$400,000 awarded to groups in Delaware County

A $400,000 state grant awarded Tuesday will help veterans in Delaware County succeed in the job market, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry said.

The Delaware County Office of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Delaware County Workforce Development Board will work together to connect veterans with employment and employment supports in Pennsylvania.

The grant will target Delaware County’s most vulnerable veterans, those involved in the justice system, and those living in poverty due to a disability in obtaining support and career services, according to Labor & Industry.

“This grant will make a meaningful impact on the lives of our veterans by helping them translate their military skills into civilian employment,” said Col. Arthur L. Jenkins Jr., director of County Veterans Affairs. “By focusing on our most vulnerable veterans, including those facing legal or economic challenges, we ensure that every veteran has the support he or she needs to succeed in the workforce and in life.”

The initiative is designed to help veterans, members of all reserve units and the Pennsylvania National Guard, and spouses of veterans and service members translate their military skills into civilian life.

“This partnership will provide veterans with the tools and support they need to thrive in the workforce,” said Kate McGeever, director of Workforce Development. “We are proud to help those who have served find meaningful employment opportunities.

Pennsylvania is home to more than 650,000 veterans, approximately 5% of the Commonwealth’s population.

“We are pleased to support the Delaware County Workforce Development Board in their efforts to empower our veterans,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “Their proposal demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges veterans face in the workforce and presents innovative solutions to provide essential services to help them adapt to the workforce and become successful.”

Meanwhile, the state Health Department has spent more than $3.2 million to combat the drug-related overdose epidemic through 13 organizations that will help state residents connect with the care they need, such as receiving overdose prevention resources and overdose reversal, treatment options and drug monitoring equipment. and educational services, according to a news release.

In a portion of the grants focused on harm reduction, AIDS Care Group, 2304 Edgmont Ave., Chester, received the largest of the four awards: $306,000.

Harm reduction organizations will expand drug-related overdose education and naloxone distribution programs and use navigators to connect people who use drugs with services – including overdose prevention and reversal tools such as test strips and naloxone – treatment options and equipment for checking medications. said a press release.

“Many overdoses are preventable or reversible. The organizations receiving this funding will provide services and resources to help prevent and reverse overdoses and ultimately save the lives of Pennsylvanians,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “This is another example of how the Shapiro Administration is committed to helping people who use drugs get the services and care they deserve, where and when they need them.”

The funding comes from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control through the Overdose Data to Action in States cooperative agreement to expand surveillance and prevention of drug-related overdoses over five years.