The Delaware County Digest

Your source for the latest news from Delaware County | July 17, 2025

Delaware County Public Defender Chris Welsh presented to County Council and the public last night, sharing a five-year progress report on his office and its critical role in the County’s criminal justice system.

Welsh, who was hired in 2020 with a mandate to reform and strengthen the Public Defender’s Office, outlined how the County’s investment has led to measurable results, including better representation for vulnerable residents, improved outcomes in court, and a significant reduction in the County jail population.

“If you like the Constitution, then you probably like what the public defenders do,” Welsh told Council. “The Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments are really given life by the work that we do every day in the courtroom.”

Those amendments protect core rights, including protection against illegal searches, the right to counsel, a fair trial, and freedom from cruel and unusual punishment—rights the Public Defender’s Office fights to uphold every day.

At the time Welsh was hired, the office had 58 employees and no dedicated social workers or investigators. Today, the office has grown to 67 staff, including 50 attorneys, five full-time social workers, and two full-time investigators. Diversity and gender equity have also improved, with women now making up more than half of both the attorney and management teams.

Welsh credited these changes with helping to reduce the daily population at George W. Hill Correctional Facility by nearly 40% since 2020—a reduction of about 700 people each day—while improving client outcomes and public safety.

“The state of the Public Defender’s Office is strong,” Welsh said. “And you should be proud of the work being done every day on behalf of Delaware County residents.”

Delaware County Public Defender Chris Welsh presents to the public on July 16

Councilmembers praised Welsh’s leadership and the impact of his team’s work. “From 2020 to today, the jail population has dropped by nearly 40%, with about 700 fewer people in custody every single day,” said Delaware County Councilmember Kevin Madden. “These numbers represent real people—mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters— on the margins of the criminal justice system, whose lives have been changed because they finally had someone advocating for them.”

Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer added, “We now have social workers, investigators, and a diverse, talented team fighting for our clients—and that’s because of this Council’s support. But it’s also because of Chris Welsh and First Assistant Public Defender Lee Awbrey's leadership and vision for what this office could become. Hiring him was one of the best decisions we’ve made.”

Councilmember Christine Reuther noted, “We’ve worked hard to make it possible for people who truly want to be public defenders to stay in those roles, without being forced to leave for higher pay elsewhere. That investment has paid off—not just for the lawyers, but for our clients, their families, and taxpayers.”

The office now provides representation in 26 magisterial district courts, the Court of Common Pleas, and specialty courts, serving the approximately 60% of arrested individuals in Delaware County who qualify for a public defender based on income. Social service teams support over 300 clients at a time, and investigators have completed more than 1,200 investigations since 2021.

The office has also implemented innovations like a modern case management system, text reminders for court dates, and online applications for clients. Welsh highlighted grant-funded initiatives such as emergency funds for housing and food, as well as partnerships that have helped over 1,800 clients access probation, housing, and treatment programs.

The Public Defender’s Office is also excited to launch a new updated website in the coming weeks, making it even easier for Delaware County residents to access services and apply for representation.

Welsh called his team “the point of the spear” in advocating for clients, adding, “When I started this job, my goal was to build one of the best public defender’s offices in Pennsylvania. We’ve achieved that.”

Delaware County is proud to announce that the Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) has received a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo), recognizing the County’s outstanding efforts to protect and improve public health. The award was presented during NACo’s annual three-day conference, held this past weekend in Philadelphia.

The award honors the successful creation of DCHD—the first new county health department in Pennsylvania in more than 30 years. The department was established through grassroots advocacy, bipartisan leadership, and collaboration with a wide range of partners, including the League of Women Voters, local hospital systems, and funding support from the federal COVID-19 relief initiative.

The County was recognized not only for creating the department but for building a bold, responsive model of modern public health. DCHD’s early initiatives include the launch of a 24-hour public wellness line, thousands of health inspections, and a commitment to health equity through programs like the Perinatal Period of Risk (PPOR) project, which aims to reduce Black infant mortality. The department also partners with community organizations to deliver services such as free mammograms, blood pressure screenings, nutrition education, and mobile outreach across Delaware County.

“Our Health Department was created with a vision of making health services more accessible, equitable, and responsive to our residents,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “This national recognition from NACo affirms that we’re on the right path.”

Since its launch in 2022, the Delaware County Health Department has:

• Administered more than 5,000 vaccines
• Responded to over 12,000 calls through the wellness line
• Completed a Community Health Assessment with input from more than 4,700 residents

“This award reflects the tireless work of our staff, our partners, our community, and County Council,” said DCHD Director Lora Werner. “Together, we’ve built a strong foundation for public health that meets the needs of today—and prepares us for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Council Vice Chair Richard Womack added, “This award shows what’s possible when we center people, equity, and access in our public health mission. DCHD is not just a department—it’s a promise to our communities that their health matters, and that we're here to serve them with care and accountability. For too long, working families in Delaware County didn’t have a local health department they could count on. Now they do. Whether it’s vaccines or a call to the wellness line—help is finally close to home.”

NACo’s Achievement Awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents. Delaware County is proud to be among the 2025 recipients and to be recognized as a model for community-focused public health at the national level.

Now officially an award-winning department, DCHD will continue its mission to serve the residents of Delaware County with dedication, innovation, and heart.

For more information and details about Health Department services, visit DelcoPA.Gov/Health.

Delaware County remains committed to supporting residents and former employees affected by the closure of Crozer Health System. In partnership with local agencies and community partners, the County has developed several programs and resources to help individuals navigate this challenging transition.

Pension Support

For former Crozer employees with pension plans, there are several avenues to get help. Individuals can start by contacting Omni, the debtors’ claims and noticing agent, at 888-550-3239 (or 818-510-3746 if calling from outside the U.S.) or by email at ProspectInquiries@OmniAgnt.com.

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), now serving as trustee of the pension plan, is another key resource. PBGC can be reached at 800-400-7242. Be sure to reference PBGC Case Number 24900700 to receive the correct application materials. If further assistance is needed, former employees can also contact Anne G. Wallice of Sidley LLP at anne.wallice@sidley.com or (212) 839-6021.

Help Transferring Medical Licenses

Doctors, if you need help transferring your medical licenses for a new job in Delaware or New Jersey, PA CareerLink® Delaware County can assist. The team will connect you to the Pennsylvania Department of State through an expedited transfer process. Simply scan the QR code on their website to complete a short survey and get started.

Learn more at: pacareerlinkdelco.org/crozer-former-employees.

Healthcare Navigation for Seniors

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) has continued its summer program, Navigating Our Healthcare System for Seniors, to assist former Crozer patients—particularly seniors—in obtaining medical records and connecting to healthcare resources. Many residents have found the online portals for medical records challenging to navigate.

The final session of this summer’s program will take place on Friday, July 25, at the Schoolhouse Senior Center, 600 Swarthmore Avenue, Folsom, PA. Public health staff will be on hand to help seniors access records, enroll in services, and connect to other available resources.

Transition Center for Former Employees

The Rapid Response Transition Center continues to provide vital support to former Crozer employees, offering services such as unemployment compensation guidance, job search assistance, career counseling, resume writing help, and health insurance enrollment.

The Transition Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 160 E. 7th Street, Chester. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can call (610) 876-4855 or email PA.CrozerTransitionCenter.info@edsi.com.

Delaware County remains focused on helping residents and workers through this difficult transition with resources, support, and meaningful guidance. For additional updates, visit the County website at DelcoPA.Gov/Prospect.

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