Category: Development Disabilities

DOVER, DEL. (June 20, 2024)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) Bureau and the Community Health Mobile Unit are partnering with the Dover Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (DST), Inc. to inform the community on all aspects of cancer prevention at the Positively Dover African American Festival on June 22, 2024. This event is sponsored by the Inner-City Cultural League, Inc. to celebrate and honor African American culture and heritage.

The partnership aims to educate the public on cancer risk factors, screenings, treatment, and survivorship through culturally inclusive and equitable approaches to access and care on the four most common cancers worldwide: breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer. DPH’s Community Mobile Health Unit will also be onsite to offer a variety of health screenings.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with DST at the Positively Dover African American Festival,” said DPH Director Steven Blessing. “This partnership gives an opportunity to reach a diverse audience and provide them with valuable information and resources to improve their overall health. By offering free health screenings and education, we hope to empower individuals to take control of their health and make informed choices.”

In Delaware, DPH has made considerable progress since 2001 to shrink the racial disparity in colorectal cancer. The Delaware Cancer Registry for 2016-2020 indicates non-Hispanic Black Delawareans have a slightly higher mortality rate for colorectal cancer compared to non-Hispanic White Delawareans (14.9 vs. 12.8 per 100,000 population). Although non-Hispanic White Delawareans have a higher mortality rate for lung cancer compared to non-Hispanic Black Delawareans (40.5 vs. 37.1 per 100,000 population), 48% of distant stage lung cancer cases were diagnosed in non-Hispanic Black Delawareans compared to 41% in non-Hispanic White Delawareans. Distant stage cancer cases are more severe, decrease survival, and are harder to treat compared to cases diagnosed in earlier stages.

Non-Hispanic Black Delawareans are also more affected by breast and prostate cancers compared to non-Hispanic White Delawareans. According to the Delaware Cancer Registry for 2016-2020, non-Hispanic Black women have a higher mortality rate from breast cancer compared to non-Hispanic White women in Delaware (26.8 vs. 20.3 per 100,000 population). Similarly, non-Hispanic Black men die from prostate cancer at double the rate compared to non-Hispanic White men in Delaware (32.6 vs. 15.7 per 100,000 population). These trends in breast and prostate are not unique to Delaware and are consistent with national trend in cancer. For more information, visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/DPH/dpc/cancer.html.

“The Dover Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has a long-standing tradition of service and advocacy,” said DST President Wanda Davis. “Our partnership with the DPH allows us to expand our reach and effectiveness in promoting health and the overall well-being of Kent County community residents.”

For more information on the Positively Dover African American Festival, visit their website at https://www.icclarts.org/aaf. To learn more about the Dover Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, visit their website at https://www.doverdeltas.org/. For more information on preventing, detecting, and treating cancer, visit https://www.healthydelaware.org/Individuals#cancer.

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.

Dover Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (DST) is a Divine Nine member organization of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) committed to service, scholarship, sisterhood and social action. With a rich history of community engagement and advocacy, the sorority strives to make a positive impact through various educational, cultural, and health-focused initiatives.

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, DEL. (June 14, 2024)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is currently investigating a rise in pertussis (whooping cough) cases in New Castle County. Pertussis is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe health complications including pneumonia, syncope (passing out), seizures, apnea (stopping breathing) and death, particularly in very young children. It begins with cold-like symptoms and develops into a bad cough. Coughing spells can be severe, and sometimes the individual might suffer from gagging or vomiting as a result. Some people also may have a high-pitched “whoop” after they cough, which is how the disease got its common name.

The best way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends different vaccines against pertussis for different age groups.

Children should receive 5 doses of the DTap vaccine administered at set intervals from age 2 months to 6 years to protect against pertussis. Adolescents and adults receive a dose of the adolescent/adult vaccine (Tdap). To protect their babies from pertussis, pregnant women should receive Tdap with each pregnancy. Both DTap and Tdap provide protection against pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus. For more information about pertussis vaccination visit the CDC’s website.

If a Delaware resident is unsure of their vaccination status, they can visit the DelVAX public portal and view their personal profile. Individuals may also contact their primary health care provider for additional details or if they are unable to obtain their records on DelVAX.

However, it is important to know that vaccinated individuals could get and transmit pertussis as the protection from the vaccine wanes over time. Symptoms in those who were previously vaccinated will appear to be milder than in someone who is unvaccinated. Individuals currently experiencing a prolonged cough or who have been in contact with someone with pertussis should contact their doctor for testing and/or treatment. The treatment for pertussis is with antibiotics. Antibiotics are also recommended for those exposed to a person with pertussis including all household contacts, close contacts, and contacts who have a high risk of developing severe pertussis. This is to prevent them from getting sick with pertussis.

For more information about pertussis, visit https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/.

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.

DOVER, Del. (June 6, 2024)– The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention (PANO) Program hosted its second annual Advancing Healthy Lifestyles Conference today. At Delaware State University’s (DSU) Martin Luther King Jr. Conference Center, approximately 300 participants came together to learn, discuss, network, and share best practices and strategies to improve health equity statewide. With a shared mission of improving Delawareans’ health, well-being, and quality of life, participants explored a wide range of topics relating to the conference theme, Engaging Communities to Live Healthy Lifestyles.

Throughout the day, participants were inspired by remarks from local dignitaries and healthy lifestyle advocates, including Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, DPH Director Steven Blessing, DSU President Tony Allen, PhD, and keynote presenter and six-time Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee. In addition to plenary sessions, participants engaged in concurrent breakout sessions offering discussions on the topics of:

• Community Engagement: Trust Begins Through Outreach
• Behavioral Health: Improving Emotional Fitness and Wellness
• Changing Mindsets: Shifting Attitudes for Positive Results.

The Advancing Healthy Lifestyles Conference was originally created to build on Governor John Carney’s policy objectives for launching a statewide effort to reduce the impact of obesity and chronic disease, and to evaluate and implement the recommendations of the Delaware Cancer Consortium. The 2024 conference goals included:

• Demonstrating best practices, opportunities, challenges, and success stories related to obesity and chronic disease prevention.
• Discussing strategies to engage communities and encourage healthy lifestyles including building trust, changing mindsets, and motivating change.
• Illustrating individual and systemic barriers to engaging in healthy lifestyles and sharing success stories to overcome these barriers.
• Providing networking and collaboration opportunities for cross-sector, public health professionals.

Statistics indicate that Delawareans need to improve their diet and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), obesity among Delaware adults rose from 33.9% in 2021 to 37.9% in 2022. In 2022, 71.8% of Delaware adults were obese or overweight. Among Delaware adults in 2022, 23.5% were not physically active, 20.5% did not consume vegetables, and 39.7% did not consume fruit. America’s Health Rankings 2023 Annual Report shows that 11.5% of Delawareans are food insecure and unable to provide adequate food for one or more household members due to lack of resources.

“We were thrilled to see such a great mix of returning people and newcomers for the second year of our Advancing Healthy Lifestyles Conference,” said Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Cabinet Secretary Josette Manning. “Each person who participated today made a commitment to tackle the challenges of obesity, inadequate nutrition, lack of physical activity, and chronic disease. Together, we can drive change and ensure every Delawarean is on a path to a better quality of life for themselves and the generations that follow.”

The day’s formal sessions concluded with the Overcomers Panel: Being Your Best Self that shared real-life journeys demonstrating the power of individuals who overcame hurdles and put healthier lifestyle practices into place to achieve a better quality of life. Panelist “DJHanDMan” Darrell McDonald, diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 2, spoke about his advocacy for people with access and functional needs to move freely in the community and live their best lives.

Conference participants had the opportunity to network and explore information tables offering additional resources to help them in their outreach throughout the year.

Through the Advancing Healthy Lifestyles Coalition, PANO is advancing its mission by increasing awareness (the most pressing need related to health equity), focusing on mental health and wellness, and increasing community engagement. PANO sponsored and organized the 2024 Advancing Healthy Lifestyles Conference.

The conference was co-sponsored by Delaware State University, Delaware Public Health Association’s Delaware Academy of Medicine, Delaware First Health, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Delaware chapters Zeta Omega, Epsilon Iota Omega, Sigma Zeta Omega, Alpha Alpha Mu Omega, and Alpha Alpha Tau Omega; Delaware Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Bayhealth, ChristianaCare, the YMCA of Delaware, and AmeriHealth Caritas of Delaware.

For more information on PANO’s Advancing Healthy Lifestyles initiative, visit HealthyDelaware.org/AdvancingHealthyLifestyles.

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 (May 9, 2024)– As warmer weather brings people outdoors and potentially in contact with ticks, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is recognizing Lyme Disease Awareness Month this May. According to DPH’s Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Delaware, with over 300 cases reported each year.

Lyme disease is spread by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (also known as a deer tick). The tick must remain attached for 24 or more hours to spread the bacteria. In some cases, a rash resembling a bullseye will appear near the site of the bite. If an expanding rash with a diameter of more than two inches appears or flu-like symptoms occur over a 30-day period following a tick bite, individuals should contact their health care provider immediately.

“Because ticks are found outdoors in most areas of Delaware, Lyme Disease Awareness Month is an opportunity for DPH to educate Delawareans about the importance of tick bite prevention,” said DPH Director Steven Blessing. “By taking simple precautions, individuals can protect themselves and their families while enjoying the outdoors.”

If you find a tick on yourself or a friend or family member, make sure to use tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward. Never use folklore remedies like “painting” the tick with nail polish or petroleum jelly or using heat to make the tick detach from the skin. Your goal is to remove the tick as quickly as possible.

To avoid tick bites:

• Avoid wooded or brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
• Stick to the center of trails.
• Treat clothing with products containing 0.5% permethrin or use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing products like Diethyltoluamide (DEET). Always follow label instructions.
• Perform tick checks on yourself, children, and pets after being outdoors.
• Shower within two hours of coming indoors and tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks.
• Keep pets up to date on tick prevention products.

To practice tick safety at home:

• Create a “Tick-Safe Zone” through landscaping.
  • Place a three-foot-wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas and around patios and play equipment.
  • Maintain a nine-foot-wide barrier between the wood chips and high-use areas.
• Remove leaf litter and invasive plants such as multiflora rose, Japanese honeysuckle, Japanese barberry or Oriental bittersweet.
• Keep grass short in high-use areas and keep leaves raked.
• Keep your yard free of trash and debris. This discourages rodents, which ticks feed on.

For more information about Lyme disease and tips for preventing tick-borne illnesses, visit the DPH Lyme disease webpage at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/DPH/epi/lyme.html and Delaware’s Lyme Disease Education Oversight Board’s webpage at https://www.lymediseaseeducation.org/.

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.

DOVER, Del. (April 19, 2024)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) hosted a Family Assistance Center (FAC) Full-Scale Exercise on Thursday, April 18, in Frankford. The exercise simulated a traffic collision with multiple coach buses and numerous injuries and fatalities. It was held to test the readiness and response capabilities of state agencies and the community.

DPH collaborated with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Delaware State Police, Delaware Division of Forensic Sciences, Division of Social Services, Victim Services and other emergency and community-based organizations to develop a comprehensive FAC plan. Participants acted out different scenarios that mimicked what might occur following the emergency.

The Full-Scale Exercise aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various response measures, including reunification information, patient/deceased tracking, implementation of a call center, communication strategies (including family and press briefings) and family support and victims’ services operations. It also tested various aspects of the response process, including the coordination between different agencies and local hospital systems, the flow of information to the public and the support provided to survivors and their families.

“The exercise was an excellent opportunity for emergency responders and community stakeholders to practice and refine their emergency response plans,” said Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Josette Manning. “It also served as a valuable learning experience, providing them with insights into what steps can be taken in the event of a real emergency.”

“DPH is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Delawareans,” said DPH Director Steven Blessing. “By hosting this exercise, DPH aims to improve the coordination and effectiveness of emergency response efforts, ensuring that all Delawareans receive the support they need in times of crisis.”

You can view the full recording of the exercise here.

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.

NEW CASTLE (February 12, 2024)– The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and the Delaware Health Care Commission have launched the Benchmark Trend Report Dashboard to further support the State’s efforts to improve health care quality for all residents, while simultaneously working to monitor and reduce the economic burden of health care spending.

This dashboard allows an interactive view of Delaware’s health care spending and quality data comparing across multiple years. Users can directly interact with the data and visualizations, allowing a customizable journey through the dashboard. Information is broken down by state-, market- and insurer -level spending as well as type of insurance and total healthcare enrollment.

The spending and quality benchmarks were originally developed to support Governor John Carney’s vision for the State. In November 2018, Governor Carney signed Executive Order 25, establishing a state health care spending benchmark, an annual per-capita-rate-of-growth benchmark for health care spending, and multiple health care quality measures that are to be evaluated and adjusted every three years. The benchmarks were subsequently codified in August of 2022 through House Bill 442.

“Our goal of ensuring that Delawareans can access and afford quality health care is only possible when agencies across the State work collectively to pursue answers and solutions,” said DHSS Cabinet Secretary Josette Manning. “The benchmarks are a means to continue the conversation about how to decrease the cost of care and improve quality for the individuals we serve.”

To learn more about Delaware’s health care spending and quality benchmarks, visit the Delaware Health Care Commission website at https://dhss.delaware.gov/DHCC/.

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.

MILFORD (January 30, 2024)– The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) presented the Gold Restaurant Accolade Program Award to High 5 Hospitality today at its new Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Milford.

The Restaurant Accolade Program has successfully trained 124 restaurants to recognize and respond to an overdose, making these restaurants Bronze level awardees. Thirty-three restaurants have identified staff members who are willing to link staff to local treatment and harm reduction resources in Delaware, making them Silver level awardees. High 5 Hospitality is the first restaurant group to achieve the Gold level award by putting into place policies and procedures to support staff who struggle with substance use, training staff to recognize and respond to an overdose, and providing local resources to those who may need them.

“We are proud of our leaders and team members for being the first hospitality group to achieve the Gold level status,” said Lori Ewald, High 5 Hospitality Director of Human Resources and Marketing. “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?”

Restaurants are one of the industries whose workforce has historically had a high incidence of overdose. In Delaware, 549 restaurant staff members have been trained to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose. Staff and restaurants were given Narcan kits to use and keep on site.

“We congratulate High 5 Hospitality on being the first group to reach our Gold status,” said Frances Marti, DSAMH Deputy Director. “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. This program is very important 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 contacting Anne.Carr@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.

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 (Jan. 30, 2024)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today six (6) suspected flu-related deaths for the 2023-2024 influenza season. The first recorded death of the season was in December. All decedents were over the age of 55 with one reportedly up to date on their flu vaccination. Three of the decedents were New Castle County residents, two were Sussex County residents and one was a Kent County resident.

Getting the annual flu vaccine is important for all people ages 6 months and older to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death that can result from the flu virus. Hospitalization and death from the flu can occur in previously healthy individuals, though persons with underlying health conditions are at significantly increased risk for serious outcomes.

“The recent surge in flu-related deaths is a stark reminder of the severe impact this seasonal illness can have on public health,” said DPH Medical Director Dr. Awele Maduka-Ezeh. “It is crucial for people of all ages to receive their annual flu shot, as the vaccine is the most effective way to protect against the flu and its potentially life-threatening consequences. Flu-related deaths are preventable, and by working together and taking proactive measures, we can minimize the impact of influenza.”

According to the Influenza Dashboard on My Healthy Community (https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/portals/flu/locations/state/seasons/2023-2024/overview), a total of 3,594 total flu cases have been reported through January 20, 2024. The flu season began October 1, 2023. For the week of Dec. 24– Dec. 30, 2023, the most recent week for which case data is available, there were 690 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu reported. Although there have been 297,897 flu vaccine doses administered from Oct. 1 to Jan. 20. It only accounts for 30.3% of the population.

Seniors ages 65 and older have the highest vaccination rate of any age group in Delaware with 65.1% vaccinated. This population makes up 41.4% of the state’s total vaccinated population. Every other age group has a vaccination rate of under 30% with persons in the 18-34 age demographic having the lowest at 13.4%.

The influenza data dashboard is updated weekly on Thursdays at the state and county level, and monthly for other geographies. As of Jan. 24, the most recently available data for flu hospitalizations, there have been 110 hospitalizations for the season to date.

DPH reminds the public it is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu. Visit flu.delaware.gov and click on the Find A Flu Shot Near You button on the webpage for a list of locations where you can receive your flu shot.

If you get sick with flu, influenza antiviral drugs may be a treatment option your primary health care provider recommends. Antiviral drugs work best when started early, such as one to two days after your flu symptoms begin. When treatment is started within 1-2 days after flu symptoms begin, influenza antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days.

Delawareans are encouraged to take the following preventive actions to reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses:

• Get vaccinated now. Make sure you are up-to-date on your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, if eligible. You can get more than one vaccination in the same visit.
• Stay home if sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Test for COVID-19 if sick, and if that’s negative, consider calling your doctor to see if you should be tested for flu. If you are diagnosed with the flu, your doctor may be able to prescribe antivirals to ease your symptoms.

For additional information call 1-800-282-8672 or visit flu.delaware.gov. The best source of information about the flu vaccine is your primary care provider or a health care professional

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.