The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— January 19, 2024 (104th edition) ——

The Delaware County Housing Coalition will hold a presentation to share information surrounding housing issues and resources on Wednesday, January 24, in the County Council Public Meeting Room on the first floor of the Government Center located at 201 W. Front St., Media, PA. 

The presentation will start at 6:00 p.m.

Information in the presentation will focus on:

• The unhoused population in Delaware County
• Rapid rehousing (rental housing)
• Affordable housing (homeownership)

Delaware County is assessing the quality of the County’s housing assistance services and planning for the future.

A home provides security, belonging, identity, and privacy for residents and their families and every resident deserves to live in a home that is safe and affordable.

The County, in collaboration with the Foundation for Delaware County, in partnership with numerous community stakeholders formed the Delaware County Housing Working Group in February 2023 to address the critical issue of safe and affordable housing for all Delaware County residents. 

In April 2023, Council approved an agreement with S Brand Solutions to access housing services and resources available in the county. The assessment of housing services was completed as an initial step to develop an overall strategic plan for Delaware County’s Social Services and Community Programs Departments.

Information gathered from the assessment and resources available to County residents will be shared at the January 24 presentation. The presentation is open to all members of the community and RSVP is not required. 

Please note: The main/front doors to the Courthouse close at 4:30 p.m. Participants should enter through the side entrance of the Government Center, accessible from Orange Street. 

Delaware County was proud to host Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro during the 2nd Annual Delaware County MLK Day of Service on January 15 in Chester. 

The County partnered with Widener University, the Philadelphia Union, the Downtown Cultural Arts and Technology (CAAT) Center, and America250PADelco to host the Day of Service which included community building activities created to foster unity, sense of purpose, and shared responsibility among residents. 

The morning began with a dedication at Widener University and featured impactful remarks from Dr. Marina Barnett, Interim Assistant Provost for Civic Engagement at Widener University; Stacey Robertson, President of Widener University; Micki Davis, Widener University’s Chief Diversity Officer; Rachel Ocran, Widener Scholar, and State Senator John Kane. Delaware County Council Vice Chair Richard Womack presented a resolution, recognizing January 15, 2024, as a day to honor the spirit and legacy of Dr. King throughout the county. 

Following the dedication, hundreds of community members participated in a peace march from Widener University, through downtown Chester, ending at Chester City Hall, where State Representative Carol Kazeem, Chester City Mayor Stefan Roots, and Chester City Council members spoke to the crowd, thanking them for joining the celebration. 

The Day of Service continued with a clean up around areas of Chester City Hall and Memorial Park. Dozens of members from the Philadelphia Union joined residents and elected leaders, including State Representative Leanne Krueger and her son, to clean up debris in Memorial Park. 

The afternoon included a visit from Governor Shapiro at the Downtown CAAT Center, where he spoke with dozens of Chester residents and Widener students and joined CAAT Center President Tara Jones, Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon on stage to honor and celebrate Dr. King. The Governor also joined Delaware County Council members, Widener students, and residents to create artwork that will be displayed in Chester and filled warming kits that will be distributed to residents in need. 

The conclusion of Delaware County’s MLK Day of Service was marked by an evening poetry slam, where residents enthusiastically shared and listened to heartfelt and imaginative tributes in honor of Dr. King. Hosted by Gweney Love, the night featured improv poetry and an open mic for creatives to share their talent. 

Throughout the day, the diverse community of Delaware County, including its residents, students, community partners, and elected leaders, came together to volunteer and engage in meaningful dialogues. These interactions not only help bridge divides, but also contribute to the creation of solutions for pressing social issues, all in pursuit of Dr. King's vision of a united community working towards the greater good.

Check out our short video of the Delaware County MLK Day of Service activities

The Delaware County Health Department recently welcomed Dr. Debra Bogen, Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, to the Health Department’s Wellness Center at Yeadon for an informal discussion with Health Department staff and leadership.  

During the stop, which included a tour of the recently renovated Yeadon facility, DCHD staff members had the opportunity to discuss the collaborative relationship between state and local health officials with Dr. Bogen. The discussions focused on fostering a healthier future for residents, highlighting the importance of synergy in public health initiatives.

"It was absolutely clear that you are dedicated to caring for the people of Delaware County, to advancing public health in the community, and to working as a team to achieve your goals,” said Secretary Bogen “I look forward to ongoing collaborations with you and the other local health departments."

A central theme of the discussions was the critical need for both state and local health departments to ensure residents have seamless access to available resources across various governmental levels. The conversations underscored the importance of assessing not just immediate health concerns but also the broader socio-economic challenges individuals face, such as economic hardships and transportation barriers.

“Our staff were thrilled to have Secretary Bogen visit our team and facility — it means so much for local public health practitioners when state leaders recognize all the hard work that they do,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “There is still much work to be done, but we must celebrate our achievements. Secretary Bogen’s visit demonstrated to the team how important local public health work is, thank you.”

The visit by Secretary Bogen not only highlights the ongoing efforts in public health but also reinforces the significance of open communication and transparency in effective governance, serving as a reminder that collaborative efforts between different levels of government are essential in addressing complex health issues and ensuring the well-being of the community. 

Discussions like this pave the way for innovative solutions and strategies to improve public health across Delaware County and throughout the Commonwealth.

Acting Secretary of the PA Dept of Health Dr. Debra Bogen (pink sweater) with the DCHD team

Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon and the DCHD team

Members of Delaware County Council, the County’s leadership team, and community stakeholders participated in the First Annual Delaware County Sustainability 1-Day Retreat on January 17. 

The retreat, hosted by the County’s Office of Sustainability, was created to generate a shared understanding of sustainability and what it means to contribute to sustainability both in the workplace and in the community. 

The retreat workshop, facilitated by The Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education, included discussions and activities to increase participants’ awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the core concepts, content, and frames of mind that characterize sustainability.

The Cloud Institute’s workshop was developed by Jaimie P. Cloud and has been shared with audiences all over the world. The day was designed to challenge the ways participants think about the world, their relationship to it, and their ability to influence how the Delaware County community contributes to sustainability efforts. 

The concepts of the presentation are rooted in hope, systems thinking, and transformative action. Goals include:

• Develop a shared understanding and vocabulary of sustainability 
• Generate a personal rationale for sustainability
• Become inspired and hopeful about contributing to the shift toward a sustainable future through the work they do

Learn more about the County’s Sustainability efforts, including the County’s Sustainability Plan, at DelcoPA.Gov/Sustainability.

Coming Soon: Delaware County's 3rd Annual Sustainability Conference

For community-wide learning, Delaware County’s Office of Sustainability will hold its 3rd Annual Sustainability Conference in May. The day-long conference, open to all members of the public, was created to inspire, inform, and connect participants working towards a more sustainable future in Delaware County and the region. More details coming soon!

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) reminds residents that its Wellness Line, launched shortly after the establishment of the County Health Department in 2022, operates 24/7, providing residents with a wide array of health-related information and access to an extensive range of health resources.

Weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., DCHD’s trained staff directly assist residents with real-time phone and email inquiries. Additionally, for inquiries submitted through DCHD’s call service during weekends and after hours, the department is committed to rapid follow-up, typically offering information and guidance on the next business day.

At the core of DCHD's services is the motto 'people serving people.' This mission statement embodies the department's dedication to delivering compassionate, person-centric public health services, ensuring that every interaction is guided by the principle of serving the community's health needs with care and professionalism.

Whether it's for checking vaccination eligibility, scheduling appointments for sexually transmitted infection (STI) or pregnancy testing, or seeking guidance on food business licensing requirements, the DCHD Wellness Line serves as an informative and convenient resource for health-related questions in Delaware County.

It’s important to note that the DCHD Wellness Line is not equipped to handle medical emergencies – residents in need of immediate medical assistance should dial 911.

The DCHD Wellness Line is available at (484) 276-2100 or via email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.

The Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line:

By the Numbers

Between May and December 2023, the DCHD Wellness Line fielded 4,638 calls and emails, averaging assistance to approximately 580 residents per month. 91% of residents who reached out to the line from its inception in May 2023 through January 17, 2024, reported high satisfaction with the services received.

Residents have sought information covering a broad spectrum of health topics, with the most frequent calls concerning DCHD services, the latest details regarding vaccination programs, and general health inquiries. Residents have also sought information on mental health support, environmental health issues, chronic disease management, child healthcare options, senior health services, and more.

The DCHD Wellness Line has been instrumental in guiding families about maternal and child health, triaging environmental health complaints, and connecting residents with other pertinent County departments.

DCHD remains dedicated to guiding residents through their public health concerns, and the DCHD Wellness Line stands as a testament to this commitment, ready to direct residents toward appropriate health resources and information.

The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) and Delaware County Council are excited to invite residents turning 100 or older in 2024 to the annual Centenarian Luncheon. This grand event is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Drexelbrook Banquet Center in Drexel Hill, where we'll honor our community's centenarians.

Last year, over 50 centenarians attended the event, many joined by friends and loved ones. COSA also made several in-person visits and mailed custom proclamations to centenarians who couldn't attend the luncheon.

Centenarians, family members, and friends wishing to be part of this joyous occasion can register by calling Debbie Hedgepeth at (610) 872-1406, or by contacting COSA’s main phone number at (610) 490-1300.

Registration is open until May 8, 2024.

"County Council cherishes this opportunity to celebrate our centenarians at COSA’s annual luncheon. We eagerly anticipate hearing their extraordinary life stories and secrets to longevity," said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. "The Centenarian Luncheon is not just an event; it's a celebration of life, history, and resilience. Joining our residents in marking a century of experiences is a profound honor."

Centenarians and a guest of their choice are welcomed free of charge. Additional guests can join the luncheon for $25.00 per ticket. Every centenarian will be presented with a commemorative photo and a proclamation from Delaware County Council to remember this special day.

In continuation of a fun competition added to the festivities in 2023, the organization or facility that brings the most centenarians to the luncheon will be awarded a cash prize.

Additional details regarding the luncheon will be made available on the COSA website at DelcoPA.Gov/COSA closer to the event date.

The Delaware County Office of the Medical Examiner (DCOME) is set to launch an innovative externship program in the spring of 2024, designed to offer aspiring students a comprehensive educational and practical experience in forensic death investigations.

This new program is tailored to provide an immersive understanding of the operational aspects of the Delaware County Office of the Medical Examiner. Students will gain firsthand knowledge of the daily functions and responsibilities within this critical field, marking a significant professional transition into forensic science.

Participants in the externship program will engage in a variety of activities, including the observation of autopsies and medicolegal death investigations. They will learn about the duties of the Medical Examiner and gain insight into the daily operations of the office.

"We are thrilled to embark on this journey with the next generation of talent,” said Dr. Chu, the Delaware County Chief Medical Examiner. “Our goal is to offer an environment where students will gain the kind of invaluable experience that simply can't be found in textbooks. And it’s not just about learning; it's about immersing oneself in the practical aspects of our profession.”

The introduction of the DCOME externship program represents a significant step in enriching the educational landscape for students interested in forensic science and public health in Delaware County.

The externship spans over the Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters, each lasting five weeks. This schedule allows students to choose the semester that best fits their academic timetable:

• Spring Semester: Mar. 11, 2024 to Apr. 12, 2024. Applications due Feb. 10
• Fall Semester: Sep. 30, 2024 to Nov. 1, 2024. Applications due Sep. 2
• Winter Semester: Jan. 6, 2025 to Feb. 7, 2025. Applications due Dec. 16

Program Requirements and Application Process

To be eligible, students must be 18 or older and provide evidence of full-time or part-time enrollment at a college or university. A letter of interest, a waiver showing proof of health and car insurance coverage, a recommendation letter, and an interview with DCOME’s externship coordinator and administrative staff are also required.

Over the course of the program, students are expected to complete 100 hours, submit papers reviewing cases observed, and reflect on their overall experience. Appropriate semi-professional attire is mandatory throughout the externship.

It’s crucial for students to understand that while they will be exposed to a variety of experiences, they will not be permitted to handle evidence or decedents, assist in photography or note-taking, or handle hazardous materials. Additionally, maintaining confidentiality and professional integrity is paramount, and failure to adhere to these standards may result in disciplinary action, including termination from the program.

Interested students should submit their applications via email to omeintern@co.delaware.pa.us three weeks prior to the start of the desired semester. For further inquiries about the application process or the program itself, the office can be contacted at (610) 891-5953.

The County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA), in collaboration with the Rachel Kohl Community Library and the PA Department of Aging, is again offering the acclaimed Chronic Pain Self-Management Program for residents 60 years of age and older who live with chronic pain. 

Developed at Stanford University, the popular evidence-based program provides older adults with tools and strategies to effectively manage chronic pain or chronic disease. 

The program will be held virtually on Wednesdays, from January 24 through February 28, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Register today to ensure you get a spot!

Dealing with chronic pain? You’re not alone!

A staggering 1 in 5 people live with chronic pain or chronic disease, which can impact all aspects of a person’s life, causing significant physical, mental, and emotional, distress. 

This program aims to give people control over how they manage their pain. Individuals are the experts with regards to their own bodies and therefore, play the biggest role in managing their pain in partnership with their healthcare providers. 

The program addresses how to deal with frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep; provide learning exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance; discuss how to use medications effectively; examine the impact of good nutrition; and spotlight new treatments for chronic pain.

The program is free, but space is limited, and registration is required.

Chronic Pain Self-Management Program

Wednesdays, January 24 through February 28

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

To register, contact Ellen Williams, COSA’s Health and Wellness Program Manager, by email at williamse@co.delaware.pa.us or by phone at (610) 499-1937 and provide your name, address, phone number and email if you have one.

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