Collaboration with iconic Pocono attraction provides benefits for both resort employees and guests
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (Apr. 13, 2026) — Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health, is teaming up with Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Poconos for health and wellness services to benefit both resort employees and guests.
The resort, which features a 220,000-square foot waterpark, attracts more than 2 million people each year and is a major factor in Poconos tourism.
“We’re honored to be Kalahari’s official health and wellness partner and bring world-class expertise that will benefit all who work and visit there,” said Joseph Pinto, Regional Chief Operating Officer for Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Pocono, LVH–Pocono Creek, LVH–Dickson City and LVH–Hecktown Oaks campuses.
“We have been the Poconos’ premier health care provider for many years and now and we are continuing our commitment to continued investment, in the communities and people we serve,” Pinto said. Jefferson recently opened its newest neighborhood hospital – LVH–Pocono Creek and Health Center at Pocono Creek – nearby in central Monroe County.
“We are so excited about our collaboration with Jefferson Health,” said Don Pleau, general manager, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. “It will enhance our guest resort experience with new sensory elements and training and provide a valuable resource for the community and our team members.”
Jefferson Health is participating in the development of a new sensory-friendly Calming Room – set to open in summer 2026 – providing a key resource for neurodiverse families to stay close to the fun while enjoying the resort.
Additionally, the collaboration will enhance water and sun-safety messaging for guests throughout the resort, host employee wellness activities for Kalahari associates, and on-site participation in Kalahari community offerings throughout the year.
Kalahari Resorts, which opened its Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County, resort in 2015, employs about 1,400 people. The resort, visible from Interstate 380, also features an outdoor waterpark and the Gorilla Grove outdoor park area with numerous attractions. In addition, there is more than 200,000 square feet of flexible space for meetings, conventions and more.
About Jefferson
Jefferson is reimagining health care and higher education to create unparalleled value throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. More than 65,000 people strong, Jefferson is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients; making our communities healthier and stronger; preparing tomorrow’s professional leaders for 21st-century careers; and creating new knowledge through basic/programmatic, clinical and applied research. Thomas Jefferson University, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson College of Nursing, and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, dates back to 1824 and today comprises 10 colleges and three schools offering 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 8,300 students. Jefferson Health, nationally ranked as one of the top 15 not-for-profit healthcare systems in the country and the largest provider in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas, serves patients through millions of encounters each year at 33 hospital campuses and more than 700 outpatient and urgent care locations throughout the region. Jefferson Health Plans, through Health Partners Plans Inc., is a not-for-profit managed healthcare organization offering a broad range of health coverage options to more than 370,000 members for more than 40 years.
