Released: January 13, 2024
The Delaware County Health Department recently welcomed Dr. Debra Bogen, Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, to the Health Department’s Wellness Center at Yeadon for an informal discussion with Health Department staff and leadership.
During the visit, which included a tour of the recently renovated Yeadon facility, DCHD staff members had the opportunity to discuss the collaborative relationship between state and local health officials with Dr. Bogen. The discussions focused on fostering a healthier future for residents, highlighting the importance of synergy in public health initiatives.
"It was absolutely clear that you are dedicated to caring for the people of Delaware County, to advancing public health in the community, and to working as a team to achieve your goals,” said Secretary Bogen “I look forward to ongoing collaborations with you and the other local health departments."
A central theme of the discussions was the critical need for both state and local health departments to ensure residents have seamless access to available resources across various governmental levels. The conversations underscored the importance of assessing not just immediate health concerns but also the broader socio-economic challenges individuals face, such as economic hardships and transportation barriers.
Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon reflected on the visit. "We were thrilled to host Secretary Bogen and appreciated the opportunity it presented for meaningful exchange and collaboration. Her insights and support are invaluable in our mission to serve our community effectively."
“Our staff was thrilled to have Secretary Bogen visit our team and facility — it means so much for local public health practitioners when state leaders recognize all the hard work that they do,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “There is still much work to be done, but it is important that we celebrate our achievements. Secretary Bogen’s visit demonstrated to the team how important local public health work really is.”
The visit by Secretary Bogen not only highlights the ongoing efforts in public health but also reinforces the significance of open communication and transparency in effective governance, serving as a reminder that collaborative efforts between different levels of government are essential in addressing complex health issues and ensuring the wellbeing of the community.
Discussions like these pave the way for innovative solutions and strategies to improve public health across Delaware County and throughout the Commonwealth.