Human Services « Lackawanna County

Statement / Information On The Omicron Virus

It’s been two years since the discovery of the virus that caused COVID-19. Since then, the virus has mutated and caused different variants. Some variants that are more contagious cause more severe symptoms or decrease the effectiveness of existing health measures such as treatment or vaccination are called variants of concern. There are currently five variants of concern which include the Delta variant and the Omicron variant.

The latest variant of concern is the Omicron variant which was designated as a variant of concern on November 26, 2021. To date, Omicron accounts for 73% of all new COVID cases in the United States.

While new information about the Omicron variant is gathered daily, we at the Department of Health and Human Services are concerned about the health and safety of our employees, families, and the community. Preliminary data about the Omicron variant suggests the following:

The Omicron variant is more than four times more contagious than the Delta variant, which in turn is twice as contagious as other variants.
Unlike the Delta variant, the effectiveness of certain vaccinations and treatment is reduced in Omicron.
Currently, the treatment marketed under the name Veklury remains effective. However, it is administered in a hospital setting. This mode of treatment presents a challenge in that Lackawanna County hospitals are at or exceeding capacity.
Masking, social distancing, testing, and vaccinations, especially boosters, are critical to containing the spread of COVID-19.
The measures and flexibility allowed through the declaration of the State of Emergency allow resources to be allocated quickly in response to the emergent need.

As new information becomes available from the State and Federal governments, the WHO and the CDC concerning that new variant, it is important to use it and to be proactive by taking the necessary steps to slow its spread.

Declaration of a Disaster Emergency for the County of Lackawanna, Pennsylvania

Omicron (SARS-CoV-2, B.1.1.529) Talking Points

Lackawanna County Supports Friends of the Poor

The Lackawanna County Commissioners presented Meghan Loftus, left, President of the Friends of the Poor, with a $10,000 check to assist the agency in administering to the nutrition and medical needs of the population that it serves. The donation, made through the Area Agency on Aging, will provide much needed funds to combat food insecurity, medical care, and senior isolation, which are all significant issues facing our community’s elderly during the pandemic.

L-r, Ms. Loftus and Commissioners Jerry Notarianni, Debi Domenick, Esq., and Chris Chermak.

Kick COVID-19 Community Corps to Host Free Community Wellness Fair and Vaccine Clinic Sunday, Nov. 14, 12-4 p.m., West Scranton High School

Kick COVID-19 Community Corps to Host Free Community Wellness Fair and Vaccine Clinic
Sunday, Nov. 14, 12-4 p.m., West Scranton High School

Scranton, Pa., Nov. 8, 2021 – Kick COVID-19 Community Corps is hosting a free community wellness fair and vaccine clinic on Sunday, November 14, from 12 to 4 p.m., at West Scranton High School. This public event will feature the following and all are welcome:

• A series of 15-minute, multilingual, educational presentations on the COVID-19 vaccines, plus COVID shots for ages 5 and up (all brands and doses, including boosters)
• Important health screenings and flu shots for all ages
• Diverse health care professionals to answer vaccine-related questions, one-on-one
• Health and social service information, education, resources
• Games, prizes, activities, refreshments, and more
• Face masks required for everyone over age 2!

Lisa Durkin, president and CEO of United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA and a Kick COVID partner, stated, “After the past year of shutdowns and remote everything, we are absolutely thrilled to help our community catch up on important health screenings missed due to the pandemic or otherwise, and especially to provide the public with the opportunity for to hear from and speak directly with diverse health care professionals in their own language.”

Gary Drapek, president and CEO of United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties and also a Kick COVID partner, added “Unfortunately, we see the real impacts of vaccine misinformation every day. There’s simply no better way to beat misinformation than to connect the public with trained professionals who build their lives on science, medicine, and health. This event offers exactly that opportunity!”

Some participating providers/vendors and sponsors of this event include: Allied Services; City of Scranton; Community Justice Project; Delta Medix, PC; DePietro’s Pharmacy; Greater Scranton YMCA; The Greenhouse Project; Head Start; Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh; Hometown Health Care of NEPA; Maternal & Family Health Services; Medicap Pharmacy; Lackawanna County; NAACP Lackawanna County Branch; NEPA Youth Shelter; Scranton Area Ministerium; Pleasure of Your Company Dog Therapy; Serving Seniors; The Wright Center; United Cerebral Palsy; United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties; United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA.

Kick COVID-19 Community Corps is a collaborative between Lackawanna County, the City of Scranton, local healthcare providers, social service agencies, faith groups, cultural organizations, economic and educational institutions, and volunteers. Our mission is to stop the spread of COVID-19 through a grassroots campaign that educates, informs, and motivates the region’s most vulnerable populations to be vaccinated and encourages meaningful acts of service. Kick COVID is a member of HHS COVID-19 Community Corps.

You Can Help Others By Supporting The United Way’s Annual Campaign

Dear Lackawanna County residents:

The Fall season ushers in the kick-off of the annual United Way campaign in our community. The drive represents a perfect opportunity for everyone to help our neighbors in need by helping to fund a wide range of services, activities, and programs.

For a century the United Way has worked with County government to meet the challenges facing our community. The pandemic has presented us with a unique and unexpected circumstances which impact every household and person living in our county.

A contribution to the United Way Campaign helps support and further the work being done by agencies and our county departments to improve the quality of life for all citizens. The scope of their work directly contributes to the benefit of programs for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Child Care Programs, Youth Programs, Early Reading Programs, Meals for Older Adults, Tax Preparation Assistance, APPRISE Insurance Counseling, Rent and Utility Assistance, Emergency Services, Shelters, and countless others. Your gift to the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties will provide valuable financial resources to agencies such as the American Red Cross, ARC, Boys and Girls Clubs of NEPA, Meals on Wheels, St. Joseph’s Center and a number of other organizations that provide outstanding care and assistance in times of crisis.

The work being done at the United Way impacts our community by generating a meaningful change for the future. For those of us fortunate enough to be able to make a gift we can be assured whatever commitment that is made stays in our community. People can also support their favorite charity. By checking the box next to “Specific Care” and writing in the name of any 501(c)(3) agency.

Thank you for committing to help for your fellow Lackawanna County neighbors.

Jerry Notarianni Debi Domenick, Esq. Chris Chermak

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Statement / Information On The Omicron Virus

Lackawanna County Supports Friends of the Poor

Kick COVID-19 Community Corps to Host Free Community Wellness Fair and Vaccine Clinic Sunday, Nov. 14, 12-4 p.m., West Scranton High School

You Can Help Others By Supporting The United Way’s Annual Campaign

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