The Delaware County Weekly
Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!
—— March 31, 2023 (62nd edition) ——
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Delaware County Celebrates Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 | Recognizing the accomplishments of transgender people and spreading awareness of the challenges faced | |
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Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Councilman Richard Womack, and District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer joined various leaders from the County on the front of the Courthouse steps on March 31 to recognize International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Transgender Day of Visibility was created in 2010 by transgender advocate Rachel Crandall and is held every March 31 to celebrate the lives and contributions of transgender people and to draw attention to the discrimination, violence, and other systemic barriers that the transgender community faces.
The day aims to bring attention to the accomplishments of transgender people, spread awareness about challenges facing the transgender community, and it’s a day for listening so that non-transgender people might learn more about transgender people and the issues surrounding the transgender community.
Transgender adults experience higher levels of depression and anxiety than their peers with 41% of transgender adults having attempted suicide. 2021 was tragically the deadliest year on record for the transgender community. There has also been a great deal of anti-transgender legislation in the past few years. These bills restrict access to bathrooms, locker rooms, and participation in sports. Some prohibit gender-affirming health care.
“It is now more important than ever that we come together and respect one another and treat one another with kindness and empathy,” said Dr. Taylor. “We need to celebrate our unique differences and also have compassion for one another. We must work together towards eliminating violence and discrimination against transgender people and work towards acceptance and inclusiveness.”
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Work Being Done by
Delaware County to Create Change
Delaware County’s Department of Human Services has been working with providers and its Behavioral Health Managed Care organization to expand services specifically designed to meet the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) is a “SAGE certified” agency and has trained staff to specifically work with transgender identifying individuals. (SAGE = Senior Action in a Gay Environment.)
The Delaware County Health Department understands that promoting the health of transgender people is essential to advancing the improvement of public health. They believe in advocating for the basic rights of marginalized and vulnerable communities. The foundation of good health lies in justice, equity, and the ability to form meaningful connections. Discrimination, bigotry, and disregard for human life undermine the health of our communities. Public health can help create a more supportive environment by increasing public understanding of their experiences. Transgender people face high rates of discrimination in public spaces. The County Health Department strives to support, include, and promote safe and inclusive clinic spaces where transgender individuals can feel comfortable accessing health services.
The George W. Hill Correctional Facility endeavors to develop and strengthen stronger relationships and partnerships with community organizations that provide exposure, advocacy, and services to serve the transgender community as well as many other queer, non-binary, gender-non-conforming individuals. They are actively seeking conversations with people who seek to identify opportunities for the fair and equitable treatment of people in the community when they are incarcerated. Though our prison provides gender affirming care, it recognizes that this is only one aspect. As a correctional agency, their mission is care, custody, and control. The primary needs of the transgender community may differ from the cisgender community, and they are working to increase their capacity to provide a safe space for all people.
The Office of Judicial Support (OJS) processes name change applications which requires the publication of the name change application in both the Legal Journal and a newspaper.
| In addition to this work, many other Delaware County departments and employees are having discussions and creating change that recognizes the challenges of the transgender community. | | |
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Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer also spoke about the importance of protecting people who are targeted for violence because of their gender or gender identity.
“I am honored to stand with Dr. Taylor and our County elected officials to ensure the members of our transgender community know that we welcome them in Delaware County,” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. “As your District Attorney, I want to take this moment to call on our Legislature to expand our Commonwealth’s ethnic intimidation statute to include criminal penalties for anyone who targets hate-based attacks against individuals or groups because of their gender, gender identification, or gender expression. Hate should have no place in Delco or PA.”
In recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility, transgender flags are being displayed in front of the Courthouse, and the Courthouse will be illuminated pink and blue—the colors of the transgender flag.
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Delaware County to Host Listening Session for Route 291 Improvement Project | We want to hear your ideas! | |
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The Delaware County Planning Department will be hosting a community listening session on Thursday, April 13, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Chester, to engage the residents and help identify ways to develop a safer Route 291.
Route 291 is a regionally significant thoroughfare—located within close proximity of I-95, 322, the Commodore Barry Bridge, 476, and the Philadelphia International Airport—that provides access to residential, commercial, and industrial areas. While the roadway serves as a primary detour for I-95 and provides access to regional destinations such as Harrah’s Philadelphia and Subaru Park, it includes multiple hazards for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists alike.
The Problem
The most significant problem is that Route 291 is a wide, straight, multilane road with speeding traffic, making it unsafe for residents, pedestrians, and bicyclists and cuts off residents from the waterfront, natural areas, attractions, and job opportunities. Road users must also navigate heavy truck traffic due to the industrial uses dominate this corridor.
Collected data confirms the unfriendly road environment. Crash data indicates between 2015-2019 there were 249 crashes resulting in 9 fatalities. Of the 249 crashes, 8 involved pedestrians, and 3 involved bicyclists. A 2015 study documented high travel speeds that were well over the posted limit of 35mph, even during rush hour.
An additional challenge for Route 291 is that is has been identified as the preferred route for the East Coast Greenway. The East Coast Greenway (ECG) is a 3,000-mile multiuse trail route that connects Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida. The safety issues associated with Route 291 make it difficult to accommodate the preferred path for this trail.
Understanding that this critical thoroughfare needs to be modernized, the County is committed to make meaningful safety improvements for Route 291 that can also positively impact economic development opportunity.
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We Want Your Input!
Delaware County residents are urged to attend our listening session and engage in breakout discussions. Come tell us what it means to live, work, and travel along Route 291, share your concerns and your visions for what a revamped Route 291 should look like.
Possible improvements that will be examined include the feasibility of a road diet, traffic calming, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. This could include a center median, bike lanes, and green infrastructure to achieve lower travel speeds and provide a safer environment for motorists and pedestrians. Community input is vital to determining the safety improvements, as it is important the improvements are ones that residents want to make them feel safer using the road.
Listening Session Details
Calvary Baptist Church
616 W 2nd Street, Chester, PA 1901
Thursday, April 13, 2023
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Questions about the Listening Session or the Route 291 Project?
Contact Cathy Spahr at SpahrC@co.delaware.pa.us or Tara Hofferth at thofferth@kittelson.com.
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Can’t Attend the Listening Session? Share your Thoughts via the Route 291 Comment Map!
Residents who are unable to attend the listening session are encouraged to share their feedback through our Comment Map. This interactive Google map-based tool, accessible at https://maps.kittelson.com/route291, allows residents to leave comments regarding the Route 291. Simply go to the Comment Map, double-click the section of Route 291 you want to comment on, type your thoughts, then leave your name and contact info (comments can also be made anonymously).
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Federal Changes to Medicaid and CHIP Renewals Take Effect Sat., April 1 | |
Return to pre-pandemic Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements | |
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Delaware County is reminding residents that, effective April 1, Medicaid and CHIP coverage will be subject to pre-pandemic renewal requirements. Residents who receive health coverage through the state will need to complete a renewal in the next year or risk losing their coverage.
This change is the result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, signed into law in December 2022, which ends the government’s COVID-19 provision—known as the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement—that allowed individuals to continue to remain enrolled in Medicaid even if they became ineligible, except in certain circumstances.
Beginning April 1, all Pennsylvanians receiving Medicaid or CHIP must once again complete their annual renewal when it is due in order to maintain health coverage.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Acting Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh advises residents who receive health coverage through the state to keep their contact information up to date with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), watch for information about their renewal, and when it is their turn, complete their Medicaid or CHIP renewal on time in order to ensure continued coverage.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) clarified that no one will lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage without an opportunity to renew their coverage.
Renewals will be completed over a 12-month period, with renewals due in April 2023 the first to be affected by the end of continuous coverage. If a person is found ineligible for coverage or does not complete their renewal on time, their Medicaid coverage will end. Pennsylvanians who are no longer eligible for Medicaid will be referred to other sources of affordable medical coverage, like CHIP and Pennie®, so they have no lapse in quality, affordable health care.
Pennie® is Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace and the only place to get financial assistance to help lower the cost of high-quality coverage and care. Individuals who are no longer eligible for Medicaid coverage can apply for coverage online at pennie.com.
Individuals may have their information securely transferred from Medicaid or CHIP for an easier enrollment process.
Delaware County residents, and all Pennsylvanians, can update their contact information, report changes in their personal circumstances, or check their renewal date:
Pennie provides personalized support and expertise virtually over the phone or in-person and in one’s preferred language. Individuals can call Pennie’s Customer Service at 1-844-844-8040 or find Pennie-certified pros at pennie.com/connect. Pennie is tailored to Pennsylvanians and now has more plan options, lower costs, and better coordination with the Medicaid and CHIP programs.
The potential loss of health insurance coverage, in combination with the decrease in SNAP benefits as a result of the termination of the extra monthly payments that had been in effect during the pandemic will present additional challenges to some residents.
Pennie
Individuals who are no longer eligible for Medicaid coverage can apply for coverage online at pennie.com.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
To learn more about the end of SNAP extra payments and resources, visit www.dhs.pa.gov/SNAPCares.
Medicaid and CHIP Renewals
To learn more about Medicaid and CHIP renewals and access educational resources, visit www.dhs.pa.gov/phe.
Health Insurance Options
For more information on health insurance options available to Pennsylvanians, visit www.pa.gov/health-insurance.
Delaware County Health Department
Health-related resources are available on the Health Department website at delcopa.gov/health and through the Delaware County Wellness Line, available by phone at (484) 276-2100 or by email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.
Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA)
COSA provides services to county residents age sixty and older and is a great resource for persons of any age needing information on benefits and services available to older persons. Call (610) 490-1300 or visit their website at www.delcosa.org.
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Chief Deputy Michellene M. Conte Recognized by Sheriff During Women’s History Month | Delaware County's first female Chief Deputy in 234 years | |
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As part of Women’s History Month, Delaware County Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders, Jr. is recognizing Chief Deputy Michellene M. Conte for her contributions to the community, her accomplishments within the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, and her years of distinguished service to the people of Delaware County.
Born and raised in Chester, a graduate of Chichester High School and Widener University, Chief Deputy Conte has served in the Sheriff’s Office since 2001, earning a series of promotions from Deputy to Sergeant to Lieutenant, before becoming the first female to hold the rank of Inspector. Chief Deputy Conte then broke another barrier in 2022, becoming the first female Chief Deputy since the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office was created in 1789—234 years ago!
Today, Chief Deputy Conte proudly serves under the direction of Sheriff Sanders, who also made history in becoming as the first African American Sheriff in the history of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.
“Chief Deputy Conte has set the bar high for professionalism in law enforcement,” said Sheriff Sanders. “Her experience and her dedication have unquestionably elevated this Office and I’m proud to have her as a key member of my staff.”
Over the years, Chief Deputy Conte has worked in the divisions of courts and transportation, the bench warrant unit, community affairs, the license to carry unit, the Honor Guard Unit—all while raising her three children: Philip, Mara, and Vincenzo. In addition, she has also worked as a part-time Police Officer in Delaware County for 15 years; currently serving as an officer in Bethel Township Police Department.
“I’m proud to have been born and raised in the City of Chester and I love Delaware County—I’m Delco through and through,” said Chief Deputy Conte. “It is an honor to continue to serve the County residents and I hope I have made a difference.”
One way in which Chief Deputy Conte has made a difference has been her role in driving the Office’s repeated accreditations from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association Accreditation Program. First earned in June of 2012 and maintained during subsequent re-accreditations in 2015, 2018 and 2021, she served a critical role as the Office’s accreditations manager, managing the complex process and driving improvements to processes and protocols.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is now one of just five accredited Sheriff’s offices out of the 67 sheriff’s offices across Pennsylvania.
Accreditation by the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association means the Sheriff’s Office has proven to have adopted reliable methods to improve essential management procedures; enhanced planning and innovative activities by all agency personnel; increased employee input, interaction and confidence in the agency; enlarged the outlook and viewpoints of managers, deputies and employees; and successfully improved methods for providing services to the community and has worked diligently to improve community relations.
Congratulations to Chief Deputy Conte for this well-earned recognition!
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COSA to Offer Seniors Power Over Pain: A Chronic Pain Self-Management Program | |
Registration required for this six-week evidence-based program to be held Wednesdays on Zoom beginning in April | |
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The County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA), in partnership with the PA Department of Aging, is offering the acclaimed Chronic Pain Self-Management Program, for individuals 60 years of age and older who live with chronic pain.
A staggering 1 in 5 people live with chronic pain, which can impact all aspects of a person’s life, causing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual distress.
Chronic Pain Self-Management aims to give people control over how they deal with 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 acclaimed evidence-based program, developed at Stanford University, provides older adults with tools and strategies to effectively deal with chronic pain or chronic disease.
The program will address 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 will meet online, via Zoom, once a week for six weeks on Wednesdays from April 14 through May 17, 2023.
Classes are free, but space is limited, and registration is required.
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.
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program
Wednesdays, Apr. 14 – May 17
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Zoom link provided after confirmation of registration.
Hope to see you online!
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Delaware County Council to Hold its Regular Public Meeting on Wednesday, April 5 | Meeting moved to 5 p.m. in observance of Passover | |
Delaware County Council is holding its next Regular Public Meeting, on Wednesday, April 5, at 5 p.m., instead of the usual 6 p.m. start time in observance of Passover. This meeting will be preceded by the Preliminary Agenda Meeting on Tuesday, April 4, at 12 noon.
The bi-weekly Regular Public Meetings, held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, allow County Council members to discuss County activities and important developments, make announcements, issue reports and resolutions, and review and vote upon administrative matters ranging from County contracts and purchases to agreements, ordinances and amendments to the County code.
In addition to County Council members, the Executive Director, County Controller, County Solicitor and County Clerk, invited speakers, and members of the public are typically present during these meetings.
The related bi-weekly Preliminary Agenda Meetings, held on Tuesdays, serve to familiarize County Council, other government representatives in attendance, and the public on matters of discussion and before votes that may be undertaken by Council during Wednesday’s Regular Public Meeting.
County Council meetings are open to the public and Council encourages public participation. Meetings are held in the County Council Meeting room, on the first floor of the Government Center Building at 201 W. Front St., in Media, PA.
Members of the public may discuss any matter listed the agenda at the beginning of the meeting, and any matter of interest to the attendee near a second public comment period held near the end of the meeting. Council meetings typically last approximately 2 hours.
Downloadable agendas, including key documents related to items enumerated on the agenda, are available for download from the County website linked below as are full recordings of all County Council meetings since early 2018. The website all includes a link to the live stream of any County Council meeting in session.
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Reminder: Sustainability Open Houses to be Held in Chester and Media | |
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The Delaware County Office of Sustainability continues to work to set innovative goals and impactful actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and set Delaware County on a path to a more sustainable future.
All of this hard work has been fueling the creation of the County’s first-ever Sustainability Plan!
Sustainability Plan Open Houses: We want to Hear from You!
To ensure community input and feedback about the goals, targets, and actions input on the current draft of the plan, Sustainability will be holding two public Sustainability Plan Open Houses during the first week of April, followed by a virtual open house on April 10.
We hope to see you there!
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Chester City Community Room
1 Fourth Street
Chester, PA, 19013
Tues., April 4, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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Media Community Center
301 N. Jackson Street
Media, PA 19063
Thurs., April 6, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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