The COVID-19 pandemic, and the struggle that’s been facing Delaware County may finally be the proof that the county needs its own health department, writes Katie Meyer for WHYY.org.

Even as county COVID-19 cases reach 300, the biggest county in the state doesn’t have its own health department.

“I think maybe the previous administrations were worried about the economic impact, although they never did an economic impact study to see what it would look like,” said Monica Taylor, who serves as vice chairman of the county council. “There was just not the political will there to push it forward.”

Democrats took control of county government in January. One of their first priorities was a health department. They were taking the first steps when the virus hit.

Delaware County has a Department of Intercommunity Health which partners with health care providers and emergency services on public health issues.

For a long time, Republicans thought that was enough, until the coronavirus.

Now, Delaware County is relying on Chester County’s health department to get COVID-19 data.

When the pandemic recedes, Taylor wants something in place to handle the next health crisis that hits.

Read more about Delaware County’s health department dilemma here.

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