DHSS Press Release

Josette Manning, Secretary
DPH Media Relations Coordinator Contact:
Laura Matusheski
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

Date: September 27, 2023
DHSS-9-2023

DPH ANNOUNCES ANNUAL CELEBRATION EVENT FOR #MYREASONWHYDE

DOVER, DE (Sept. 27, 2023) - The Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing their youth-led #MyReasonWhyDE annual celebration. The public is cordially invited to attend this annual celebration on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the Delaware Contemporary, located at 200 S. Madison St. in Wilmington. Doors open at 6 P.M.; event starts at 6:30 P.M.

The #MyReasonWhy campaign is part of DPH's long-term strategy to work with partner organizations in the community and state, such as school systems, to promote resilience and positive messaging. The campaign asks Delaware youth to make short Public Service Announcement (PSA) videos that promote the positive aspects of their lives that keep them happy, healthy and drug-free engaged citizens.

This red carpet event will include:

A screening of dozens of Delaware youth-created PSAs
A chance to film your own #MyReasonWhyDE PSA in the video booth
Pictures on the red carpet
Special recognition for outstanding #MyReasonWhyDE partners

Come out and enjoy an evening that promotes personal advocacy to make the world a safer place! There will be free food for the first 50 guests. Groups are welcome.

#MyReasonWhy is a community collective PSA campaign, a prevention tool and a peer-to-peer messaging program all mixed into one. #MyReasonWhy participants are led to identify their own protective factors, balance those factors against the risk of substance abuse and then learn to activate their power of influence by creating peer-to-peer personal PSA videos, proclaiming their "Reason Why" they choose not to use drugs, that can then be shared to inspire others through social media. For more information, visit www.MyReasonWhyDE.com.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction in Delaware, call 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 833-9-HOPEDE. To search online 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.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

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 ANNOUNCES ANNUAL CELEBRATION EVENT FOR #MYREASONWHYDE

Delaware's Government