Released: May 24, 2024
New program provides free life-saving resources and training for the community
The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) officially announced the County’s new Delco Revive program, dedicated to providing free life-saving resources and training to local residents and organizations.
The new program, soft-launched in 2023, offers Delaware County residents, organizations, schools, and businesses a variety of essential resources, including NARCAN® nasal spray (Naloxone), an overdose-reversing medication, Xylazine and Fentanyl test strips, and wound care kits. The program also provides free CPR certification and ‘Stop the Bleed’ tourniquet training.
During the May 21 official launch, DCHD personnel demonstrated the proper use of NARCAN® nasal spray, "stop the bleed" wound kits, and instructions on how to properly use Xylazine and Fentanyl test strips, which can detect minimal amounts of substances in seconds. DCHD staff also demonstrated the proper administration of CPR to both children and adults.
All Delco Revive program materials are available at all three DCHD office locations, including the Wellness Centers in Yeadon and Chester, as well as the DCHD administrative and environmental health office at Baldwin Towers in Eddystone.
“All of these tools are available at our three locations of the Delaware County Health Department,” said DCHD Director Melissa Lyon. “We urge residents to take advantage of these resources, to help friends, family, and themselves.”
Director Lyon was joined by Phil Waibel, a survivor and Primary Therapist/Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative Coordinator at MVP Recovery, who shared his story of battling opioid addiction and how the administration of Narcan by paramedics saved his life, giving him the opportunity to seek help.
“We may never know if and when that day will come that someone struggling decides to seek recovery,” said DCHD Director Melissa Lyon. “I urge everyone to carry the tools to gift one more day of life.”
DCHD hopes to increase the number of residents carrying Narcan nasal spray and who are equipped with the knowledge necessary to help themselves and others. DCHD also stressed that a person can’t get in trouble for administering Narcan or taking other lifesaving action, as it is covered by the Good Samaritan law.
“This is a program that is helping the entire community,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “We know that opioid addiction affects residents of all ages, races and genders from throughout the county and all across the country. Addiction has no boundaries and we are tackling this epidemic head on."
Delco Revive is funded through $137,286 of Delaware County’s opioid settlement funds. In September 2022, Delaware County Council announced a historic $62.5 million opioid settlement with pharmaceutical distributors. As a result, Delaware County will receive annual payments for 18 years, averaging $3.5 million per year, to tackle the devastating opioid epidemic affecting residents, their loved ones, and the community.
All Delco Revive program materials are available at the three DCHD office locations, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:
Free CPR certification and “Stop the Bleed” training appointments are available through the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100.
For more information about Delco Revive, visit DelcoRevive.com, call the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100, or email DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.