The Delaware County Digest

Your source for the latest news from Delaware County | November 24, 2025

Delaware County Health Department and Partners CHIP in for Community Health Improvements

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) recently gathered partners across the country for Let's CHIP In! - Delaware County Community Health Improvement Gathering. CHIP brought together partners from healthcare, human services, education, housing and more to highlight the progress made and further collaboration around the county.

Building on the launch of the Community Health Improvement Plan and last year's kick-off event, this year's focus was around the impact made, partnerships strengthened, and the next phase of coordinated action to improve the health and well-being in Delaware County. Participants engaged in networking activities, interactive stations, and priority-area presentations that showcased how cross-sector collaboration is driving progress throughout the county.

“Our Community Health Improvement Plan is not just a document that sits on a shelf – it’s a living roadmap that represents the work we do together to improve health and well-being across Delaware County,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Lora Siegmann Werner. “Public health can convene and coordinate, but the real progress happens because of our partners who deliver programs, advocate for equity, and listen to the needs of residents every day.”

Werner also underscored the importance of local partnerships in a shifting public health environment. “In times of instability, local partnerships are what keep us steady. The relationships we’ve built right here in Delaware County allow us to adapt, sustain progress, and stay focused on what matters most: improving the health of our residents.”

In addition to formal presentations, the event provided opportunities for over sixty partners to connect, share information about their programs, and explore potential collaborations. Conversations touched on topics such as maternal health, behavioral health and recovery, access to screenings and preventive care, housing and food security, and culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

CHIP will continue to serve as a shared roadmap for collective action in the years ahead, with DCHD coordinating efforts and community partners leading implementation in neighborhoods across Delaware County.

DCHD welcomes continued collaboration with organizations and residents interested in supporting the CHIP and its priority areas. For more information about the Community Health Assessment or Community Health Improvement Plan, please visit this webpage.

To learn more about DCHD and its services or to reach DCHD staff, please call the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100 or email DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.

Delaware County Veterans Honored at 11th Annual Freedom Medal Awards Dinner in Springfield

Six local veterans and local business, Lynch Investment Planning, were honored by the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association at last week’s Annual Freedom Medal Dinner at the Springfield Country Club for their bravery, sacrifice, dedication to protecting our country and advocacy for local veterans. The honorees included veterans from four branches of service and a member of the Delaware County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Air Force Master Sergeant Tanya Harris graduated from John Bartram High School and enlisted in 1993. She spent time in Texas, Korea, and California while on active duty before transitioning to the Delaware Air National Guard. She soon moved up to become the Recruiting Office Supervisor for the 166th Airlift Wing and was recognized as the nationwide Air National Guard Recruiting Officer Supervisor of the Year. In 2020, she retired from the Air Force and Air National Guard after 27+ years of honorable service. She has continued her service by joining the Delaware County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs as a Veterans Service Officer and serving as a Chaplain for Clifton Heights American Legion Post 358.

Marine Corps Sergeant Andrew Maenner, who graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in 2015, enlisted just days after graduation. He went on to serve in Jordan, Italy, Afghanistan, and at various bases across the US. He continued his service by training and mentoring other Marines in infantry tactics before he was promoted to Corporal in 2018. The following year, he returned home to Drexel Hill, where he has been involved with the Flyers Warriors, a hockey team for disabled veterans, and chased his dream of becoming a Philadelphia Fire Fighter.

Major James Reese, a U.S. Army Command Sergeant, continued a deep family tradition of military service by enlisting in the Army in 1993. He was stationed in Germany to support peacekeeping efforts and train troops while focusing on quality-of-life initiatives for soldiers. Upon returning home, he became a Platoon Sergeant, where he led two deployments of personnel and equipment in support of missions in the Middle East in which every soldier returned home. Reese has continued his service through civilian service and veteran advocacy by serving on the Veterans Committee at Boeing and volunteering for causes close to his heart such as Alzheimer’s research, juvenile diabetes, and the Walk for the Wounded.

Army Major General Michael Rounds graduated from West Point in 1988 and served in Germany, California, Texas, Kentucky, Iraq, South Korea, and Afghanistan in a variety of combat, engineering, and teaching roles. Upon his retirement in 2013, he became the President of Williamson College of the Trades, where he has increased enrollment by 22% and led an expansion of the trade curriculum.

Robert “Bob” McMahon was deployed to Vietnam at the height of the Tet Offensive in 1968, playing a critical role in the war effort and receiving a bronze star for his service. In 1992, he was elected the mayor of Media after spending 11 years on Borough Council, becoming the longest serving mayor in Media’s history. As mayor, McMahon was a powerful advocate for veterans, working with veterans groups, elected officials, and other groups to promote veteran awareness, remembrance, and education.

Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Tiendat Vu immigrated from the Philippines to Upper Darby in 2005 and upon graduating from Monsignor Bonner High School, he enlisted in the Marines. Vu did multiple tours as an Amphibious Assault Crewman and soon worked his way up to turret gunner and commanding his own AAV. He was later deployed to the Middle East, training foreign militaries in ship-to-shore and land combat operations. In 2020, he returned home and pursued his dream of becoming a police officer, spending time with the Chester City Police Department and the Upper Darby Police Department.

Lynch Investment Planning has blended military heritage, family tradition, and a passion of community impact to create an organization that is a strong advocate of Delaware County Veterans. Their generosity in supporting the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association free of charge is a representation of their commitment to serving the people of Delaware County on a daily basis.

Please visit the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website for resources, services, and event details of interest to Veterans, active duty military, and their families.

A recording of the awards ceremony can be found below.

Delaware County Hosts Trans Day of Remembrance and Safe Space Social Event with U.D.T.J.

Delaware County and UDTJ hosted a Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil and Safe Space Social on the steps of the county courthouse on Thursday night. The event honored the lives lost to anti-transgender violence and provided a space to come together as a community to think about how this violence can be avoided in the future. County Council also passed a resolution to officially recognize November 20 as Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Transgender Day of Remembrance was started in 1999 to honor the life of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed the previous year. Since then, it has spread across the country, and this is the fourth year an event has been held in Delco.

County Councilmember Christine Reuther was joined by State Senator Tim Kearney and UDTJ co-founders Kyle McIntyre and Kayla Cocci, where they reflected on the importance of commemorating the lives of transgender individuals.

“Transgender Day of Remembrance exists for a reason,” said Reuther. “To name those we have lost, to confront truths too often ignored, and to recommit ourselves to creating a world where transgender people can live safely, openly, and without fear.”

Attendees reflected on the life of Miia Love Parker, a 25-year-old Black transgender woman who was killed in Chester in 2022. Statistics show that violence disproportionately harms Black transgender women, who continue to see some of the highest rates of violence in the country. The 2024 Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment makes clear that the challenges facing transgender people extend far beyond physical violence as well.

40% of LGBTQ+ people avoid healthcare altogether because they fear discrimination. More than half experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. And nearly one in three report housing instability, with the highest rates among transgender respondents.

Participants also discussed the work that still needs to be done to protect transgender individuals. Councilmember Reuther talked about the steps the county has taken in their Safe Haven Resolution to affirm Delco’s commitment to being a welcoming and protective community for LGBTQ+ residents and providers of gender-affirming care.

“We will continue strengthening partnerships with local LGBTQ organizations, improving provider education, expanding affirming services, and ensuring that county systems treat transgender people with respect.” Reuther said.

Meanwhile, Senator Kearney shared how him and his colleagues are fighting for transgender individuals at the state level too. He highlighted the Name Change Reform Package, which is a collection of bills that reduces barriers for transgender Pennsylvanians when legally changing their names.

At the end of the night, attendees took time to silently reflect on the lives lost due to anti-transgender violence. Despite the somberness surrounding these reflections, there was a sense of hope and a commitment to reducing violence against transgender and gender-expansive individuals in Delaware County.

To learn more about the work that UDTJ does, visit udtj.org.

Take Part, Spread the Word, Stay Connected

County Offices Will be Closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving

Please note that county offices will close at 4:30 PM on Wednesday and reopen at 8:30 AM on Monday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy the holiday and time spent with loved ones! More info about county hours can be found at delcopa.gov.

50th Annual Rose Tree Festival of Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held Dec. 4

Residents are invited to join Delaware County for the 50th Annual Delaware County Festival of Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4 at 5:00 PM at Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road. Enjoy festive cheer, seasonal music, food trucks, local vendors, and special guests—including a visit from Santa. More details here

America 250 PA to Unveil "A Dream of Tomorrow" Bell as part of Bells Across Pennsylvania Initiative at Rose Tree Festival of Lights on Dec. 4

America 250 PA is thrilled to present the second of Delco's two bells to be unveiled at the Delaware County Festival of Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4 at 4:00 PM at Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road. The bell was designed by Tucker Rodkey and students at Legacy Arts Chester. Learn more here.

Workforce Development to Hold Trade Union Apprenticeship Event on Dec. 9

Delaware County’s Workforce Development Board will host a Trade Union Apprenticeship Career Fair on December 9 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at IBEW Local 654 in Boothwyn. Residents can meet union representatives and explore skilled trade career opportunities. For questions, please contact McGeeverK@co.delaware.pa.us.

Pennie-Certified Assisters Help to Find Health Coverage at DCHD Wellness Center

DCHD invites residents to work with Pennie-Certified Assisters to help find health care coverage this winter. Services will be provided every Wednesday from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM until January 15th at the Wellness Center located at 125 Chester Avenue, Yeadon, PA 19050. For questions please contact pennie@mendozagroup.com.

The Register of Wills office is doing a Mitten Tree in front of their office to collect winter clothing for local families in need until the end of the year. They are looking for new hats, gloves, scarves, socks, and other warm winter items. For every donation received, an ornament with your name on it will be placed on the mitten tree. More info here.

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