Crozer Health Closure: A Call to Protect Our Community’s Healthcare

Community Faces Healthcare Crisis as Crozer Health Shutters

The closure of Crozer Health System marks a significant setback for healthcare access in our area. Despite concerted efforts by various stakeholders, including a substantial $20 million investment from The Foundation for Delaware County, the attempt to preserve these essential medical services has not succeeded.

The Foundation’s decision to inject this financial support was driven by a commitment to maintain quality healthcare access. This initiative, albeit temporary, played a critical role in saving lives by extending available healthcare services during the negotiation period.

As a pillar in promoting the health and welfare of Delaware County, The Foundation administers several key maternal health programs. These include three WIC clinics and the Nurse-Family Partnership and Healthy Start home visiting programs, which serve numerous families in the vicinity of the hospitals facing closure. The loss of two more hospitals will drastically reduce emergency healthcare access and complicate the ability of residents to attend medical appointments, particularly affecting maternity care services.

Collaboration has been ongoing between The Foundation’s maternal health team, County Council President Dr. Monica Taylor, and healthcare leaders. There is appreciation for Riddle Hospital, Nemours, and CHOP for their readiness to handle an anticipated rise in births and pediatric healthcare needs. Other regional health systems have also joined forces with the Delaware County Health Department to devise and implement an emergency response plan necessitated by the closure of Crozer Health.

Hospital closures pose a threat to communities across Pennsylvania, whether rural, suburban, or urban. There is an urgent need for legislative action to prevent private equity from depleting the state’s healthcare resources. Additionally, The Foundation calls on U.S. Senators and Congressional representatives to resist Medicaid funding cuts, warning that inadequate reimbursements could lead to more hospitals falling into the hands of for-profit entities, thereby endangering lives.