The Delaware County Health Department is two years old this year and look how much it’s grown!

The department was an urgent necessity created out of the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic but its moved way past that point, say department officials.

During the pandemic Delaware County had no health department and relied on the good graces of the Chester County for its public health needs, writes Justin Udo for KYW Newsradio. 

The health department was built from the ground up

“Many of them walked in and may or may not have had a computer and may or may not have a chair,” said department director Melissa Lyon.

Now there’s a staff of 90 people and an annual budget, wellness centers, clinics and a fleet of vehicles.

Out in the community, it’s hosted healthy eating classes, HIV clinics, immunization clinics, blood pressure screenings and a recently-completed community health assessment.

“The community health assessment helps us gain a complete understanding of the public health issues affecting the Delaware County residents and allows us to collaborate with our partners and solve these complex public health issues of today,” Lyon said.

Read more about the Delaware County Health Department’s two-year anniversary at KYW Newsradio.