DHSS Press Release

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

Date: November 3, 2023
DHSS-11-2023

DELAWARE CELEBRATES HEALTH FOR ALL ON ONE HEALTH DAY AND EVERY DAY

DPH Recognizes November 3rd as One Health Day with information about its program

DOVER, DEL. (Nov. 3, 2023) - To recognize the interconnectedness between the health of people, animals and the environment we share, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) celebrates One Health Day on November 3, 2023. Today, we are awakening to the fact that without open discussions and mutual understanding, we are unable to solve issues such as climate change, pandemics and food insecurity. According to DPH, the One Health approach helps us work together towards a common goal: preserving tomorrow starting today.

In the United States and around the world, One Health is gaining popularity as an effective way to combat zoonotic diseases and other health issues. By involving experts from human, animal, environmental and other relevant disciplines and sectors, the CDC monitors and controls public health threats and learns about how diseases spread among humans, animals, plants and the environment. Efforts to improve public health require the cooperation of partners from the fields of animal, human and environmental health. The interaction between animals, humans and the environment cannot be handled by one person, organization or sector alone.

After the Ebola crisis in Africa and the Avian Influenza outbreak in the U.S. in 2014, Delaware began embracing the One Health concept. During this time, One Health was called a "New Beginning." A number of health concerns are shared by people, animals and the environment, including emerging, re-emerging, and endemic diseases, neglected tropical diseases, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, food security, environmental contamination and climate change.

"Animals also share our susceptibility to some diseases and environmental hazards," said DPH State Veterinarian Dr. Doug Riley. "Because of this, they can sometimes serve as early warning signs of potential human illness. For example, birds often die of West Nile Virus before people in the same area get sick with West Nile Virus infection."

There are a number of areas that One Health can address in Delaware, including:

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs can quickly spread in communities, food supply, healthcare facilities, and the environment, such as in soil or water.
Warmer temperatures and more mosquito and tick habitats are causing vector-borne diseases to rise.
Animal diseases threaten supplies, livelihoods and economies.
Animals can help improve mental well-being.
People and animals may become sick from contaminated water used for drinking, recreation and other purposes.

Collaboration across all sectors allows a One Health approach to achieve the best health outcomes across people, animals and plants through:

Preventing outbreaks of zoonotic disease in animals and people
Improving food safety and security
Reducing antimicrobial-resistant infections and improve human and animal health
Protecting global health security
Protecting biodiversity and conservation

"We must embrace the reality that we are all interdependent and that our home, Mother Earth, needs to be cared for and nurtured," said Riley. "By promoting collaboration across all sectors, a One Health approach can achieve the best health outcomes for people, animals and plants in a shared environment."

For more information about One Health initiatives, visit: One Health - Delaware Health and Social Services - State of Delaware or call 302-744-4990.

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.

DELAWARE CELEBRATES HEALTH FOR ALL ON ONE HEALTH DAY AND EVERY DAY

Delaware's Government