OPEN HOUSE AIMS TO STIMULATE INTEREST IN THE SCIENCES

To encourage interest in the sciences the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) invites residents to join the Delaware Public Health Laboratory at an open house April 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during National Medical Laboratory Week. The event will be held at the lab's facility at 30 Sunnyside Rd. in Smyrna. Sec. Rita M. Landgraf of the Department of Health and Social Services and Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director, will address participants at 11:30 a.m.

Reports from the National Science Board indicate that while the number of jobs requiring science and engineering training continues to grow, there is a decline in the number of U.S. citizens training to become scientists and engineers.

Open house visitors will learn about the laboratory's functions and processes during a guided tour from 9:15 - 11 a.m., then again from 12:30 - 3 p.m. Visitors will also have the chance to view informational booths and displays from other public health programs, state agencies and health care organizations.

An additional goal is to have the open house promote interest in science careers among high school students while engaging those who have already chosen a career in the sciences. DPH lab staff partnered with the Delaware Business, Industry, Education Alliance last year to promote laboratory science education to students in grades 4-12 through the "What in the World" program. The program emphasizes the importance of math, science and technology.

"This is a great opportunity for Delawareans to get involved!" said Dr. Karyl Rattay DPH director. "To improve our economic competitiveness it is important to have a capable scientific and technological workforce -- and this starts from an early age."

For more information contact Liz Moore at 302-223-1520. The event is free and open to the public.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.