Killion to hold COVID-19 tele-townhall with medical, emergency services
NEWTOWNC » State Sen. Tom Killion, R-9 of Middletown, will hold a tele-townhall event on the COVID-19 emergency for constituents,
3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9. Joining Killion to answer residents’ questions will be medical, emergency services and other subject matter experts.
“COVID-19 is an unprecedented public health and economic crisis,” said Killion. “My tele-townhall is an opportunity for residents to hear directly from highly respected professionals who are working to protect public health and lessen the economic impact of the emergency.”
Experts participating in the tele-townhall include: Lawrence Livornese, MD, Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Main Line Health System and a board-certified specialist in infectious disease; Jeanne Casner, Chester County Health Director; Tim Boyce, Director of Emergency Services, Delaware County; and Eric Kratz, Executive Director of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee and an expert on Unemployment Compensation.
A representative from the Chester County Department of Human Services is also expected to participate.
Those interested in participating in the call should visit the tele-townhall page on Killion’s website to register,senatorkillion.com/ tele-town-hall. Residents and those who have registered will receive an automated call just prior to the start of the event.
“The uncertainty and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 crisis is palpable,” said Killion. “Unfortunately, in our social mediadriven age it can often be challenging to distinguish good information from rumors and speculation. The experts joining me will be able to directly answer questions from residents and make sure they’re well informed to the best extent possible.”
Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College offers digital learning series
SWARTHMORE— The Scott Arboretum launches a digital learning series, #BranchOut where gardeners can increase their gardening skills with how-to tutorials, learn more with in-depth plant discussions, and explore with great kid and family nature activities. People can check-in every Wednesday to see what the discovery of the week is.
#BranchOut can be found at scottarboretum.org, Scott Arboretum’s facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ScottArboretum), or Scott Arboretum’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvC0UHVbLbJyN7RSjVJDHYQ). While in isolation, people can take a garden break, and explore the spring blooms of Scott’s outdoor oasis with daily updates, pictures, and tours of the gardens on our Facebook and Instagram pages. To migrate the possible spread of COVID-19, Swarthmore College facilities are closed to the public until further notice. When walking the grounds, visitors are asked to practice physical distancing by remaining six feet apart from others.
Swarthmore College’s practices and policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are subject to change with little to no notice based on local, state, and federal guidelines.
The Scott Arboretum is a unique garden of ideas and suggestions encouraging horticulture in its broadest sense through displays on the 350-plus acre campus of Swarthmore College. The Arboretum is frequently ranked among the most beautiful campuses in the world. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit scottarboretum.org.
Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia responds to community needs during COVID-19
PHILADELPHIA— The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia (CFGP) has established the Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) to quickly respond to the emergency needs of the community within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This includes food pantries, vital social service ministries and organizations, and local parishes that are working to address the emergency needs of their community. The ERF’s first initiative is responding to the needs of those impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic.
“We spoke with some of our community partner organizations who are on the front lines of this issue and we noticed a common theme of food shortages at our local food pantries,” said Sarah Hanley, President and CEO of CFGP. “Food and personal hygiene items are the most important things people need right now, and with so many businesses closings and families unable to return to work, this need is becoming increasingly critical by the day.”
CFGP’s ERF is raising funds to purchase food and personal items for all food pantries operated by Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. CSS operates at least seven food pantries throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, all of which have experienced a significant increase in client volume due to the coronavirus, with some pantries experiencing a 100% increase. This increased number of clients means an increased need for supplies. Otherwise, many families in the community will go hungry. CFGP’s ERF has raised $138,730 to date. Those interested in donating to CFGP’s ERF should visit www.TheCFGP.org/ ERF. One-hundred percent of proceeds will go directly to the CSS food pantries.
The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia (CFGP) is an independent, nonprofit community foundation committed to growing philanthropy according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Grounded in the principles of faith and service, CFGP meets the diverse needs of donors and Catholic institutions through charitable fund management and development consulting. Their services ensure an investment in the future of the faith.
Holcomb invites community to observe Alcohol Awareness Month in April
MEDIA— The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) states that 88,000 deaths per year are attributed to excessive alcohol use. In 2015, 26.9 percent of people ages 18 or older reported that they engaged in binge drinking in the past month in the U.S. More locally in Delaware County, 39.1% of 12th grade students reported drinking alcohol within the last 30 days. These statistics are courtesy of Holcomb Behavioral Health in Media.
According to CDCP, binge drinking is the most common form of excessive alcohol use. Binge drinking typically occurs when men consume 5 or more drinks, and women consume 4 or more drinks, in about a two hour time period. These statistics present an issue that needs action and awareness starting at the community level. This month, the community is invited to join Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems in raising awareness of alcohol abuse, and encouraging healthier lifestyles by making positive choices.
Alcohol Awareness Month, founded and sponsored by The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) since 1987, is a national grassroots effort observed by communities throughout the United States to support prevention, research, education, intervention, treatment and recovery from alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. With this year’s theme, “Changing Attitudes: It’s not a ‘rite of passage,” the month of April will be filled with local, state, and national events aimed at educating people about the treatment and prevention of alcoholism, particularly among youth, and the important role that parents can play in giving kids a better understanding of the impact that alcohol can have on their lives.
In Delaware County, this project is coordinated by Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems through funding from the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health, Division of Drug and Alcohol. In addition to raising awareness of alcohol abuse through this campaign, Holcomb also provides free literature and speaking engagements to schools, youth and parent groups, and communities. To learn more or to request materials or a presentation, contact our office at 484-444-0412.