Delaware County Officials and Attorney General Shapiro Announce Opioid Settlement Funding 

County will receive $3.5M per year for 18 years to abate the opioid epidemic

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor and District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer joined Attorney General Josh Shapiro on September 13 in Media to announce an historic $62.5M opioid settlement with pharmaceutical distributors. 

The County will receive annual payments for 18 years in an average amount of $3.5M. The funds are the result of the combined legal actions taken by the County, State, and the District Attorney. The first two payments, totaling $7.36M, will be received in two portions, the first of which was received on August 31, 2022. The funding will be used to tackle the devastating opioid epidemic affecting Delaware County residents, their loved ones, and the community.

“There is no amount of money that could ever account for the lives that opioids have taken and ruined, but we can use these settlement funds to educate residents with a focus on prevention and recovery and work to tackle the scourge of opioid abuse that has caused devastation in our community,” said Dr. Taylor.

The settlement funds will support programs directly related to the impacts of opioid overuse and addiction. To ensure that the funds are used to combat the opioid crisis to the best of their ability, Delaware County has 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 that can be supported by the new funding.

The Task Force will coordinate with medical professionals on the County’s Board of Health and experts in the field of recovery to assess community needs and will work closely with the County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer to address racial disparities surrounding opioid use. The Task Force will ensure that the funding is used to create and expand programs that will save lives and impact families across the county.

The County will also seek public input, review what neighboring counties are doing, and identify gaps in its approaches. Data collection and review will include adult death reviews, overlap with mental health, and non-fatal overdose reviews.

“My office looks forward to working with County officials, treatment providers, and community stakeholders as we devise the best strategy for getting this funding to the places that will do the most good for the most people,” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. “Nothing can undo the harm the opioid industry has inflicted on families across our county. Countless lives have been lost, and families irreparably broken as a consequence of this relentless epidemic. The funding announced today will provide critical support for overdose prevention and for services for those suffering from opioid addiction.”

The Task Force had its first meeting a week after the first portion of the settlement was received and will reassemble later in September before presenting its recommendations to County Council in October.

The funds come from the $26 billion global settlement with Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen, three major pharmaceutical distributors of opioids. Delaware County was the first county in the state to sue for damages against 11 major drug suppliers of opioids and their consulting physicians.

“Today marks the day when the companies who fueled this crisis and peddled these narcotics for profit, pay up to the communities they targeted with resources to change the tide in battling this epidemic,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro.” It is going to take the help of local leaders, who know best what this community needs, to invest these resources to yield the greatest impact and save lives. Our office will hold any company that targets our communities with poisons and puts profits above people accountable for the harm caused.”

The funding from the settlement must be used to combat the opioid crisis and is restricted to certain 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.

Starting Thursday, September 22, the Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) will begin providing the bivalent formulation of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster to Delaware County residents (the Moderna bivalent formulation COVID-19 vaccine booster is not yet available at DCHD vaccine clinics).

The new bivalent boosters—developed specifically to combat Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5—were approved for use by the FDA on August 31 and give individuals broad protection against COVID-19.

The Pfizer-BioNTech formulation of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster is approved for use for individuals 12 years of age and older. Adolescents must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver in order to receive a booster shot. 

DCHD will make the Pfizer formulation available to residents at its Thursday, September 22 vaccination clinic at the Delaware County Wellness Center at Yeadon, followed by its Monday, September 26 vaccination clinic at the Delaware County Wellness Center at Chester, and at the 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby on Wednesday, September 28.

All vaccinations are free of charge.

Delaware County residents interested in receiving the booster through the Delaware County Health Department are urged to schedule an appointment, though walk-ins will be welcome as supplies last. 

To schedule an appointment, visit delcopa.gov/vax, or click the “Schedule Your COVID-19 Vaccinations Appointment” button below.

In addition, the new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters (Pfizer and Moderna) are available at select pharmacies in Delaware County and throughout the region. For the most up-to-date appointment availability, visit the Federal Vaccines website at www.vaccines.gov, or click the “Visit the Federal Vaccines.gov Website” button below.

Please note the following CDC recommendations regarding COVID-19 boosters:

• Individuals 18+ may get a different product for a booster than they got for their primary series, as long as it is Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna.
• Teens ages 12-17 years may get a different product for a booster than they got for their primary series, as long as it is Pfizer-BioNTech.
• Children ages 5 through 11 years who got a Pfizer-BioNTech primary series must also get Pfizer-BioNTech for a booster.
• Individuals 12+ may only get the updated (bivalent) mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) booster. They can no longer get an original (monovalent) mRNA booster.
• Novavax is not authorized for use as a booster dose at this time.

For additional information, please contact the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line, available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by phone at (484) 276 – 2100 or by email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us. 

Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther, Delaware County Executive Director Howard Lazarus, and the County’s Interim Director of Military and Veterans Affairs Sandra Garrison were proud to join Veterans Richard Heller and Tanya Harris in raising the U.S. Air Force flag on September 16 outside of the County Courthouse in Media.

The flag raising was held in honor of the founding of the Air Force on September 18, 1947.

The U.S. Air Force flag will fly from the flagpole in the courtyard of the Government Center and Courthouse complex for a week. 

Throughout the year, the County raises flags in honor of all branches of the military and invites active military and Veterans to join in the flag raisings. Military flags will be raised at appropriate times later this year in observance of the Navy, on Oct. 13, 1775; and the Marine Corps, on Nov. 10, 1775. The Army flag was raised in June and the Coast Guard flag was raised in August to commemorate the anniversaries

Council expresses deep gratitude to those who have served or are serving in the military protecting and defending our country. 

Delaware County recognizes National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. Each year, Americans observe the month by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting each year on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, with the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period.

“As the diversity in Delaware County continues to grow, we recognize our responsibility as an employer and service provider to ensure that the Hispanic community feels reflected, respected, and intentionally engaged,” said Lauren Footman, Delaware County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.

Delaware County affirms a commitment to continue educating ourselves about the rich heritage of our Hispanic employees, constituents, and partners.

As part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs from September 18-24, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) have announced that certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be offering free car seat safety checks and education to parents and caregivers in the Philadelphia region—including car seat checks at Springfield Hospital and the Aston Township Fire Department.

The goal of the annual safety week is to provide parents and caregivers with free instruction on correctly installing and using the right car seats for their kids. During free car seat checks, technicians will help determine if children are in the right seat for their age and size and explain the importance of registering car seats with the manufacturer which ensures users are notified in the event of a safety recall, providing an opportunity for parents to ensure their children are safe in their car and booster seats.

According to Delaware County Transportation Management Association Project Director Alyson Strigle, “Most parents think their kids are in the right seats and that the seats are installed the right way, but the reality is that nearly half of car seats are installed incorrectly, leaving kids vulnerable to injury in a crash.” 

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children, and the latest research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 46% of car seats are misused. The single most effective way to protect children in a crash is by installing and using the correct car seat every trip, every time.

Please note:

• A common mistake made with car seats is moving children to the next seat or position too soon. Pennsylvania law requires children to ride in a rear-facing car seat to the age of two. 
• Best car seat practice, based on decades of research, recommends children ride rear-facing as long as possible, up to the top height and weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer. 
• Once a child outgrows a rear-facing car seat, they are ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness. 
• After outgrowing the forward-facing car seat, a child should be buckled in a booster seat until tall enough to fit properly in an adult seat belt. 

Delaware County drivers are encouraged to schedule a free car seat check at one of three events scheduled for Delaware County. 

Wednesday, September 21,

4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Springfield Hospital,

190 West Sproul Road

Springfield, PA

Sunday, September 25

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Aston Township Fire Department, 2900 Dutton Mill Road

Aston, PA

Tuesday, October 11

8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Aston Township Fire Department, 2900 Dutton Mill Road

Aston, PA

Delaware County celebrated National Police Woman Day on September 12, recognizing the invaluable contributions of the female police officers, deputies sheriffs and the many other members of law enforcement who enforce law and order here in Delaware County and around the country.

Along with expressing gratitude to these women, the day also hopes for a future where law enforcement bodies will have stronger female representation. Despite the many important roles that women hold in various industries and in the community, it is estimated that only 10% of the police force in the United States is currently made up of women.

National Police Woman Day is one effort to rectify this and empower women, by encouraging females to take up law enforcement roles.

“It is critical to have the perspective of female Deputy Sheriffs in our Office, to provide a balanced approach to how we operate and approach our responsibility to the community,” said Delaware County Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders, Jr. “We are always looking to maintain and expand the diversity of our Office.”

“The women that serve the Park Police do an amazing job, day in and day out,” said John S. Deihl, Chief of the Delaware County Park Police. “It's critical to have officers reflect the diversity of the community they serve, and we continue to actively recruit females and all qualified individuals.”

In all, nearly two dozen women work as officers, deputy sheriffs, and administrators at the County Courthouse and Government Center Building in Media.

Delaware County thanks the hundreds of female law enforcement officers and administrative staff members working throughout the County for their service!

Heads up Delaware County — Delco Arts Week is almost here!

This year, Delco Arts Week will run from October 1 through October 9 – nine days (including two full weekends) celebrating the performing, visual, and creative arts in Delaware County.

Craft fairs, street festivals, art exhibits, music, sculpture, theater, comedy performances, lectures, classes, film festivals, open houses, food, and more will be happening throughout the county!

For details and to purchase tickets, visit the Delaware County Arts Consortium* website, linked below.

Much more information to come in next week’s edition!

* The Delaware County Arts Consortium (DCAC) is a collaborative of arts and culture groups working to advance the economic vitality of the Delaware County arts and culture community, and to promote the value of cultural resources to our local community.

The County of Delaware Services for the Aging (COSA) and Senior Community Services’ Friendship Circle Senior Center are sponsoring the nationally recognized Steps to Healthier Living: Diabetes Self-Management Program for those 60 and older who either have Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes or care for someone with Diabetes. 

This program will be held online, Thursdays at 2:00 p.m., from Sept. 29 through Nov. 3, 2022. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Diabetes Statistics Report identifies Diabetes among U.S. adults aged 65 and over as high as 25.2% or approximately one in four seniors having Diabetes. The World Health Organization notes that people with Diabetes can live long, healthy lives when their Diabetes is detected and well-managed.

This proven evidence-based program was developed at Stanford University and is used internationally to help and empower those who have Diabetes live healthier, feel better, and enjoy life. The American Diabetes Association identifies this program as meeting the Diabetes Support Initiative criteria for support programming.   

Participants will receive the acclaimed Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions book. Program costs are covered by COSA, so the program is FREE, however class size is limited. Registration is mandatory.  

To register, contact Ellen Williams at williamse@co.delaware.pa.us or by calling (610) 499-1937 and provide your name, address, phone number and email address.

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Sandy Garrison, the County’s Chief of Human Services and Community Support, members of the Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and other elected officials and members of the public joined Bishop John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia at a rededication ceremony at the Chester City Family Service Center.

The rededication ceremony marks a significant investment of $200,000 in capital upgrades over the past year that will positively enhance the site and benefit men, women, and children in the community who receive services from Catholic Social Services (CSS).

Upgrades include the addition of two new half bathrooms to assist with the site’s day services program for those experiencing homelessness; new flooring and painting throughout the building; and a new fire alarm system to keep clients and staff safe.

The capital upgrades were made possible by generous gifts from the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia’s Catholic Charities Appeal CSS annual fund. This financial support enables CSS to continue its longstanding commitment to serving those in need throughout the five-county region.

“On behalf of the entire County, we commend and thank you and wish you many years of impactful and meaningful outreach to those most in need,” said Dr. Taylor. “The work you do is incredibly impactful, live changing, and a true blessing.”

In Chester City, approximately 30% of residents live below the federal poverty line. Modes of support at the site include parenting and prenatal support and education; a diaper and infant need pantry; feminine hygiene pantry, and food pantry, among other vital social services. In addition, CSS’ drop-in day program, Chester City Coffee Club, offers coffee, hot meals and snacks, fellowship, and assistance four days a week to those in need and experiencing homelessness. This includes access to showers, laundry, mail, and other services at no cost.

Delaware County Govt Official 2022 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website