Released: July 14, 2025
Delaware County, PA — Delaware County is proud to announce that the Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) has received a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo), recognizing the County’s outstanding efforts to protect and improve public health. The award was presented during NACo’s annual three-day conference, held this past weekend in Philadelphia.
The award honors the successful creation of DCHD—the first new county health department in Pennsylvania in more than 30 years. The department was established through grassroots advocacy, bipartisan leadership, and collaboration with a wide range of partners, including the League of Women Voters, local hospital systems, and funding support from the federal COVID-19 relief initiative.
The County was recognized not only for creating the department but for building a bold, responsive model of modern public health. DCHD’s early initiatives include the launch of a 24-hour public wellness line, thousands of health inspections, and a commitment to health equity through programs like the Perinatal Period of Risk (PPOR) project, which aims to reduce Black infant mortality. The department also partners with community organizations to deliver services such as free mammograms, blood pressure screenings, nutrition education, and mobile outreach across Delaware County.
“Our Health Department was created with a vision of making health services more accessible, equitable, and responsive to our residents,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “This national recognition from NACo affirms that we’re on the right path.”
Since its launch in 2022, the Delaware County Health Department has:
“This award reflects the tireless work of our staff, our partners, our community, and County Council,” said DCHD Director Lora Werner. “Together, we’ve built a strong foundation for public health that meets the needs of today—and prepares us for the challenges of tomorrow.”
Council Vice Chair Richard Womack added, “This award shows what’s possible when we center people, equity, and access in our public health mission. DCHD is not just a department—it’s a promise to our communities that their health matters, and that we're here to serve them with care and accountability. For too long, working families in Delaware County didn’t have a local health department they could count on. Now they do. Whether it’s vaccines or a call to the wellness line—help is finally close to home.”
NACo’s Achievement Awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents. Delaware County is proud to be among the 2025 recipients and to be recognized as a model for community-focused public health at the national level.
Now officially an award-winning department, DCHD will continue its mission to serve the residents of Delaware County with dedication, innovation, and heart.
For more information, visit DelcoPA.Gov/Health.