Pennsylvania 2010-2011 School Year Immunization Requirements (K-12)

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Updates and other Healthcare Resources

• The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Actestablishes a temporary national high-risk pool to provide health coverage to those with pre-existing conditions.  Eligible individuals are U.S. citizens and legal immigrants who have pre-existing conditions and have been uninsured for at least six months.  On August 4, 2010, applications for the high-risk pool will become available for those who are currently eligible for the high-risk pool and the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan.
  • Click here for an application (Coming Soon)
• The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has added a new section to their website titled “PA Fair Care”.  This site serves as a portal to information regarding the high-risk pool.
  • www.insurance.pa.gov
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield,the contractor for the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan, has begun a call center to provide information regarding pre-existing conditions.
  • call center: (887) 881-638 
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Servicesrecenently launched a new resource website, HealthCare.gov. The site is designed to help you take control of your health care – by putting the power of information at your fingertips. It’s the first website to collect both public and private health insurance options across the nation in a single place. The insurance options finder automatically sorts through the huge catalog of options to help you identify the ones that may be right for you. Other highlights of the site include extensive information about your rights as a consumer, how to navigate the health insurance marketplace, and how the Affordable Care Act can help you – all tailored to you. Click here to visit HEALTHCARE.GOV

Philadelphia VA Medical Center’s Third Annual Welcome Home Event

• Who: Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, families, and significant others
•  What: Learn about your VA benefits and enjoy a day at the zoo, thanks to the Philadelphia VA Medical Center’s third annual Welcome Home event.  
  • VA health care (Returning Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans are eligible for five years of free health care for conditions which may be related to their service)
  • VA home loans
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Employment
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Much more!
• Where: The Philadelphia Zoo -- America's First Zoo!
  • 3400 W. Girard Ave, Philadelphia PA, 1910
• When: Wednesday, Sept 1, 2010, 3 pm - 6 pm
  • Please RSVP by Friday, Aug 27, to the Welcome Home team. 
  • Each Veteran may bring up to three immediate family members
  • Bring your e-mail confirmation and a copy of your DD 214 on the day of the event
• Why: So you can take advantage of the benefits you have earned -- and so we can thank you for your service!
• Download the Welcome Home Flyer.  Share it with OEF/OIF Veterans you know!

New Passport Fees

• New passport fees for the U.S. Passport Book, the U.S. Passport Card, and other passport services will be in effect on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. Click here for the schedule of new fees.

FEMA Severe Winter Storms and Snow Storm Assistance Information

• On April 16, 2010, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, triggering the release of Federal funds to help communities recover from the Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms which occurred February 5 – 11, 2010.  I would like to share the information I have received regarding the specific aid available as well as how a community can apply for this assistance, as our local governments and non-profits continue to shoulder the financial impacts of the severe winter weather that Southeastern Pennsylvania experienced this year. The details of the disaster declaration and assistance programs are as follows:  
  • Public Assistance: Assistance to State and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.
    • Designated Counties:Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Philadelphia, Somerset, Westmoreland, and York.
  • Snow Assistance: Assistance for emergency protective measures (Category B).  This assistance will be provided for a period of 48 hours.
    • Designated Counties:Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Philadelphia, Somerset, Westmoreland, and York.
    • Snow assistance will be provided for 72 hours for Delaware County.
  • Hazard Mitigation Grant Program:   Assistance to State and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards
    • Designated Counties:Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Philadelphia, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland, and York.
  • Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the Public Assistance (PA) program.  Public Assistance is oriented to public entities and can fund the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of a public facility or infrastructure, which is damaged or destroyed by a disaster.
• Eligible applicants include State governments, local governments and any other political subdivision of the State, Native American tribes, and Alaska Native Villages.  Certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations may also receive assistance.  Eligible PNPs include educational, utility, irrigation, emergency, medical, rehabilitation, and temporary or permanent custodial care facilities (including those for the aged and disabled), and other PNP facilities that provide essential services of a governmental nature to the general public.  PNPs that provide “critical services” (power, water--including water provided by an irrigation organization or facility, sewer, wastewater treatment, communications, educational services, and emergency medical care) may apply directly to FEMA for a disaster grant.  All other PNPs must first apply to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a disaster loan.  If the PNP is declined for an SBA loan, or the loan does not cover all eligible damages, the applicant may re-apply for FEMA assistance.
• Applicant Briefings are conducted by the State/Commonwealth, assisted by FEMA.  These Applicant Briefings are for State, local, and Private Non-Profit officials to inform them of the assistance available from FEMA and how to apply.  Eligible applicants will be requested to complete a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) and file it with the State within 30 days after the area is designated eligible for assistance.  Please note that both Chester and Delaware County Applicant Briefings will be on Friday, April 30, 2010.   
  • Chester County Applicant Briefing
    Friday, 4/30/10 – 9:30 a.m.
    Brandywine Hospital
    Spackman Education Building 20, Nurses Training Room
    Reeceville Road
    Coatesville, PA
  • Delaware County Applicant Briefing
    Friday, 4/30/10 – 2:00 p.m.
    Delaware County Intermediate Unit
    200 Yale Avenue
    Morton, PA  19070
• Questions regarding the Applicant Briefings or application process may be directed to State Public Assistance Officer, Chris Evans: 717-651-2171;  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• FEMA also provides some additional useful information about the applicant process on the FAQs section of their website: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/faq
• Federal assistance is currently only available to public entities to fund the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replace­ment of a public facility or infrastructure, which was damaged or destroyed by the disaster.  However, FEMA states that if you would like to determine if there is any individual assistance available through local non-profits, you should contact your County Emergency Management Center. 
  • Edwin J. Truitt
    Delaware County Emergency Management Coordinator
    360 North Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063
    Phone: 610.565.8700
    Fax: 610.892.9583
    Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • Edward J. Atkins
    Director, Chester County Department of Emergency Services
    601 Westtown Road, Suite 12, West Chester, PA 19380
    Phone: 610.344.5000
    Fax: 610.344.5050
    Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2010 Census

• An important step in helping our community is to complete your Census 2010 forms when you receive them in the mail. At a time when so many rely on the services provided by our county, state, and federal governments to help them weather these tough economic times, completion of these forms is critical to the future of our communities. Not only does accurate census data determine how many members Pennsylvania will have in the House of Representatives, but it is also used to determine how more than $400 billion per year (or more than $4 trillion over a 10-year period) is allocated for key projects, such as new hospitals and schools, public-works projects, including new roads and bridges, job training, senior centers, and emergency services.
• By visiting the Census 2010 website, you can learn more about completing your Census forms, how the Census benefits your community and the nation, how the Census ensuring privacy and confidentiality of data, or how you can get involved. You can use the Census Data Tools to get interesting stats, numbers and facts about your community, find out demographic information and chart projected growth for your city, county, state, and much more.

Philadelphia Saves: Financial Boot Camp for Life

• In honor of Financial Literacy Month, the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Delaware Valley (CCCSDV), a nonprofit community service organization which offers counseling services and educational opportunities to empower individuals financially, is offering a free program called Financial Boot Camp for Life. The event is offered by Philadelphia Saves, a local campaign that has helped thousands of local residents become motivated to save by setting personal goals and access to educational tools.
• The event will be held on Saturday, April 10th from 9 AM to 2 PM at Temple University, Main Campus. It is free to attend, however, registration is required. For more information or to registration, please visit the CCCSDV website, call 215-563-7868, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you cannot attend on April 10th but are interested in services offered by CCCSDV, you can visit one of their many locations throughout the region.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundationis requesting nominations for the 2010 Agriscience Awards, Life Science Awards, and Homeland Security Awards. The purpose of these programs is to recognize individuals and groups judged to exemplify excellence in these fields through monetary awards and research funds.  I encourage you to visit www.agriscienceawards.com and www.ccolumbusfoundationawards.org for more information. Please note that the nomination deadlines are April 6, April 13, and May 7, respectively. You may contact Judi Shellenberger at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 315-258-0090 with questions.
• The Smedley D. Butler Detachment of the Marine Corps Leagueis offering a one-time $5,000.00 scholarship to one West Chester area and one Marple Newtown area, public, private, or parochial school student. Applicants must submit a well-researched essay of approximately 1500 words on the history and accomplishments of General Smedley D. Butler. General Butler was born in West Chester, PA and lived his adult, non-military life in Newtown Square, PA. General Butler is one of two United States Marines awarded two Medals of Honor.  The essay must be footnoted and referenced to the research undertaken.
• Applicants must be in the 12th grade and have been accepted to an accredited four-year college or university.  Application deadline is April 15, 2010.  Contact Earle Drake, 610-325-9065, for applications.

Flood Preparedness Guidance:

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s FloodSmart Campaign and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are working together to raise awareness of the dangers associated with flooding – the most common, costly, and deadly severe weather related disaster annually in the U.S. – and steps to protect against damage. The unusually wet and snowy winter in many communities will likely increase the potential for spring flood events, meaning residents should take important steps now to ensure safety and financial security, including obtaining flood insurance.
• To help individuals better understand flood risks nationwide and steps that can be taken to protect lives and property, FEMA and NOAA have created a new website which includes an interactive “flood impact map” that features localized, searchable data about the scope and severity of flood events in recent years and important tips on what to do before, during and after a flood. Flood coverage can be purchased for properties both in, and outside of, the highest risk areas. Individuals can learn more about seasonal flood risks and what to do to prepare by visiting FEMA’s website or by calling 1-800-427-2419.

Passport Day in the USA 2010:

• On Saturday, March 27, the Department of State will celebrate its 2nd annual “Passport Day in the USA.” U.S. citizens throughout the country can apply for a passport at any one of the 23 regional passport agencies without an appointment from 10 AM to 3PM. You will be able to apply either through routine processing or pay an additional $60 for expedited processing. Information on Pennsylvania locations that are participating in Passport Day in the USA and the specific services available at each location can be found on the State Department’s website.

United Through Reading Program:

• CPT Peter Curley, currently stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Warhorse in Iraq, is looking for assistance in bringing the United Through Reading Program to his base. The United Through Reading Program, going on its 20th year, is a nonprofit organization that unites military personnel serving overseas with their families back home through book readings. Deployed soldiers are given the opportunity to read a book while being recorded, and then mail the book and DVD home for their children and family. CPT Curley has set up a video camera and tripod for troops to use at FOB Warhorse, but lacks the children’s books and miniDVDs necessary. He is asking for support in getting miniDVDs with cases, padded envelopes that can hold a book, and, most importantly, children’s books for all ages. CPT Curley can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by mail at CPT Peter Curley / HSB 1-37 FA / FOB Warhorse, Iraq / APO, AE 09336.

White House Council on Environmental Quality Statement Regarding the Ocean Policy Task Force and Recreational Fishing

• There have been recent reports regarding the White House’s policy on Recreational Fishing.  Christine Glunz, White House Council on Environmental Quality Spokesperson, issued the following statement regarding the Ocean Policy Task Force draft reports and how they relate to the recreational fishing community:
• “The draft reports issued by the Ocean Policy Task Force involved extensive stakeholder input and public participation as they were being prepared, which included the interests of conservationists and the recreational fishing community.  These draft reports are not map-drawing exercises, they do not contain a zoning plan, and they do not establish any restrictions on recreational fishing or on public access, nor make any judgments about whether one ocean activity or use is better than another.
• “The Ocean Policy Task Force sincerely appreciates the conservation activities of recreational users, who have a long history of actively participation in the stewardship of the ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources.  The Task Force strongly believes in the ability of recreational fishermen and women to continue to enjoy these activities that are critical to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our country.  In fact, one of our main goals is to ensure healthier ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes, which will benefit all recreational activities and the communities and economies that rely on them.”
• The draft Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force reports are available online here.