Berks County Medical Society Medical Record Spring 2021 - 8

M e d i c a l R ec o r d F e a t u r e

Should Berks County Establish
a Department of Health?
by Christian Y. Leinbach
Chairman - Berks County Commissioners

Editor's introduction: In the most recent (Winter)
edition of the Medical Record we published a piece
titled A Call for the Creation of a Berks County
Department of Health. Ensuring a fair distribution
of health resources, disseminating proven healthrelated information, and coordinating with partner
organizations to prepare for future health challenges
similar to this pandemic or the opioid crisis were
among the benefits mentioned that could flow from
the work of a county-level DOH. This open letter was
composed and signed by leaders of the Berks County
Medical Society, who concluded: " ...as we have learned
during these past difficult months, public health cannot
be a second thought only pulled to the forefront in a
moment of crisis. It must be the highest priority. "
The BCMS is not the only local organization to advocate
for the creation of a Berks County DOH, and our
county's political leaders have engaged in considering
these calls for change. Naturally, the perspective of
leaders whose background is in government will be
different from that of physicians, and input from county
government officials would play a pivotal role in any
decisions made about creating a DOH. Therefore, we

O

ver the past year, there has been a growing
call for Berks County to consider the
creation of a county-level local health
department. It is understandable that when it comes to a
community's health and safety people are rightfully concerned
that their leaders are doing all they can to protect the
community. At the same time, others are expressing concern that
such a department may further expand government and cost local
taxpayers too much. These too are valid concerns.
Before I address the question let me first highlight some key
points.
1. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic there was no stated need
for a county level local health department apart from a study
by the Berks Community Foundation around 2009. That study
never gained traction or support among residents, the healthcare
community, or the County Commissioners.
2. During the 2019 Commissioner elections, there was no call for
or debate around the formation or need for a county-level local
health department by the public or any of the candidates.
3. It is very clear and completely understandable that the
COVID-19 Pandemic has created an environment that has
brought the issue into the broader public eye leading to a call for
a study.
I am on the record that I will support a deliberate and thoughtful
process to research the need and potential value of a county-level
local health department. Such a study must include a thorough
determination of the actual local need and an honest review of both
the positives and negatives of forming a county-level local health
department, including the detailed costs required to set up and
operate such a department. I'm committed to following the facts.
The results of this effort could lead to one of four possible outcomes.

asked Commissioner Christian Leinbach to share his

1. No need

current thoughts on the matter in order to learn from

2. Need as a department of county government

his experience and move the conversation forward.
We thank Commissioner Leinbach for the following

3. Need, but to be formed as a less conventional design by
contracting for certain specified services

contribution.

4. Need, but not at the level of county organization

8

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Berks County Medical Society Medical Record Spring 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Berks County Medical Society Medical Record Spring 2021
