The Center for Humanistic Change (CHC) will bring together a cross-sector panel of community leaders for the Fall Student Assistance Program (SAP) Consortium, "Contemporary Issues Impacting Youth: Trends, Challenges, and Community Responses," on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Alumnae Hall, Cedar Crest College, 100 College Drive, Allentown, Pa. 18104. Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel will deliver opening remarks at approximately 9:15 a.m.
Guided by data from the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS), a biennial statewide survey examining youth behaviors, attitudes, risk and protective factors, the panel discussion will focus on contemporary issues affecting student health and well-being. Moderated by Lisa Wolff, M.Ed., CHC's manager of community engagement, panelists will share their perspectives and discuss the importance of collaboration among schools, families, health professionals, community organizations and other partners in helping Lehigh Valley youth navigate today's challenges.
According to 2023 PAYS data, 37.3% of Lehigh County students reported feeling sad or depressed most days, while majority of students reported positive mental health outlooks. The survey also found that e-cigarette usage is at the national level for Pennsylvania students, with 50.3% of 12th-grade students who vape reporting that they vape marijuana or hash oil at increasing rates. The data will help frame the consortium's discussion of emerging issues affecting students and the community's response.
"The challenges facing young people do not exist in isolation, and neither can the solutions," said Andrew D'Angelo, M.A., executive director of the Center for Humanistic Change. "The SAP Consortium brings professionals from across our community together to share information, identify emerging concerns and strengthen the connections that help us serve students and families more effectively."
The Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS), a biennial survey administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, collects data on youth behaviors, attitudes, and risk and protective factors related to substance use, mental health, school climate and other issues affecting young people. PAYS data are used by schools, policymakers and community organizations to identify emerging concerns and inform prevention and intervention strategies.
"Contemporary Issues Impacting Youth: Trends, Challenges, and Community Responses" panelists include:
·Kristen Wenrich, Director of Health, City of Bethlehem
In addition to the panel discussion, attendees will have an opportunity to connect with community partners including KidsPeace, Valley Youth House, Crime Victims Council, CASSP, NAMI, Resilient Lehigh Valley, Bradbury Sullivan Project and MARS, along with representatives from Northampton County Drug and Alcohol Services.
Two Act 48 credits will be available to participants from school districts that pre-approve the event. The Consortium, geared toward education and healthcare professionals, is funded in part under a contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs with Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol Division.
Registration is available at https://rb.gy/v6u9r5.
About the Center for Humanistic Change
Established in 1979, the Center for Humanistic Change is a prevention education organization serving youth, families, schools and communities throughout the Lehigh Valley. CHC's three departments, Student Assistance Program (SAP), Mentoring and Prevention, provide education, resources, support and programming designed to help people, especially youth, make better-informed and more positive life choices. CHC serves every school district in the Lehigh Valley and is funded primarily through the Lehigh County and Northampton County Drug and Alcohol divisions, as well as grants and private philanthropy.
For more information, visit www.thechc.org.
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