In recognition of the 20 years of behavioral health leadership and the partnership demonstrated by the Delaware County HealthChoices program, more than 280 people joined Delaware County Council, the Delaware County Department of Human Services, and Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania for an awards program and anniversary celebration at Drexelbrook.

In 1997, in response to the state-wide adoption of a managed care model of service, Delaware County established a unique, publicly funded partnership with Magellan to operate the behavioral health managed care HealthChoices Program with a vision of increasing access to services, improving quality of care, and containing costs for the county.

Over the past two decades, Delaware County Council, the Department of Human Services, and Magellan have remained committed to improving and expanding the HealthChoices program by collaborating with multiple stakeholder groups and service delivery systems to identify needs and coordinate a comprehensive array of services and programs that focus on the needs of residents.

Along with providing mental health inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services, which are offered 24-hours, 7-days a week through crisis services, the HealthChoices program provides substance abuse treatment, detoxification, and rehabilitation services for residents who are struggling with addiction.

“Since its inception, the Delaware County HealthChoices program has evolved in response to the needs and priorities of our residents,” said councilman Dave White. “This has included the expansion of services for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug and alcohol addiction, which helps us in our fight against the heroin and opioid epidemic.

“Through the expansion of treatment plans, our residents have a better chance of overcoming addiction, and as a result, we are hearing more and more stories of recovery.”