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Healthcare shortage is not a new problem

February 28, 2025

Our legislators have been privy to shortage of primary-cary physicians for years, but continue to ignore and allow deep-pocketed developers to run roughshod over infrastructure needs, building on every area or parcel they can find without regard for safety; effects of deforestation; air, water and noise pollution; or, most importantly, our precious wildlife and natural habitats.

It’s no surprise or mystery why only 14% of our residents in Sussex County have sufficient healthcare in every field.

The length of time to receive medical care, testing and treatment is well below most cities. Every area of treatment including dental is affected. It can take many months to simply get appointments, worsening every day.

In particular, so many of our seniors are faced with life-and-death situations, including ambulatory, on our frequently congested limited roadways.

There are methods of relieving this debacle, if only our lawmakers had the druthers to research and act.

One method is an adequate public facilities ordinance to regulate all infrastructure and cost.

Why hasn’t the county entertained this ordinance as has Kent and New Castle have, successfully I might add? 

Once again, follow the money.

Will we finally get attention to this dilemma or will more suffer from our lawmakers’ refusal to recommend a solution? Rhetoric and promises have been exhausted.

We may be well past the point of no return, but better late than never would certainly be welcome and helpful.

Jerry LaForgia
Lewes
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