LGBTQ+ individuals may have many of the same health concerns as the general population but experience health challenges at higher rates. Research has shown that a history of discrimination and stigma has contributed to higher rates of mental illness among LGBTQ+ community members. We’ll explore the health concerns for those in the LGBTQ+ community and hear individual stories.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are also facing a substance use crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the pandemic has prompted more people to start or increase use of a substance as a way of coping with the stress. Overdose deaths have also spiked since the start of the pandemic.

The biggest concern we had when we were at the beginning of the pandemic and everything was shutting down was that we were not doing our mammogram screenings and it was a lack of knowledge on how this virus spreads.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many put off routine healthcare and screenings in order to stay away from the doctor’s office but what are the lasting effects of this delay in healthcare? How are those that delayed their care getting back on track? Plus – what role will telemedicine continue to play in the future of healthcare?

The Coronavirus pandemic combined with the unrest we’ve all witnessed has led to negative feelings like isolation, fear and stress. How will those emotions affect us in the years to come? On Transforming Health: Suicide in a Time of Unrest we’ll uncover what we know about suicide rates now and we’ll offer tips for prevention.

As Pennsylvania’s executive director of advocacy and reform, Dan Jurman looks out for vulnerable populations in the state — a job that has been personal from day one. His childhood included homelessness, food insecurity, family substance abuse, and other adverse experiences.

Jurman recognizes that people helped him along the way. He says others who experience adversity as children need that help too.

Some have called the COVID-19 pandemic an equalizer or a shared experience, in that every single one of us has been impacted. We have all experienced a degree of fear, isolation or worry. What remains to be seen is how these feelings will impact our mental health.

On “Transforming Health: Mental Health After a Pandemic” we’ll hear from individuals who already had mental health concerns and then had to navigate through a pandemic. They’ll share their tips for others. Plus, why some feel connection and a sense of belonging will be the key to moving forward.

It has been more than a year since the coronavirus pandemic struck altering life for everyone. On Transforming Health: Coronavirus Then and Now we’ll revisit the stories of those we interviewed at the start of the pandemic. We’ll hear from front line workers, teachers, parents and more. How has life changed and what are they expecting in the near future.

We have all been impacted in one way or another by COVID-19. On Transforming Health: Learning During a Pandemic we’ll take a look at how students, teachers and parents have adapted to learning during this time.