Category: Development Disabilities

DOVER, DE (Nov. 18, 2022)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports that the statewide 7-day average of new positive COVID-19 cases has decreased for the fourth consecutive month. Hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19 have remained low over the same time period. Average new positive cases are lowest in Kent County, with Sussex County only slightly higher. However, the 7-day average in New Castle County is almost three times that of Kent County and double the average for Sussex County. In general, the level of community spread remains low.

Testing and vaccination remain our best tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as we prepare to gather with friends and family this holiday season. At-home testing is fast, convenient and reliable, especially for those who are feeling sick. If you test negative but still have symptoms, consider taking a second test within the timeframe described in manufacturer’s instructions. If the second test is still negative, contact your healthcare provider and consider you may have another respiratory virus like influenza (flu).

Don’t let COVID-19 have a seat at your table this Thanksgiving. Delawareans should remain vigilant to protect their loved ones from COVID-19 by following these key prevention strategies.

• Stay home if sick. Even if it’s not COVID-19, you don’t want to spread flu or other germs to those around you, especially older, very young or immunocompromised friends and family
• Get tested for COVID-19:
  • 1-2 days before a large gathering
  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19
  • Five (5) days after being exposed to someone confirmed to have COVID-19
• Ensure your home or gathering place is properly ventilated. Click here for more information about improving ventilation in your home, including an online interactive ventilation tool. This easy-to-use tool helps you find the best combination of ventilation options in your home to decrease the level of COVID-19 particles in the air.
• Wear a mask when out or around others if it makes you more comfortable or are immunocompromised.
• Make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccines, especially the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster, and flu shot.
• Cover coughs and sneezes if you are around others when they occur.
• After a trip, travelers are recommended to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, and isolate and get tested if symptoms develop.

It is important to remember eligible individuals can get either the Pfizer or Moderna updated bivalent booster, regardless of whether their primary series or most recent dose was with Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or the Johnson & Johnson (J & J) vaccine. As per the CDC recommendations, the new bivalent booster replaces the existing monovalent vaccine booster, therefore that vaccine will no longer be authorized for use as a booster dose in people ages 5 and up. The bivalent booster is for those who completed their primary series, or previous boosters, two or more months ago.

The Novavax vaccine is also authorized as a monovalent booster dose for adults ages 18 and older, at least 6 months after completing primary vaccination with Pfizer, Moderna or Novovax, or two months after J&J who have NEVER received a previous booster. Adults may choose to receive a Novavax booster instead of an updated Pfizer or Moderna booster if they are allergic to mRNA vaccines, or they don’t wish to get an mRNA vaccine. For more information on boosters, visit de.gov/boosters.

DPH encourages individuals to get their 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. As of Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, a total of 598 influenza cases were reported for the week of Nov. 6 to Nov. 12, an increase from the prior week. This brings the total number of influenza cases for the season to 1,404. While cases are increasing, influenza-related hospitalizations remain low at 23 statewide for the current season.

As flu cases rise this season, only 26% of Delawareans have received their annual flu vaccine. The CDC encourages everyone 6 months older to get their annual flu vaccine by Thanksgiving. 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.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is another respiratory virus of concern. Cases are beginning to decline, but remain relatively high. During the week of Nov. 6 to Nov. 12, there were 102 laboratory-confirmed cases of RSV reported among Delaware residents with 606 total cases for the 2022-2023 season.

The co-circulation of COVID-19, flu and RSV continues to be a concern for Delaware. The three viruses have contributed to a strain on the health care system, and DPH urges the public to practice prevention guidelines to help reduce the impact and allow hospitals to continue caring for those who are seriously ill. Though a vaccine does not yet exist for RSV, it’s not too late to get critical protection from the flu if you not yet received a flu vaccine Close to half of the nearly 1,500 Delaware flu cases reported this season, occurred between Nov. 6 and Nov. 12. Getting the flu vaccine reduces the chance of getting sick. While it is still possible to get the flu even after you’ve been vaccinated, the vaccine reduces the severity of illness if you do get sick.

The below data is as reported on Delaware’s My Healthy Community data portal on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 315,440*
• 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 105.9, a decrease of 40.5 average new positive cases reported since Oct 14, 2022
• 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 6.7 percentage points, a decrease of 3.2 percentage points reported since Oct. 14, 2022
• Hospitalizations: 99 current hospitalizations; critically ill: 5
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,163, an increase of 42 since last month, including 39 as a result of ongoing Vital Statistics review of deaths occurring between June and October.

*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:2,051,226
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.1%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 80.2%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 81.7%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 72%

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 Oct 31– Nov 6, 2022.

Weekly Overview (10/31/22– 11/06/22)	Not up-to-date Cases
Total Not up-to-date cases	828
Total Cases	911
Percent of Not up-to-date Cases	90%

Not up-to-date Hospitalized cases
Total Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases	94
Total Hospitalized Cases	100
Percent of Not up-to-date Cases	94%

Not up-to-date Deaths	# of Cases
Total Not up-to-date 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, November 17, 2022, there have been a total of 4,837 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 1000 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 (Nov. 17, 2022)– The Maternal Child Health Bureau of the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), Delaware 2-1-1 and other state and community organizations proudly recognized Help Me Grow Delaware during an event celebrating Help Me Grow’s 10th anniversary on Nov. 9 at the Route 9 Library & Innovation Center in New Castle. The program utilizes a systems-based approach to connect families with the resources they need to help their children thrive.

Event organizers read a proclamation from the Office of the Governor highlighting the program’s accomplishments to include the community resource fair hosted on Nov 9. The supporters below received plaques for their contribution to the program.

• Matthew Denn– As former attorney general, lieutenant governor, and insurance commissioner, Denn dedicated much of his public service to addressing issues impacting children. As insurance commissioner for Delaware, he was instrumental in helping to pass legislation that mandated insurance coverage of developmental screenings and provided funding to promote screenings in primary care, improving access across the state.
• Norma Everett– As the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Manager, Everett built community stakeholder relations to improve conditions for Delaware families and opened the door for collaboration that resulted in the passing of developmental screening legislation in 2009.
• Dr. Aguida Atkinson– Dr. Atkinson spent her career advocating for community health. As a Help Me Grow physician champion, she continues to work toward improving Delaware’s early childhood system through collaboration and innovation.

Help Me Grow Delaware was founded in 2012 and is a comprehensive and coordinated statewide system for the early identification and referral of children at risk for developmental and behavioral challenges. The program helps families find community-based programs and services to enhance their child’s behavior, learning and development.

“We know children make up the largest segment of people living in poverty and that one in six children ages 3 to 17 will have one or more developmental or behavioral disabilities,” said Crystal Sherman, section chief of DPH’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Bureau. “Identifying health and developmental issues early in a child’s life is essential to obtaining long-term positive outcomes. Help Me Grow connects families– particularly new and expecting parents– with the needed resources and services.”

The impact of Help Me Grow Delaware is significant. The program has helped numerous families in the past decade by identifying their most imminent needs.

Help Me Grow By the Numbers:

• 19,693– Total calls, with 17,076 children served through Help Me Grow’s centralized access point 2-1-1
• 10,210– Combined total number of the most sought-after services and necessities requested by a parent/caregiver. These include:
  • Home visiting through the Delaware Home Visiting Program
  • Basic needs such as clothing, car seats and furniture
  • Diapers
  • WIC
  • Childcare
• 4,574– Total number of screenings completed through community outreach activities
• 1,961– Total referrals to targeted service providers by

  Help Me Grow via 2-1-1

• 1,571– Total cases in which parents/caregivers reported behavioral and developmental concerns to Help Me Grow through 2-1-1

Delaware 2-1-1 is a confidential, toll-free help hotline from the United Way and DPH. Families who call 2-1-1 can speak directly with Help Me Grow Delaware’s trained child development specialists, who will help them find services in their area. Specialists also utilize early detection screenings to identify potential developmental delays to guide parents, educators and providers to resources that will address these concerns.

To learn more, visit DEThrives.com/Help-Me-Grow.

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 (Nov. 10, 2022) – Nine individuals and six groups will be honored with the 2022 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards during a ceremony to be held Dec. 1 at the Executive Banquet & Conference Center in Newark. The award recipients will be recognized for exceptional contributions and outstanding dedication to service and volunteerism in Delaware.

The ceremony begins with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards ceremony at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $45 and are available for purchase at 2022-GovernorsVolunteerAwards.eventbrite.com.

“Every year we honor the selfless individuals and organizations who have dedicated hundreds of hours to improving the lives of their neighbors,” said Governor John Carney. “This year’s honorees have a spirit of service that’s inspiring and leading us to a strong, better Delaware.”

The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards, administered by the State Office of Volunteerism, honors the contributions of individuals and groups in Delaware that have made a positive impact in their communities or across the state through service and volunteering. The awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of State Service Centers, State Office of Volunteerism and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.

“It is such a privilege to celebrate the generosity, compassion and kindness of fellow Delawareans committed to making a difference in the lives of others,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Molly Magarik. “We are excited to come together in person this year to recognize the exceptional service and contributions of these amazing volunteers.”

Those being honored in 2022 participated in a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the state. Service areas included raising funds for local nonprofit organizations, promoting awareness, caring for animals, promoting arts and educational programs, and advocating for vulnerable populations.

Here are the recipients of the 2022 awards:

Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award:

Barbara Spence (Statewide)

Barbara Spence has been active in volunteer service for 51 years. She is a founding member of Special Olympics Delaware and attended the first organization’s first event in 1971. She has served as a board member since 1976, and at 90 years old, Barbara still volunteers at as many events as she can. She is a role model to many individuals because of her commitment, dedication, and contribution to Special Olympics Delaware.

Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Individual honorees:

Karson Barenholtz (Sussex County)

Karson Barenholtz has helped to increase local awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. She has assisted in the recruitment and cultivation of new Walk Teams and sponsors, held meetings with several legislators, and played a pivotal role in the passage of Senate Bill 283 by lending her voice and channeling her experiences and perspectives. The legislation, signed into law by Governor Carney in September, ensures healthcare professionals are equipped with the skills to provide a better quality of life for Delawareans impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

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Randolph Brown (Sussex County)

Randolph Brown has served as president of the board of trustees for the Milton Historical Society in Sussex County during the COVID-19 pandemic. His work helped bring the historical society and the museum back to life by implementing marketing strategies that brought the community back into the historical society and the historical society back into the community of Milton. His efforts included helping to reorganize, restructure and restore the presence of the historical society and the museum in the community.

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Dr. Rashaun Davis (New Castle County)

Dr. Rashaun Davis’ work has enabled and heightened awareness around the importance of accessibility to services and resources for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. He has volunteered countless hours influencing a call to action for the diversity of those supporting the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. He also developed a coaching program that provides a comfortable entry point for fathers to participate in their child’s hearing loss journey. This work has enabled more men to share their experiences and barriers of caring for children with disabilities

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Gail Heath (New Castle County)/>

For more than 12 years, Gail Heath has been an advocate and dedicated volunteer for Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research in New Castle County. Gail has volunteered 486 hours this year, helping with bird care and rehabilitation, clinic support, marketing and development support, and patient admissions. Gail helps to raise awareness about the organization and educate others on how to prevent bird injuries. Each year she helps to reach thousands of people at outreach programs and events. Gail continues to think of ways to give and encourage others to do the same

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Jennifer Jarman (Kent County)/>

Jennifer Jarman is the Delaware Coordinator for Lasagna Love, a national organization of volunteers who provide a free pan of lasagna to individuals in need in the Kent County area. Jennifer has volunteered 780 hours and oversees more than 100 volunteers across the state. The organization has grown in all 50 states and three countries. In 2020, Lasagna Love received 172 lasagna requests. This year, the organization has received nearly 900 lasagna requests, feeding 3,578 people.

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Janice M. Meyer (New Castle County)/>

Janice M. Meyer initiated a support group creating awareness for patients suffering from Cholangiocarcinoma, a bile duct cancer. Janice, a Cholangiocarcinoma patient since 2018, hosts annual 5K events that raise funds and bring awareness to the disease. Her personal dedication to Cholangiocarcinoma awareness fundraising resulted in $400,000 in research. She continues to dedicate her time and energy to participating in local media interviews and supporting local patients as they navigate through treatment

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Olivia Moncrieffe (New Castle County)/>

Olivia Moncrieffe volunteers with Kingdom Embassy Church and Habitat for Humanity. She has volunteered more than 4,000 hours of service to bring awareness to combat homelessness and promote homeownership equity. Olivia dedicates her time to advocating for the homeless population in New Castle County and young women who have experienced childhood trauma. She uses her gifts and resources to bring women and children into a place of refuge

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Barbara Nelson (New Castle County)/>

As a volunteer with Marshall Steam Museum and Friends of Auburn Heights, Barbara “Barb” Nelson manages the volunteer group of the Auburn Valley Railroad. This group operates 1/8 scale diesel and steam trains for special events and supports educational programs, summer camps, and Auburn Heights. Her main role involves leading sessions around Auburn Valley Railroad at least three times a week. She was influential in establishing a pilot program that included a planning process for the first train-focused summer camp offering activities for children ages 10 to 15. The planning process was successful, and the program grew by 80 percent in 2022

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Jessica Quinn (Statewide)/>

As a dependable, passionate volunteer, Jessica Quinn volunteers her time with several organizations, including Special Olympics Delaware, the Medical Reserve Corp, Christiana Care, Code Purple Kent County and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Jessica takes on volunteer activities with a positive and energetic approach while making a difference in the lives of Delawareans

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Volunteer Groups

Charity Crossing (New Castle and Kent County)/>

With more than 5,000 hours of service, Charity Crossing has helped people in underserved communities struggling with poor nutrition by providing them with nourishing meals, canned goods and non-perishable items. They empower the economically challenged by identifying and successfully executing meaningful initiatives that benefit the community. The group’s endeavors include accepting returned, off-season, and unsold merchandise from retailers and finding new homes for them. In the last six years, they distributed $2.5 million worth of donations to the community. Other initiatives include 5K walks, blood donation drives, candy drives, holiday drives, hygiene drives, school supply drives, sock drives, and disaster relief

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Friends of Bellevue State Park Group (New Castle County)/>

The Friends of Bellevue State Park Group raised funds for the park, advanced restoration, preservation, and conservation of historical sites and landmarks. The group dedicated its time to organizing and hosting events that brought thousands of visitors to Bellevue State Park. This group has volunteered more than 1,281 hours of service this year, and their efforts secured $3.7 million in the past four years, including $500,000 in funding for capital projects. This funding will be used to pave park roads, fund scholarships for summer camps and school programs, install a lift station at the Parsonage for sewer management, regrade the fitness track, and restore the historic Mt. Pleasant Schoolhouse

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The Good Ole Boy Foundation (Sussex County)/>

As a group of volunteer members determined to improve and better local communities, the Good Ole Boy Foundation is dedicated to assisting neighbors through community engagement in Sussex County. The organization provides emergency services to children and families including collecting and distributing Christmas gifts to families in need, providing Thanksgiving family meals, back to school supplies, and building wheelchair ramps for families with handicap or special needs. Earlier in 2022 w at the Rigby Apartment Building in Laurel, Delaware which incinerated to the ground leaving 55 people representing 15 families losing everything and homeless. They worked alongside families temporarily placing each family in hotels with paid expenses until permanent housing was available for every family. Over the following months worked with the community that provided clothing furnishings, food, medications, and rental properties covering the security deposit and first month rent for each family

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Joshua M. Freeman Foundation Volunteer Corps (Sussex County)/>

The mission of the Joshua M. Freeman Volunteer Corp is to advance arts access for all through performance, education, and advocacy in Sussex County. This year, 67 performances were hosted at Freeman Arts Pavilion and in the Arts Education programs. This group of 279 volunteers served 1,975 hours, with each volunteer committing 40 hours per year. In addition to performing 10 live multilingual performances in Sonia De Los Santos, which reached 3,850 children, the volunteers also helped deliver more than 11,361 Creative Nourishment Art Kits to local school children. Through their efforts, more than 116,080 Mid-Atlantic residents and seasonal visitors have experienced the arts

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Middletown (DE) Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (New Castle County)

The Middletown (DE) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc is dedicated to the international sorority’s focus of Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service and Social Action. Chartered in 2014, the sorority serves communities in Middletown, Odessa, Townsend, Port Penn, St George’s, Delaware City and Clayton through volunteerism, advocacy and public service. The group works to address community needs such as homeowner foreclosure and small business ownership in the African-American community in southern New Castle County. In 2022, the group raised $15,000 for scholarships to support college-bound youth. In addition, $10,000 was raised over the past year to support the work of March of Dimes and Relay for Life

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Village Volunteers (Sussex County)/>

Village Volunteers has volunteered 4,800 hours this year helping the senior population in Eastern Sussex County. The group’s initiatives include driving seniors to doctor appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies and other appointments. Village Volunteers gives peace of mind to family members who live far away and are not able to help with the day-to-day needs of their loved ones.

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 (Nov. 9, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the launch of the My Healthy Community (MHC) influenza (flu) dashboard, which shares weekly as well as seasonal data on positive cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and for the first time, vaccinations in the state. The dashboard is intended to provide an accurate picture of flu activity among Delawareans, and make influenza data readily and easily available. Updates will occur weekly on Thursdays for local data, and monthly for other geographies. The flu dashboard can be found by clicking on the ‘Weekly Flu Data’ link at flu.delaware.gov or visiting [myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov]myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov.

“We are extremely excited to leverage the power and popularity of the My Healthy Community data portal platform to share the most currently available data on influenza,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “The portal has become most well-known for providing real time COVID-19 data. Now we can bring that same level of detail and transparency to the public with flu data as well.”

The launch of the dashboard is timely as flu cases have soared dramatically. For the week of October 23 to 29, the most recent time for which data is available, there were 172 laboratory-confirmed flu cases in the state bringing the season total to 254. The week’s total is a six-fold increase from the prior week. Many medical providers offer rapid flu tests in their offices. As this data is not being consistently reported statewide to DPH, the number of lab-confirmed cases is likely an under-representation of the total level of flu in the community. Conversely, flu-related hospitalizations for the season remain low, at 14. DPH is working through data suppression issues on MHC to be able to add that data to the dashboard. Data for these categories will be available at the county level and will be broken down by age group. Trend graphs for influenza-like illness and COVID-like illness are also available. No flu-related deaths have yet been reported through October 29. The data available on MHC will replace the weekly influenza surveillance reports prepared by DPH’s Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology.

DPH officials remain concerned about having the influenza, RSV and COVID-19 respiratory viruses all circulating at the same time. The number of RSV cases for the latest week is 126, bringing the season total to 398. These are lab-confirmed cases only and are an under-representation of the complete picture of RSV in the state. RSV data is not currently planned to be added to the new dashboard, but will continue to be reported on the DPH website’s influenza surveillance page, and may also be accessed in the data section of flu.delaware.gov. DPH will begin working to also collect additional RSV-related data on patient visits from health care systems, and their affiliated urgent cares/walk-ins and primary care providers.

Delawareans can help prevent the spread of the flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and RSV, by following these simple steps:

• Get vaccinated for the flu, COVID-19, and other illnesses for which vaccines are available.
• Stay home if sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and dispose of the tissue in a wastebasket afterward.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Sanitize commonly touched surfaces more frequently during the fall and winter.
• Wear a mask when cases are high or if you are at higher risk for respiratory illness.

Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), and Division of Public Health clinics. While DPH no longer holds mass community flu clinics, it is offering flu vaccines at community-based locations where the DPH mobile units also provide additional health services.

Flu symptoms come on suddenly and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills, and fatigue. Some signs and symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, including fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, and body aches, chills, and fatigue. Testing can effectively help you determine which illness you have. Children, older adults, and those with chronic underlying medical conditions are most at risk for complications from the flu and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated now.

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 less than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), without the use of fever-reducing medications– for at least 24 hours.

In addition, people with flu symptoms should avoid close contact with people in the household and 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. Contacting your primary care provider is particularly important for those who feel very sick, are pregnant, or have chronic medical conditions.

DPH is sharing flu-related messaging through radio, print, and social media messaging and has distributed a toolkit to schools, community-based organizations, and medical providers to help encourage flu vaccination through their networks.

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

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.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://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.

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 4, 2022)– The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, in collaboration with the Lt. Governor’s Office and the Delaware Art Museum, is seeking personal stories and photos from Delaware families who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses. The submissions will be used to create an emotional and educational exhibition in 2023 to help reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorder.

Delaware individuals and families are asked to submit three photos of their loved ones and to fill out a questionnaire through an online portal operated by INTO LIGHT Project,a national nonprofit that creates art exhibitions using the submissions as a way to change the conversation about drug addiction, educate the public, and reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 15. There is no cost to families to participate.

Using the submitted photos, INTO LIGHT Project’s professional artists will create original graphite portraits of each of the 41 individuals who will be part of the exhibition. Each portrait is framed and accompanied by a narrative depicting the individual’s life as told by their loved ones. After the exhibition ends, the portraits are gifted to the families.

Delaware’s exhibition will be held June 1, 2023, to Dec. 3, 2023, at the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington.

“What a powerful way to show the personal loss that, sadly, too many Delaware families have experienced during the opioid epidemic,” said Joanna Champney, director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. “We know that those who died from overdoses are not numbers. They were sons and daughters, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, friends, neighbors and colleagues. They were loved and they are missed profoundly. We are grateful to the 41 Delaware families who will share their stories with INTO LIGHT Project as part of this important exhibition next year at the Delaware Art Museum.”

To accurately reflect the breadth of individuals lost to drug overdoses and substance use disorder in Delaware, the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health is seeking a diverse group of submissions from Delaware families. Families are included on a first-come, first-served basis. Delaware families who are interested in submitting an application on behalf of their loved one to INTO LIGHT Project, should visit: https://intolightproject.org/DE

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.

NOTE TO MEDIA ON ATTACHED PHOTOS: DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik was joined at a Tuesday, Nov. 1, Health Insurance Marketplace kickoff press conference outside Westside Family Healthcare’s Fourth Street Clinic in Wilmington by: Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, Westside Chief Operating Officer Chris Fraser, Westside Community Navigator Supervisor Sara Dempsey and other Westside staff.

Delawareans will find more choice in insurers and plans, and continuing enhanced federal subsidies to help with affordability; enrollment runs through Jan. 15, 2023

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 1, 2022) – Coming off a record-breaking year for enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace, Delawareans seeking coverage for 2023 will find more choice in insurers and plans than ever before, and continue to find enhanced federal subsidies, which began last year under the Biden administration. The subsidies have helped to reduce consumer costs by as much as 40%.

The marketplace’s 10th open enrollment period started today, Nov. 1, and ends Jan. 15, 2023, at www.HealthCare.gov, where consumers can renew existing coverage or sign up for a new plan. Coverage for enrollees who sign up by Dec. 15 and pay their first month’s premium will be effective Jan. 1.

Individuals who don’t act by Jan. 15, 2023, cannot get coverage for 2023 unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on circumstances such as a loss of qualifying health coverage, change of income, becoming a parent, or other qualifying factors.

This year, Delawareans will have three insurers to choose from vs. only one last year, and a total of 30 plans, the highest total in the 10 years of the marketplace. Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced in June that two new insurers– AmeriHealth Caritas (four plans) and Aetna CVS Health (nine plans)– would join Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware (17 plan options) in offering coverage on the marketplace for 2023. In September, Commissioner Navarro announced that Highmark’s rates would increase 5.5% on average.

The overall stability of Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace reflects continued federal approval of Delaware’s reinsurance program. The program has lowered health insurance premiums for plans sold in the individual insurance market by partially reimbursing insurers for high-cost health care claims through a fund that uses a mix of federal funding and assessments collected by the Delaware Department of Insurance from health insurance carriers. Because the insurers’ claims costs are lower, the insurers can reduce the cost of premiums or limit increases.

During last year’s open enrollment, a total of 32,113 Delawareans enrolled for 2022 coverage on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace, an increase of 26.8% over the previous year.

“All Delaware families need access to affordable, quality health care,” said Governor John Carney. “There are more plans to choose from this year, which will help to make coverage even more affordable. I encourage all Delawareans to look through your options, especially small-business owners, independent contractors and individuals who don’t have access to health insurance through an employer. It’s important we prioritize our health.”

In 2021, the Biden administration made expanding access to health insurance and affordability a priority through the American Rescue Plan Act, which increased tax credits and expanded subsidies into the middle class. This year, the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act continued those enhanced benefits through 2025. For instance, a family of four (both parents in their 40s) making $50,000 are eligible for a credit of roughly $16,000, compared with $14,300 previously.

In addition, the federal government earlier this month changed the way that the affordability of employer coverage is determined for members of an employee’s family, the so-called “family glitch.” Starting in 2023, family members of a person who is offered employer-based coverage that is “affordable” for the employee only and not the whole family, may be eligible for tax credits on the marketplace for the first time. This change will help more consumers qualify for tax credits and cost-sharing reductions through a marketplace plan.

Federal tax credits are available for those whose household income is between 138% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2023 coverage, that’s between $18,754 and $54,360 for an individual, or between $38,295 and $111,000 for a family of four. For coverage in 2022, about 89% of enrollees in Delaware were eligible for tax credits, which help reduce the cost of the monthly premium.

Plans on the marketplace are spread among metal-level categories– bronze, silver, gold, platinum and catastrophic– and are based on how enrollees choose to split the costs of care with their insurance company. Bronze plans have low monthly premiums but high costs when you need care; gold plans have high premiums but lower costs when you need care. In a silver plan, the insurer pays about 70% of medical costs and the consumer pays about 30%. Consumers who pick silver health care plans might also qualify for additional savings through discounts on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. In Delaware, about 23% of current enrollees qualified for cost-sharing reductions. For any marketplace plan in 2023, individual consumers can’t pay more than $9,100 in out-of-pocket medical costs and families can’t pay more than $18,200.

For 2023:

• Highmark will offer 17 plans for individuals– three platinum plans, six gold, three silver, four bronze and one catastrophic.
• Aetna CVS Health will offer nine plans– two gold, four silver and three bronze.
• AmeriHealth Caritas will offer four plans– one gold, one silver and two bronze.
• Two dental insurers– Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc. and Dominion Dental Services, Inc.– will offer a collective 13 stand-alone dental plans on the marketplace, seven with a low actuarial level (pay less monthly, but more when you get dental services) and six with a high actuarial level (pay more monthly, but less when you get dental care).

All plans offer essential health benefits such as coverage of pre-existing conditions, outpatient care, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health and substance use disorder services, lab services, pediatric services, birth control and breastfeeding coverage, and COVID-19 vaccines, including the new bivalent booster. In addition, coverage cannot be terminated due to a change in health status, including diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19.

“As we enter the 10th year of open enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace, we are grateful for the important role that marketplace plans are playing in improving access to high-quality and affordable health care,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Molly Magarik. “And we appreciate the stability that the Biden administration, our congressional delegation, the Insurance Commissioner and our own reinsurance program have all brought to the marketplace. I urge everyone to take another look at the affordability of the plans on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace and look at how the coverage can fit into your family’s budget.”

“Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace is more successful than ever before with steady rates, enhanced subsidies, and enrollment at an all-time high,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “I am so proud that going into 2023, consumers will also benefit from the most competition our state has seen, with three insurers and 30 plan options to choose from.”

Assistance for Delaware enrollees

Consumers can go to www.HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov now to explore their options for 2023 coverage, and they can enroll anytime between Nov. 1 and Jan. 15, 2023.

Delawareans who need help enrolling in coverage will have access to free in-person assistance from federally funded and trained specialists at Westside Family Healthcare (statewide) and Quality Insights, Inc., (New Castle and Sussex counties) and by certified application counselors at Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington and La Red Health Center in Georgetown. Westside and Quality Insights each received increased federal funding for navigators to help people enroll for coverage.

State-licensed insurance agents and brokers are also available to help individuals re-enroll and to help employers update their coverage, at no extra charge.

For more information, go to www.ChooseHealthDE.com. You can enroll in marketplace coverage at www.HealthCare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

• About 89% of Delaware’s marketplace enrollees received financial assistance in 2022 to help pay their monthly premiums and/or deductibles and co-pays.
• The overall average monthly premium in Delaware is $706, with the average premium reduced to $169 per month after tax credit. For the 89% of Delawareans who received financial assistance, the average premium after tax credit is $114 per month.
• Among the 32,113 people who signed up during last year’s open enrollment, about 78% were re-enrollees and 22% were new enrollees.
• Financial help is available for individuals with annual incomes up to $54,360; for a family of four the income limit is $111,000.
• About 62% of Delaware’s enrollees signed up during the three weeks before Dec. 15, 2021.

Support from Congressional Delegation

Delaware’s U.S. senators and representative urged uninsured Delawareans to find out what’s available for them on the marketplace.

“I am proud that we were able to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and make health insurance more affordable for Americans through 2025 with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “Now in its 10th year, the marketplace is more affordable than ever, and Delawareans have more options than before. I encourage everyone to visit www.HealthCare.gov or seek free help from our many health insurance navigators and get covered without delay!”

“As we go into the 10th year of open enrollment, it’s clear that the Affordable Care Act has enabled Delawareans to access quality, affordable health insurance through the insurance marketplace,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons. “Just this year, my colleagues and I were able to extend critical subsidies for this program through the Inflation Reduction Act to ensure that more families can pay for the health insurance they need without breaking the bank. Starting today, Delawareans have more options than ever before to protect themselves and their families, and they should visit www.HealthCare.gov to sign up for or change their insurance before January 15.”

“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to quality, affordable health insurance has never been more important. That’s why I voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act in August which extends ACA subsidies, reducing the cost of health care for Delawareans enrolled in health care coverage through Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace,” said U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. “And this year, Delawareans have more options than ever before to find an affordable plan that works best for them and their families. I’m glad to join my colleagues– Senator Carper and Senator Coons– as well as Insurance Commissioner Navarro to announce that today, November 1st, marks the beginning of the open enrollment period for Delawareans to sign up for health care coverage through the marketplace. Delawareans have until January 15, 2023, to review their current plans, enroll in a new plan, or get more information at www.HealthCare.gov. Don’t miss the chance to get covered!”

In addition to the Health Insurance Marketplace, some residents might be eligible for coverage though Delaware’s expanded Medicaid program, which is open year-round. More than 10,000 Delawareans receive coverage under the Medicaid expansion each year. To be screened for or to apply for Medicaid benefits, go to Delaware ASSIST.

Both the Health Insurance Marketplace and the Medicaid expansion have helped to reduce Delaware’s uninsured rate, decreasing from 10% in 2008 to 5.7% in 2021, according to the Census Bureau. That decline includes Delawareans who could not get coverage before the Affordable Care Act because of pre-existing conditions.

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. 31, 2022)– The Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) announced today efforts to expand services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to seek and secure employment.

“October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and our division is committed to expanding employment opportunities for the people we serve,” said Marissa Catalon, Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services. “The current workforce environment provides a great opportunity for the people we serve to secure a job where they can use their individual skills, abilities and talents to contribute in a meaningful way to their community.”

Catalon said there are many opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enter the workforce, but they need some help doing so. She said DDDS is committing additional financial resources to support the expansion of these opportunities through a strategy that expands the number of employment specialists available in the state, encourages more provider agencies to engage in supported employment, and pilots a new program designed to train those with disabilities to serve others with IDD.

“We are thrilled to see these investments being made by our colleagues at DDDS,” said Molly Magarik, Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). “These are more than just service enhancements, they are investments in the lives of our friends and neighbors and our communities across the state. And they open the possibility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to work in their community alongside people with and without disabilities, at competitive wages. This offers a direct pathway to greater autonomy, self-sufficiency and health.”

Catalon said DDDS is committing funds to hire and train 25 new employment specialists. This increased workforce could support up to 400 individuals we serve in their pursuit of community integrated employment.

“The demand for employment services today is much greater than the capacity of our existing provider network,” said Jody Roberts, Director of External Relations and Strategic Partnerships for the division. “The public health emergency and increased workforce competition has impacted the recruitment and retention efforts of our provider network to hire and retain skilled employment specialists. These employment specialists provide crucial supports for people with IDD to obtain, maintain and succeed in these jobs.”

To accelerate the use of these new resources, existing DDDS Home and Community-Based Service providers who are authorized to provide Individual Supported Employment Services may seek approval from DDDS to hire up to two new employment specialists and be reimbursed for wages, trainings and other employment-related expenses for the first six months of the new hire’s employment.

“We know it takes time before these services can become financially sustainable for our providers, and we don’t want that to become a barrier to implementing these new programs,” Catalon said. “That’s why we’re offering to cover the costs of the first six months for these providers to encourage them to take the time needed to make this effort work for everyone involved.”

Finally, the Division will be partnering with RCM Training and Consulting to implement its program, the DSP Academy. The programs trains individuals with disabilities to become DSPs– or Direct Support Professionals– serving those with individuals with IDD.

“The DSP Academy is a truly innovative program,” Roberts said. “It simultaneously works to address the impacts of ongoing workforce shortages in our service system and provides training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Delaware. It’s a model for the communities we hope to create all across Delaware.”

DDDS is one of 10 divisions in the Department of Health and Social Services. It serves more than 5,000 service recipients statewide.

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. 28, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is concerned about increases in respiratory viruses in the state, particularly influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). For the week of Oct. 16, 2022, through Oct. 22, 2022, there were 44 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu, compared to 19 cases the week before, bringing the statewide total for the season which began October 2, to 69. For the same week, there were 98 cases of RSV, for a season total of 250. With COVID-19 continuing to circulate, DPH officials are concerned about the impact a “Tripledemic” of these respiratory viruses could have on the state’s overall health and hospital capacity.

The flu and COVID-19 have many similar symptoms, including 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. Even if you take a home COVID-19 test and it’s negative, consider re-testing in two days, or consult your provider to see if you need a flu test.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms including fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and in infants, fussiness and poor feeding. It then progresses to more severe symptoms such as fast or short breathing or wheezing, and in infants and young children, grunting noises when breathing, chest caving in during breathing, and skin turning purple or blue due to lack of oxygen. While persons of any age can develop RSV, it is most common in children under age 2 and can be severe, especially for infants and older adults. Most people will recover in one to two weeks.

Delawareans can help prevent the spread of RSV, COVID-19, the flu, and other respiratory illnesses by following these simple steps.:

• Get vaccinated for COVID-19, the flu, and other illnesses for which vaccines are available
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and dispose of the tissue in a wastebasket afterward
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Sanitize commonly touched surfaces more frequently during the fall and winter
• Wear a mask when cases are high or if you are at higher risk for respiratory illness

The Delaware hospital system is experiencing strain right now, and Emergency Department (ED) wait times can be lengthy. DPH wants to remind Delawareans when to, and not to visit the ED or call 911.

VISIT ED:

• Trouble breathing or wheezing that is not well-controlled by asthma medications
• Unusual sleepiness or confusion
• A stiff neck and a fever
• A cut that won’t stop bleeding
• A broken bone
• Tightness in chest or pain
• Elevated blood pressure with other symptoms, such as chest pain or severe headache
• Drug overdose
• A head injury with vomiting, sleepiness, fainting or seizure
• An eye injury
• A serious burn
• At risk of harming themselves or others

DON’T VISIT ED:

• Need a COVID-19 test
• Don’t feel well but can manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications
• Elevated blood pressure without other symptoms
• Runny nose/cough without trouble breathing
• Fever with mild symptoms
• Muscle soreness or backaches
• Minor cuts or scrapes
• Nausea or diarrhea without abdominal pain

For more information about RSV, the flu and COVID-19, visit publichealthalerts.delaware.gov.

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.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://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 (OCT. 27, 2022)– As part of the Delaware State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will conduct a series of community health assessments. The health assessments will help improve understanding of the health concerns and needs of Delaware communities and to improve the future health in Delaware. DPH has partnered with the University of Delaware’s Epidemiology Program and Partnership for Healthy Communities to survey each of Delaware’s three counties. Teams of students and community members will go door-to-door to canvas households in each county. The program will provide incentives for completed surveys.

The dates for canvassing to begin by county are:

• New Castle County– Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022
• Kent County– Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022
• Sussex County– Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023

The community assessments are part of a broader and more comprehensive State Health Assessment (SHA) underway through 2023. It includes hosting community conversations across the state, gathering and analyzing existing data, and convening a collaborative coalition.

“The State Health Assessment is the foundation for developing Delaware’s next SHIP,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “This information will describe the health of Delaware’s population and identify areas for health improvement, contributing factors that impact health outcomes, and community assets and resources that can mobilize to improve Delaware’s health over the next five years.”

“We are excited to support the Delaware SHIP and appreciate the opportunities for our students to apply their skills in gathering, analyzing, and presenting health information,” said Dr. Jennifer Horney, founding director of the Epidemiology Program at the University of Delaware. “Whether canvassing neighborhoods with community residents, facilitating a community conversation, or working alongside diverse stakeholders as part of a statewide coalition, our students are learning the importance and value of a health assessment and improvement process aimed at involving the community, stakeholders, and partners each step along the way.”

A State Health Improvement Plan is a long-term, systematic plan to address the public health issues identified in the State Health Assessment. It reflects the public health system and its strategic priorities, the state’s demographics, and the community makeup. A SHIP addresses the highest health priorities of a state’s population. These priorities cover various public health issues such as access to healthcare, infant mortality, obesity, and tobacco prevention.

To learn more about Delaware’s State Health Improvement Plan, visit https://delawareship.org.

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.