Health - Bensalem Township

State Lawmakers Juvenile Justice Facilities Legislation Passes in the House

Published

7 months ago

August 6, 2025

Three bills focusing on the juvenile justice system, circulated by state Rep. Melissa L. Shusterman (D-Chester) with support of Lower Bucks County lawmakers were separately passed in the House and sent to the Senate for consideration recently.

HB 1573 will require the Department of Human Services to conduct an inventory of programs and services available to address juvenile delinquency in counties across Pennsylvania. Local state Rep. Perry Warren (D-Bucks) is a co-sponsor. The bill passed in the House 102-100 on July 14 2025.

HB 1576 will require the Department of Human Services to reimburse counties for fifty percent of certain costs, including but not limited to medical treatments, the appointment of a guardian ad litem or counsel, and transportation, provided to delinquent children. Democrat representatives for Bucks co-sponsoring this bill are Warren and state Rep Tina Davis (D Bucks) The bill passed in the House by a vote of 106-97 on July 9 2025.

HB 1577 will create a new section to ensure that safe and humane institutional practices are in place for children who may face restrictive procedures, like restraints, when in custody or incarcerated. Warren is a co-sponsor. This bill passed in the House 108-95 also on July 9 2025.

“When our youth enter into the juvenile justice system, they are met with a number of new experiences and challenges. One thing they should not be challenged with is the possibility that they will face unsafe, unclean, or ineffective facilities and programs. With allegations of abuse in Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice facilities coming to light, it is clear that something must be done to protect our youth and provide them with effective treatment and education. I plan to address these issues by introducing a package of three bills aimed at ensuring our delinquent juveniles are protected and provided with adequate support. We must ensure the safety and accountability of juvenile justice placements, whether they are run by private providers or the Department of Human Services. Please join me in co-sponsoring this common sense legislation to keep our juveniles safe as they navigate the path to reentry,” said Shusterman in her co-sponsorship memorandum.

The bills are now in the Senate for consideration

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Health - Bensalem Township

Tackle Spring Break Travel Prep with GIANT Pharmacists

Published

7 hours 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

3 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

4 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.