LCH Health and Community Services will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in operation. The organization is known for offering its services in both English and Spanish from their three centers in southern Chester County.

In the same year, LCH has announced that Gawthrop Greenwood litigator John Rafferty has been elected chair of their board of directors.

As a partner with Gawthrop Greenwood's Litigation Department, in his work he represents businesses, nonprofits, and individuals. In addition, Rafferty regularly acts as arbitrator for the Chester County Court of Common Pleas, mediating cases through the Chester County Bar Association.

Rafferty’s experience includes working with Chester County Orphans' Court, providing legal representation for disputes and litigations involving guardianships, wills, estates, and trusts.

His work has led him to have recently been invited to join a committee for the improvement of local rules of civil procedure for the Court, being chosen to represent individuals requiring guardians for aid in future decision making as needed. 

Following graduation from law school, Rafferty began his career in Ecuador on a Fulbright Fellowship, training judges and prosecutors about issues related to human trafficking, volunteering to serve survivors of trafficking. 

When he returned to the U.S., he represented immigrants who had been victims of labor exploitation in Philadelphia, before serving as an Assistant Director Attorney in Chester County.

“Given the recent closures of Brandywine and Jennersville hospitals, LCH has a unique ability to provide its medical, dental, social, legal and behavioral health services to new and more diverse populations than ever before. As the Board Chair in 2023, I look forward to supporting the growth and expertise of this phenomenal organization,” Rafferty said in a press release. 

“I’m excited to support the professionals who provide best-in-class health services to an ever-expanding patient population. In addition to the immigrant population LCH was founded to serve, the organization’s providers now offer routine services to all individuals, regardless of financial status, across its campuses in Kennett Square, Oxford and West Grove,” he continued.

Under the leadership of current CEO Ronan W. Gannon, LCH has recently received four Community Health Quality Recognition awards, earning recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home again in 2022.

“From the time we welcomed John to our board in 2018, continuing Gawthrop Greenwood’s legacy of service to our organization, we have been impressed by his dedication to ensuring a healthy community for all,” Gannon said. 

“Our nation and our local communities are at a turning point for inclusive health services, and John’s leadership will be a valuable contribution to those efforts here at LCH,” he continued.