The speakers have been announced for the ninth annual Human Services Priority Brunch in Carbon County.

The brunch on April 27 will provide an update from various agencies on the issues relating to health and wellness within the community and building access to a stronger health system.

The brunch committee said that the recent partnership between St. Luke’s and Blue Mountain Health System will provide the platform for discussion, and will go into details about what changes the public can expect to see in Carbon County as a result of the merger.

Speakers from St. Luke’s Health Network include Terry Purcell, president of Gnaden Huetten and Palmerton campuses; and Wendy Lazo, president of Miners campus in Coaldale.

In addition, Cindy Findley, director of communicable diseases at the Pennsylvania Department of Health; Teresa Osborne, the Pennsylvania secretary of aging; and Debra Youngfelt of Eastcentral PA Area Health Education Center, will also address the attendees.

The event, which is open to all county agencies and the public, will be held at Dean Anthony’s Banquet Hall, 1122 North St., Jim Thorpe. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Brunch begins at 9, and the discussion will start at 9:30.

It is hosted by the Carbon County Interagency and Family Collaborative Board.

The brunch committee strongly encourages agencies and the public to attend to educate themselves and help with finding solutions.

Tickets are still available for the event, Carbon County Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein said. Cost is $15 for breakfast and must be prepaid.

To register for the brunch, make checks payable to Interagency Council of Carbon County and send payment and the names of those attending and agency to Elizabeth Schaffer, Eastcentral PA AHEC, 5662 Interchange Road, Lehighton, PA 18235 or call 610-379-2004 for more information. Deadline to register for the event is April 13.

The annual brunch has covered various topics, from problems the court systems face to children and families.