Delaware County’s Prison Warden Laura Williams is proud to announce that the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, in collaboration with Wellpath, the leader in compassionate, quality healthcare in jails and prisons, have teamed up to provide a full Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program for incarcerated patients battling Opioid Use Disorder. 

The program includes three FDA-approved medications: Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, and Methadone. Since the program’s inception in July of 2022, the recent expansion to a full medication-assisted treatment program has quickly grown from treating about five patients daily to now over 60.

“Like the rest of our country, Delaware County continues to be plagued by the opioid epidemic and we see those who are suffering from addiction enter our facility every day,” said George W. Hill Correctional Facility Warden Laura Williams. “Our complete MAT program allows us to provide the most effective medications that minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings while at the same time raising dopamine levels. Our goal is to provide the specific medication a person needs for recovery, so we can release people safely into the community and do our part to avoid fatal overdoses.”

Delaware County has partnered with healthcare provider Wellpath to enhance its MAT program. Wellpath currently provides MAT services to people in 130 facilities across the United States. Wellpath has helped establish the full program at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility and has provided the resources to make the program a success. 

The expansion of medications for Opioid Use Disorder was a mission of the Jail Oversight Board, created in September 2019 to provide oversight and recommendations regarding the management of the prison and the treatment of those imprisoned. In February 2020, the Jail Oversight Board adopted a resolution calling for the expansion of treatment for inmates with Opioid Use Disorder. The Board cited the ongoing crisis regarding the widespread addiction to heroin, fentanyl, carfentanyl, and other opioids. 

“Since its inception, The Jail Oversight Board has recognized the urgent need to address the opioid crisis at the County’s jail,” said Delaware County Councilman and Chair of the Jail Oversight Board Kevin Madden. “A significant portion of the prison population is dealing with opioid addiction and releasing them back into the community without addressing and treating the addiction is a disservice to the inmates and to the community to which they return. We need to address the root of why many are incarcerated and provide the tools they need to recover.” 

In April 2022, following a multi-year process of study and planning, the County reassumed control of the Correctional Facility from a private management firm. As part of its resumption of operations, the County has integrated the prison with its other justice agencies and County departments, which will allow investments to be made in treatment programs, mental health resources, re-entry programs, staff, and technology. 

Since the deprivatizaton of the prison, a key priority has been transforming how the prison handles detainees and prepares them to become productive members of the community when they are released. The implementation of the MAT program highlights that the County is committed to being progressive in providing equitable substance use treatment.

During the February 14 Jail Oversight Board Meeting, Warden Williams provided an update on the expansion of medications to treat patients at the prison with Opioid Use Disorders. As of February 14, 60 individuals were prescribed Suboxone, 3 were prescribed Sublocade, and 7 were prescribed Methadone. 

“The success of Delaware County’s MAT program truly comes down to great leadership and shared vision within the combined team,” said Stephanie Ruckman, DNP, FNP-BC, MBA, CCHP, Wellpath Vice President of Operations for Justice-Involved Patients at Wellpath. “Not only is Warden Williams passionate about treating patients suffering from addiction, but her dedicated team also has a unified commitment to using these evidenced-based medications coupled with therapies to help ease patients’ struggles and set them on a path to long-term recovery.”

Wellpath assesses candidates for enrollment in the program during an intake at the prison. The goal is to determine the individual’s likelihood of success in a MAT program and get them on the path to recovery as early as possible. Those who have already begun a MAT program before entering may continue their program while at the facility. When patients are a part of a MAT program and not using illegal drugs, they are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which considers opioid addiction a disease and not a criminal activity and recognizes that a person’s drug addiction or recovery extends into the neighboring community after incarceration.

“I have been on the front lines of addiction for many years and in my current role I want to do all I can to maximize the safety of our patients and community,” said Warden Williams. “By providing this comprehensive MAT program, not only are we giving patients effective care, but we are setting them up for positive reintegration into the community which we believe will help reduce recidivism in the long run.”

As part of a public outreach, education, and recruitment initiative for the 911 Center, Delaware County Emergency Services (DES) partnered with Delaware County Technical High Schools to host an information and recruitment session on Thursday, February 23. 

Over 40 students enrolled in the Delaware County Technical Schools’ Emergency and Protective Services Program visited Delaware County’s 911 Center in Lima to get an inside look at how the 911 Center and Emergency Services Department functions. 

Students were given a tour of the facility—including the mobile command and hazmat units—educated on the functions of the 911 Center, provided a demonstration of equipment and emergency support vehicles, introduced to 911 call protocols, participated in mock 911 calls in the County’s state-of-the-art training/simulation room, and observed dispatchers at work in the active 911 Center. 

“We were thrilled to host these bright young men and women,” said Timothy Boyce, Director of Delaware County’s Department of Emergency Services. “Today was a real success, and we look forward to continuing this partnership with the Delaware County Technical Schools.”

The three-hour event provided students with a unique opportunity to discuss the details of the Department of Emergency Service’s life-saving operations and hear about job opportunities directly from staff members.

“The outpouring of support from DES and the 911 Center has been nothing short of amazing,” said Kestin Wiemer, the Emergency and Protective Services Instructor at Delaware County Technical Schools. “This relationship has allowed our students the opportunity to learn from industry professionals in the field and open their eyes to many different career opportunities.” 

Delaware County Technical High School’s Emergency and Protective Services program offers a comprehensive public safety education to high school students throughout Delaware County. Students can obtain certifications and education that will help them gain meaningful employment in public safety or continue their education at the post-secondary level.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Delaware County Women’s Commission will be holding its annual achievement awards reception to honor Delaware County residents selected for their accomplishments and passion as “storytellers” as part of the Women’s History Month’s theme, Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.

Tickets for the luncheon, which will be held on March 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Essington, are available through the Delaware County Women’s Commission at delcopa.gov/women. Tickets, as well as sponsorship opportunities, will be available for purchase through March 1, 2023.

The Delaware County Women’s Commission understands that storytelling—in all its many forms, including print, radio, TV, music, news, blogs, podcasts, social media and more—is a sacred tradition in our collective histories and critical to the positive portrayal of women in our culture. Storytelling is essential in rendering the shared history and individual stories of women visible and accessible.

This year, the Delaware County Women’s Commission selected four women to be honored for their contributions as a “Woman of Achievement.” These are women who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art and news, pursuing truth and reflecting society.

The “Woman of Achievement” award consists of three categories: “Past” (in honor of a deceased storyteller who had an historical impact); “Present” (in recognition of a current female storyteller from our community); and “Future” (in recognition of an up-and-coming young woman whose stories are just embarking on their storytelling path).

2023 “Woman of Achievement” Winners

Nancy V. Webster

Woman of Achievement: Past

Peg DeGrassa

Woman of Achievement: Present

Leigh Anne McKelvey

Woman of Achievement: Present

Jacquona Blackwell

Woman of Achievement: Future

Questions about the awards reception, including tickets and sponsorship? Please email the Commission at delcowomenscommission@gmail.com or visit the web page at delcopa.gov/women. 

DCWC Annual Achievement Awards Luncheon

Corinthian Yacht Club

300 W. 2nd St., Essington, PA

March 25, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Ticket Deadline: March 1, 2023

Delaware County will be holding its 2nd annual Juneteenth Celebration on Monday, June 19 at Rose Tree Park. The event will feature live music, activities for kids and families, food, resources for the community, talented local vendors, and much more! More details will be released in late spring.

The County would like to feature local talented students as part of the event. Students can submit original artwork that the County will use on the official 2023 Delaware County Juneteenth flyer and other promotional items.

Students from any school, home-school program, and of any age are invited to submit artwork to be considered for the logo. 

Submission Requirements: 

• Artwork must be original.
• Artwork can be created digitally or with any type of art supplies (paint, markers, pencils, crayons.)
• Artwork must include the words “Delaware County’s 2023 Juneteenth Celebration”
• Please include your name, school, age, and a contact phone number on each submission.
• One submission per person.
• Artwork will not be returned.

Submissions can be mailed or emailed through Friday, March 24. 

Digital submissions can be emailed to Juneteenth@co.delaware.pa.us. Physical artwork (sketches, drawings, photographs) can be mailed to: Juneteenth Logo, c/o Adrienne Marofsky, Public Relations Director, 201 West Front St., Media, PA 19063

Pictured above: Zionna Stansbury, Winner of the 2022 Juneteenth Logo Contest

Pictured below (left to right): Chester Councilwoman Elizabeth Williams, Delaware County Councilman Richard Womack, Delaware County Controller Joanne Phillips, Logo Winner Zionna Stansbury, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, and State Senator Tim Kearney

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor was honored to join the Delaware County Health Department Team at the Delaware County Wellness Center in Yeadon on February 24 to present a resolution to the American Heart Association in honor of National Heart Health Month.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 1 in 3 deaths across the country and is the most common cause of death for both men and women in the United States. CVD is called the silent killer because it often strikes without noticeable symptoms and is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. It’s also the leading cause of serious illness and disability. 

The American Heart Association has been leading the fight against heart disease through education, awareness, and medical research and began the first American Heart Month in 1964. This year’s theme for National Heart Health Month is “Be the Beat” with the goal of increasing the knowledge and the awareness of the use of lifesaving CPR. 

The American Heart Association partnered with the Delaware County Health Department to hold a virtual webinar to educate residents on the importance of heart health and CPR and has offered lifesaving information for Delaware County residents. 

Delaware County Council and the Health Department Team encourage all residents to prevent and fight heart disease by addressing their risk factors, learning the symptoms of heart disease, seeking treatment if needed, and learning more about lifesaving CPR. 

Residents can learn more on the American Heart Association's "Be the Beat" website.

Delaware County Councilman Richard Womack was honored to read to students at W.B. Evans Elementary School in Yeadon this week in recognition of Black History Month, part of Council’s initiative to celebrate Black History in February and all year-long. 

Councilman Womack read Grace Byers’ I am Enough, a lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another (with illustrations by Keturah A. Bobo) and I Promise, by Lebron James (with illustrations by Nina Mata), a lively and inspiring picture book that reminds us that tomorrow’s success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today.

Thank you to Principal Catherine Smith, Kindergarten teachers Ms. Bodnar and Ms. Miller, 1st Grade teachers Ms. Carpenter and Ms. Gethers, and the bright, young students of W.B. Evans Elementary School. 

It was a joy to spend time with you!

The Delaware County Health Department is celebrating Black History Month by recognizing Delaware County Black Public Health Pioneers!

Each week in February, DCHD has detailed the careers and accomplishments of a Delaware County Black public health community member and has showcased how their work has benefitted community health for the residents of Delaware County.

This week, we are excited to present Dr. June Elcock-Messam as our final Delaware County Black Public Health Pioneer.

Congratulations Dr. Elcock-Messam!

Click to read more!

Delaware County Council reminds residents that the Delco River Rink, the new pop-up outdoor ice skating rink located along the waterfront in Chester and hosted by Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack, remains open through Sun., Feb. 26.

Enjoy inexpensive skating and family fun in a well-lit secure environment filled with fun for the whole family including affordable skate rentals, free surface lot & garage parking right on site, festive music, seasonal lighting, delicious food & beverages, and a massive indoor hospitality space with full-service bars perfect for private parties & corporate events.

Thanks to the partnership with Delaware County Council, single general admission tickets to skate are only $5, with $10 skate rentals (plus taxes & fees) for the entire season. Tickets and rentals are available at the box office, though tickets can be reserved in advance online at flightonice.com.

Skaters can bring their own skates to save on rental fees. Skate sharpening services are also provided at the rink. 

Open skating is available to the public today, Fri. Feb. 24 until 9 p.m., Sat., Feb. 25, from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.) and on Sun., Feb. 26 for the final skate of the season from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

We hope to see you there!

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website