Health - Bensalem Township

Bucks Man Indicted on Federal Charges for Assaulting a Clinic Escort at Women’s Health Clinic

Published

3 years ago

October 2, 2022

A Bucks County man has been arrested and charged by federal authorities for allegedly attacking a 72 year-old patient escort outside of a Philadelphia women’s health clinic, last year.

Mark Houck, 48, of Kintnersville, PA, a prominent voice in the pro life faith based movement was charged by Indictment with a violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which makes it a federal crime to use force with the intent to injure, intimidate, and interfere with anyone because that person is a provider of reproductive health care.

Houck was arrested and made his initial appearance in federal court on these charges on Friday September 23.

According to court documents, the Houck is alleged to have twice assaulted a man because he was a volunteer reproductive health care clinic escort.

The charges stem from two separate incidents both on October 13, 2021, which occurred at the Planned Parenthood Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center on Locust Street in Philadelphia, where Houck allegedly assaulted the victim, a 72-year-old man, identified in the Indictment as “B.L.,” because B.L. was a volunteer escort at the reproductive health care clinic.

In the first incident, B.L. was attempting to escort two patients exiting the clinic, when the defendant forcefully shoved B.L. to the ground. In the second incident, the defendant verbally confronted B.L. and forcefully shoved B.L. to the ground in front of the Planned Parenthood center, causing injuries to B.L. that required medical attention.

“Assault is always a serious offense, and under the FACE Act, if the victim is targeted because of their association with a reproductive healthcare clinic, it is a federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Our Office and the Department of Justice are committed to prosecuting crimes which threaten the safety and rights of all individuals.”

“Put simply, violence is never the answer,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Violating the FACE Act by committing a physical assault is a serious crime for which the FBI will work to hold offenders accountable.”

A trial date has not yet been set in Houck’s case, he remains free on a $10,000 personal bond , according to federal court records.

He was barred by a federal judge from protesting outside the Elizabeth Blackwell clinic until the case against him is resolved, authorities said.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 11 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines of up to $350,000.00

Credit: Submitted

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Health - Bensalem Township

Tackle Spring Break Travel Prep with GIANT Pharmacists

Published

2 days ago

March 5, 2026

Jeff Bohen

After a long winter, many people are now looking ahead to spring break travel. Whether your plans have you headed to the beach or traveling abroad, GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists are available as a resource with pre-travel health consultations and over-the-counter product suggestions.

“The same way you may enlist the expertise of a travel agent when booking your vacation, your local GIANT or MARTIN’S pharmacist also has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to ensuring you have the right vaccinations or health essentials ahead of your trip,” said Nick Koch, director of pharmacy and wellbeing, The GIANT Company. “From pre-health travel consultations to offering recommendations for the best sunscreens and first aid basics, don’t overlook the value that our team of pharmacists can bring to your vacation preparations.”

If your spring break plans have you traveling aboard, GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists can also get you adventure ready with a pre-travel health consultation approximately as soon as travel dates are confirmed and a minimum of one month before you leave. This includes vaccines, prescription referrals, and over-the-counter medications.

Vaccines^* include but are not limited to yellow fever vaccine (available at select locations), typhoid vaccine and cholera vaccine. Prescription referrals include malaria prevention, traveler’s diarrhea prevention and care, motion sickness prevention and altitude sickness prevention. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit https://giantfoodstores.com/pages/pharmacy-services.

GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists advise that any prescription medication should always be packed in one’s carry-on bag, never in checked luggage, and preferably in the original container with the prescription label affixed. Be sure to bring enough for your trip as well as extra should there be any travel delays.

Travelers are also encouraged to pack a small first aid kit for on-the-go use. This should include bandages of various sizes, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, tweezers and a thermometer. Be sure to add over the counter pain relievers, antacids, decongestants, hand sanitizers and antibacterial wipes, too. Additional items may be needed based on one’s destination and weather.

Health - Bensalem Township

Still Winter: NWS Issues Tuesday Morning Winter Weather Advisory

Published

5 days ago

March 2, 2026

staff

March “comes in as lion” to the Lower Bucks area as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter weather advisory for Tuesday morning forecasting a mixed precipitation event making for possibly slippery road conditions.

The advisory is in effect from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 3.

NWS says total snow accumulations less than one inch and ice accumulations around a light glaze in portions of southeast Pennsylvania and central, northern, and northwest New Jersey.

The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute, officials say, and motorists should plan on slippery road conditions. Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution while traveling.

Health - Bensalem Township

Bucks Issues “Code Blue” Until March 3rd Due to Forecasted Bitter Cold

Published

6 days ago

March 1, 2026

staff

Bucks County has issued a “Code Blue” declaration as bitter cold is set to return for the start of March.

Shelters in Upper, Central and Lower Bucks will be in operation nightly Sunday through Tuesday morning.

The following shelters have been activated for this Code Blue event:

Lower Bucks – ahtn.org
(3/1)
Calvary Baptist Church – Gym
250 Green Lane
Bristol, PA 19007
www.calvarybristol.org

(3/2)
Morrisville Presbyterian Church
771 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Morrisville, PA 19067
www.mpcusa.org

Please note the Lower Bucks shelter location changes Monday evening to Morrisville Presbyterian Church.

Guests are required to leave the shelters by 6:45 a.m. each day and may return in the evening

Upper Bucks – facebook.com/upperbuckscodeblue
Quakertown Masonic Lodge – First Floor
501 W. Broad Street
Quakertown, PA 18951

Central Bucks – co2ssh.org
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
301 N. Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
www.doylestownlutheran.org

Guests are required to leave the shelters by 6:45 a.m. each day and may return in the evening.

The Upper and Lower Bucks shelters will open at 8:30 p.m. The Central Bucks shelter opens at 7:30 p.m.

The county issues a “Code Blue” declaration when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees for two or more consecutive days. A “Code Blue” may be called amid higher temperatures, as consideration is also given to wind chill, precipitation and other circumstances.

Information about “Code Blue” openings is available Monday – Friday through the County’s Housing Link Helpline at 1-800-810-4434.