Category: Development Disabilities

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 26, 2022)– The Delaware Division of Social Services will issue emergency benefits for October to eligible households as part of the State’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Benefits will be issued as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and two cash assistance programs– Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and General Assistance (GA). The SNAP emergency food benefit will be available on recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards Thursday, Oct. 27. Eligible TANF and GA households will receive an emergency cash benefit check on or after Thursday, Oct. 27.

All households with open SNAP cases will receive at least $95 in emergency food benefits, to be issued as follows:

1. SNAP households receiving the maximum food benefit amount for their household size or a prorated initial benefit will receive $95 in emergency food benefits.
2. SNAP households with a calculated emergency food benefit amount less than $95 will have their emergency benefit increased to $95.
3. SNAP households with a calculated emergency benefit amount of $95 or more will continue to receive the calculated emergency benefit amount to increase the household’s monthly benefit up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size.

The emergency assistance for TANF and GA families will increase a household’s monthly benefit for each program up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size. Households that already receive the maximum TANF or GA benefit amount or that have a prorated benefit in the month of October are not eligible for the October emergency cash funds.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has issued emergency benefits each month to eligible households since March 2020.

“These monthly emergency benefits have been critical for the many individuals and families in Delaware who have experienced economic struggles and health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “As COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to decline in Delaware, we do expect these enhanced benefits to end in the coming months, and we encourage Delaware residents who have relied on these additional funds each month to prepare for that day. We continue to be thankful to the federal government and our congressional delegation for making these necessary resources available to those most in need in our state.”

How the monthly emergency benefit is calculated: A household’s monthly emergency benefit equals the current maximum benefit amount for the household size minus the household’s current monthly benefit amount. For example, based on current USDA limits for SNAP benefits, if a household of one gets $100 in regular monthly benefits, that household will receive $181 in emergency benefits ($281 maximum benefit minus $100 monthly benefit).

Here are the current maximum monthly benefit amounts per household size for SNAP, TANF, and General Assistance:

Emergency SNAP Benefits

Number in SNAP Household	Maximum Benefit Amount (Updated 10/01/2022)
1	$281
2	$516
3	$740
4	$939
5	$1,116
6	$1,339
7	$1,480
8	$1,691
Each additional person	$211

An estimated 59,000 Delaware households will receive the emergency SNAP allotment in October, totaling about $11.9 million in emergency food benefits for the month.

Emergency cash benefits

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Number in TANF Household	Maximum Benefit Amount
1	$201
2	$270
3	$338
4	$407
5	$475
6	$544
7	$612
8	$681
9	$750
10	$819

General Assistance (GA)

Number in GA Household	Maximum Benefit Amount
1	$79
2	$107
3	$144
4	$169
5	$209
6	$239

An estimated 180 households will be eligible to receive emergency cash assistance benefits in October, totaling about $24,000 in emergency benefits for the month.

In addition to the emergency benefits, households will receive their regular benefits for September on the usual issuance dates.

For more information about DSS’s benefit programs in response to the pandemic, go to division’s webpage.

To screen for and apply for benefits, go to DHSS’ online application portal Delaware ASSIST or call 1-866-843-7212.

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.

*Editor/Reporter note: We originally stated that five DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back locations would be offering Overdose Response Training and Narcan distribution to the public; there are only two– Milford and Middletown.
We also erroneously stated that there are 23 locations currently participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back event; there are 22.

DOVER, DE (October 25, 2022)– Delaware will hold its 23rd National Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Delawareans can discard their expired or unused medications at locations statewide between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. There will also be overdose response training with free Narcan available at select locations.

Organized nationally by the DEA, Prescription Drug Take Back Day is operated locally by the Division of Public Health (DPH). The biannual event is aimed at reducing the risk of prescription medications being diverted for misuse and has resulted in nearly 100,000 pounds of medication being collected since 2010. Properly discarding unused medications through this event is an important ongoing activity in the effort to address the nationwide opioid epidemic. Doing so reduces the risk of addiction by keeping prescription medications out of the hands of people who may misuse, abuse, or divert them, and helps reduce the risk of drug overdoses.

“The Drug Take Back Days are a convenient way for Delawareans to remove expired, unwanted or unused medications from their homes, and dispose of them safely and securely,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik. “These collection events and the permanent medicine drop-off sites across our state also are critical to reducing the potential for misuse, abuse or diversion, and, thereby, reducing the risk of people overdosing or dying. We all can do our part by removing unnecessary medications from our homes.”

According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, many misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from home medicine cabinets. A total of 4,645 pounds of unneeded medication was collected at 27 Delaware locations on the last Drug Take Back Day event on April 30, 2022.

In addition to the sites participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day activities, there are permanent medicine drop-off locations available year-round. In addition to medicine drop-off sites, DPH and community partners also distribute Deterra bags (medication deactivation bags) to use at home. For a list of permanent collection sites and how to get a free disposal bag, visit www.helpisherede.com/understanding-addiction/safe-drug-storage-and-disposal.

The medications to be disposed of at the Take Back Day locations must be in a container such as a pill bottle, box, blister pack, or zipped plastic bag, with personal information removed. Liquid medications must be in their original containers. Besides medications, vape pens and e-cigarettes will be collected if the batteries are removed. There are 23 locations participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back event currently. You can find the list of locations here: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.

To further enhance overdose prevention and education efforts, five of the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back locations (Middletown, Felton, Townsend, Wilmington and Milton police departments) will also be offering overdose response training and Narcan distribution to the public. It is recommended that anyone who has an opioid prescription or has friends and/or family who use opioid prescriptions or illicit drugs receive this training and the overdose reversal medication, Narcan. For other community trainings and where you can get free Narcan go to: https://www.helpisherede.com/overdose-prevention.

For more details about the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, visit https://helpisheredrugtakebackday.gatsbyjs.io/drug-take-back-day.

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 1-833-9–HOPEDE. To search online for treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states, visit HelpIsHereDE.com.

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.

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, and 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.

DOVER (Oct. 21, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services is announcing today that it is mailing letters to service recipients and legal guardians who were impacted by a recent data breach incident and is providing information to the public regarding the incident.

On August 23, 2022, staff within the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) discovered that in the process of creating new user accounts in the division’s client database, DDDS staff inadvertently provided access to individual records of 7074 individuals. As a result of these actions, 159 new users had potential access to service recipients’ personal identifiable information and protected health information as well as potential access to more detailed information through accessed accounts.

A thorough investigation of the incident was conducted. Using forensic analysis available through the software’s vendor, the division has been able to determine how many users accessed information not intended for their use, and which service recipient records were opened and viewed. While the division has determined that only 12 detailed records were actively accessed, certain personal identifiable information and protected health information was passively available to any user with the erroneous access level. The software vendor is unable to determine who may have passively viewed this information.

Based on this internal investigation and consultation with the software vendor, the division is taking corrective measures to tighten security and protection of the personal health information of its service recipients. DDDS has:

• Reviewed and reinforced its Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-related policies and procedures.
• Established new guidelines for the creation of user accounts and a tightened approval process for accessing records.
• Worked with its vendor to institute technology checks on providing access.

The division will incorporate lessons from this analysis into the design and implementation of its new client data management system scheduled for transition in 2023.

As required by HIPAA and state law, the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services has reported this breach to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and to the Delaware Department of Justice.

The Division of Developmental Disabilities Services is also establishing a dedicated call center independently staffed by a contracted company to answer any questions about this incident. Call center representatives have been fully versed on the incident and can answer questions or concerns individuals may have regarding protection of their personal information. Additionally, the division will be offering free access to credit monitoring to all impacted parties for a period of one year.

The call center can be reached at 1-833-875-0644 Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding U.S. holidays.

Information will also be posted on the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services website at: https://dhss.delaware.gov/ and the division’s website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/DDDS/.

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.

DOVER, DE (October 14, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports that the 7-day average of new positive COVID-19 cases has decreased for the third consecutive month. Deaths remain low, and hospitalization rates are holding steady. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels data tracker, which factors in data on hospitalizations and cases in each county to determine recommended community prevention strategies, COVID-19 community levels in Kent County are now high, Sussex County remains at medium, while levels in New Castle County continue to be listed as low as of October 13.

This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization to Pfizer for the bivalent booster for ages 5-11 and to Moderna for their bivalent booster for those ages 6-17 who have received their primary series of vaccination at least two months before (a minimum of two doses of Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax). The CDC Director also signed off on the expanded authorization. Bivalent boosters were previously authorized on Aug. 31 for those ages 12+ for Pfizer, and for Moderna, ages 18+. Moderna’s bivalent booster for ages 5-11 will utilize the same product as the adult booster, just at a lesser dose. Pfizer’s bivalent booster for youth will come in a separate vial as it requires dilution, while the adult formula does not, for more information, visit de.gov/boosters.

The updated boosters target two strains of COVID-19: the original strain of the virus, and two of the Omicron variants (BA.4 and BA.5), currently, the most widespread variants in the world. To reduce confusion among the public and vaccine providers, and because they do not offer the increased levels of protection provided by the bivalent boosters, the original (monovalent) booster formula is no longer authorized for use in those 5 and older. Medical providers may no longer administer them. Individuals who have recently had COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to get a bivalent booster to optimize their protection, even if they received a monovalent booster before. Those who recently had COVID-19 should also get the new booster but should consider waiting three months after they have recovered from the virus.

DPH strongly encourages everyone to get their bivalent booster as soon as they are eligible, and well in advance of any possible surge in the late fall or winter. A recent Commonwealth Fund study found that if 80% of eligible individuals 5 and older receive their booster dose by the end of 2022, it would prevent about 90,000 deaths and more than 936,000 hospitalizations, while also preventing $56 billion in medical costs in the next six months. However, if the current pace of vaccinations remains unchanged nationwide through March 2023, a potential winter surge in the United States could result in as many as 16,000 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths per day, the study found.

Individuals may also get a booster at the same time as they get their annual flu vaccine, either in the same arm at least one inch apart, or in different arms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages everyone 6 months older to get their flu vaccine by Halloween amid concerns of a potentially severe flu season. This week, DPH confirmed that flu is statewide and has already recorded the state’s first pediatric case of the season as well. Flu vaccines and bivalent boosters are available at DPH clinics, many pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers and some community events. You can find a list of locations for COVID vaccines at de.gov/getmyvaccine. or at vaccines.gov. Locations for flu vaccines can be found on the flu finder on the flu.delaware.gov webpage. More details on the bivalent booster can be found at de.gov/boosters.

The webpage also has a link to a flier for the public which highlights some similarities between the labels of bivalent boosters and some primary series vaccines. Those getting a booster are encouraged to print and take a copy of the flier with them, or pull it up on their phone’s web browser, and ask the vaccine provider to show them the vial that your bivalent booster is being drawn from so they can confirm it is the correct one. It is an important step in being an educated health consumer and advocate for your personal health.

The below data is as reported on Delaware’s My Health Community data portal on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 310,819*
• 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 146.4, a decrease of 49.7 average new positive cases reported since Sept 15, 2022
• 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 9.9 percentage points, a decrease of 2.6 percentage points reported since Sept. 15, 2022
• Hospitalizations: 105 current hospitalizations; critically ill: 8
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,121, an increase of 41 since last month including 35 as a result of ongoing Vital Statistics reviews of deaths occurring between June and September.

*

*Case and testing data are based on reporting of lab-confirmed COVID-19 tests only. The number of COVID-19 cases in the community is higher than what is reported because of the use of at-home test kits.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,973,133
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75.7%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 79.8%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 81.3%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 71.6%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For a location near you, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine.. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healtycommunity

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of non-boosted cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame of Sep 26– Oct 2, 2022.

Weekly Overview (09/26/22– 10/02/22)	# of Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted	819
Total Cases	1269
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	64%

Non-boosted Hospitalized cases	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases	95
Total Hospitalized Cases	140
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	68%

Non-boosted Deaths	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Deaths	1
Total COVID-19 Deaths	1
Percent of Non-boosted Deaths	100%

*Note: Case and Hospitalization Count: based on RTS (Report to State Date) Death: based on DoD (Date of Death)

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, October 13, 2022, there have been a total of 4,705 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 989 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Resources:

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:

• Monday– Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

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.

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, and 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.

DOVER, DE (Oct. 11, 2022)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing two new laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza, one each in New Castle and Sussex counties for the 2022-2023 flu season. The cases involve an unvaccinated 43-year-old Sussex County woman, and an unvaccinated child under 5 years– old in New Castle County, both with influenza strain A. The new cases now confirm influenza in each county in Delaware and bring the total case count to seven.

The flu vaccine is recommended for Delawareans 6 months of age and older. Since it takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against influenza virus infection to develop in the body, it is important to get vaccinated as early as possible to give your body time to build immunity. Getting the flu vaccine now will also provide protection during the entire flu season. The vaccine can help prevent the flu and can safeguard against serious effects such as hospitalization or death if a person who does receive the vaccine catches the flu. It can also be administered during the same visit as the COVID-19 vaccine, at least one inch apart in the same arm or in a different arm.

Flu vaccines are offered through physician’s offices, many pharmacies (including those within grocery stores) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Flu vaccines are also offered at Public Health clinics for uninsured and underinsured individuals. While DPH no longer holds mass community flu clinics, flu vaccines will be offered at community-based locations where the DPH mobile units also provide additional health services. For locations, visit the flu finder at flu.delaware.gov. The flu is easy to transmit, and you can get it even from seemingly healthy, but unvaccinated, children and adults. Children, older adults and those who have chronic underlying medical conditions are most at risk for complications from the flu and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated now.

In addition to getting an annual flu shot, Delawareans can prevent the spread of the flu the same way they can prevent COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:

• wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue
• maintain 6 feet of space between others, especially those who reside outside of your own home
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

The flu and COVID-19 have many similar symptoms. They include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue (tiredness), sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches, and headaches. Other signs and symptoms of COVID-19 that are different from flu include a change in or loss of taste or smell. If you are sick, the best thing to do is call your health care provider to see if you should get tested for COVID-19 or come in for a visit.

Those sick with the flu should stay home from work, school and other gatherings and not return until they have been free of fever– with a temperature of less than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), without the use of fever-reducing medications– for at least 24 hours. People with flu symptoms should avoid close contact with well people in the household; you can give someone the flu 24 hours before you show symptoms and five to seven days after you get sick. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids. Over-the-counter medicines can provide symptom relief, but if you suspect you have influenza, call your doctor as they may decide to provide antiviral medications to help hasten recovery and prevent serious complications. This is particularly important for those who feel very sick, are pregnant or have chronic medical conditions.

For more information about the flu and where to get vaccinated, visit flu.delaware.gov or call 1-800-282-8672.

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.

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, and 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.

DOVER, DE (Oct. 10, 2022)– Delaware’s cancer mortality, or death, rate has further declined, according to the latest cancer data from the Division of Public Health (DPH). Between 2005 and 2019, mortality rates for cancer at all locations throughout the body, known as all-site cancer, decreased an average of 1.7% per year in both Delaware and the U.S. The state remains 15th highest in the U.S. for the timeframe of 2015-2019, which is unchanged from previous periods. Delaware also ranks 13th highest nationally for cancer incidence during the same period.

DPH presented its data report, Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Delaware, 2015-2019, to the Delaware Cancer Consortium (DCC) on October 10. These cancer statistics reflect incidence and mortality data for the five-year period 2015-2019. The report includes new incidence and mortality tables for all-site cancer and 23 site-specific cancer types. The tables include age-adjusted rates for cancer type by both gender and race with comparative U.S. statistics.

DPH compares Delaware’s cancer incidence and mortality statistics for 2015-2019 to those of the U.S. over the same period. DPH also summarizes how Delaware and U.S. cancer rates have changed from 2005 to 2019.

Additionally, DPH issued a compendium report, Census Tract-Level Cancer Incidence in Delaware, 2015-2019, which presents incidence rates for all-site cancer by census tract. In the 15-year period between 2005 and 2019, incidence rates for all-site cancer decreased an average of 1.1% per year in Delaware and an average of 0.7% per year in the U.S. While progress continues to be made, Delaware’s 2015-2019 all-site cancer incidence rate (468.8 per 100,000 population) remains 4% higher than the comparable U.S. rate (449.0 per 100,000 population). Delaware currently ranks 13th among the states for highest all-site cancer incidence. Delaware has improved in rankings over the last two five-year periods measured– 8th in 2014-2018 and 13th in 2015-2019. Prior to these years, Delaware had been ranked 2nd for incidence cancer rates for some time. A portion of the most recent progress may be attributed to fewer people accessing screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This report includes new comprehensive cancer tables for all cancer sites combined (all-site cancer), as well as the 23 top site-specific cancer types for both incidence and mortality, Cancer Incidence and Mortality Data Tables for Delaware, 2015-2019. The tables include age-adjusted rates for cancer type by both gender and race along with comparative statistics to the U.S.

Between 2005 and 2019, incidence rates for all-site cancer decreased an average of 1.8% per year among non-Hispanic White males and remained stable for non-Hispanic White females. During that same period, incidence rates for all-site cancer decreased an average of 3.1% per year among non-Hispanic Black males and remained stable for non-Hispanic Black females. Between 2005 and 2019, incidence rates for all-site cancer were stable among both Hispanic males and Hispanic females.

“It’s important that Delawareans get their recommended cancer screenings, and I encourage everyone to learn when to get yours, said Governor Carney. “We know that the earlier cancer is detected, the more treatable it is. I commend the Delaware Cancer Consortium and the Division of Public Health for coordinating our state’s cancer prevention advocacy and education. After decades of dedicated early detection and screening, it’s reassuring to see improvement in certain areas.”

Between 2005 and 2019, mortality rates for all-site cancer decreased an average of 1.7% per year in both Delaware and the U.S. Delaware’s current ranking of 15th among the states for highest all-site cancer mortality is the same ranking as in the 2021 report, which examined the 2013-2017 time period. This represents considerable continued progress since the 1990s, when the state ranked second.

Between 2005 and 2019, mortality rates for all-site cancer decreased by an average of 1.6% per year among non-Hispanic White males and decreased an average of 1.8% per year among non-Hispanic White females. Between 2005 and 2019, mortality rates for all-site cancer decreased an average of 2.5% per year among non-Hispanic Black males and remained stable for non-Hispanic Black females. Between 2005 and 2019, all-site cancer mortality rates were stable among both Hispanic males and females.

“The data show us clearly that early screening and prevention are critical for bringing down cancer mortality rates. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to delay cancer screenings and other preventive chronic disease care, and economically disadvantaged communities are typically impacted the most,” said Molly Magarik, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. “Free cancer screenings are available to eligible Delawareans, and we know they can lead to earlier diagnosis and to saving lives.”

The top four cancers for incidence are: female breast (136.1 per 100,000 population), prostate (125.9 per 100,000 population), lung and bronchus (61.7 per 100,000 population), colorectal (37.1 per 100,000 population). The top four cancers for mortality are: lung and bronchus (40.9 per 100,000 population), female breast (21.2 per 100,000 population), prostate (17.0 per 100,000 population) and colorectal (13.0 per 100,000 population). These are also the same trends in the U.S.

Among females, breast cancer had the highest incidence (136.1 per 100,000 population) and lung cancer had the highest mortality (34.5 per 100,000 population). Among males, prostate cancer had the highest incidence (125.9 per 100,000 population) and lung cancer had the highest mortality (49.1 per 100,000 population).

Among the top four cancers affecting Delaware, non-Hispanic Black Delawareans are disproportionately more affected by breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers compared to non-Hispanic White and Hispanic Delawareans. Lung cancer affects more non-Hispanic White Delawareans.

Non-Hispanic Black women (27.5 per 100,000 population) have a higher mortality rate for breast cancer compared to non-Hispanic White women (20.5 per 100,000 population). Non-Hispanic Black men (32.5 per 100,000 population) have a higher mortality rate for prostate cancer compared to non-Hispanic White men (14.9 per 100,000 population). Non-Hispanic White Delawareans die from lung cancer at a higher rate (43.0 per 100,000 population) compared to non-Hispanic Black (39.8 per 100,000 population) and Hispanic (18.8 per 100,000 population) Delawareans.

“We are encouraged at the reductions in cancer incidence and mortality seen among Black male Delawareans when it comes to all-site cancer,” said Interim DPH Director Dr. Rick Hong. “Despite this, we know that disparities continue to exist, and DPH is committed to working to reduce those disparities by addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to them.”

RESOURCES

• In addition to cancer data, the Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Delaware, 2015-2019 report also includes information about screening and historical data trends. The Census Tract-Level Cancer Incidence in Delaware, 2015-2019 compendium report presents analyses of all-site cancer incidence rates by census tract. The Cancer Incidence and Mortality Data Tables for Delaware, 2015-2019 provides a quick view of the 23 top site-specific cancer types for both incidence and mortality.
• To learn how to prevent, detect, and treat chronic diseases and obtain assistance with a cancer screening, visit the Healthy Delaware website at HealthyDelaware.org or call the Delaware Comprehensive Cancer Control Program at 302-744-1040. For more information about the DCC, visit https://www.healthydelaware.org/Consortium.
• The Screening for Life (SFL) program provides payment for cancer screening tests to qualified Delaware adults. Eligible individuals can receive mammograms and clinical breast exams, Pap tests and screening tests for prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer when recommended by a doctor. SFL also provides lung cancer screenings for eligible men and women. Contact SFL at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/DPH/dpc/sfl.html or call 302-744-1040 to speak with a screening nurse navigator.
• Delaware residents 18 and older who want help quitting smoking should contact the Delaware Quitline at 1-866-409-1858 or QuitSupport.com.
• For population health, environmental and social determinants of health data at the smallest geographical area available, visit the My Healthy Community data portal at de.gov/healthycommunity.

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. DPH 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 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.

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 10, 2022)– As part of its strategic plan to make access to services easier for Delawareans across the state, the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) will begin a critical community engagement phase in which the public can weigh in on the kinds of changes they want to see. For years, DHSS has heard about the difficulty Delawareans have in accessing and navigating such services such as general assistance, emergency assistance services, food benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), emergency housing, Medicaid, and more.

“Hearing from the community about their experiences with receiving services is a priority for the department,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “As we embark on improving services and ensuring those services meet the needs of Delawareans across the state, it is critical that we learn about the current experiences and potential solutions from the community. This important project will help DHSS create a service delivery system that is easier to access, more integrated, and works for all.”

Earlier this year, DHSS launched its “Reimagining Service Delivery” initiative to research, create and implement improvements on how services are delivered. This DHSS effort is part of Governor Carney’s Family Services Cabinet Council (FSCC). The FSCC’s goal is to integrate service delivery across the state and make it easier for families and individuals to get the support they need. As a first step, DHSS partnered with Social Contract, a Wilmington consulting firm, to understand the service delivery experience from staff at DHSS’ 15 State Service Centers. Additionally, Social Contract has researched service offerings and their purpose, funding sources, and eligibility requirements.

Secretary Magarik said DHSS seeks to enhance services from the perspective of the clients. To do this, DHSS and Social Contract will host community engagement sessions across the state beginning this month. There will be interviews, focus groups, listening sessions, and more. The goal is to hear about people’s experiences with state services, which will be used to make those services more effective for all.

Secretary Magarik said DHSS hears the need for improvement. “The department is committed to making important changes in service delivery that meet the needs of Delawareans,” she said.

To facilitate these changes, DHSS needs input from the community. Delawareans are asked to complete a short online survey by Nov. 1 to share their experience with receiving state services. Through the survey, residents also can let DHSS know if they want to participate in the future community engagement sessions. For questions about the engagements and survey, please email StateServiceCommunity@delaware.gov.

To learn more about the project and the community engagement phase, visit de.gov/community.

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.

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 6, 2022)– Delaware families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits will get emergency food assistance through the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program for children under the age of 6 living in their households. Eligible SNAP households will receive the Spring 2022 P-EBT Child Care Benefit for the second half of the 2021-2022 school year (January 2022 through June 2022).

The Division of Social Services will issue the Spring 2022 P-EBT Child Care Benefit on Oct. 7 on behalf of children under the age of 6. A child is eligible for this P-EBT benefit if three conditions were met from January through June 2022:

1. The child was under the age of 6.
2. The child was a member of a household that received SNAP food benefits.
3. The child lived in an area where one or more schools or child-care facilities were closed or operated with reduced attendance or hours because of COVID-19.

The Spring 2022 P-EBT Child Care Benefit covers the months of January, February, March, April, May, and June 2022. For each eligible child under age 6, the SNAP household will receive a standard benefit amount of $36 per month for each month from January through June 2022 that the household received SNAP food benefits.

SNAP households will receive P-EBT benefits on their existing SNAP EBT cards and can use their P-EBT benefits just like SNAP food benefits to buy eligible food items at stores and farmer’s markets that accept SNAP EBT. Households will receive the Spring 2022 P=EBT Child Care Benefit on Oct. 7 for all children under the age of 6 in their homes. Households will only receive P-EBT benefits for children under the age of 6 for the months that the household received SNAP food benefits during the P-EBT period.

“We are grateful to be able to offer this Pandemic EBT Child Care Benefit to eligible families of Delaware’s youngest students,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik. “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted vulnerable families in many significant ways, including having their children miss out on nutritious meals at their child-care centers or schools. We offer our thanks to Delaware’s congressional delegation for extending this important federal food benefit to those families.”

The Division of Social Services estimates that it will issue $5.5 million in P-EBT benefits to the families of approximately 15,850 children under the age of 6 in SNAP households for the 2021-2022 school year.

Eligible SNAP households will receive notification in the mail regarding P-EBT benefits. Households do not need to take any action to receive P-EBT benefits.

The Division of Social Services issued the Fall 2021 P-EBT Childcare Benefit in June 2022 to eligible SNAP households with children under the age of 6 for the first half of the 2021-2022 school year (September 2021 through December 2021).

Please contact the Division of Social Services at 1-866-843-7212 if you have questions about Delaware’s P-EBT Program. More information about the program can be found at: https://dhss.delaware.gov/DSS/pebt.html

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.

DOVER, DE (Oct. 6, 2022)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has created new resources and a new webinar specifically for pharmacists as part of its ongoing work to reduce substance use disorder. DPH has worked with partners in the medical community to develop Delaware-specific, evidence-based education materials, aiming to reduce the risk of unintentional opioid prescription overdose deaths in the state. These materials are available on the health care provider page at HelpIsHereDE.com, including the new content created specifically for pharmacists.

According to the 2019 Annual Surveillance Report on Drug-Related Outcomes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Delaware ranked first in the nation for both high-dose opioid prescribing and long-acting opioid prescribing. In 2020, Delaware ranked third-highest among all states in overdose death rates (CDC, 2021). Of those overdose deaths, 88% involved opioids.

DPH partnered with Alosa Health, Inc., to provide one-on-one education for pharmacists. DPH and Alosa created a webinar (available on HelpIsHere.com) to educate pharmacists on the effects of co-prescribing naloxone (Narcan) with certain opioid prescriptions. Pharmacists who complete the webinar curriculum will be eligible to apply for Continuing Education credits (CEs). Among other topics covered in the webinar, pharmacists are encouraged to co-dispense naloxone with any opioid prescription exceeding 50 Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME) or upon discretion as outlined in the Centers for Disease Control and Prescription’s Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain.

Pharmacies can participate in the Community-Based Naloxone Access Program (CBNAP) to deliver naloxone without a doctor’s prescription under a Standing Order. Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose and opioid-induced respiratory depression, which can prevent death and brain damage from lack of oxygen. Naloxone is covered in full through Delaware Medicaid insurance.

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.

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.

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, and 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.