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DHSS Press Release

Molly Magarik, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: Jill.Fredel@delaware.gov

DPH Media Contact:
Tim Turane
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

Date: December 6, 2022
DHSS-12-2022

DPH RECOGNIZES SUCCESSFUL PARTNER IN ITS RESTAURANT ACCOLADE PROGRAM

DOVER, DE (Dec. 6, 2022) - The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) would like to recognize High 5 Hospitality as the first hospitality group in Delaware to have all its restaurants achieve the Bronze Fork award as part of the Restaurant Accolade Program. High 5 Hospitality restaurants include Buffalo Wild Wings, Eggspectation, Jersey Mike's Subs, Limestone BBQ, and the Stone Balloon with a total of 15 locations.

Initiated by DPH's Office of Health Crisis Response (OHCR) in March 2022, the Restaurant Accolade Program has successfully trained management and staff at 66 restaurants to address substance use disorder. All are now Bronze Fork awardees. The next levels of certification are the Silver and Gold Forks. The program teaches staff in the food service industry to respond to an opioid overdose and helps restaurants create policies and workplace environments to support employees and patrons struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). Restaurants are among the industries whose workforce has had a high incidence of overdose.

"We are proud of our leaders and team members for being the first hospitality group to achieve the Bronze Fork Award for all our locations," said Lori Ewald, High 5 hospitality director of human resources and marketing. "Our teams were very responsive to the training, and we are looking forward to achieving the next level. This training has helped our team members gain an increased awareness of the opioid crisis and provided them with tools to save a life. When people ask why we participate in this program, my response is simple - Why wouldn't we?"

OHCR has trained almost 400 Delaware restaurant employees on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose. Staff and restaurants were also given Narcan kits to use and keep on site. The Restaurant Accolade Program is one of OHCR's initiatives aimed at reducing drug overdoses and substance use disorders across the state, while working to combat the stigma often associated with SUD.

"We recognize it is vital to meet individuals in the communities and spaces where they live, work and play and we appreciate all the restaurants that have partnered with us in this program" said OHCR Director Kate Brookins. "We are dedicated to providing support to restaurants and their patrons and staff in our fight to combat overdoses and addiction."

Restaurants can schedule training and get more information by emailing OHCR@delaware.gov

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction in Delaware, call the DHSS 24/7 Crisis Hotline to be connected to treatment and recovery options. In New Castle County, call 1-800-652-2929. Or in Kent and Sussex counties, call 1-800-345-6785.

For free 24/7 counseling, coaching, and support, as well as links to mental health, addiction, and crisis services call the Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE. To search for treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states, visit HelpIsHereDE.com.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation.

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 RECOGNIZES SUCCESSFUL PARTNER IN ITS RESTAURANT ACCOLADE PROGRAM

Delaware's Government