Delaware Health and Social Services

Delaware Health and Social Services Archives – State of Delaware News

• Delaware Distributes Initial First State Food Relief Funds November 7, 2025
  NEW CASTLE (November 7, 2025) – Nearly 60,000 Delaware households woke this morning to find First State Food Relief Funds from the State of Delaware added to their EBT card balance. The deposits represent time-limited support to protect eligible Delawareans’ access to food in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Families will be receiving texts […]
• Delaware Survey Reveals Opportunities to Increase Awareness of PFAS November 6, 2025
  A new statewide survey from DNREC finds that while many Delawareans are still learning about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” a meaningful share of residents are aware of the issue and taking steps to reduce exposure.
• DHSS, DNREC to Announce PFAS Awareness and Outreach Grants November 5, 2025
  DHSS and DNREC are launching a new grant opportunity to support community outreach and awareness about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), with the grant program funded through DHSS with Delaware PFAS Settlement Funds.
• SCPD Honors Disability Advocates at 23rd Annual Partnership Event October 22, 2025
  The State Council of Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) held its 23rd Annual Partnership Event on October 20 in Cheswold, presenting the 2025 Mary Custis Straughn Award to two champions of disability rights and awareness. Alyssa Cowin of the Department of Health and Social Services and Jill Fredel, former DHSS Director of Communications, received the "Custie […]
• President of Delaware Animal Rescue Charged With Animal Cruelty October 1, 2025
  The Division of Public Health’s Office of Animal Welfare’s (OAW) Delaware Animal Services (DAS) announced the arrest of a man after 98 animals, including 49 cats, 42 dogs, and seven small animals, were seized from a townhome in New Castle where the owner operated an animal rescue. Mark Ptomey, age 39, of New Castle was […]
• Lisa Schieffert to Serve as Acting DHSS Secretary September 30, 2025
  WILMINGTON – Governor Matt Meyer today announced Lisa Schieffert as Acting Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1. Schieffert, a Deputy Secretary for DHSS, will oversee the agency in the interim following the departure of Secretary Josette Manning and while the Delaware State Senate considers the nomination of […]
• Delaware Joins Northeastern States in Regional Public Health Coalition September 5, 2025
  DOVER, Del. (Sept. 5, 2025) – Governor Matt Meyer announced Delaware is joining other Northeast states in a regional public health coalition on Friday. This multi-state collaborative is focused on developing evidence-based recommendations on vaccinations, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and supporting state public health labs. “Science must continue to determine how we keep our state […]
• DHSS Breaks Ground on New Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill August 21, 2025
  SMYRNA – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Governor Matt Meyer, and officials from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday to begin construction on the new Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill. The State-run long-term care facility, which maintains a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare […]