Allentown, Pa. – [April 20, 2026] – Magellan Health, Inc. announced today that Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania, Inc. (Magellan) will host the 2nd annual Autism Community Walk in Allentown to support National Autism Acceptance Month, in collaboration with Lehigh County HealthChoices, Northampton County HealthChoices, Autism Society Lehigh Valley, NAMI Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem Health Bureau, and PA Courts. This free event is open to the public with a focus on sharing important community resources for transition-age individuals and adults with Autism. The event will be held on Sunday, April 26 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Lone Lane Park (30 Lone Lane, Allentown, PA 18104) and attendees are encouraged to wear walking shoes.
Magellan administers behavioral health benefits in Pennsylvania through HealthChoices contracts in Bedford, Bucks, Cambria, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Somerset counties.
The 2nd Annual Autism Community Walk will include:
- Two Keynote presentations
- Kevin Dougherty, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice
- Benay Berger, Bethlehem Bureau Director of Nursing & Community Connections, and Carissa Cam, Bethlehem Health Bureau Community Engagement/Data Analyst
- Welcome remarks from Autism Society Lehigh Valley, NAMI Lehigh Valley, and Magellan
- Resources and promotional materials for transition-age individuals and adults with Autism
- 15+ local and statewide organizations in attendance
- Organizations scheduled to have resources available include Access Services – TIP Program; Allentown Police Department; ASERT; Autism Society Lehigh Valley; Bethlehem Police Department; Bethlehem Health Bureau; Haven House; KidsPeace; Lehigh County HealthChoices; Magellan; NAMI of Lehigh Valley; Northampton County HealthChoices; Nulton Diagnostic & Treatment Center; PA Courts; RHA Health Services; Step by Step; The ARC of Lehigh & Northampton Counties; Upper Macungie Police Department; Vision for Equality/PA Family Network
- A .75-mile community walk within Lone Lane Park
- Family entertainment activities
- Bethlehem Health Bureau spin wheel to offer individuals of all ages the opportunity to challenge police officers in a variety of fun fitness activities
- Rock painting activity to create a themed rock to take home from the event
- Cornhole games
“Magellan, together with our county partners, welcomes autistic individuals, their families, their support networks, and the general public to attend the Autism Community Walk on April 26,” said Tom Walker, senior account executive for Lehigh County and Northampton County, Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania. “This free event offers a family friendly environment and provides a convenient opportunity to connect with a unified team of community stakeholders.”
“Today’s walk brings communities together in a meaningful way, reminding us that every child and their family deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated and the courts are proud to be a small part of their journey,” said Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin M. Dougherty. “When communities come together, ideas take flight and reshape the future to strengthen the network of critical services and supports that autistic individuals rely on every day. When compassion and purpose intersect, we help ensure that children and families with neurodiversity have the opportunities, understanding, and resources they need to thrive.”
“A truly inclusive city is one where safety, dignity, and opportunity are not dependent on neurology. That is the city we are building — together,” said S. Benay Berger, Bethlehem Bureau Director of Nursing & Community Connections.
“Autism Society Lehigh Valley is focused on making connections with autistic individuals and their families, helping to find resources, advocating for acceptance, and building a community of caring,” said Mimi Ludwig, president, Autism Society Lehigh Valley. “This resource-focused event is very important for our local community.”
“At NAMI we know Autism isn’t a mental illness, but studies do suggest that approximately 55-95% of autistic individuals experience a co-occurring mental health disorder in their lifetime, particularly depression and anxiety,” said Maggie Murphy, executive director, NAMI of Lehigh Valley. “The 2nd Annual Autism Community Walk allows us to highlight our NAMI support groups and education programs as free options for individuals living with a mental health diagnosis and to offer opportunities for their family members as well.”
About Magellan Health and Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania: Magellan Health, Inc. supports innovative ways of accessing better health through technology, while remaining focused on the critical personal relationships that are necessary to achieve a healthy, vibrant life. Magellan’s customers include health plans and other managed care organizations, employers, labor unions, various military and governmental agencies and third-party administrators. For more information, visit MagellanHealth.com.
For more information about Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania and to find local autism resources for PA HealthChoices members and their supports, go to www.magellanofpa.com/autism.
Information provided to TVL by:
Aubrey Proud
