Delco Masthead 4.jpg

The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!


—— April 29, 2022 (14th edition) ——

April 29, 2022 Statement from the County Regarding Crozer Health

crozer3.jpg

Since January, Delaware County Council and County leadership have expressed concern that Crozer’s announcement to eliminate services and prevent access to care for residents would be detrimental to the community.

 

Delaware County remains actively engaged in working to maintain required medical services for the County’s residents. County leaders are in daily contact with leadership at Crozer Health, trying to achieve a resolution which is fair to ownership, but which also keeps vital services open.

 

The passage of an emergency ordinance last week demonstrates that County Council recognizes the implications of any sudden and unplanned closure of significant facilities and services and will take all required steps to ensure such closures do not happen.

 

“We are in an emergency response situation. The consistent reduction of services and programs over the past few months from the largest hospital system in the County has left our community with a void of resources,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “This ordinance allows our county and the stakeholders within our county time to prepare and find alternatives for vital services such as maternal care, drug and alcohol services, and advanced life support coverage to hopefully avoid any gaps in services.”

 

Even with the passage of the ordinance, the County remains open to a mutually acceptable resolution of its issues with Crozer Health.


Delaware County Executive Director Howard Lazarus is in specific and targeted discussions with Crozer CEO Kevin Spiegel on how critical services can be sustained responsibly. 

 

The Delaware County Department of Human Services has been proactively working with new providers to offer mental and behavioral health services and drug and alcohol treatment to residents to prevent any gap or loss of coverage in these vital services to residents. The Department is also working with and investing in existing providers to expand services that they are already offering to residents.

 

Council has been working with state and federal legislators to identify funding opportunities to keep vital services in operation.


The Delaware County Health Department Holds Open House at its Newly Renovated Facility

wellness-clinic-buffer.jpg

The Delaware County Health Department hosted an open house for healthcare and community partners and local officials on April 22 at the newly renovated Delaware County Wellness Center in Yeadon. This site now serves as the main location for the Delaware County Health Department. 


“We are excited to assume the duties and responsibilities of a health department as we do the important work of public health,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “What this means for the 576,000 residents across Delaware County is a hyper-focus on localized data collection to guide our work towards health equity, immediate response to health emergencies, supporting the health of moms and babies, maintaining healthy environments and greens spaces, restaurant inspections that provide safe food delivery, and addressing the issue of vaccine-preventable diseases, which COVID-19 continues to remind us, is absolutely necessary."


During the Open House, Director Lyon introduced the DCHD Leadership Team, which detailed the services provided by each division of the Delaware County Health Department including the Population Health, Personal Health, and Environmental Health Divisions.  


Lora Werner is the newly appointed Deputy Director and acting Division Administrator for Population Health. Population Health manages public health emergency preparedness, as well as the services of the rebranded Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line which receives calls and emails from across the county addressing a variety of issues and connects callers to available resources. 


Under the leadership of Stephanie Reese, Division Administrator for Personal Health, the Delaware County Health Department launched its first STI clinic in the Chester community. The Personal Health Division also launched the Vaccines for Children program, which provides immunizations for low-income residents without health insurance.


Marie Carbonara, Division Administrator for Environmental Health leads a team of investigators currently in the field monitoring and enforcing Delaware County health codes, in addition to state and federal regulations. The Environmental Health Division is currently responding to applications and addressing and investigating public health complaints and inquiries. 


“It is my honor to lead this team of dedicated local health experts,” said Director Lyon, “including those in Administration, and Epidemiology – whose commitment to the collection of localized data and disease investigation, and surveillance, among other critical responsibilities, are principal to achieving the goal of health and thriving communities.”


At the conclusion of the presentation, county, and local officials, and members of the press were invited for a ‘First Look’ tour of the renovated Delaware County Wellness Center. Brightly lit, wide-open spaces welcomed guests leading to specialized pediatric, tuberculosis, and bariatric exam rooms. There are expanded nurses’ stations and an on-site medication storage area. Also included on the tour was a large refrigeration area for proper storage of vaccinations and a multi-media room for staff trainings and events.


Residents are encouraged to learn more about the Delaware County Health Department by visiting our website at delcopa.gov/health.

Delaware County Health Department Website
20220422_103541-cropped.jpg

Delaware County’s First Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Joins County Team

Lauren Footman Headshot buffer.jpg

Lauren Footman began working as the County’s first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on April 11. Footman, a lifelong Delco resident, brings more than a decade of combined experience in public policy and organizational management to the position. 


“We are thrilled to have Lauren serve as Delaware County’s first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “Not only does she bring a deep commitment to the position, Lauren brings specific skills which are critical to ensuring that every part of county government is utilizing its resources wisely and expanding opportunity for residents across the county.”


The creation of a Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been a priority of the current Council. The newly created position will have a broad mandate to review current government operations, including, but not limited to operations of the County’s new health department, guidance to the County’s Human Resources Department and the Purchasing Office, support for Parks and Recreation, and support to criminal justice. 


The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office will:


  • Provide leadership to ensure all members of the community have access to opportunities and thrive in safe and healthy communities
  • Cultivate strategic partnerships and focus on education of internal and external stakeholders
  • Support the development of a workforce that encompasses the diversity of the community while cultivating a culture that is rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
  • Strengthen relationships with community partners and businesses to ensure they are reflected and respected within County operations and they have equitable access to services and resources 


“I am excited to bring my professional, academic, and life experience to this role, to help make our government an employer of choice, and work to further an internal culture and external reputation that constituents, communities, and organizations feel seen, represented, and respected,” said Lauren Footman. “A few of my key goals will be to facilitate training, continuing to diversify our workforce, procurement and supplier diversity, environmental justice, health and digital equity, equitable budgeting, and community engagement. “


Lauren Footman, a Yeadon native, is a graduate of the William Penn School District and Bryn Mawr College where she majored in English and double minored in Political Science and African Studies. At Bryn Mawr, she chartered the school’s first collegiate chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and received the Thomas Prize for Diversity, an award that recognizes students with a demonstrated, lifelong commitment to learning around diversity. Footman expanded her education with a master’s degree in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania.

 

Prior to assuming the role as Delaware County’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Ms. Footman most recently served at the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence as the Director of Outreach and Equity. 


In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Footman has continued her commitment to creating opportunities in her home county. She serves as Chair of the Delaware County Women’s Commission and as a member of the Delaware County Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Delaware County Elections’ Vote-by-Mail Ballots Mailed—Secure Ballot Drop Boxes Open Monday, May 2

Delaware County voters may return their vote-by-mail ballots, including both no-excuse mail-in ballots and traditional absentee ballots, immediately through the US Postal Service or in-person at the Delaware County Voter Service Center located at the Government Center Building at 201 W. Front Street in Media (located inside the Orange Street entrance). Starting Monday, May 2, the County will open more than 40 secured drop boxes for the return of vote-by-mail ballots.


Ballot drop boxes are located at safe, secure, ADA-compliant locations and are under 24/7 video surveillance. Ballot drop boxes are large white metal receptacles, similar in size to a USPS mailbox, and clearly marked with the wording “Official Ballot Drop Box” and “Delaware County Board of Elections.” These drop boxes are designed for only one use: the return of vote-by-mail ballots by Delaware County voters in the weeks before Election Day. Postage is not required to return a Delaware County vote-by-mail ballot.


A list of drop box locations and hours is included with vote-by-mail ballots mailed by the County and is also accessible on the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/dropbox.


The deadline for voters to return their vote-by-mail ballots at the Voter Service Center or an official Delaware County ballot drop box is 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, May 17. Ballots sent by USPS must also be received by the County by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day—postmarks will not be honored.


Voters are reminded that they may use any Delaware County ballot drop box to return their completed ballot, but each voter can return only their own ballot. Voters cannot return ballots for spouses, family members, or other individuals unless an official ‘3rd Party Delivery Form’ (formerly called the “Authorize a Designated Agent to Help You Obtain and/or Return Your Mail-in or Absentee Ballot”) has been submitted and approved by the PA Department of State.

Drop Box buffer.jpg
elections_1-bdb.png
elections_2-check.png
elections_3-vbm-app.png
elections_4-voter-reg-app.png
elections_5-news.png

Voters who attempt to return ballots on behalf of other voters without authorization will be referred to the Delaware County District Attorney for investigation.


WHO WILL RECEIVE A VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT?


Vote-by-Mail ballots are sent only to voters who have completed and signed an application in 2022 to vote-by-mail during the 2022 calendar year, which must include valid ID. Voters who are unsure if they are registered to vote-by-mail can check their status at delcopa.gov/ballotstatus. Voters who have not yet applied for a vote-by-mail (either a no-excuse mail-in ballot or a traditional absentee ballot) can apply at delcopa.gov/vbm-app thought the deadline on Tuesday, May 10.


Additionally, vote-by-mail ballots are sent only to those voters who are registered with either the Republican or Democratic parties. Under Pennsylvania law, voters who are registered as independents or with a third party are not eligible to cast a ballot during the May 17 Primary Election. Voters have until May 2 to update their registrations or change party affiliation at delcopa.gov/register2vote.


CORRECTLY CASTING A VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT: DON’T VOTE NAKED!


Voters who are casting a vote-by-mail ballot are reminded that they must use blue or black ink when completing their ballot. Once the ballot has been completed, voters should place it into the small 'secrecy envelope,' seal it, then place it into the larger pre-paid return envelope (a ballot returned without the secrecy envelope is called a "naked ballot"). Voters must then complete the voter declaration section on the exterior of the return envelope, being sure to include their signature, printed name, address, and the date. Incomplete or inaccurate voter information may disqualify the ballot.


REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE 165TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT DISQUALIFIED


Delaware County voters who are registered with the Republican Party and living in the 165th Legislative District are advised that Robert Jordan, a candidate for PA State Representative, has been disqualified by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. This decision by the Court occurred after the State had already certified the ballots and after the County had completed the printing of ballots. As a result, some of the first Republican vote-by-mail ballots still included this candidate. Republican voters were sent a letter by the County informing them of this situation. Votes for this candidate will not be tabulated.

District Attorney and Delaware County Council Observe Crime Victims' Rights Week on April 28 

ncvrw-logo-buffer.jpg

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and members of Delaware County Council observed National Crime Victims’ Rights’ Week with an event on April 28 in front of the Delaware County Courthouse.


National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is commemorated nationwide from April 24 to April 30. This effort, led by the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, is dedicated to honoring victims and the professionals who serve them. Every year, thousands of communities across the nation recognize the dedication of those who work to ensure that all victims have the rights and services they need to recover from crime.


Residents of Delaware County are fortunate to have numerous organizations dedicated to supporting victims of crime, including:


  • The Victim Witness Assistance Unit of the DA’s office           
  • Delaware County Children and Youth Services                  
  • Court Financial Services                                         
  • Victim Services Unit of Juvenile Court 
  • County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA)
  • Family Support Line  
  • The Domestic Abuse Project 
  • Court Appointed Special Advocates
  • Family Support Line
  • Delaware County Victim Assistance Center
  • Parents of Murdered Children 
  • Every Child Counts
  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving 


The theme for 2022 is Rights, Access, Equity, for All Victims. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of helping crime survivors find justice by enforcing victims’ rights, expanding access to services, and ensuring equity and inclusion for all. 

victims group.jpg

Delaware County’s Office of Sustainability Receives the 2022 Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence

Sue_ Shawn_ Francince Award-buffer.jpg

This week, Delaware County’s Office of Sustainability received the 2022 Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for its Sustain Delco initiative, one of just fifteen programs led by businesses, schools, and community organizations from across the state to receive such distinction.  


The prestigious award, recognizing innovative efforts to address issues of climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice, was presented on behalf of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Governor’s Office. Accepting the award for Delaware County was Francine Locke, the County’s Chief Sustainability Officer, and Sue DePompeo, Assistant Director of Sustainability Finance.


The award was in recognition of the significant accomplishments of Delaware County’s new Office of Sustainability. Led by Ms. Locke, who in January of 2021 became the County’s first Chief Sustainability Officer, the Office of Sustainability has spearheaded its ambitious “Sustain Delco” initiative with a goal of making Delaware County sustainable and more resilient to the effects of climate change through the examination of government operations, effective engagement with the community, and (in partnership with the new Sustainability Commission) the development and implementation of a long-term Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. 


“With the support of the community, County Council, the Executive Director, and the Sustainability Commission, we have helped the County accomplish a great deal in a very short period,” said Francine Locke. “This award serves as an amazing validation and booster for our County and for our hard-working Sustainability team.”


The accomplishments attributed to the Sustain Delco initiative are numerous, including: the launching of a vehicle electrification plan with the purchase of vehicles and charging stations (funded by a PA DEP AFIG grant); the enactment of a Delco C-PACE commercial building energy conservation program; successful and ongoing collaboration with surrounding counties the replacement of outdated street lights with low-power LEDs through a Regional Street Light Procurement Program; the hiring a Zero Waste Consultant to develop 10-year municipal waste plan for the County; and the completion of a baseline greenhouse gas emission inventory for the County’s operations. 


“County Council is honored to receive this important recognition from the Governor, the DEP, and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Schaefer. “The future of Delaware County is a sustainable one, and we’re proud of Francine Locke and the Office of Sustainability. We are also so grateful for the critical support of our residents who appreciate the proactive steps we are undertaking.”


In addition to these accomplishments that led to recognition by the Governor’s office, the Office of Sustainability has been involved in the preservation of the Marple Green Space—the largest County-owned park and open space (200+ acres) acquisition in Delaware County’s history; awarded over $7 million to more than 40 municipalities through its Greenways Grant program to fund open spaces and trails, and recently hosted the sold-out “1st Annual Delaware County Sustainability Conference” that provided a forum for innovation and collaboration among Delaware County residents and individuals working together towards a more sustainable future.

Healthy Steps Fall Prevention Program Offered Virtually May 5 and 6

seniors-walking-2-buffer.jpg

The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) in collaboration with Crozer Health is offering the evidence-based Healthy Steps program virtually for those 60 and older living in Pennsylvania. This program helps reduce fall risk by helping participants address fears while educating and equipping them with the right tools to make a difference in their lives.


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that every 20 minutes an older adult in the U.S. dies from a fall, and that falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury. Research has found that adults who completed the Healthy Steps workshop lower their risk of a fall significantly by 15%.


The Healthy Steps program will be held virtually on Zoom 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5 and Friday, May 6. All program costs, including the Healthy Steps workbook, are covered by COSA, so the program is free. Class size is limited, so be sure to register quickly.


Registration is required. To register, contact Ellen Williams at williamse@co.delaware.pa.us or call (610) 499-1937. Please provide your name, address, phone number and email address.  

Health Steps Registration

Delaware County Council Approves the Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution Program for 2022

Delaware County Council unanimously approved the “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” program for 2022, providing $100,000 in assistance to Delaware County parents and caregivers looking to return to the workforce. The popular program, first launched in 2021 by the Delaware County Office of Workforce Development and the Delaware County Commerce Center, provides unemployed residents up to $1,000 in financial credit towards the cost of a child’s summer camp so parents are better able to focus on their search for employment and return to work. 


The “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” program will help reduce barriers experienced by families that are struggling to find work—a situation made more challenging by the summer closure of schools and the difficulty in finding adequate child care to allow them the time and energy to conduct a successful job search. While caregivers seek employment or transition back to the workforce, they will have the peace of mind knowing that their children are safe and in a positive environment. 

Summer Camp Solution _Newsletter z_.jpg
Program Info
Application for Caregivers
Application for Camps

The program not only benefits caregivers, but also the children who are offered rewarding and enriching summer experiences, Unemployed parents in Delaware County will receive up to $1,000 in credit towards the participating summer camps, to be applied towards attendance fees and other fees charged by the camp.


Councilwoman Elaine Schaeffer, echoing the sentiments shared by all County Council members, spoke to the urgency of making these new funds available to Delaware County families in need. “We know that many parents in Delaware County continue to struggle to get back into the workforce. With schools soon closing for the summer, unemployed parents without access to childcare will be challenged to find the time to search for work. This program is exactly what hardworking Delaware County families need to help them bounce back.”


Unemployed residents of Delaware County with children under the age of 15 are encouraged to take advantage of this program. Summer Camps are also encouraged to participate in the program by applying on the PA CareerLink® Delaware County website at https://pacareerlinkdelco.org. 


As of April 28, participating camps include Boys & Girls Club of Chester in Chester, Camp Garrett in Newtown Square, the Darlington Fine Arts Center in Garnet Valley, camps at the Delaware County Community College in Media, Summer Discovery at Newlin Grist Mill in Glen Mills, and several YMCA camps in Lansdowne, the Ridley area, and in Springfield. A complete list of approved camps is provided on the website and will be updated weekly as new camps are added.


Program details, including application requirements, eligibility, and deadlines are available online at https://pacareerlinkdelco.org/.


Summer Camp Solution _Newsletter_ 3-LOGO-cropped.jpg

Final Reminder: PA CareerLink® Delaware County to Host Youth Job Fair at Ridley YMCA in Secane

teens-applying-buffer.jpg
Employer Registration

PA CareerLink® Delaware County, in partnership with Delaware County Workforce Development, is hosting the second of two youth-oriented job fairs—with a focus on summer employment, internships, apprenticeships, and other seasonal and post-graduation opportunities—on Tuesday, May 3, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Ridley YMCA in Secane. 


Over thirty businesses from the Delaware County area are participating, ready to fill hundreds of full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions. Representatives of trade unions, the hospitality industry, retirement communities, educational institutions, summer camps, and restaurants will be in attendance. Positions offer competitive employee benefits, opportunities to gain experience in the workforce, and opportunities for advancement.

JOB SEEKERS: BRING YOUR RESUME!


No registration is required! Job seekers are advised to bring copies of their resume. On-site interviews will be held for strong candidates and same-day hiring may occur for some positions. Job seekers can also visit the Job Readiness & Resource Table for information on obtaining PA Minor Work Permits, helpful resume advice, as well as general job search and interview tips.


EMPLOYERS: RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY!


Limited space remains for employers. There is no fee to participate; employers will be provided with one table and two chairs. Employers interested in registering can contact Allison Francis Barksdale, Employer Engagement Manager with Workforce Development at BarksdaleA@co.delaware.pa.us.

PA CareerLink Youth _Newsletter_ cropped.png
footer_calendar.png

Delaware County Govt Official 2022 Calendar

footer_council.png

Meet your Delaware County Council members

footer_dchd.png

The Delaware County Health Department website

facebook.png
instagram.png
twitter.png