Townships provide help for most vulnerable

A recent article in the Daily Herald regarding the services townships provide versus the administrative expense of providing the services couldn't have been more off base. My township, Hanover Township, takes pride in the efficient and respectful manner in which they serve the most vulnerable members of our community.

For 24 years, I have practiced family medicine in the Hanover Township community. During this time, I have worked with many local service organizations and nonprofits, and the care and assistance the township provides is second to none.

I felt so strongly about the work the township was performing that I have served as the volunteer medical director for the township's Office of Community Health since 2006. In my role, I work with the township nurses in reviewing the health programs, screenings and referrals they conduct with township residents.

Some of these residents have nowhere else to turn except for the township, and for many residents, it is their first stop in a long process of navigating the health care system.

Last week's article oversimplifies the intake process and does not mention the other services most township staff are responsible for administering to at-risk residents, some of whom do not qualify for general or emergency assistance and other services, such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program that provides financial assistance to residents during the summer and winter months.

The Hanover Township Food Pantry, primarily run by volunteers with food donations, serves over 100,000 residents throughout six municipalities in the township. I would argue that one capably run food pantry serving six communities is more efficient than each municipality organizing and maintaining their own food pantry.

I encourage everyone to become more familiar with the programs and services townships provide and let their neighbors know that there is help if they need it.

Daniel O'Malley

Bartlett