Released: May 25, 2022
Delaware County Council and Delaware County staff have been diligently working with leadership at Prospect Crozer to identify solutions to keep vital services, including behavioral and mental health services in operation for Delaware County residents. This work began in January, in response to a series of permanent and temporary service closures and suspensions by Prospect Crozer.
Delaware County Council passed an emergency ordinance on April 20,2002 requiring hospitals and long-term care facilities to provide notice to the County and develop closing plans when closing hospitals, significant units of hospitals, or long-term care facilities. On May 18, 2022, Delaware County filed a petition for a preliminary injunction against Prospect Crozer’s proposed closings in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
Prospect Crozer and the County have agreed to a stipulation with the court for Prospect Crozer to voluntarily maintain its behavioral health services operating through at least August 31, 2022, pending continued discussions. As such, the hearing on the County’s petition for a preliminary injunction, previously scheduled for May 27, 2022, will be continued to August 22, 2022 as determined by the Court.
“We are relieved to hear that Prospect Crozer has listened to our concerns about the devasting impact that the sudden loss of mental health services would have on our community and they have agreed to the County’s proposal to maintain these services while we continue to negotiate,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor.
The County will continue to work with Prospect Crozer to ensure there isn’t an interruption of mental health services for residents. The County is also working to expand behavioral health and mental health providers to offer residents a greater depth of resources. Under the direction of County Council, the County is pursuing all options to ensure that residents have the care they need.