RADIATION AWARENESS WEBSITE KICK-OFF

Dover, DE (November 7, 2014) - Delawareans can learn about health care procedures that use radiation through a fun and creative website launched today by the Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Delaware Authority on Radiation Protection (DARP). The website, based at Delaware State University, also provides resources for teachers and students on the principles of radiation and radiation protection. The site is available at www.deradiationprotection.org.

DARP is a public board established in 1976 to address expanding use of radiation sources in health care, industry, research and development, and higher education. Authority members are appointed by the Governor to provide regulatory oversight for the safe use of radiation sources in Delaware, encourage constructive uses of radiation, and prohibit exposure to radiation in amounts which are or may be detrimental to a person's health.

"The webpage provides a guide to user-friendly information for patients and parents to learn more about many medical procedures involving radiation, as well as robust learning resources for science teachers and students," said Dr. Frances Esposito, DARP Chairman, and Chief of Radiology at Beebe Healthcare. "The goal is to promote greater awareness of how radiation is used to benefit individuals and society, and how radiation safety programs can effectively manage radiation exposure. Radiation protection professionals work every day in healthcare, research, education, industry and government to bring the benefits of radiation to the public, while actively monitoring its safe use."

"The content reinforces the importance of science and technology to improving health and quality of life for Delawareans," said Dr. Noureddine Melikechi, DARP member and Dean of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Technology for Delaware State University. "Learning more about radiation principles, and how they are practically applied to solve problems is an excellent example of the increased focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in education."

DPH partnered with DARP to promote greater public awareness and understanding of radiation in the health system. "Creating a culture of health includes learning more about the benefits of radiation, and how it can be used safely to improve public health and the quality of life in Delaware," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director.

For more information about this initiative, visit the Authority on Radiation Protection website at www.deradiationprotection.org.

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. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

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.