Last week's health and job fair at Academy Park High in Sharon Hill, hosted by Delaware County Council Vice Chair Richard Womack, provided a lifeline for community members in need of employment and healthcare services. The event featured over 30 community partners and attracted more than a hundred attendees, offering a variety of services ranging from health screenings to on-the-spot job interviews. Womack emphasized the County's ongoing commitment to its residents, stating, "Even though Prospect Medical Holdings turned their backs on our community, Delaware County's government never will," Delaware County Government reported.
Jobseekers had the chance to engage with over a dozen potential employers. Many approached the fair with hopeful anticipation, and they weren't disappointed. As put by jobseeker Daniel Breaux, "I feel like it was amazing. I got to meet great people, received great information, I was interviewed on the spot. I'm excited to hear back from the hiring manager," he told Delaware County Government. The fair wasn't only about finding work. Attendees also had access to wellness initiatives and health services—a response to the vital need for care in the wake of hospital closures in the region.
With the closure of the Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital, many residents were left without primary healthcare services. The event responded to this dire situation by offering more than just career assistance; community members could get free health screenings, dental checkups, and learn about new primary care options. "I am grateful to see different companies and entities make it easier to work all together," Adam Birch from MVP Recovery expressed gratitude for the community-centric approach, especially for mental health and addiction cases left resourceless after Crozer's shutdown, according to Delaware County Government.
Last Friday's fair wasn't an isolated event but part of a larger strategy by Delaware County to proactively address the needs of its residents. The involvement of staff from the offices of State Representative David M. Delloso and Senator Anthony Williams underscores the collaborative effort between local and state government. Vice Chair Womack articulated the proactive nature of public service by stating, "My job as a public servant isn't to sit back and wait to help people, it’s to listen and to push forward when our residents tell us what they need," as Delaware County Government reports.
