Category: Development Disabilities

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 8, 2023) – Divisions from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families (DSCYF) are working together to prevent opioid abuse among young athletes by funding innovative prevention programs in the community.

The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) and the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services (DPBHS) are helping local athletic groups provide programs that include evidence-based curriculum to help prevent opioid use by youth. Funded by a federal grant in response to the state’s opioid epidemic, the project includes the Delaware Ducks football team, Duffy’s Hope basketball league, and Slingshot Family Services’ lacrosse team.

Delaware continues to struggle with opioid overdoses. In 2021, the Delaware Division of Forensic Science reported 515 overdose deaths in Delaware, an increase of almost 19.5% over the last three years. Of the 515 total deaths in 2021, 420 (81%) involved fentanyl, a synthetic pain reliever that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine.

“Providing preventative education is important in this fight against Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and focusing on teen athletes who may be exposed to opioids due to injury is another way we’re trying to lower the public’s risk,” said DSAMH Director Joanna Champney.

DSAMH, a division of the Department of Health and Social Services, has been able to provide funding for these and other programs through the State Opioid Response (SOR) Initiative. The overall goals for SOR in Delaware include decreasing opioid overdoses statewide, improving understanding of and engagement and retention in OUD/SUD treatment and identifying and engaging high-risk populations in treatment.

The Ducks football program is year-round and geared toward middle school aged boys. Federal grants administered by DSAMH and DPBHS are funding the football team’s use of an evidence-based curriculum called SPORT. The curriculum presents information to the players, coaches and parents about the dangers of drug use and includes a parental component that requires 100% participation. During the summer, the Ducks hosted a mini conference for their participants and families. Approximately 400 youth and 100 coaches and caregivers participated in prevention and educational activities on the consequences of opioid and/or stimulant misuse.

Slingshot Family Services, which is bringing lacrosse to youth in Wilmington, and Duffy’s Hope high school basketball league in Glasgow and Wilmington, are also participating in the initiative using the SPORT curriculum. The goal is to promote physical activity and sports, combined with wellness focused activities that increase positive behaviors around stress management, nutrition, sleep and other areas. This lowers teens’ risk for addiction.

“Unfortunately, student athletes may be at an elevated risk of substance misuse due to injury, intense pressure to perform, anxiety and the belief that drugs may enhance their performance,” said Shelly Lazorchak, Director of Prevention Services for the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services, part of the Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families (DSCYF). “It is critical for the adults around them to understand the impact of substances on a youth’s developing brain and encourage them to delay first use of substances as long as possible.”

The Ducks have also partnered for the last two years with aTAcK addiction, an organization that provides educational presentations on strategies to eliminate drug addiction.

“The players have been attentive and expressed interest and concern regarding this problem,” said Don Keister, a board member of aTAcK addiction. “The coaches have been supportive, reinforcing the importance of resisting the use of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs. I commend the work in helping these student athletes realize the dangers associated with experimentation at their young age.”

Ninety percent of Americans with a substance use disorder used their first substance prior to age 18. Adults should educate themselves on the risk factors facing youth and promote health and wellness. By engaging them in prevention education while continuing to encourage their participation in healthy activities, such as sports, it creates a win-win environment.

Are you a coach or athletic director in Delaware interested in partnering with DSCYF to offer preventative education and activities to your youth team or club? Contact Shelly Lazorchak at Rochelle.Lazorchak@Delaware.gov.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, call the Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE for information and resources or visit HelpisHereDE.com.

For youth mental health resources, call the 24/7 Child Crisis Hotline (Mobile Response and Stabilization Services) at 1-800-969-HELP (4357). You can also contact the Prevention helpline at 302-633-2680 or PBHS_Prevention_Inquiries@delaware.gov (learn about free services for substance use, trauma, mental health, stress relief, healthy relationships, caregiver support and more).

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 (Feb. 6, 2024)– On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) was recognized by the 152nd General Assembly, with House Concurrent Resolution 81 sponsored by Rep. Kimberly Williams, (D-19), and Sen. Jack Walsh, (D-9).

November 2023 marked 10 years since the OAW was established under the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). The OAW is a state office dedicated to protecting the health, safety and welfare of companion animals, and promoting the human-animal bond.

“For 10 years now, the Office of Animal Welfare has worked to improve the quality of life for pets and people across our state and their efforts deserve recognition,” said Rep. Kim Williams. “Through their collaboration with local animal shelters, rescues, and the veterinary community, they have not only made Delaware a more humane and compassionate place, but have also played a pivotal role in making our state the first no-kill animal shelter state. As we celebrate their remarkable 10 years of service, let us also embrace the important message of ‘adopt, don’t shop’ when looking for a new four-legged friend.”

In 2012, a State Animal Welfare Taskforce of policymakers, veterinarians, shelter directors and others with expertise in animal welfare was assembled to analyze issues concerning companion animals and to make recommendations for improvement. The 147th Delaware General Assembly established the OAW from the recommendations of this taskforce in late 2013, as it was clear there was a need for a state office dedicated to addressing these issues. Today, the public has one centralized office to manage and coordinate programs and services for pets, which greatly reduces the confusion for residents and fragmentation of services that existed previously.

“Over the last decade, the Office of Animal Welfare has played a vital role in promoting safer and healthier communities by carrying out their mission to protect the welfare of the dogs, cats and other furry companions that are a part of so many of our families,” said Sen. Jack Walsh, the Senate prime sponsor of HCR 81. “I am proud to recognize the OAW’s tireless dedication, and even prouder of the work that OAW and the General Assembly have done, and will continue to do, to protect the welfare of animals throughout Delaware.”

In recent years, the office has created many programs and resources to promote the safety and wellbeing of Delawareans and their companion animals. Among these accomplishments are:

• Launching a statewide Lost and Found Pet Registry.
• Implementing training and certification regulations for animal welfare officers that ensures preparedness and consistency statewide.
• Establishing Delaware Animal Services (DAS) which is the Office’s enforcement unit to safeguard pets and the public.
• Drafting enforcement provisions for the Shelter Standards Law.
• Implementing a comprehensive shelter oversight program which conducts regular inspections of Delaware’s animal shelters.
• Expansion of the State Spay & Neuter Program to reduce animal homelessness.

“Celebrating 10 years of the Office of Animal Welfare is a significant milestone that is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff and community partners, as well as the support of the public,” said OAW Director Christina Motoyoshi. “This tribute provides an opportunity to recognize those that worked to create the Office and reflect on the impact made as a result to reduce animal homelessness and suffering, elevate professionalism and make our community safer for people and pets. We look forward to continued progress and serving as a vital resource for Delawareans for years to come.”

For more information about OAW, visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/DPH/oaw/oawhome.html. To report animal cruelty or a dog control issue, call 302-255-4646.

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.

FELTON, Del. (Feb. 1, 2024)– Animal welfare officers rescued 76 animals from a mobile home in Felton on Monday, January 29, after being found living in cramped, unsanitary conditions. The Office of Animal Welfare (OAW)’s Delaware Animal Services (DAS) received a call from Delaware State Police at approximately 2:00PM Monday about a potential animal cruelty case. Animal welfare officers arrived at the home to investigate, discovering 66 small breed dogs, 9 cats and 1 bird living in inhumane conditions. The dogs were found huddled together in cramped rooms covered in feces, urine and filth. None of the dogs were sterilized and continued to reproduce, ranging in age from newborn to senior.

Officers safely removed the animals from the trailer and transported them to Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA)’s Animal Rescue Center in Georgetown, where they are receiving care and being assessed by the rescue center’s medical teams. The animals showed varying degrees of medical issues with some being underweight, others suffering from skin or eye issues, and all infested with fleas.

“No animal should have to live like this,” said DAS Captain Rebecca Stratton. “Thankfully we were alerted in time to prevent further neglect and remove the animals from the horrible conditions they were forced to endure.”

The investigation by DAS is ongoing and criminal charges are pending.

“Our team has been working around the clock since these animals came into our care late Monday,” said Brandywine Valley SPCA CEO Adam Lamb. “We will continue to work with them and provide medical care and rehabilitation until we can place them in the forever homes they each deserve.”

The BVSPCA is asking for the public’s assistance in meeting this emergency need. To find out how you can help, visit bvspca.org/get-involved.

Reporting Animal Cruelty

Cruelty and neglect of animals is against the law (delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c030f/index.html). If you are concerned about an animal’s welfare and suspect cruelty or neglect, contact OAW’s Delaware Animal Services immediately at 302-255-4646 or report online at animalservices.delaware.gov/report_violation/25

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, DE (Jan. 30, 2023)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has been notified of multiple positive cases of COVID-19 that could be related to several in-person events last week in and around Legislative Hall. Out of an abundance of caution, DPH is offering recommendations to those planning to attend Joint Finance Committee hearings beginning Tuesday Jan. 31, to reduce any potential risk of spread of the virus.

“We want the public to know about the potential risk so that they can evaluate their own situation and make informed choices about how to participate in the legislative process,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “Having this information is particularly important for older Delawareans and those with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions so they can decide how they best want to protect themselves.”

DPH recommends that individuals visiting Legislative Hall this week consider wearing a high-quality mask to reduce the chance of COVID-19 transmission, and keep a six-foot social distance when possible from people outside of your household.

Alternately, individuals can attend and participate online via registering through the committee meeting page on the Joint Finance Committee’s homepage. (link: Joint Finance Committee– Delaware General Assembly).

Regardless of vaccination status, you should stay home to isolate from others when you have COVID-19 for at least five days, followed by another five days of mask wearing when out in public.

You should also isolate if you have symptoms and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results. If your results are negative, it is recommended you take two tests 48 hours apart. It’s possible that you have COVID-19 but that it did not show up when you tested initially. If both tests come back negative, you can stop isolating.

If you find out you were in contact with someone who has COVID-19, begin wearing a high-quality mask or respirator (e.g., N95) any time you are around others either inside your home, or indoors in public. Wear a mask for 10 full days and do not go anywhere where you are unable to wear a mask. If you do not have symptoms, or do not develop symptoms, there is no need for you to stay home (quarantine). If symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms occur, isolate at home immediately, get tested, and stay home until you know the result.

For more information on COVID-19 testing visit de.gov/gettested. For more information about isolation and exposure recommendations visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/quarantine-isolation/. Finally for more information about masking visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/guidance-for-face-coverings/.

If you are over age 50, particularly if you have a chronic health condition, or are unvaccinated, you should talk to your health care provider about COVID-19 treatment options. You can learn more at de.gov/covidtreatments.

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.

For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

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.

DOVER, DE (Jan. 27, 2023)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the closure of the COVID-19 call center and the vaccine call center due to a low volume of calls. The Call Centers’ last day of operation will be Tuesday, January 31. Delawareans may still access critical COVID-19 information on the website at de.gov/coronavirus, where questions can be submitted via the contact form at coronavirus.delaware.gov/contact. General questions about COVID-19 will still be answered by calling 2-1-1 or by emailing DPHCall@delaware.gov, or Vaccine@delaware.gov for vaccine-specific questions.

“The COVID-19 call center has provided an invaluable service to Delawareans throughout the pandemic who had so many questions about this new disease,” said Interim DPH Director Dr. Rick Hong. “We started with multiple call center operators, even having to open a separate Vaccine Call Center when the vaccine program rolled out. However, significantly lower call volume concerning COVID-19 as the pandemic wanes and evolves is allowing us to re-allocate personnel to other critical health work. Most people are accessing information through the web however, we remain dedicated to answering COVID-19 related questions through our email resource boxes, which will continue to be monitored. We will also continue to communicate COVID-19 information to Delawareans using media and community partners, to encourage them to practice health safety by getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu, staying home when sick, and wearing a mask in public areas if they feel sick and must go out.”

The COVID-19 call center was launched on March 4, 2020, under the leadership of former DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. The creation of the COVID-19 call center stemmed from the tremendous number of calls DPH was receiving about the novel coronavirus. At the time of launch, Delaware reported no coronavirus cases in the state. The call center provided critical information to schools, medical providers, state agencies and community organizations. A second call center was opened on Dec. 19, 2020, to field questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

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.

For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

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.

Canceled***Media Advisory***

DHSS Press Release

Molly Magarik, Secretary
Jen Brestel, Director of Communications
302-605-0577
Email: Jennifer.brestel@delaware.gov

DPH Media Contact:
Tim Turane
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov
Date: January 27, 2023

DHSS-1-2023

 

WHAT:	High 5 Hospitality group will recognize the manager (Destiney Rivera) of a Jersey Mike’s location in Newark during a ceremony on Jan 30, at 505 Stanton Christiana Rd Newark, DE 19713. On Jan 24, Destiney Rivera jumped into action after seeing a customer collapse after leaving the bathroom. The manager quickly grabbed the Narcan kit and applied the training they learned from DPH when Jersey Mike’s enrolled in its Restaurant Accolade Program. This program provided training on how to recognize and respond to an overdose to the restaurant employees. Additionally, Narcan is placed at the site. Restaurants interested in participating in the program, which helps them support both staff and customers experiencing substance use disorder, should email OHCR@delaware.gov.
WHO:	Anne Carr, Community Outreach Coordinator, Delaware Division of Public Health High 5 Hospitality “‚”‚ Jersey Mike’s
WHEN:	Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. At 1:30 PM Bobby Pancake, Co-Founder & CEO of High 5 Hospitality, will present Destiney Rivera with the highest challenge coin award in the High 5 Hospitality organization. **This is a surprise for Destiney– we ask that you not publish information about this event in advance!
WHERE:	Register for this in-person event by emailing Lori Ewald at lori@h5h.us or calling 302-222-6707
VISUALS:	High 5 Hospitality handing coin to Destiney during event. Narcan kit provided by DPH Office of Health Crisis Response.

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 (Jan. 25, 2023) – The Delaware Division of Social Services (DSS) will issue emergency benefits for January 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, Jan. 26. Eligible TANF and GA households will receive an emergency cash benefit check on or after Thursday, Jan. 26.

The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is also announcing that emergency food benefits for households receiving SNAP will end March 2023 due to a recent change in federal law passed in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This means households will receive their final emergency food benefit at the end of February. Beginning March 1, 2023, households will receive their regular monthly benefit amount on the normal issuance date and will no longer receive additional emergency food benefits on their EBT cards at the end of each month.

“We are so thankful that we were able to offer these emergency benefits to the many Delawareans who have experienced economic struggles and health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Molly Magarik. “We know this change likely will cause a hardship for many individuals and families, so we want to ensure that those individuals who relied on these additional funds each month are aware of the community resources that may be available to them.” DHSS encourages Delawareans in need of food assistance to contact Delaware 2-1-1 to find the nearest food closet or pantry or visit the Food Bank of Delaware’s website at fbd.org.

Through the end of February, 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 increases 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 January are not eligible for the January emergency cash funds. Emergency cash benefits will continue during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

DHSS has issued emergency benefits each month to eligible households since March 2020.

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 60,500 Delaware households will receive the emergency SNAP allotment in January, totaling about $12.5 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 170 households will be eligible to receive emergency cash assistance benefits in January, totaling about $ 21,150 in emergency benefits for the month.

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

Households should report to DSS any recent changes in address, household size, employment, income, and expenses (such as rent/mortgage, utilities, and child care). Households can report changes by logging in to Delaware ASSIST, calling 1-866-843-7212, or contacting their local DSS office.

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.

DOVER, DE (Jan. 20, 2023)– The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) announces the arrest of a sixth man involved in a Seaford dog fighting incident from January 8. OAW charged Laurel, DE, resident Ronnell Jacobs, age 45, with three felony counts related to dog fighting, and two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. This arrest is in addition to the five previous individuals arrested on January 8 who have since posted bail.

Ronnell Jacobs is currently being held without bail for a Violation of Probation related to his January 12 arrest on dog fighting and animal cruelty charges, but not as a result of the charges themselves, for which he was released on his own recognizance. He remains incarcerated at Sussex Correctional Institution. He is ordered to have no contact, possession, or ownership of any animals pending the outcome of the case. Mr. Jacobs was arraigned on Jan 12 on the following charges:

• Two counts owning, possessing, keeping or using an animal for the purpose of fighting
• One count being present at an animal fight
• Two counts of cruelty or neglect to animals

On January 8, Delaware State Police (DSP) and OAW responded to the 2600 Block of Lonesome RD in Seaford for suspicious activity and found multiple people at the property actively engaged in dog fighting. Five people were apprehended at the scene, while others fled on foot. During the investigation, OAW officers discovered information concerning the identity and location of Jacobs, who fled the scene at the time. He was found to be under the supervision of the Department of Corrections’ Probation and Parole Office and wearing an ankle monitor. A review of the suspect’s location on the date and time of the dog fighting incident place put him at the Lonesome RD property.

On January 12, OAW obtained a search and seizure warrant for the suspect’s Laurel residence, where 4 dogs were seized, two of which were found chained in the woods behind the home and had injuries consistent with dog fighting. The dogs are in the care of Brandywine Valley SPCA. Upon seizure, two dogs required emergency veterinary care. One of the dogs that required emergency veterinary care was determined to be unable to recover from their wounds and euthanized. The dogs are being monitored and evaluated by BVSPCA medical staff.

To date, 18 dogs were rescued as a result of this investigation. Three dogs have died, two dogs have been adopted. The other dogs continue to recover; some soon ready for medical and behavior evaluation before they are released to be adopted.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this case should contact OAW at 302-255-4646.

Animal Cruelty Complaints

Cruelty and neglect of animals is against the law (https://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c030f/index.html). If you are concerned about an animal’s welfare and suspect cruelty or neglect, contact OAW immediately, at 302-255-4646 or report concerns online at https://animalservices.delaware.gov/report_violation/25.

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. 18, 2024)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announces that the Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) in Dover will be closed to the public for renovations beginning February 12 through April 5, 2024. During the closure period, Kent County residents will be able to request vital records by mail or through the two authorized online ordering systems, GoCertificates (www.GoCertificates.com) and VitalChek (www.vitalchek.com). Funeral homes will have designated times to drop off their requests and will be notified by OVS.

The requests will be processed by OVS and certificates will be mailed to the requester. Please note that the requester for vital records must be the registrant’s spouse, child, parent or guardian (16 Del. C., §3110 (b)); otherwise, it may become a legal request that needs further review. Guardians must include approved guardianship paperwork.

All mail must be addressed to the OVS below with the full (not abbreviated) office name included.

Office of Vital Statistics

Jesse Cooper Building

417 Federal St.

Dover, DE 19901

All legal requests must be mailed to the OVS in Dover and must include the legal purpose in the attorney template, supporting documentation, valid ID and check/money order. Attorney templates are found on the Office of Vital Statistics’ website at https://dhss.delaware.gov/DPH/ss/vitalstats.html.

OVS locations in New Castle and Sussex Counties will remain open to the public to provide same day service requests except for long-form birth certificates, death certificates prior to 2007 and corrections/amendments to vital records. For more information on the Office of Vital Statistics, visit: https://dhss.delaware.gov/DPH/ss/vitalstats.html (16 Del. C., c. 31).

Individuals with general questions about the Office of Vital Statistics should call 302-744-4549 or 302-744-4541. Hours of operation for the public are Monday– Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except State holidays.

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, DE (Jan. 13, 2023)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is seeing an increase in post-holiday COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, though the increase is not nearly as high as the 2022 post-holiday surge. Still, DPH encourages individuals to take specific action steps to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the virus, such as staying home when sick, testing when symptoms appear or when exposed to someone with COVID-19, staying up to date with vaccinations and boosters, and considering wearing a mask in crowded spaces.

This time last year, Delaware reported the highest number of new positive daily cases since the start of the pandemic at 3,666 reported on Jan. 6, 2022, and 759 hospitalizations on Jan. 12, 2022. As of the latest data posted to the My Healthy Community dashboard Wednesday, there were 266 new cases on Jan. 6, 2023, and 202 hospitalizations for Jan. 10, 2023. While the reduced number of cases reported does not take into account the large number of likely positive results from at-home testing, which are not reported to DPH, the fact that hospitalizations remain so much lower is a good indicator that there is not as much serious illness being caused by COVID-19 infection. Even with new emerging variants, the tools available to successfully fight COVID-19 have become increasingly effective.

Viruses constantly mutate and evolve, and sometimes these mutations result in new variants of the virus. The updated bivalent booster provides the best level of protection against serious illness and hospitalization as it strengthens the antibody response against two strains of COVID-19: the original strain of the virus and the Omicron variants. Health experts say if has been eight (8) months or more since your last vaccine, your protection is limited. If you are 5+ and it has been at least two months or more since you completed your primary series, haven’t had a recent infection since July, or haven’t been boosted since August, you are eligible for an updated booster. Learn more about where to get a booster at de.gov/boosters.

Treatment also remains one of the most effective tools for preventing severe outcomes from COVID-19. If an individual tests positive, especially if they are more likely to get very sick from the virus due to a health condition, treatments are available that reduce the risk of being hospitalized or dying from the disease. Those who test positive should contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if treatment is appropriate. Most treatments must be started within five days of when symptoms first appear, and the sooner treatment is started, the sooner it begins working to fight the virus.

Individuals should ask about treatment if they test positive for COVID-19 and are either:

• 50 years or older (especially over 65, as risk increases with age)
• Unvaccinated
• Listed as having certain medical conditions– such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, a weakened immune system, and more.

More information, including test-to-treat sites and locations where treatment is available with a prescription, can be found at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/covid-19-treatment-options/.

In comparison to COVID-19 data released on Dec. 15, Delaware has seen an increase in the 7-day daily average of new positive cases, hospitalizations and critical hospitalizations.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 324,137*
• 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 221.3, an increase of 62.2 average new positive cases reported since Dec. 15, 2022
• 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 15.5 percentage points, an increase of 6.1 percentage points reported since Dec. 15, 2022
• Hospitalizations: 202 current hospitalizations, 24 critical hospitalizations
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,220– increase of 35 from last month including 29 from vital statistic review between Oct– Dec.

*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: 2,099,714
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.2%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 81.3%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 82.9%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 73.1%

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 Jan. 2, 2023– Jan. 8, 2023.

Not up-to-date: Case– Hospital– Death

Weekly Overview (01/02/23– 01/08/23)	Not up-to-date Cases
Total Not up-to-date cases	1232
Total Cases	1448
Percent of Not up-to-date Cases	85%

Not up-to-date Hospitalized cases
Total Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases	290
Total Hospitalized Cases	357
Percent of Not up-to-date Cases	81%

Not up-to-date Deaths	# of Cases
Total Not up-to-date Deaths	2
Total COVID-19 Deaths	2
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) Not up-to-date: all cases that are not completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and/or have not received the most recent booster dose recommended by CDC. (CDC’s guidance updated Dec 9th, 2022)

DE resident only*

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, Jan. 11, 2023, there have been a total of 5,278 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 1,016 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.

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.