HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

     Lancaster County benefits from the presence of many health and community service organizations. Brief descriptions follow of some of those agencies and the services they offer. Complete listings may be found in the Blue Pages of the Lancaster telephone book and at United Way LINC at 291-5462.

     Community Action Program (CAP) — This is a nonprofit organization which provides social service to low income residents of Lancaster City and County. There are outreach offices of CAP throughout the area. Programs, some of which are offered in Spanish as well as English, include: Child Development /Head Start; Energy Conservation Center; Shelter for Abused Women; adult socialization/recreation programs; outreach services; senior centers; WIC (nutrition program); work experience and adult literacy programs; and the Childcare Management Agency; 299-7301 or 1-800-732-0018.

     United Way LINC — This office collects and disseminates information on the health and human services available throughout the area and assists individuals and agencies in selecting and using these services; 291-5462.

     United Way Volunteer Center — This office recruits volunteers with all levels of skill and refers them to public and/or private agencies that require help; 299-3743.

     United Way — An autonomous local organization, United Way raises funds that are allocated to support the health and human services provided by its 48 member agencies and groups. The United Way participates in community planning and evaluates current data on community needs as part of its allocation process; 394-0731.

Hospitals and Health Centers in Lancaster County

GOVERNMENT HEALTH AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

     Lancaster State Health Center — 1661 Old Philadelphia Pike. The Lancaster State Health Center provides immunization services, TB clinic, AIDS/HIV testing and counseling, SIDS services and general information on lead poisoning, food-borne disease investigation, international travel health information, low birth-weight baby follow-up visits, and general health information and education; 299-7597.

     Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection — 1661 Old Philadelphia Pike. The local office of DEP does routine investigations and inspections of public water, schools, public establishments, sewage systems and air pollution sources. The staff also responds to complaints about pollution, sells water testing kits, and provides asbestos and radon information; 299-7601.

     Lancaster County Office of Mental Health & Mental Retardation — This government-sponsored agency offers a wide range of programs for persons with mental illness and mental retardation; 299-8021.

     Lancaster County Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse —

50 N. Duke Street. This nonprofit, volunteer organization provides education/ prevention/intervention/information and referral services. Established in 1967, it has a 22-member board of directors; 299-2831.

Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Commission —

50 N. Duke Street. This commission is the government agency that provides prevention/ education programs in the schools and the community and helps pay for drug and alcohol treatments for those residents who do not have insurance or the ability to pay; 299-8023.

     Office of Aging — 50 N. Duke Street. Some of the free services available to persons over 60 include: information and referral; discount cards; employment services; respite care for caregivers; lawyer referral; protective services; an ombudsman program; and volunteers to help older people with home chores. Programs with payment on a sliding scale include adult day care and attendant in-home care; 299-7979 (emergency number 1-800-801-3070).

     Lancaster County Assistance Office — 832 Manor Street. The Assistance Office is responsible for the local administration of the public assistance program under the state Department of Public Welfare 299-7411

Lancaster Regional Medical Center: 291-8211

Southeast Lancaster Health Services: 299-6371 684-2841

Welsh Mountain Medical, Dental Center: 354-4711

     Emergency Medical Services: 31 ambulance associations and six paramedic groups exist in the county, providing emergency services throughout the area. Most are volunteer groups who depend upon community donations and memberships for their financial support. Emergency services of all types are obtained by dialing 911.