The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— January 10, 2025 (155th Edition) ——

Delaware County is proud to partner with Widener University, the Philadelphia Union, the Downtown Cultural Arts and Technology Center, the Making a Change Group, and America250PADelco to host the 3rd Annual Delaware County MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 20, 2025, in celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Built upon the foundation of Dr. King's enduring principles of equality, social justice, and compassion, the Day of Service will include a variety of events created to inspire and engage the community. Emphasizing well-being, volunteerism and unity, the day’s activities are designed to honor Dr. King's legacy by addressing current social issues, fostering inclusivity, and promoting a culture of peace and understanding.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues with community members and elected leaders, contribute to community improvement efforts, and reinforce the ongoing relevance of Dr. King's vision in today's world.

Activities include a breakfast and dedication at the Philadelphia Union’s Subaru Park, a Peace March from Subaru Park to the CAAT Center, a cleanup on Avenue of the States, and other community building activities that aim to foster unity, sense of purpose, and shared responsibility among residents.

Delaware County residents are invited to join the local tribute to a historic and inspiring legend and the opportunity to actively shape the landscape of the community in the spirit of Dr. King.

MLK Day of Service Schedule: Monday, January 20, 2025

• Breakfast and Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Union Yards at Subaru Park, 12 Reaney St, Chester, PA 19013
• Women's Health Clinic/Fair: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Primepoint Club located inside Subaru Park,1 Stadium Drive, Chester, PA
• Peace March: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Union Yards at Subaru Park, 12 Reaney St, Chester, PA 19013 to CAAT Center (2300 W 4th St, Chester, PA 19013)
• Community Projects: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | A variety of community building events, art projects, and lunch will take place, concluding with remarks and conversations with elected officials and community leaders at the CAAT Center.

Residents are invited to register at DelcoPA.Gov/MLK. Registration is not required but highly encouraged to help organizers and volunteers appropriately prepare. When registering, please select the events you plan to attend.

Residents planning to attend the Union activities, including the breakfast, opening ceremony, and Women's Health Clinic/Fair are encouraged to park in Lot G off of Rt. 291 and Rainey St. A map is available at https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/stadium/parking.

Moments from the County's 2023 and 2024 MLK Days of Service: Discussions, cleanups, marches, art projects, food drives, and community building activities

More About Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Established in 1983 as a federal holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day recognizes the pivotal role Dr. King played in advancing civil rights, promoting equality, and advocating for justice for all Americans. This day not only commemorates his January 15 birthday but also honors his legacy through acts of service and reflection on the principles he championed. It also serves as a call to action. The MLK Day of Service, initiated by Congress in 1994, transforms the holiday into a day of volunteer service in honor of Dr. King. It underscores his belief that 'Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.'

This day invites individuals and communities across the United States to volunteer in ways that bridge divides, create solutions to social problems, and move closer to Dr. King's vision of a community united for the greater good.

The Delaware County Department of Emergency Services, alongside Upland Fire Company, led efforts to evacuate staff and patients and transport critical care patients to nearby facilities after a fire erupted in the electrical room at Crozer Chester Medical Center in Upland, PA, on December 18.

Approximately 15 EMS agencies and 24 units responded to the scene, working together to ensure the safety of everyone inside the hospital. Many of the evacuated patients, including those in the Intensive Care Unit, were quickly transported to alternative medical facilities for continued care.

Delaware County Emergency Services provided extensive on-site support, including Emergency Communications for continuity and logistics, Special Operations for mass evacuations, Hazmat for air monitoring, and Emergency Management for EOC operations. Delaware County Fireboard also played a critical role in managing this complex, resource-intensive incident with remarkable resilience.

Delaware County Council commended the swift response, stating, “The quick and effective actions of the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services and our dedicated first responders demonstrate their unwavering commitment to protecting lives,” said Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “We are deeply grateful for their bravery and professionalism in this critical situation.”

DES provided extensive on-site support, including Special Operations for mass evacuations, Emergency Communications for continuity and logistics, Hazmat for air monitoring, and Emergency Management for EOC operations

On-site coordination by the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services was instrumental in supporting Upland Fire Company’s efforts. Emergency Services Deputy Director Ed Beebe highlighted the collaborative spirit of the surrounding agencies that provided additional support.

“Many agencies sent second units and expanded their services beyond their typical scope,” Beebe noted. “This collective response exemplifies the strong network of emergency services in our region, with every responder stepping up to answer the call for help.” Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Delaware County Council extends its thanks to all emergency responders and supporting agencies for their dedication and teamwork in ensuring the safety of hospital staff and patients during this critical event. Special recognition is given to the Delaware County Fireboard for its outstanding management of emergency communications during this challenging incident.

Thank you to the Upland Fire Company, Delaware County Emergency Services, and the ~15 EMS agencies and 24 units that responded to the scene.

Delaware County is seeking dedicated residents to fill multiple openings on our Opioid Settlement Task Force. This interdisciplinary group plays a vital role in ensuring that funds from the County’s $62.5 million opioid settlement are used effectively to combat the ongoing opioid crisis.

Applications are being accepted through January 17, 2025, and interested residents can apply by visiting DelcoPA.gov/Board-Vacancies.

Opioid Settlement Lookback

On September 13, 2022, Delaware County Council announced a historic $62.5 million opioid settlement with pharmaceutical distributors resulting from the combined legal actions taken by the County, State, and the District Attorney. The funds come from the $26 billion global settlement with Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen, three major pharmaceutical distributors of opioids.

The County will receive annual payments for 18 years, averaging $3.5 million per year, to tackle the devastating opioid epidemic affecting Delaware County residents, their loved ones, and the community.

These settlement funds are designated to support programs directly related to the impacts of opioid overuse and addiction. They are restricted to specific remediation purposes, such as Naloxone training and distribution for first responders, schools, community support groups, and families, medication-assisted treatment, expansion of warm hand-off programs and recovery services, prevention programs, and treatment for incarcerated populations.

Origin of the Delaware County Opioids Taskforce

To ensure the funds are used effectively to combat the opioid crisis, Delaware County formed an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary Task Force to provide recommendations to County Council for short-term and immediate uses, as well as long-term programming supported by the new funding.

Since the 2022 announcement, the County and the Task Force have continuously engaged the public through town halls, roundtable discussions, surveys, and other public engagement activities to ensure the funds are spent appropriately and transparently.

By joining the Task Force, residents will have the opportunity to make a direct impact on how the settlement funds are allocated, helping to create a healthier and safer Delaware County for all.

Apply today at DelcoPA.Gov/Board-Vacancies and become part of the solution to one of the most pressing public health crises of our time.

The Delaware County Department of Emergency Services recently hosted an Exercise of Concept for the newly-established Delco Functional Assessment Service Team (DelcoFAST). Created to address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities or access and functional needs (AFN) during emergencies, this innovative team is the first and only county-based FAST in the state of Pennsylvania.

Modeled after the program pioneered in 2007 by the California Department of Social Services and instituted in the Commonwealth by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services in 2018, DelcoFAST conducts functional assessments in shelters, recovery centers, and other mass care sites.

The goal is to ensure individuals remain safe and independent, preventing unnecessary hospitalization or reliance on emergency medical services.

DelcoFAST deploys under the authority of the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services and operates under the Citizen Corps umbrella. Team members undergo specialized training, utilize the CMIST Framework (Communication, Maintaining Health, Independence, Support, and Transportation), and collaborate with local agencies to secure critical resources such as medications, durable medical equipment, language services, and transportation.

"Our team is dedicated to assuring that inclusive planning and operations permeates every aspect of our work, and this highlights the amazing work of our volunteers," said Danielle Koerner, DES Chief of Special Operations. "I am extremely proud of this initiative and inspired by the work done to bring it from concept to reality."

This past December, DelcoFAST conducted its first Exercise of Concept to simulate real-world scenarios. Nursing students from the Delaware County Intermediate Unit's Practical Nursing Program joined the team to test processes, deploy specialized equipment, and provide valuable feedback. Scenarios addressed needs arising from physical disabilities, sensory processing, language barriers, dietary restrictions, and more.

"The establishment of DelcoFAST is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and preparedness," said Julia Borek, Mass Care Lead & AFN Coordinator, Special Operations, Delaware County Department of Emergency Services. "By identifying and addressing functional needs during emergencies, we’re helping individuals maintain their safety and independence while reducing strain on emergency medical services."

The exercise highlighted DelcoFAST’s mission to triage survivors, identify resources, and coordinate with partner agencies such as Delaware County Department of Human Services, COSA, the American Red Cross, and Liberty Resources, Inc. Center for Independent Living. While the team doesn’t provide direct services, it ensures individuals receive the tools and support they need to navigate emergencies successfully.

Special thanks to the California Department of Social Services for their foundational work in creating the FAST model and for welcoming DelcoFAST volunteers into their training program, and to PA Department of Human Services for their ongoing training and support.

DelcoFAST exemplifies the county’s dedication to fostering resilience and inclusivity during times of crisis. As the program grows, it will continue to be a vital resource in ensuring that no one is left behind in the face of an emergency.

DelcoFAST has not yet been deployed but continues to engage in regular training and outreach events to strengthen its capabilities. To learn more about volunteering with DelcoFAST, visit https://ccdcredi.delcocitizencorps.org.

Thank you to Delaware County Department of Emergency Services and our new Delco Functional Assessment Service Team!

In January 2022, Delaware County began publishing the Delaware County Weekly e-Newsletter with the goal of keeping residents better informed and connected to the latest news, programs, and events in our community. As we approach the three-year anniversary with over 150 editions sent to thousands of residents, we want to hear from you!

What topics, programs, or departments interest you most? Are there stories you’d like to see us cover more often? Whether it’s updates about health and safety, sustainability efforts, community initiatives, or cultural events, we want to ensure that the newsletter continues to deliver content that matters to you.

Beyond the content, we’d also love your feedback on the newsletter’s design and format. Is it easy to read? Are there changes we can make to improve your experience?

Your input is invaluable as we work to refine and enhance the Delaware County Weekly for the year ahead. Share your thoughts and help us continue to create a newsletter that keeps you informed, engaged, and inspired.

Thank you for being a part of this journey—your feedback makes all the difference!

Let us know what you think!

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) recently announced a partnership with Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official online health insurance marketplace. Created by the state and supported by top private insurance companies, Pennie helps residents access affordable, high-quality health insurance plans tailored to their needs.

Tuesday, January 14, is the final opportunity for residents to receive in-person assistance at the Delaware County Wellness Center in Yeadon prior to the January 15 deadline for open enrollment. Pennie staff will be on-site from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to help individuals and families understand plan options, complete enrollment, and access savings.

The 2025 Pennie Open Enrollment Period runs yearly from November 1 to January 15, providing the only time most residents can sign up for health insurance plans. Missing this period means you may have to wait until the next open enrollment, except in limited instances called special enrollment periods, which are triggered by specific life events like job loss or marriage.

What is Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is the yearly period when you can buy health insurance. If you don’t enroll during this time, you generally can’t sign up until the next open enrollment period, except for limited circumstances that qualify for special enrollment periods.

How Open Enrollment Works

During the open enrollment period, Pennie simplifies the process of securing health insurance by providing multilingual Assisters and free resources to ensure no Pennsylvanian is left without coverage. Residents can explore plan options, determine eligibility for savings, and complete their enrollment online (Enroll here) or with in-person support.

For many, navigating health insurance can be overwhelming. Pennie’s partnership with DCHD offers residents a chance to receive guidance and secure the best possible coverage at the lowest cost.

To schedule an in-person session or for more information, contact the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100 or email DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.

Don’t wait—act now to secure coverage for 2025.

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