Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Opioid Task Force announced the approval of over $6M in opioid-related grants to Delaware County health providers, higher educational institutions, and government agencies during Council’s August 2 Regular Public Meeting.

A total of $6,451,542 in grants have now been awarded to Delaware County as a result of the $26 billion multi-state opioid settlement with Johnson & Johnson, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson. 

Delaware County was the first county in the state to sue for damages against suppliers of opioids and their consulting physicians, and as a result of proactive efforts by County and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, the County will receive millions of additional dollars per the terms of the 2022 settlement, which awarded an additional 15% in funds for litigating counties.

In total, Delaware County will receive $63M in annual payments over 18 years. 

Strict controls governing how settlement funds can be used have been put in place to ensure that funds will be used exclusively for opioid-related programs and services that will help us tackle the devastating opioid epidemic affecting Delaware County residents, their loved ones, and the community. 

To ensure that settlement funds are used to aggressively combat the opioid crisis by funding high-performing health and service-focused organizations experienced with evidence-based treatments of opioid-affected populations, Delaware County formed an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary Task Force last fall to provide recommendations to County Council for short-term remedies, immediate uses, and long-term programming.

The County and the Task Force also solicited input from Delaware County residents through a series of public input sessions and an online survey, efforts intended to ensure that all residents affected by the opioid crisis would have a voice in the solution, and to ensure that vetted organizations and programs received due consideration.

“Delaware County has taken enormous strides to reform how it thinks about and addresses public health and safety in recent years,” said Sandy Garrison, Chief of Human Services and Community Support and member of the Opioid Settlement Funds Task Force. “These funds will assist in the progress we are making to treat addiction as a public health epidemic and deliver necessary care and services to treat it.” 

Opioid Settlement Funding: Round 1 Recipients

• Delaware County health providers received a total of $517,056, with grants awarded to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia ($243,958), Nemours Children’s Health ($100,000) and Penn’s Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy ($173,098). 

• Delaware County service providers were allotted $3,993,451, from County Council, with grants awarded to the American Treatment Network ($1,500,000), Community Action Agency ($150,132), Merakey ($81,010), Mirmont Treatment Center ($625,629), Multicultural Community Family Services ($108,729.74), MVP Recovery ($861,640), The Shevlin Family Foundation ($129,310), and Savage Sisters Recovery, Inc. ($537,000).

• Delaware County Institutions of Higher Education received $613,819 in grants from County Council, with Saint Joseph’s University receiving $400,900, Widener University receiving $146,419, and the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology receiving $66,500. 

• Delaware County Departments received a total of $1,327,316, with grants awarded to the Health Department ($1,137,286), Department of Human Services ($80,000), the Department of Human Services ($50,000), and the Medical Examiner’s Office ($60,030).

Settlement funds will be used to expand/support the use of Naloxone & medication-assisted treatments, treatment/screening for pregnant/post-partum women and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome babies, warm hand-offs, treatment for incarcerated populations, prevention/education, syringe service programs, data collection & research, wrap-around services, the support of Drug Courts and Diversion Programs, and support of First Responders.

“Delaware County will use these funds to make a significant impact on the devastating addiction epidemic in our county,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “We can help those suffering with addiction and educate the community about the danger of opioids with a focus on prevention and recovery.”

For a more detailed overview of the settlement grants, click the button below. including program details.

Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Opioid Task Force will continue to seek public input regarding future use of Settlement funds. On September 21, an Opioid Town Hall will be held at Widener University to discuss 2024 spending priorities. Details will be published in early September and on the Delaware County website and in the Delaware County Weekly newsletter.

The Delaware County Health Department, in partnership with the Springfield Pharmacy, will be hosting two ‘Back-To-School’ vaccination clinics next week.

These clinics, for both uninsured and insured children, are intended to provide a convenient and accessible way for Delaware County parents and guardians to ensure their children are ready for the new school year with all state required vaccinations.

“Vaccinations play a crucial role in keeping our children healthy and safe as they head back to school,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “They not only protect our students, but our teachers, school staff, and community.”

The two vaccination clinics will be held at the DCHD Wellness Center, located at 125 Chester Avenue in Yeadon, on the following dates and times:

• Wednesday, August 23, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 26, from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon

All children ages 18 and under are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please remember to bring your student's insurance card and vaccine information. Payment is not required at the time of vaccination — however, co-pays and/or payments may be billed per the terms of your health insurance plan. For those without insurance, vaccines will still be provided through the Vaccines for Children program.

Appointments are not required but strongly suggested. Walk-ins are available as supplies last. To schedule an appointment, please call (484) 267-2100.

Required Vaccinations

Please note: On the first day of school, unless the child has a medical or religious/philosophical exemption, Pennsylvania requires children to have had at least once dose of the following vaccinations or risk exclusion from school.

• 4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Usually given as DTP or DTaP or if medically advisable, OT or Td)
• (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday)
• 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given. A fourth dose is not necessary if the third dose was administered at age 4 years or older and at least 6 months after the previous dose)
• 2 doses of measles, mumps, rubella (Usually given as MMR)
• 3 doses of hepatitis B
• 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity

For more information about school vaccination requirements, please visit the DCHD Vaccinations web page or visit the PA Department of Health Immunizations website (both linked below). 

The Delaware County Health Department provides vaccinations to children under the age of 19 who are uninsured, underinsured, or qualify for Medicaid at DCHD’s Wellness Centers in Yeadon and Chester throughout the year. Call the Wellness Line at (484) 267-2100 for details.

Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden was honored to join members of the Collingdale Borough community and various elected officials to celebrate Joseph Passaretti’s 105th birthday on August 12 at the Collingdale Community Center.

Mr. Passaretti is a United States Army Veteran, and served in WW2 in Africa, France, Italy, and Norway. He served his country with honor and distinction from 1942 to 1945 as a Sergeant in the United States Army in the 36th Infantry Division, 133rd Artillery Regiment, where he worked with a 105 Howitzer Cannon.

Mr. Passaretti is a decorated Army Veteran and was awarded a Purple Heart. He is a respected and beloved member of the Collingdale community, which he has called home for many years.

Delaware County Council wishes Mr. Passaretti a very happy birthday! 

Delaware County Council, Visit Delco, PA, and Media Borough partnered to hold an exciting send-off pep rally on Thursday evening for families, friends, and residents headed to Williamsport to cheer on the Media Little League 12U Team in the Little League World Series. 

The Phillie Phanatic, Wawa's Mascot Wally Goose, dozens of residents, local officials, and reporters from numerous Philadelphia media outlets gathered to wish the team good luck and send some gritty Delco spirit along with them to Williamsport. 

The Little League World Series features 20 teams — including 10 American teams and 10 international teams — playing 38 games over the course of 11 days, with around four games per day until the Championship game, scheduled for Sunday, August 27.

Thank you to everyone who came out, and a big thank you to Wawa for providing delicious boxed lunches and snacks for those bussing up to Williamsport!

Good Luck Media Little League! Delco is cheering you on! 

Little League World Series Update from Williamsport: Down but not out!

More than 15,000 fans attended the Wednesday game between the Media Little League and Needville Little League teams at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in Williamsport, with many traveling from Media to watch the game in person.

Unfortunately, Media Little League’s World Series effort began with a tough 2-1 loss to Needville, representing Texas and the U.S. Southwest Region. 

But Media is not done yet! Because the World Series is a double elimination tournament, Media Little League’s World Series hopes are still alive and well.

The team plays its second game on Sat., Aug. 19, at 2 p.m. against the boys from Gray, Maine, representing the New England region.

Visit the Media Little League Facebook page for the latest news, updates, and details about how to order your own "Delco Vs. The World" T-shirt.

Cal Ripken World Series (8U) Update from Cherry Hill: Hilltop Prevails!

The Media Little League 12U team has been captivating Delaware County with its epic run to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, but there are a couple of other Delco baseball teams that have been quietly enjoying their own post-season runs — the Interboro District and Hilltop 8U baseball teams! 

The Interboro team (who go by “The Boro Boys”) has had an impressive summer, and recently made history by becoming the first team from Interboro to win the 8U Pennsylvania Southeast State Championship. Hilltop, in Havertown, has been equally impressive, having recently won the District 1 Championship with a dominant regular season record of 19-4.

While the Interboro 'Boro Boys' lost their tough semi-final game to Mexico on Fri., Aug. 18, Hilltop, from Havertown, defeated Freetown Lakeville (MA) to earn a spot in the Cal Ripken World Series Championship game, scheduled for Sat., Aug. 19, at 12 noon. Best of luck to Hilltop, and congratulations to Interboro on a great season!

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor was honored to join various elected officials, Korean American officials, and members of the community to celebrate the reopening of the Philip Jaisohn Monument at Rose Tree Park on August 12. 

Philip Jaisohn was a Korean political refugee who became a respected and historic figure in the early 20th century Korean Independence Movement and who drew inspiration in his efforts to establish a free and democratic Korea from America’s own struggle for independence.

Philip Jaisohn was the first Korean American to obtain U.S. citizenship in 1890 and made his home in Media, Pennsylvania. He lived in what is now called the "Philip Jaisohn Memorial House" in Media from 1925 until his passing in 1951. 

The Philip Jaisohn Monument was originally built in 1975 and served as a place for residents to learn about the history of Philip Jaisohn. Now, thanks to the support from Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the monument will once again be a place for our residents to enjoy, reflect, and learn.

Delaware County Council encourages residents to visit both historic locations and learn and celebrate the rich Korean History we have here in Delaware County.

Visit the Philip Jaisohn Memorial House website, linked below, for more information.

The Delaware County Department of Emergency Services is hosting a comprehensive half-day informational event on Saturday, August 26, aimed at enticing new talent to become 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators.

There are several openings and Emergency Services is actively recruiting within the County. These positions provide competitive pay (starting $51K annual salary) and a great benefits package.

The four-hour recruitment event will allow individuals interested in pursuing a job at the Delaware County 911 Center to speak directly with the team and gather information about open positions. Attendees will also get additional information about the upcoming Department of Emergency Services 2023 Fall Class of Public Safety Telecommunicators — a comprehensive 16-hour paid instructional class that provides new employees with the training and preparation they will need to succeed at the 911 Center.

Interested individuals are urged to RSVP to confirm their interest in attending, although walk-ins are welcome. To RSVP, or to ask general questions about the Recruitment Event and the upcoming Fall Class of Public Safety Telecommunicators, please send an email to Delco911Jobs@co.delaware.pa.us. 

Interested individuals can also apply for open positions directly and immediately through the Delaware County website at delcopa.gov/jobs. Attendance at the recruitment event is NOT a requirement for consideration.

MORE ABOUT THE POSITION

Individuals are responsible for receiving 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and initiating the appropriate police, ambulance, or fire response with the use of a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, and communicate pre-arrival medical, fire and law enforcement instructions to callers.

An ideal candidate is someone comfortable making quick decisions, coordinating multiple tasks at one time, and can remain calm, professional, and even-tempered during emergency situations. 

Individuals do not have to be residents of Delaware County to apply, but non-County residents will be expected to reside in the County within a reasonable period after being hired.

RECRUITMENT EVENT DETAILS

Delaware County Emergency Services 

360 N. Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063

Saturday, August 26, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES’ MISSION

The mission of the Department of Emergency Services is to promote and assist in providing safety and security to Delaware County citizens so they can work, live, and grow in a healthy and safe community.

The Delaware County-operated Fair Acres Geriatric Center, recently ranked 25th in the United States and among the top 4 percent of nursing homes in the United States by Newsweek magazine and the largest skilled nursing facility in Delaware County, is hosting a job fair on Tuesday, August 29, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., on their Lima campus. 

Job seekers are encouraged to come out and meet with hiring managers and recruiters to learn about the many opportunities available. Job seekers are asked to bring their resume; on-the-spot interviews will be offered.

Positions include:

• RNs & LPNs (Full-time, part-time, and per diem) (New grads welcome!)
• Nursing Supervisors
• Unit Managers
• CNAs (FT) – All shifts, with rates starting at $21.05/hour)
• RN Admissions Coordinator (FT)
• Food Service Workers
• Dietitians
• Housekeepers
• Laundry Truck Drivers

Fair Acres offers:

• Competitive compensation
• Full benefits for full-time employees
• 2 weeks of vacation to start
• 16 paid holidays
• Pension plans
• Tuition reimbursement

The Fair Acres Job Fair will be held at the Fair Acres Campus Building 1, 340 N. Middletown Road, in Lima, PA. Parking is free.

For more information, visit www.fairacres.org or call (610) 891-8039.

Delaware County is looking to fill over 40 full time positions

Delaware County is excited to host its final Career Fair of the summer on Wednesday, August 30, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, located at 200 Yale Avenue, in Morton, PA. 

Multiple Delaware County departments, including the Health Department, the Department of Human Services, the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Fair Acres, Park Police, IT, and Personnel are looking to hire, with over 40 full-time positions currently open.

Positions offer competitive employee benefits as well as opportunities for advancement. Interested applicants are advised to bring copies of their resume and will have the opportunity to apply in person during the career fair. On-site interviews may be held for qualified attendees.

Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the Recruitment Team to discuss open positions to gain a better understanding of the job duties and the benefits offered, and have the team review their resume and skill set to determine if they are a candidate for that position (or a different position that might be a better match).

Current full-time positions, listed by department, include:

• Children and Youth Services: Caseworker 1, Caseworker 2, Clerk Typist 2, Clerk Typist 2 [Legal], Social Services Aide 3
• Court Administration: Court Officer
• Domestic Relations: Court Information Officer, Domestic Relations Officer, Information Center Representative
• Emergency Services: 911 Telecommunicator
• Facilities: Plumber
• Fair Acres: Admissions Coordinator, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Dietitian, Food Service Worker, Full and part-time RNs, LPNs and CNAs (for all shifts), Nurse Supervisor, RN Unit Manager- Day Shift, Staff Nurse / Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Staff Nurse / Registered Nurse (RN), Staff Nurse 12 hour shift (7 p.m. - 7 a.m., every weekend)
• Delaware County Health Department: Administrative Assistant [Environmental Health Division], Disease Intervention Specialist [DIS, DCHD Personal Health Division], Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Inspection Supervisor, Logistics/Warehouse Coordinator, Medical Assistant-Direct Observation Therapy, Office Manager, Program Coordinator/Grant Management [Population Health Division])
• Human Service Administration: Fiscal Technician, Program Analyst 1); Information Technology (Database Administrator, Help Desk Assistant (Phone Support), SAP Basis Administrator, Telecommunications Technician
• Juvenile Court Services: Juvenile Probation Officer
• Office of Judicial Support: Judicial Support Technician
• Park Police: Patrol Officer
• Personnel: Compensation Analyst, HR Advisor, Paralegal
• Planning Department: Senior Transportation Planner
• George W. Hill Correctional Facility: Case Manager, Classification Coordinator, Correctional Officer [w/ $2,000 Sign-On Bonus], Correctional Sergeant, Deputy Warden of Security and Training Operations, Full and Part time, RN’s, LPN’s, NP/PA’s and MHP’s, Human Resources Labor Relations Generalist, Human Resources Manager, Lieutenant, Locksmith, Maintenance Technician, Sanitation Crewman, Substance Abuse Counselor, and Wellness Instructor for Male Population
• Public Defender: Assistant Public Defender, Receptionist
• Sheriff’s Office: Deputy Sheriff

Career Fairs are a great opportunity for individuals to meet with the recruitment team and discuss positions; however, qualified individuals who are interested in open positions are urged to apply online immediately if they are interested in a position. Applications and resumes can be submitted online immediately—no need to wait!

For an up-to-date list of open positions, or to submit an application, visit Delaware County’s Personnel website at delcopa.gov/jobs.

Two Public Hearings Scheduled for Development of Delaware County Human Services Plan (Fiscal Year 2023/2024)

The Delaware County Department of Human Services will hold two public hearings to gather public input for the Delaware County Human Services Plan, fiscal year 2023/2024, as part of its responsibility to identify local needs, develop goals, create strategies, and identify and track outcomes that support the implementation of quality, cost-effective, and efficient services for residents of Delaware County.

Delaware County is required to solicit input from residents, providers, community action groups, and additional stakeholders regarding the use of funds prior to approval of the Human Services Plan. 

The completed Plan describes how services will be delivered in the areas of mental health, intellectual disabilities, homeless assistance, substance use disorder, and other human services. The Plan should also describe coordination and cooperation with other critical services not directly administered by county government.  

Comments received by the County will be reviewed and considered in the implementation of the plan or adjustment of goals, dependent on available funds for that year.  

The Public Hearings are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, and Tuesday, August 29. Details are listed below. Both hearings will be livestreamed on the Delaware County Council's YouTube channel, and available to watch as a recording 24 hours after the hearing date.

Residents may email their public comments in advance or during the hearings. Comments must be submitted with the same information that is requested at a public meeting including the person’s name and address. Emails may be sent to HS_BlockGrant@delcohsa.org (subject COMMENTS).

Public comments will be accepted until the hearing is adjourned. Public comments will be read into record during the hearing and the Department will respond if warranted. Emailed comments deemed inappropriate, or which do not contain the commenter’s name and address, will not be read into public record.

Public Hearing #1

Click Image to Watch

Wednesday, August 23, 6:00 p.m.

County Council Meeting Room, Govt Center Bldg, 201 W. Front Street, Media

Public Hearing #2

Click Image to Watch

Tuesday, August 29, 6:00 p.m.

County Council Meeting Room, Govt Center Bldg, 201 W. Front Street, Media

The Delaware County Department of Parks & Recreation’s 2023 Rose Tree Park Summer Festival concert series ends this weekend with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performances featuring a great mix of Yacht Rock, Motown, R&B, Beach Music, Class Rock, and even a little Country.

All three concerts start at 7:30 p.m.

All three concerts are weather permitting (there are no rain dates). Admission and parking are free and handicapped parking is available.

For more information — including recorded messaging about cancelations that may occur due to inclement weather or air quality concerns — please call (610) 891-4455.

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website