Health - Bensalem Township

Commissioner DiGirolamo Receives ‘Spirit of Commonwealth’ Award

Published

3 years ago

November 20, 2022

staff

Bucks County Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo last week accepted the “Spirit of the Commonwealth Award” from a statewide coalition of drug and alcohol treatment providers given for his many contributions to addiction treatment efforts.

DiGirolamo received the award Nov. 10 during the annual meeting of the Drug and Alcohol Service Providers Organization of Pennsylvania (DASPOP).

“It’s hard to begin to find ways to say ‘thank you’ to former state Rep. Gene DiGirolamo,” said Deb Beck, Executive Director of DASPOP. “This man has done a ton of lifesaving work in addiction treatment.”

As just one example, Beck cited DiGirolamo’s work in the state legislature where he “led the battle” to increase availability statewide of the life-saving drug naloxone.

Commonly referred to by the brand name “Narcan,” the overdose reversing drug is frequently carried by treatment providers, police and emergency medical personnel, and is available to all Pennsylvanians by standing order of the state Department of Health.

Credit: Melissa Hammond

Visit the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission’s informational page on Narcan to learn more about how and where to get Narcan free of charge.

Here in Bucks County, DiGirolamo works daily with his fellow commissioners to boost access to treatment, as well to support the organizations that provide care to those in addiction and recovery. Through the county’s Human Services Division, the commissioners each year allocate millions in local, state and federal dollars to a wide spectrum of services and treatment efforts.

“It’s a great honor to me to receive this award for my work in drug addiction and helping to get people into the treatment they need,” Commissioner DiGirolamo said. “I am very proud and grateful to be able to help the residents and families of Bucks County in this way, and to be recognized for my efforts from this devoted group of professionals.”

Gold in color and fixed to a wooden base, the somewhat heavy award is a replica of the Commonwealth statue that stands atop the dome of the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg.

Related Topics:Commissioner DiGirolamo Receives ‘Spirit of Commonwealth’ Award

Up Next

Levittown Doctor Agrees to Pay Nearly $500 K for Substance Act Violations

Don't Miss

U.S. 1 Bridge Construction Nearing Completion in Middletown Twp

staff

Click to comment

Health - Bensalem Township

Tackle Spring Break Travel Prep with GIANT Pharmacists

Published

6 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Jeff Bohen

After a long winter, many people are now looking ahead to spring break travel. Whether your plans have you headed to the beach or traveling abroad, GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists are available as a resource with pre-travel health consultations and over-the-counter product suggestions.

“The same way you may enlist the expertise of a travel agent when booking your vacation, your local GIANT or MARTIN’S pharmacist also has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to ensuring you have the right vaccinations or health essentials ahead of your trip,” said Nick Koch, director of pharmacy and wellbeing, The GIANT Company. “From pre-health travel consultations to offering recommendations for the best sunscreens and first aid basics, don’t overlook the value that our team of pharmacists can bring to your vacation preparations.”

If your spring break plans have you traveling aboard, GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists can also get you adventure ready with a pre-travel health consultation approximately as soon as travel dates are confirmed and a minimum of one month before you leave. This includes vaccines, prescription referrals, and over-the-counter medications.

Vaccines^* include but are not limited to yellow fever vaccine (available at select locations), typhoid vaccine and cholera vaccine. Prescription referrals include malaria prevention, traveler’s diarrhea prevention and care, motion sickness prevention and altitude sickness prevention. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit https://giantfoodstores.com/pages/pharmacy-services.

GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists advise that any prescription medication should always be packed in one’s carry-on bag, never in checked luggage, and preferably in the original container with the prescription label affixed. Be sure to bring enough for your trip as well as extra should there be any travel delays.

Travelers are also encouraged to pack a small first aid kit for on-the-go use. This should include bandages of various sizes, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, tweezers and a thermometer. Be sure to add over the counter pain relievers, antacids, decongestants, hand sanitizers and antibacterial wipes, too. Additional items may be needed based on one’s destination and weather.

Health - Bensalem Township

Still Winter: NWS Issues Tuesday Morning Winter Weather Advisory

Published

3 days ago

March 2, 2026

staff

March “comes in as lion” to the Lower Bucks area as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter weather advisory for Tuesday morning forecasting a mixed precipitation event making for possibly slippery road conditions.

The advisory is in effect from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 3.

NWS says total snow accumulations less than one inch and ice accumulations around a light glaze in portions of southeast Pennsylvania and central, northern, and northwest New Jersey.

The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute, officials say, and motorists should plan on slippery road conditions. Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution while traveling.

Health - Bensalem Township

Bucks Issues “Code Blue” Until March 3rd Due to Forecasted Bitter Cold

Published

4 days ago

March 1, 2026

staff

Bucks County has issued a “Code Blue” declaration as bitter cold is set to return for the start of March.

Shelters in Upper, Central and Lower Bucks will be in operation nightly Sunday through Tuesday morning.

The following shelters have been activated for this Code Blue event:

Lower Bucks – ahtn.org
(3/1)
Calvary Baptist Church – Gym
250 Green Lane
Bristol, PA 19007
www.calvarybristol.org

(3/2)
Morrisville Presbyterian Church
771 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Morrisville, PA 19067
www.mpcusa.org

Please note the Lower Bucks shelter location changes Monday evening to Morrisville Presbyterian Church.

Guests are required to leave the shelters by 6:45 a.m. each day and may return in the evening

Upper Bucks – facebook.com/upperbuckscodeblue
Quakertown Masonic Lodge – First Floor
501 W. Broad Street
Quakertown, PA 18951

Central Bucks – co2ssh.org
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
301 N. Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
www.doylestownlutheran.org

Guests are required to leave the shelters by 6:45 a.m. each day and may return in the evening.

The Upper and Lower Bucks shelters will open at 8:30 p.m. The Central Bucks shelter opens at 7:30 p.m.

The county issues a “Code Blue” declaration when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees for two or more consecutive days. A “Code Blue” may be called amid higher temperatures, as consideration is also given to wind chill, precipitation and other circumstances.

Information about “Code Blue” openings is available Monday – Friday through the County’s Housing Link Helpline at 1-800-810-4434.