Delaware County’s Department of Juvenile Detention and Rehabilitation invites members of the community to attend a Community Collaboration Meeting.

The meetings are being held to give residents an opportunity to collaborate and share their ideas on concepts for a new Juvenile Detention that will replace the existing facility in Lima.

Residents are also encouraged to shares their ideas and opinions on the services and resources that the youth in Delaware County need to thrive.

The Community Collaboration Meetings also give residents an opportunity to meet members of the new leadership of Delaware County’s Department of Juvenile Detention and Rehabilitation and members from the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Board of Managers.

Community Collaboration Meetings:

• Thurs., Feb. 23, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.Mount Zion AME Church, 1008 Center St., Darby, PA
• Mon., Feb. 27, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Anson Banquet Room, 419 Edgmont Ave., Chester, PA

For more information, please contact Nelson Walker, Community Development Supervisor, by email at WalkerN@co.delaware.pa.us or by phone at (610) 490-1859.

It is not uncommon this time of year for Norovirus, a very contagious virus often referred to as a “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” or mistakenly diagnosed as “food poisoning,” to be circulating in our community. Frequent outbreaks typically occur November through April each year, especially in schools, Early Childhood Education Centers, healthcare facilities, restaurants and catered events. 

Although fairly common, Norovirus can be a serious illness causing vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. 

Symptoms usually present themselves 24 to 48 hours after exposure. The most common symptoms of Norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, and body aches, and symptoms can typically last 1 to 3 days. 

STAY HOME WHEN SICK!

Individuals with any symptoms of Norovirus should isolate at home until 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea. 

HOW TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF NOROVIRUS

Norovirus is spread during the time period during which the infected person is exhibiting symptoms, especially vomiting, and during the first few days after vomiting/diarrhea has ended. Spread by tiny particles of feces or vomit from the infected person, a person can become infected by eating food or drink that has been contaminated, touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated, or having direct contact with someone who is infected.

Hand washing with warm soap and water is crucial to fighting the spread of this virus—Hand sanitizer does not work well against Norovirus, and typical antimicrobial wipes do not kill Norovirus!

Not only is hand washing important in fighting Norovirus, but it is also the most effective way to prevent all types of virus transmission like hepatitis, year-round. Individuals should always wash their hands with warm soap and water after using the bathroom, and before eating, preparing, or handling food. Individuals should also thoroughly wash their hands before administering medicine to another person or themselves.

Another tip to help combat the spread of Norovirus and other germs: Make sure to also clean and disinfect surfaces! Make sure to use disinfectants that are certified to kill Norovirus. Be careful using disinfectants. Follow the directions on the label of certified disinfectants.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/norovirus.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time and avoid touching your mouth.

Remove and wash soiled clothing and linens immediately, then tumble dry.

Use a bleach-based cleaner or other approved product to disinfect surfaces and objects that are frequently touched.

If you're sick, stay home and don't visit or take care of people in long-term care facilities for at least 2 days after your symptoms end.

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

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

This week, we are excited to present Dr. Linwood R. Haith, Jr, MD, FACS, FCCM as our next Delaware County Black Public Health Pioneer.

Congratulations Dr. Haith!

Click to read more!

Delaware County is launching a new public survey tool to better understand local priorities and concerns on a wide range of County services and resources and to also better understand the overall quality of the lives of residents. 

The launch of the new community survey is in partnership with Zencity, a community input platform used by local governments to hear from a wide range of residents and to gather meaningful and actionable insights. Zencity works with hundreds of municipalities and cities across the U.S. including Philadelphia, Chicago, Phoenix, Seattle, and San Diego on issues ranging from public safety to American Rescue Plan Act implementation.

The tool will enable the County to more holistically understand local neighborhood issues and enhance the County’s responsiveness to community priorities. The confidential feedback survey asks residents to rate their experience with different aspects of life in Delaware County including affordable housing, employment, public health, open space, transportation, access to services, public safety, and other topics. No personal identifiable information is being collected in the survey.

“We are always striving to get valuable input from residents and this partnership with Zencity is another step toward really understanding the needs and concerns of our residents to make the best decisions for the future of Delaware County,” said Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther. "Effective local government must leverage data on the needs and priorities of residents, and the survey responses will help inform us about community concerns as we prioritize investments and plan for the future."

Give your confidential feedback via the button below.

Survey methodology: Zencity’s community survey incorporates voices from every corner of the community. To do so, Zencity sets response targets based on U.S. Census data about the municipality. Zencity ensures the security and privacy of its data and survey respondents. Survey responses are anonymous unless a respondent chooses to share their email address for follow-up purposes. Regardless, survey responses are kept confidential. Zencity does not collect a respondent’s name, address, or any other identifying information. Zencity’s weighting accounts for the responses of every single person who answered a question. The responses give a proportional voice to all demographics (e.g., by age, sex, race, education level, and income level) based on the makeup of the municipality.

Media Borough was sea of green on Sun., Feb. 5 as thousands of Delco residents lined State Street in downtown Media for Delaware County’s “Birds Pep Rally Parade.”

The parade and pep rally featured Kane Kalas, the son of the late legendary Philadelphia broadcaster Harry Kalas, the Mummers, school marching bands, dance groups, floats, antique cars, and other festive groups who helped Delco cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles as they prepare to take on Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 12.

Thank you to Media Borough for hosting the parade in “Everyone’s Hometown”, to the Media Police Department for keeping the community safe, to the restaurants and businesses for welcoming guests, and to the thousands of residents who came out with their Eagles Green to cheer on the birds and show their Delco spirit!

Good Luck Philadelphia Eagles! 

Program has expended 100% of allocation of $82.9M providing 12,889 grants

The Delaware County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (Delco ERA) has expended 100% of its allocation of $82,918,830 in emergency rental assistance funds, having awarded a total of 12,889 grants to low-income renters who experienced housing instability during COVID-19 pandemic.

The Delco ERA program helped keep many Delaware County residents in their homes and prevented large-scale homelessness during the global pandemic. 

Delco ERA launched in March 2021 with a mission to help low-income Delaware County residents avoid eviction and housing instability as communities weathered the impact of COVID-19. The U.S. Treasury and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded Delco ERA $50,711,553 in ERA 1 funds from the CARES Act of 2020 and an additional $32,207,277 in ERA 2 funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. 

By October 2021, Delco ERA had expended 100% of its first allocation of $37.27 million in ERA 1 funds—when the national average expenditure rate was just 45%. Delco ERA received an additional $15,259,080 in re-allocated ERA 1 and ERA 2 funds. The high performance of the team directly led to over $15M in additional funds being awarded to Delaware County renters and landlords. 

In April 2022, Delaware County received the prestigious Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence, in recognition of the County’s successful Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

In November 2022, U.S. Treasury selected Delaware County as one of four out of the 67 counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to receive an additional $3.99 million in re-allocated ERA 1 funds to help renters avoid eviction before the holidays. With the newly awarded funding and a tight deadline, the Delco ERA team was able to work quickly and assist 700 renters who were facing eviction during the holiday season.

Delaware County Council, the Delaware County Department of Human Services, the County Solicitor’s Officer, Capital Access, numerous staff members from many State and County agencies, as well as many community partners—including the Multicultural Community Family Services, the Delaware County Foundation, Media Fellowship House, Legal Aid of Southeastern PA, the Chester Housing Authority and Chester City Hall—have all played a significant role in making the Delco ERA program a success. 

A summary of Delco ERA production and impact:

• Delco ERA processed 12,889 grants as of December 29, 2022
• The average grant was $5,755 for 9.76 months of rent and utility assistance
• 2,656 grants have helped households avoid a court-ordered eviction
• Average annual household income for those receiving grants was $23,155
• 7,012 of all grants (54.4%) benefitted households earning 30% or less of Area Median Income (AMI)
• 11,268 of all grants (86.4%) benefitted households earning 50% or less of AMI
• 7,095 grants helped households with children remain in their homes

“Delco ERA represents an extraordinary partnership among Delaware County Government and various partners,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “We were able to help thousands of Delaware County residents in need thanks to the dedicated and persistent collaboration of community partners, Utility Companies, landlords and tenants, along with our program manager, Capital Access.”

The U.S. Treasury and Commonwealth of PA may still award Delco ERA with additional rent and utility assistance as the federal and state programs wind down. The County will determine the optimal approach to make such assistance available based on when and how much may be available. Please visit www.DelcoHomelessServices.org for details if you or someone you know is facing housing instability.

Residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may have already heard from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) about an important change in the amount of SNAP benefits that recipients receive as a result of recent Federal action.

What is happening?

Since the pandemic started in 2020, households receiving SNAP benefits have been receiving two payments during the month: a regular SNAP benefit in the first half of the month and an extra payment in the second half of the month known as an Emergency Allotment. 

However, changes in federal law mean that states will no longer be able to issue these additional EA payments. The extra payment in the second half of the month will stop after February 2023. This means that starting March 1, 2023, recipients will only receive one regular SNAP payment, like recipients did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another federal change affecting older Pennsylvanians is the 2023 cost of living adjustment for Social Security Income (SSI), which prompted an increase to SSI income. SNAP eligibility thresholds – also set at the federal level – did not rise proportionally. Because of this, approximately 249,000 households will see a decrease in their base SNAP benefits by an average of $40 per household, which will take effect in March when Emergency Allotments end. 

DHS anticipates that 5,000 to 20,000 households will be disenrolled from SNAP due to the SSI increase. 

The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) and the PA Department of Aging and its network partners want to make sure that older adults who need food assistance know where to go for help.  

Food Assistance Help

Senior Community Centers.

These centers provide nutritious lunchtime meals and socialization. Many also offer grab & go meals. You can find a senior center near you by visiting Senior Community Centers at www.aging.pa.gov/local-resources/pages/senior-center.aspx

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

Older adults can call their local Area Agency on Aging to connect with meal resources at the local level, including in-home meal delivery and other meal options. The local Area Agency on Aging can be found by visiting www.aging.pa.gov/AAA, or by calling the Department of Aging at (717) 783-1550.

PACE program 

Older adults can call the Department of Aging’s PACE program at 1 (800) 424-4356 to apply for the Senior Food Box program, which provides eligible individuals with nutritious, shelf-stable groceries each month. PACE operators will complete the application for the applicant and send it directly to the Department of Agriculture. PACE can also help connect individuals with local food pantries and meal assistance.

PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources 

Older adults can call the PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources at 1 (800) 753-8827. A regional PA Link counselor will provide one-on-one help to connect seniors with meal support, benefits programs and other help with activities of daily living.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program 

Starting June 1 each year, the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides eligible adults over age 60 with vouchers that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at more than 800 farm stands and more than 200 farmers’ markets in Pennsylvania. Vouchers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The local Area Agency on Aging can explain when and how to get your vouchers. 

Medicare Advantage Plans and Special Needs Plans 

Some Medicare Advantage Plans and Special Needs Plans offer grocery benefits, food boxes, and home-delivered meals as a plan bonus. Individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Special Needs Plan should inquire with their plan to see if they offer these added benefits. 

211 

Individuals can call 211 or visit www.211pa.org to connect with various local food resources, or to locate the local Area Agency on Aging.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Visit www.agriculture.pa.gov/food/Pages/default.aspx learn more about nutrition programs for older adults at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

SNAP Emergency Allotment 

Individuals can learn more about the end of the SNAP Emergency Allotment and other resources available at www.dhs.pa.gov/SNAPCares.

Delaware County Seeking Residents for Several Board Openings

Delaware County is seeking board members for several County boards including:

• Heritage Commission
• Delaware County Parks Board
• Delaware County Authority
• Delaware County Housing Authority
• Delaware County Redevelopment Authority
• SEPTA Citizens Advisory Board

Applications for all Boards will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 23.

WHAT DO BOARDS DO?

Although the responsibilities and goals differ from one board to another, board members play a critical role in establishing oversight, defining the board’s mission and vision, improving the board’s focus and effectiveness, shaping the County’s culture, serving stakeholders, establishing and updating policies, setting goals, and measuring the board’s performance based on those goals.

Delaware County encourages interested residents who can contribute their time, energy, and passion, to complete the brief online application. Applicants must provide their name, address, contact information, current employer/occupation, a brief explanation as to why they are interested in serving on a particular Board, and attach an up-to-date resume.

DETAILS REGARDING BOARD OPENINGS

Heritage Commission

Location: Government Center Building, Media

Openings: 3 vacancies (these terms end in Sep. '23, Sep. '24, and Sep. '25)

Application Deadline: Thurs., Feb 23, 2023

Details: CLICK HERE

Delaware County Parks Board

Location: Hunt Club Building, 1521 N. Providence Road, Media

Openings: 7 vacancies (2 vacancies ending March '25, 5 vacancies ending March '26)

Application Deadline: Thurs., Feb 23, 2023

Details: CLICK HERE

Delaware County Authority

Location: Leedom House, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media

Openings: 1 vacancy

Application Deadline: Thurs., Feb 23, 2023

Details: CLICK HERE

Delaware County Housing Authority

Location: 1855 Constitution Avenue, Woodlyn

Openings: 1 vacancy

Application Deadline: Thurs., Feb 23, 2023

Details: CLICK HERE

Delaware County Redevelopment Authority

Location: Government Center Building, Media

Openings: 1 vacancy

Application Deadline: Thurs., Feb 23, 2023

Details: CLICK HERE

SEPTA Citizens Advisory Committee

Location: Government Center Building, Media

Openings: 3 vacancies

Application Deadline: Thurs., Feb 23, 2023

Details: CLICK HERE

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website