The Prevention Platform

Welcome back to The Prevention Platform! This April, in recognition of Stress Awareness Month, we're taking a look at stress in young people: what does it look like, where does it come from, and how the adults in their lives can make a real difference. We're joined by Justine McAllister, who is a School-Based Therapist…

Welcome back to the Prevention Platform Podcast! March is National Nutrition Month, and today we are talking about the powerful role that nutrition plays in prevention, from supporting physical growth to strengthening focus, mood, and overall resilience. In this episode, we are joined by Alexandra Evans and Kelsey Henry, registered dietitians on the Health Promotion…

In honor of Healthy Relationship Month, we are talking about how adults can guide young people toward safe, respectful and healthy relationships, especially when it comes to teen dating and navigating social media. We are joined by Geraldine Infante, Children's Advocacy Director at Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley. Geraldine works with youth and families…

In honor of January being Wellness Month, we are joined by Britani Harrison, MSW, a Wellness Educator at Valley Youth House's Achieving Independence Center in Philadelphia. In this episode, with talk with Britani about practical ways families, caregivers and schools can support the wellbeing of children and teens. We cover what areas of wellness to…

Welcome back to The Prevention Platform! As we close out another year, many of us are feeling that pull to slow down, reflect and think about what we want the next year to look like, for ourselves and for our families. Instead of jumping straight into resolutions that fade by February, what if we approached…

Welcome back to The Prevention Platform! This November, and in honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we sat down with Jennifer Folkenroth, BA, CTTS, NCTTP, NCNTT, CPAHA-TT who is the Senior Director of Nationwide Tobacco Programs for the American Lung Association to talk about the risks of youth vaping and smoking, as well as strategies…

Welcome back to The Prevention Platform! This October, and in honor of Red Ribbon Week, which promotes a drug free lifestyle in young people, we are highlighting the CDC's Free Mind Campaign which was launched on August 5th of 2025. Click here to learn more about the campaign, and discover ways you can support the…

Welcome back to The Prevention Platform! As the school year kicks off, September is the perfect time to talk about the importance of attendance. In today's episode, we are helping parents and caregivers spot early signs of truancy to build strong habits that will keep kids in school and on track from day one. In this episode, we are joined by Kyle Borowski, who is the Associate Director of Clinical Services, Behavioral Health and Child Welfare here at Valley Youth House. For the past four years, Kyle has supervised VYH's Truancy Intervention Program which works with families in the Lehigh Valley to address attendance related barriers. About Valley Youth House: Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures. The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast. Follow Us on Social Media! ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn

We're only a few days away from the official start of summer, so in this month's episode, we are sitting down with Mike Brady, Director of Valley Youth House's Camp Fowler, to talk about how to make the most of this time of year with your students, and prevent what is known as "The Summer Slide." Join Ashley and Mike to discuss The Summer Slide, and explore both fun and educational activities that parents and caregivers can organize for the young people in their lives to keep them engaged and learning - all year long! Click Here to learn more about Camp Fowler! About Valley Youth House: Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures. The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast. Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, in 2023, more than 5.3 million adolescents ages 12-17 years had a current diagnosed mental or behavioral condition, with anxiety and depression being the most common. Young people with a current diagnosis were found to be 3 times more likely to be disengaged from school, and 5 times more likely to miss 11 or more days of school for health reasons. What’s even more shocking, is that these youth are also 10 times as likely to experience difficulty making or keeping friends.  So in honor of Mental Health awareness month, we are sitting down with Thespina Godshalk, who is an Administrator for School Based Behavioral Health at Lehigh Valley Health Network, to learn more about the importance of mental health and the resources parents and caregivers can utilize and connect to the young people they care about. About Valley Youth House: Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures. The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast. Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn