advocates that each County will "hit the ground running" and have a decision by July. "It's only fair that we give you a decision as soon as possible," he acknowledged.

Until then, the unfunded LV Health Department will remain in limbo.

Bi-County Health Comm'n To Meet October 17

According to RenewLV's Rachel Bradshaw, the Bi-County Health Commission will meet Monday, October 17 at 6pm at the Northampton County Government Center (669 Washington Street, Easton, PA) to hear the full presentation in favor of establishing a bi-county health department for Lehigh and Northampton Counties.

The Bi-County Health Comm'n is comprised of the combined county legislators of the Lehigh Valley, making it an 18-member Comm'n whose actions require a majority vote from both Northampton and Lehigh. Five members of Northampton County Council - Ron Angle, Barb Thierry, Bruce Gilbert, John Cusick and Tom Dietrich - will likely vote to end this idea unless the real beneficiaries of this proposal start making some financial contributions.

Despite all the claims about public health, and many of them are valid, it's never a bad idea to remember who is really behind both this idea and even that supposed grassroots group. RenewLV. It's the Lehigh Valley Partnership, our unelected aristocracy, who like puppeteers, do pull the strings of Council members and Commissioners.

We're being asked to pay County tax dollars to fund a project that essentially is designed to ease the burden on the emergency rooms at Lehigh Valley Hospital and St. Luke's. Thise hospitals are doing well and need no help. If they want to provide cash grants to Lehigh and Northampton County to pay the county shares of this project, the plan will pass. But if that does not happen, the Lehigh Valley Health Board is a dead man walking.

Does Mother Know Best About Bi-County Health?

Marge Peterson has a great story about Lehigh County Comm'r candidate Norma Cusick, a Republican, at Salisbury Patch. It takes real guts for a Republican to claim she supports a bi-county health department, especially right before a primary. Although I would never vote for or against a candidate based on a single issue, and actually oppose bi-county health as formulated, Norma's honesty would get my vote.

Interestingly, her son John, the President of Northampton County Council, has steadfastly voted against all bi-county health proposals so far.

Will she send John to his room?

Cunningham Rules Out Stand-Alone Health Department in Lehigh

In January, Northampton and Lehigh County legislators did their best to put the Lehigh Valley Health Board in an induced coma, refusing to approve any funding at all, even from benefactors like the Two Rivers Health and Wellness Foundation and The Dorothy Rider Pool Trust. In order to even conduct a meeting, the advertising costs must be paid directly from an outside source. Despite this impediment, the Board still managed to meet in January, and has scheduled monthly meetings for the remainder of the year.

At the February 14 meeting, Lehigh Valley Health Board Chairman Ilene Prokup delivered more bad news, telling the 11 people present that it's unlikely Lehigh County will form a stand-alone health department. According to Prokup, Executive Don Cunningham has told her he'd prefer a regional health department. A stand-alone health department in Lehigh would be unable to attract Bethlehem, he explained.

Cunningham also told Prokup they need a business plan, but she expressed some confusion over exactly what that involves. "What do you mean by this?" she asked Cunningham.

Members discussed a number of ways to eliminate the "continuous misunderstandings" about public health by Lehigh and Northampton County legislators. "The biggest problem is they don't see the need," explained former Lehigh County Executive David Bausch, who said they've got other things on their mind right now, like snow removal.

Members also discussed different ways to get County legislators to approve a budget.

Initiative and referendum is one of the options, but Cunningham told Prokup that's an invalid ballot question. Vice Chair Robert Black would refer to avoid that option because the "downside risk greatly outweighs the benefit." Prokup agreed that initiative should only be viewed as a "last ditch effort."

Gaining allies through one-on-one meetings with County legislators is another option. But Cunningham cautioned Prokup to move quickly, noting that several tea party members are running in both Counties.

Prokup also mentioned an email from Lehigh County Commissioner Percy Dougherty, suggesting that they promote pro-public health candidates like Salisbury Township Commissioner Norma Cusick, who is rumored to be running for Lehigh County Commissioner. But David Bausch put an end to that discussion. "All the gains you made, you'll lose," he warned.

Prokup said she'd ask RenewLV, a local public interest nonprofit, to promote pro-public health candidates.

As a public body, the Lehigh Valley Health Board is barred from engaging in partisan politics. As a 501c3 nonprofit, so is RenewLV.

Norma Cusick is married to a physician. Northampton County Council President John Cusick, who opposes a regional health department, is their son. Prokup joked, "Their son is rebelling. They need to have a talk with him."

The Lehigh Valley Health Board will meet again on Monday, March 14, 6 PM, at The American Red Cross Building, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA.

LV Health Department Placed in Induced Coma

For the second time in six months, the Lehigh Valley Health Commission has done its best to drive a stake through the heart of the fledgling Lehigh Valley Health Department. In July, it spurned a budget requiring $500,000 annual contributions from each county. It went a step further at a meeting hosted by Lehigh County in Allentown on January 10, refusing to allow the department to spend any money at all, even donations from the Two Rivers Health and Wellness Foundation and The Dorothy Rider Pool Trust. Unable to do anything on its own, the LV Health Dep't is in an induced coma.

What the hell is The Lehigh Valley Health Commission?

It's actually the combined legislatures of Lehigh and Northampton County. Under state law, every action taken must have the blessing of a majority from each county. Although Lehigh County Commissioners have steadfastly supported bi-county health department proposals, Northampton County Council has just as readily supplied a veto. Ironically, the body that first proposed a bi-county health department in 2007, voted against allowing it to spend a dime in a 5-4 vote last night. Northampton County Council members Ron Angle, Tom Dietrich, Bruce Gilbert, Lamont McClure and Barb Thierry all voted No, joined by Lehigh County Commissioners Dean Browning, Tom Creighton and Glenn Eckhart.

Andy Roman, a Lehigh County Commissioner, was the sole absentee from either County. Hey, it's an election year, and Andy can't risk letting the tea party ... or Scott Ott ... or Wayne Woodman know that he really supports this proposal.

Before the vote, many of the concerns expressed six months ago were repeated. Most remain unresolved.

Glenn "Commissioner No" Eckhart (Leh.) questioned whether Allentown and Bethlehem, which have their own health departments, have "bought on" to the process. Dr. David Lyon, outgoing Chair of the volunteer health department, complained that "[e]verybody wants someone else to make the commitment first. Allentown wants to know what Bethlehem's prepared to do. The County wants to know what the cities are prepared to do. The hospitals want to know what government's prepared to do."

So I guess the answer is No.

Asked whether there would be a disparity in the services offered to the cities as opposed to the outlying areas of the Lehigh Valley, Dr. Lyon acknowledged a commitment to the Lehigh Valley's urban core, but explained that rural citizens have different public health needs. Yeah, city residents need condoms while Upper Mount Bethel residents need teeth. Dr. Lyon pledged that "comparable" services would be provided within about a year to 18 months.

Dr. Lyon also conceded that the $500,000 contribution sought in July is too high. But he added, "I would be less than honest if I said the figure will be zero."

Lamont McClure (Nor.) is the only Democrat from either county who opposes a public health department. He's claimed before that hospitals want this to relieve the congestion in their ERs, so they should be willing to kick in some dough.

He reminded Dr. Lyon about that last night, and asked whether there's been any progress. The answer is that there've been no "further, substantive" discussions. In fairness, Lehigh Valley Hospital has been pretty busy, what with tasering patients and everything.

"This is going to take some time," Dr. Lyon cautioned. He's probably scared that if he gets too insistent, one of those hospitals will nail him with a cattle prod.

Bruce Gilbert (Nor.) wondered why every hospital CEO in the Lehigh Valley was not standing at his side, "The major players here should be those hospitals and they should be the ones coming before us to say, 'Here's what we pledged for this wonderful joint venture.'"

Gilbert was zapped with a cattle prod on his way out of the building by some laughing dude in a white lab coat. Bruce is now Northampton County's first gray Councilperson, and thinks he's a ballerina.

Tom Creighton (Leh.) suggested that hospitals should run a Bi-County health department. But Bill Hansell (Leh.) countered that state law requires that a public health department must originate with a public body.

"It's a new branch of government," grumbled Ron Angle (Nor.). "I don't need any more government in my life."

Unfortunately, the tea party crowd arrived late, so nobody applauded Ron but me.

LV Health Department member John Reinhart termed the vote "insulting. You're saying now, 'Well you can continue and we support you, but you can't spend the money that a foundation is willing to provide you.'" Reinhart questioned whether he should continue serving on the health bard. "I thought we were an extension of your interest." He also complained, "How in the world are we ever going to go to the hospitals and say, 'We need you as partners in this and we need you to step up.'"

An angry Peg Ferraro (Nor.) put on a little display for her Lehigh Valley Partnership overseers, blasting the five Northampton Council members who voted against extending LV Health Bureau budget through the end of this year. "I am very, very disappointed in my Board," she said in her big person voice.

Banging the table as well as any Politburo member, she exclaimed "Talk! Talk! Talk! ... We have one more year that they're asking for, and then you can vote No. But please, vote yes, allow this to go to fruition, and I'm sorry, the vote's been taken. I am just very, very disappointed."

Funny thing about Peg. Just four days earlier, in the presence of a large group of tea party sympathizers, Ferraro suggested exactly what five members of Northampton County Council did on January 10. "I would wonder if something could just be put on hold until the change in the economy or some time down the road," she said in her little person voice. "It's just a different time than when the project started."

That Peg. Thank God we have a VP on Council who can take every side on the same issue, and be passionate about it, too.

Is the Bi-County Health Department dead? According to Bill Hansell, yes. But according to Lehigh Commissioner Percy Dougherty, it's still hanging by a thread. "I'll do almost anything to keep this alive except give Ron [Angle] mouth to mouth," he pledged.

Angle retorted, "Please let me die."

Everyone whipped out their cattle prods, but Angle enjoyed it.

Updated 11:40: You can also read about this at Bethlehem Patch, The Morning Call and a WFMZ web extra.

LV Health Comm'rs to Meet Tonight

The combined legislatures of Lehigh and Northampton County will meet tonight, 6:00 p.m., at the Lehigh County Government Center, 17 S. 7th Street, Allentown, PA, Room # 123. I have no idea whether Northampton County's Council will continue to remain opposed.

Browning Proposes LC Withdrawal From Bi-County Health Dept

On Thursday night, Northampton County Council narrowly adopted a resolution that gives false hope to a continued Bi-County Health Department. By a 5-4 vote, they agreed to support its "continuing activity," so long as no money is required from the County. On Friday, Lehigh County Comm'rs Chair Dean "Van Helsing" Browning proposed that Lehigh County withdraw.

Trying to drive a stake through the heart of a Bi-County Health Department that just won't go away, is proving to be very difficult. I was sure it was dead in July, when six Northampton County Council members refused to authorize funding, a budget or establishment of a health board. Since that time, County finances have gone from bad to worse. Lehigh will see a 16% tax hike next year, and Northampton County has barely escaped a similar fate by putting Gracedale, the County nursing home, on the auction block.

But they forgot to cut off its head, and the LV Health Board is b-a-a-a-a-ck.

Glen "Commissioner No" Eckhart and Tom Creighton have already signed on to Browning's legislation. And Andy Roman is expected to conduct a news conference today, in which he'll announce some kind of "post 911 alternative," whatever that is, to a bi-county health department. That arguably gives Browning four Republican supporters. All four Democratic Commissioners can be expected to continue their support.

So it all boils down to Percy Dougherty, scourge of affordable housing and proponent of zero-tax-increase budgets.

He's all for a bi-county health department. In fact, according to him, so is Northampton County Council. "[T]here are enough votes to move forward with approval of the Health Department pending some last minute financial concerns," he claims. He adds that Browning's proposal is "politically motivated because the sponsors know they do not have enough votes but they are playing to the media."

But Browning, who knows very well that Northampton County has no real intention of establishing a Health Department, is concerned about the financial consequences to Lehigh when it is left holding the colostomy bag. According to Browning, Lehigh County's go-it-alone "starting price will be in excess of $500,000 and will increase dramatically from there. Since the July meeting of the LVHC, we have had an intervening event, namely the 2011 budget, that should give pause to some. The budget for 2011 calls for a 16% increase just to allow the County to continue to fulfill the basic responsibilities that are currently assigned to it by the Commonwealth and by the Home Rule Charter. And even with that increase, we still have a gap between expenses and revenue that will need to be filled if we are to continue to provide those required services without another tax increase in 2012."

I support a public health department myself, but when county governments are fighting for their financial lives, it's time to back off. Now is simply not the time, and it is unfair to allow the good people on that board continue to spin their wheels until both counties are on a firm financial footing.

If Browning's argument is "politically motivated," we could use a few more politicians.

The combined legislatures of Lehigh and Northampton Counties will meet on January 10, and that's when we'll learn the true fate of the Bi-County Department of Health.

LV Health Board: It's Alive!

Do you know what it's like when you're trying to get a date with some really hot babe? I do. She's exactly my type, but I'm not hers. But rather than just telling me to get lost, she'll usually let me down easy. She'll say she can't go out because she's getting root canal or something. Or she'll have her husband or a cop pay me a visit. After a few restraining orders, I usually get the message. I can take a hint.

Well, RenewLV's Steve Bliss is a lot like me, except the date he's hoping for is with Northampton County Council and a possible resurrection of the all-but-defunct bi-county health bureau. I thought it died on the operating table in July, when six Northampton County Council members (Angle, Cusick, Dowd, Gilbert, McClure, Thierry) and three Lehigh County Commissioners (Browning, Creighton, Eckhart) refused to approve a budget or authorize the establishment of a Board of Health.

But they forgot to cut off its head and drive a wooden stake through its heart.

It's alive!

That's why on November 4, when Northampton County Council adopted its 2011 no-tax-increase budget, an anxious Steve Bliss was there, wondering if he was going to get lucky. At the time, Council member Mike Dowd hinted around about the bi-county health Department., "[W]e indicated that we would at least be prepared to consider - and I'm not asking for a vote at this point - that we would be prepared to consider revisiting that. And so my sense is I do intend to bring that to the table for us as we move into the new year, once we've got a decision as to where Gracedale goes." At the time, Council member John Cusick stated that, "until the Gracedale issue is resolved, I don't think we can even consider that."

Fast forward two weeks, to Council's November 18 meeting. Once again, a hopeful Steve Bliss is in the peanut gallery, patiently listening to Upper Mount Bethel NIMBYs and the usual Gracedale goons claim that they are "We, the people." This time, he got lucky!

Council member Ann McHale started things off, stating they really should give some kind of signal of their direction so that Lehigh County could go it alone, if need be. "Do we have a mandate for them to continue? Are we going to continue to let them waste their time if we're not going to be participating? It's an issue that this body has got to address ... . [I]t's my understanding that Lehigh County will in fact continue to move forward with their own department."

Really? In the face of a 16.1% tax hike? In the middle of a recession? Comm'r Andy Roman, an ardent health board advocate, recently withdrew his support for precisely those reasons.

"It's interesting you had those conversations because they are kinda' opposite the same conversations I had," remarked Rev. Dowd. But he's all for keeping public health "on the table" until we know what is going on with Gracedale.

Council member Tom Dietrich stated that, in his conversations with LC Comm'rs, "[I]t sounds like we're the ones holding them back."

But Ron Angle scoffed at that, claiming LC Comm'rs are just scapegoating NC Council as the "dirty dogs" and "rats" who prevented them from initiating a health department. "That's a fraud, that's not true," barked Angle. "That's a great Percy play. ... I never seen any action on their part or money on the table from them. They're game playing."

When McHale repeated she had been told that LC will pursue it on its own, the Bulldog snarled, "They better pursue taking care of their taxpayers. They're not doing a very good job at that."

But then County Council voted 5-2, with only Angle and Thierry dissenting, to continue discussions leading to the creation of a bi-County health bureau.

So Steve Bliss is in bliss.

RenewLV on Regional Health Department: It's Alive!

RenewLV is my favorite faux grass roots group. Accordning to its most recent newsletter, a controversial regional health department is still alive. Here's their take:

As you may know, the Lehigh Valley Health Commission -- composed of the county legislators in Lehigh and Northampton Counties -- reviewed and voted on the plan and budget for the Lehigh Valley Health Department at the Commission's July 19 meeting. Both items needed to be approved by a majority of legislators in each county. While Lehigh County Commissioners approved the proposal 6-3, it failed to pass in Northampton County by a 2-6 vote. Overall, the Lehigh Valley Health Commission voted 9-8 against the regional health department. For more information, read the coverage of the meeting in the Morning Call and the Express-Times.

The proposal did not pass on July 19 despite the overwhelming public support at the meeting, as supporters packed the room and more than 25 speakers -- many representing organizations with large regional memberships -- expressed their desire to see the regional health department become a reality.

Though the proposal was not approved, the effort to establish a bi-county health department is still alive. The Lehigh Valley Health Commission approved the operating budget for the Board of Health itself until the end of 2010, allowing the Board members to continue working. In the coming months, the Board of Health will be working with county and city officials to see how to move the regional health effort forward, and the Board of Health plans to meet in early October. RenewLV will keep you updated on upcoming meetings and activities of the Board.

Thank you again for your continuous support. We will keep you updated on any future developments regarding the bi-county health department. In the meantime, please feel free to visit RenewLV's Regional Health Initiative page, or, if you have questions or comments, email us at health@renewlv.org.

Stoffa: "West Nile Virus, We Have It"

At Thursday night's Council meeting, Northampton County Exec John Stoffa indicates West Nile virus is here. "West Nile Virus - we have it in Northampton County. It's been found in Bethlehem in a cemetery, of all places. Northampton, Bethlehem Township, Hanover Township and Lower Nazareth. ... We are monitoring it." County officials claim spraying is little help at this time of year.

According to CDC, only 1 of every 5 persons infected with West Nile Virus develops any symptoms. West Nile fever symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash (on the trunk of the body) and swollen lymph glands. That illness can last between a few days and several weeks.

1 of every 150 people infected will develop a severe disease. Symptoms include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis.

Lack of Hospital Support Kills LV Health Board

Despite over four hours of emergency medical treatment from the Lehigh Valley's best and brightest physicians and nurses, the Lehigh Valley Health Department died a slow and agonizing death last night in Northampton County's star chamber. Quoting FDR, JFK, Thomas Jefferson and even Ben Franklin proved to be of no use. Time of death? 10:38 PM. Cause? Lack of hospital support.

Before last night's vote by the combined legislatures of Lehigh and Northampton County, enough hot air was generated by public health and personal responsibility advocates to heat the County for the next five years. Twenty-nine people spoke to a standing-room only crowd, and twenty-two of them supported the measure.

Public Health Advocates v. Personal Responsibility Advocates

"It's time for a change," said dietitian Jane Ziegler, wearing her white lab coat for effect. Retired surgeon Michael Sinclair called the proposal "creative" and "brilliant." "Good bargains are hard to find," he said. Auto dealer Andy Daub tried to close the sale, calling a bi-county health department an "investment" that will somehow decrease the cost of health care. "We've got to compete with Bucks County or we're not going to get the jobs. ... They're gonna' walk right by us."

But the high local cost of Bucks County's health department, estimated at somewhere between $4 and $6 million, was used by personal responsibility advocates to argue against a bi-county health department. Former LV Congressional candidate Mat Benol told Lehigh and Northampton County legislators that "no amount of money is going to make people stop going to McDonalds."

Scrappleface, aka former LC Exec candidate Scott Ott, scoffed at the notion that a bi-County health department would be cost efficient. "You have to ask yourself, if two counties are good, why isn't four counties better? If four counties would be better, why not a twelve-county coalition? If a twelve-county coalition makes sense, how about a sixty-seven county coalition? Because certainly, the higher we roll this up and the more regional coordination we have, the better the care would get, or so you've been led to believe. So why not have Governor Rendell coordinate everything from Harrisburg, or President Obama coordinate it from Washington, D.C." He later said, "You don't have to rescue us. ... You cannot solve every problem."

We're Too Fat and Our Babies are Too Skinny

After hearing from the unwashed masses, the next people up were LV Health Board members.

Dr. Eric Gertner explained why we need public health. For one thing, we're too fat. In Northampton County, 30% of us are obese, and Lehigh County is only slightly skinnier, at 26%. If Northampton County were a state, the only ones that would be fatter than us would be Mississippi, Alabamy, West Virginy and Tennessee. It's like we're in Deliverance country. The truth is that Northampton County's obesity rate would go down ten points if I just moved.

While we're too fat, our babies are too skinny. 8.3% of Northampton's babies have a low birth rate, while Lehigh County is even worse, at 8.7%. Even Mongolia does better than us. But don't Mongols have anger issues?

John Reinhart, another Board of Health member, explained the nightmare he went through when he had to distribute H1N1 vaccines at the Bangor School District. "There seems to be a comfortable belief that we in the LV will be taken care of by some agency or some group, and that agency or group will not permit us to be vulnerable during a public health crisis. I personally believe that's clearly a misconception. ... We reached out last Fall during H1N1, and with the exception of Allentown and Bethlehem, there really wasn't another person on the end of the line for the rest of us."

Health Board member Ilene Prokup told legislators of plans for 5 clinics in Allentown, Slatington, Bethlehem, Easton and Bangor. She also said the staff would grow from 66 to 106 in the first year.

Lehigh and Northampton County legislators had several objections.

Bruce Gilbert (North.) was doubtful about the 3% projected annual growth, believing the figure will be much higher as a regional health board competes for grants with Philly and Pittsburgh. "I don't see that as a realistic figure as to what our cost increase will be. I'm not sure we're getting an accurate picture ... ."

Glenn Eckhart (Leh.) noted that 66 public health workers currently serve 175,000 people in Allentown and Bethlehem, and was very doubtful that an additional 50 workers could serve 600,000 residents in the LV. "Will this health department give equal coverage to the other 400,000? Until that happens, I can't support it."

The Northampton County Bulldog, Ron Angle, was in a foul mood. Chairman Percy Dougherty had started the meeting by saying any attempts to table the LV Health Department would be out of order, and he reached that conclusion on the basis of discussions with attorneys from both Counties. Angle asked County Council Solicitor Phil Lauer whether that was true, and Phil responded, "This is the first I've heard of it." Dougherty got his signals crossed somewhere.

Angle's chief objection (he had a few) is that Allentown and Bethlehem are guaranteed they will receive the same services from a Bi-County Health department that residents there currently enjoy. "This is a two-tiered service. If we vote against increases, Allentown and Bethlehem will still get the same service and everyone else will suffer." He also ridiculed the numbers in the proposal, calling them "pitiful."

Lamont McClure (North.) delivered the most damaging assessment. He had previously boycotted all meetings concerning the establishment of a Bi-County Health Department, and noted that "we've been lectured about our responsibilities", "our failure to provide for public health." Then he delivered a lecture of his own, telling health board members that the County's source of revenue is real estate taxes. "There is a crisis in Pennsylvania, but it is of people trying to stay in their homes." He noted many good people are just "one pink slip away from foreclosure," and read minutes from previous presentations establishing that local hospitals want public health so they can get people out of their emergency rooms.

McClure wanted to know if hospitals were willing to fund the County share for the next five years. Board member David Beckwith conceded that, although hospitals were more than willing to provide in-kind services, they will make no cash contributions.

This seemed to set off the normally affable Dean Browning (Leh.), who agreed with McClure that "we have been somewhat lectured to tonight." Of the hospitals' refusal to commit any cash, he stated, "They damn well should support us because they are not paying any property taxes." Browning noted that, in Lehigh County, hospitals are exempt from $8.1 million in real estate taxes. "If they want a Bi-County Health Department, they should put their money where their mouth is and fund it."

Mike Dowd (North.) noted that satellite offices would be established "when deemed appropriate," and questioned why that was not already determined. He shared Angle's concern about funding for Allentown and Bethlehem leading to shortfalls elsewhere. Finally, he'd like to see proof of the "salubrious benefit" of public health to students in Allentown and Bethlehem. (Mike talks like that. He reads books).

In addition to all these objections, there were other legislators who argued in support of funding a Bi-County Health Board.

Andy Roman (Leh.) trotted out the "Be afraid, be very afraid" argument, pointing to 9/11, bio-terrorism and our drinking supply. He also noted "we are already paying for services that we're not receiving from a system that is fragmented and has no local control. Conservatives should support this."

Gloria Hamm (Leh.), who had oxygen going up her nose the entire meeting, must have had her supply cut off by Angle at points. She was hopelessly confused before every vote cast, but dismissed the personal responsibility argument as some kind of red herring. She also noted that if one grant is denied, the health board can simply apply for another one somewhere else. I see.

David Jones (Leh.), who actually showed up for once, claimed he was no politician, but was a preacher. He condemned the "rhetoric" and "grandstanding" that had gone on "from both sides" and then delivered a sermon of his own. Arguments against the health board were "strawmans" [sic]. Those opposed are guilty of "unreasoned fear." Then he quoted from FDR, Martin Luther King and Adam Sandler.

According to Bill Hansell (Leh.), funding is imperative. "Listening to the opposition, I'm wondering what country we're in." Then he started quoting Jefferson, who incidentally helped Hansell draft the Declaration of Independence. By the way, I hate to break this to you, but according to Hansell, the health board report claims "we have cancer." Better see your doctor. He also insisted public health should be our #1 priority, more important than open space, bridges or even jails.

Percy Dougherty (Leh.) promises, "we're not going to saddle the taxpayers" with the cost of a health board, and claims he could transfer funds from "other programs." But he never identifies those programs.

Ann McHale (North.) had the usual trite comments. "Now is the time to make the tough choice. ... It's the right thing to do. ... It takes courage to do the right thing ... blah, blah, blah." I'm sure her Overlords at the Lehigh Valley Partnership were very happy.

Despite Dougherty's admonition earlier that evening, Angle moved to table the resolution for two weeks, pending receipt of a report on the County's nursing home. He was seconded by Dowd, who expressed concern about Northampton County's $16 million hole. But that motion failed. An attempt to offer amendments to the Resolution also fell short. That left the Resolution itself, which authorized funding, approved a budget and authorized establishment of a Board of Health. In order to pass, this resolution needed the support of five members of both Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners as well as Northampton County Council.

When the dust had settled, it passed in Lehigh County, 6-3. Only Browning, Tom Creighton and Eckhart were opposed. But it failed in Northampton County, 2-6. Only McHale and Peg Ferraro voted yes, with Tom Dietrich being the only member MIA from both legislative bodies.

What killed this proposal, in addition to poor advocacy and a condescending attitude from public health advocates, was the unwillingness of local hospitals to provide any kind of financial support for a program that benefits them at least as much as the public.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by David Jones' Life Church.

Norco Council Sickened By Public Health Proposal

In early June, the LV Health Bureau released its proposed budget to the Lehigh Valley Partnership, an unelected and secretive millionaires' club. But the elected legislatures of Lehigh and Northampton County, the ones who actually spend your money, were kept in the dark until Wednesday. That's when they learned that each County is expected to contribute $250,000 for a regional health department next year, followed by $500,000 in 2012, and $550,000 in 2013-15. With just five days notice, they are being told to vote for this on Monday.

Naturally, this dominated conversation at Thursday night's Northampton County Council meeting.

"If you'd want to buy stock based on this proposal, I'm not available for any shares," noted Council Prez Ron Angle.

Council member Lamont McClure, a public health opponent who previously has boycotted all meetings of the LV Health Comm'n, said he'll be there Monday. "We have never been able to pin them down on what they'd actually do," he complained, insisting it is time to reject the proposal.

But County Executive John Stoffa had a different view. "If I were the King, I would mothball the project. I wouldn't vote on it. I would out it aside. I would not negate all the work that's been done, but I think I would wait a year or so to see if the economy changes."

Council members Michael Dowd and Peg Ferraro, who formerly advocated a Bi-County Health Department, accepted Stoffa's argument. "I'm not prepared to vote yes based on what I've seen. But once you say no, it tends to be no forever," said Dowd.

Northampton County Council and Lehigh County Commissioners will decide the future of a regional health department on Monday, 6:30 PM, in Northampton County Council's meeting room.

Public Health to Combat Dirty Bombs?

The numbers are finally in, and they're not good. They were presented to the Lehigh Valley Partnership (LVP), our unelected aristocracy, weeks ago. But the leaders we actually elect, the ones sitting on Northampton County Council and the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, were never presented with any actual numbers until yesterday. They're the ones who actually make the decisions about spending our money, but were clueless. On Monday, they'll be asked to approve a three-year budget for the Bi-County Health Bureau that calls for huge infusions of cash from each County, especially during the second year. I do not have the exact figures, but will pass them along when I get them.

I don't know about you, but I find it insulting that the Bi-County Health Bureau would present its budget to the bluebloods at the secretive LVP before letting the rest of us in. That says something about their real Overlords, and it's not us.

Will it pass?

Doubtful. On Northampton County Council, I can only see Peg Ferraro and Mike Dowd supporting it. In Lehigh County, it's a different story. Only Dean Browning, Glenn Eckhart and Tom Creighton are definite Nos. Unless it passes in both counties, it's dead.

Browning is taking it on the chin for supporting some modest salary increases to row officers. But on a big ticket item like this, conservative Andy Roman is a big cheerleader. He actually thinks a Bi-County Health Bureau will help us if we are hit with a "dirty bomb" or bio-terrorism. I admire his independence and passion, but he is confusing a public health department with emergency management.

After the bi-county health department dies, he might want to look into the emergency management coordinated between Lehigh and Northampton County. Not long ago, Lehigh County members saved lives in Northampton County with their quick reaction to a chemical truck spill on Route 33.

Update (10:00 AM): I have the hard numbers, and they call for each County to kick in $250,000 next year, follwed by another $500,000 in Year 2, and $550,000 in Years 3, 4 & 5. This is backed up by a report in The Morning Call.