Delaware Moves To Ban Dangerous Drugs Commonly Known As “Bath Salts”

DOVER – Governor Jack Markell announced today the state will be moving to ban the dangerous stimulants commonly known “bath salts” to make them illegal in Delaware as soon as tomorrow.

The Controlled Substances Advisory Committee will hold an emergency meeting Friday, September 30, at the request of the Secretary of State, who seeks to exercise his authority to issue an immediate ban on the drugs. Title 16, Section 4713, states the Secretary of State shall place a substance in Schedule I if that substance has high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or lacks accepted safety for use in treatment under medical supervision.

Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock will be taking an unprecedented step to immediately ban these substances for presenting a clear danger to the public. He plans to exercise his emergency authority to ban three synthetic chemical compounds used to produce “bath salts.” Marketed under names such as “Ivory Wave”, “Purple Wave”, “Vanilla Sky” or “Bliss”, these products are comprised of a class of chemicals which can mimic the effects of cocaine, LSD, MDMA and/or methamphetamine.

“We have every reason to make these drugs illegal,” said Governor Jack Markell. “These drugs present a danger to public safety. They have no legitimate use and can cause incredible damage to the lives of the user and those around the user. Criminalizing the sale and possession of these designer drugs will hopefully reverse their rising popularity and get them out of the hands of potential abusers.”

This action will empower state law enforcement agencies to treat bath salts the same as other harmful illegal drugs, which means those who possess and, more importantly, those who sell bath salts will now face criminal penalties.

“Getting these dangerous substances out of stores and off the streets will make Delaware a safer place,” said Attorney General Beau Biden. “Bath salts are dangerous drugs that have no place in our communities.”

Bath salts have become increasingly popular, particularly among teens and young adults, and are sold at places like tobacco shops, gas stations and head shops. The drug can also be bought on the internet. The federal Food and Drug Administration has not approved these chemicals for human consumption or for medical use, and there is no oversight of their manufacture.

Recently discovered data on three of the chemicals used to produce “bath salts” – mephedrone, methylone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) – demonstrate that they have a high potential for abuse and currently have no accepted medical use in the United States.

Often smoked, snorted or injected, bath salts can cause impaired perception, hallucinations, reduced motor control, chest pains, disorientation, extreme paranoia, agitation, and violent episodes. They are also believed to have led to numerous suicides.

The Controlled Substances Advisory Committee meeting will take place at 1 p.m. at the Carvel State Office Building, Wilmington, 10th floor. Following the meeting, a news conference will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Governor’s Office, 12th floor, with the Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General Beau Biden.

 


WSFS Announces Small Business Loan Program

WSFS Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:WSFS), the parent company of WSFS Bank, today announced that it has created the WSFS Small Business Loans-for-Job Creation Program. Under this new program, through the end of 2011, WSFS Bank will make available a special pool of $25 million to qualified small businesses located throughout the marketplaces it serves.

“In supporting our mission to strengthen our communities, the WSFS Small Business Loans-for-Job Creation Program will provide loans to help small businesses grow immediately and help fuel the broader economy,” said Mark A. Turner, WSFS President and Chief Executive Officer. “WSFS has been lending to businesses throughout this extended downturn,” continued Mr. Turner. “We also know small businesses are the engine of job creation and they have been hit especially hard over the last several years. Creating this program allows us to do our part to support small businesses right here, right now.”

“WSFS has a long record of helping Delawareans access the credit they need to start and grow a business,” said Sen. Carper. “It’s been tough out there the past several years for small business owners to find affordable access to capital, and I’m proud that a Delaware community bank is helping to extend this much needed credit to Delaware small businesses. I applaud WSFS’s Small Business Loans-for-Job Creation Program, which is another step in the right direction to get our economy moving and help put Delawareans back to work.”

“This announcement from WSFS is exciting news for Delaware’s business community,” Sen. Coons said. “The WSFS Small Business Loans-for-Job-Creation Program is a model for the type of institutional support that businesses need to grow and create jobs, and I’m optimistic that it will give Delaware’s economy a much-needed shot in the arm. This is how communities help get people back to work – by working together to help small businesses grow and create jobs. This program is win-win for Delaware.”

“Helping small businesses succeed is critical to creating jobs and strengthening the economy,” said Congressman Carney. “I applaud WSFS Bank for developing the Small Business Loans-for-Job Creation Program and making resources available that will directly benefit small businesses in our community. This is exactly the type of support needed to grow the economy and help get Delawareans back to work.”

Creditworthy businesses with annual revenues up to $10 million that commit to using the funds for immediate investment (equipment investment, hiring of employees, etc.) will be eligible for loans up to $500,000 with no closing costs or other bank fees and at an attractive fixed rate. Business owners interested in the WSFS Small Business Loans-for-Job Creation Program can call Cheryl Rodriquez at 1-877-WSFSBIZ to learn more about this program.

About WSFS Financial Corporation
WSFS Financial Corporation is a multi-billion dollar financial services company. Its primary subsidiary, WSFS Bank, is the oldest, locally-managed bank and trust company headquartered in Delaware with $4.2 billion in assets on its balance sheet and $9.3 billion in fiduciary assets, including approximately $1.0 billion in assets under management. WSFS has 48 offices located in Delaware (38), Pennsylvania (8), Virginia (1) and Nevada (1) and provides comprehensive financial services including commercial banking, retail banking and trust and wealth management. Other subsidiaries or divisions include Christiana Trust, WSFS Investment Group, Inc., Cypress Capital Management, LLC and Cash Connect. Serving the Delaware Valley since 1832, WSFS is the seventh oldest bank in the United States continuously operating under the same name. For more information, please visit www.wsfsbank.com.


Highway Safety Officials Concerned as Number of Unbelted Traffic Deaths Rise and Statewide Seat Belt Use Rate Falls Slightly

DOVER – Highway Safety officials are calling for everyone to tighten their belts – their seat belts that is. The call for everyone to renew their focus on making sure that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up comes as a result of great concern over a significant increase in the number of people killed in car crashes this year who were not buckled up.

“We’re asking drivers and passengers to buckle up for safety,” said Governor Jack Markell. “It’s something we can all do when we ride in a vehicle. The more Delawareans wear seat belts, the more injuries we spare and lives we save. It’s that simple.”

Since January 1st, 60% of the 50 drivers and passengers killed in car crashes were not wearing seat belts. This is much higher than at this time in 2010 when the percentage of unrestrained fatalities was 36% of the 50 drivers and passengers who had lost their lives.

Thus far, Males account for the majority (74%) of those unrestrained persons killed, with females making up the remaining 26%. The average age of those males killed was 43, and the average age of the unrestrained females killed was 30. The most common factors in the unrestrained fatal crashes were speeding, failure to negotiate a curve and loss of control of the vehicle, once again indicating that those who don’t wear seat belts tend to be drivers, or passengers who ride with drivers, that exhibit riskier behind the wheel behavior.

“We are very concerned about all the lives that we have lost on Delaware roads this year. The use of seatbelts is a critical part of reducing the number of fatalities in this State,” said Lewis Schiliro, Secretary for Delaware Safety and Homeland Security. “We urge everyone, drivers and passengers, to buckle up. If you don’t do it for yourself, do it for someone who loves you, like your parents or children.”

The increase in unrestrained fatalities is mirrored in the slight dip that Office of Highway Safety officials saw in the state’s seat belt use rate this year. Seat belt use surveys conducted in mid-June at the conclusion of the 10th annual Click It or Ticket campaign revealed that the Delaware seat belt use rate fell .4% from 90.7% in 2010 to 90.3% in 2011. Click It or Ticket is a nationwide seat belt enforcement and awareness campaign aimed at saving lives by increasing the number of people who consistently buckle up through the enforcement of each State’s seat belt laws.

“We are taking this situation quite seriously,” said Jana Simpler, Director for the Office of Highway Safety. “It is particularly distressing to see such an increase when we know that buckling your seat belt is one of the simplest, fastest, and most effective ways to prevent being killed or injured in a crash. We ask everyone to be extra conscientious and buckle up every trip, every time. There are a million excuses as to why people don’t wear a seat belt; is any one of them truly worth risking your life over?”

Delaware law enforcement officers participating in this year’s campaign issued 1,203 citations to unbelted motorists for violating the State’s law. Over the last four years, officers have actually issued fewer and fewer seat belt citations during the Click it or Ticket campaign and Highway Safety Officials believed this to be an indication that more Delaware motorists were buckling up. However, this year that did not turn out to be the case.

Ironically, the only county to see an increase in their seat belt use rate this year, New Castle County, also had the most unrestrained fatalities. New Castle County’s seat belt use rate increased from 89% in 2010 to 90% in 2011, but accounted for 41% of the unrestrained persons killed to date. Sussex County had the lowest seat belt use rate of all three, dropping 3 percentage points to 90% this year, and accounted for 37% of the unrestrained persons killed. Kent County’s use rate also dropped 3 percentage points to 91% and accounted for the remaining 22% of unbelted fatalities.

“Troopers urge motorists to make safety a top priority by properly buckling up,” said Sergeant Paul Shavack, Director of Public Information for Delaware State Police. “Being properly restrained can substantially reduce your risk of being involved and/or injured in a crash. Remember, there is NEVER a good excuse to ride in a vehicle without wearing a seat belt.”

Highway Safety officials are developing additional strategies to increase seat belt use in an effort to prevent further loss of life. These strategies include working with health partners, driver education teachers to promote a “buckle up every trip, every time” message, and may also include stepped up enforcement.

For more information on the “Click It or Ticket” campaign or any of the Office of Highway Safety’s traffic safety initiatives, visit our website at www.ohs.delaware.go or follow us for updates on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/DEHighwaySafe .

 


Delaware Floodplain and Drainage Advisory Committee Begins Work That Will Help Protect Lives And Property From Flooding

DOVER – Delaware’s Floodplain and Drainage Advisory Committee, created as a result of new legislation – Senate Bill 64, recently held its first meeting. The Committee has been charged with developing recommendations for improving floodplain management and drainage that will help protect lives and property from flooding.

With a mean elevation of just 60 feet above sea level, Delaware is especially vulnerable to flooding from rising sea levels and coastal storms. More than 331 square miles of Delaware’s land mass, or about 17 percent, are within a mapped 100 year floodplain. From urban areas to farming communities, flooding and drainage issues affect most Delawareans at one time or another.

“Flooding has been a problem for many Delaware homes and businesses, causing millions of dollars worth of property damage,” said Governor Jack Markell, who signed Senate Bill 64 into law on August 17, 2011. “This law brings together a variety of Delawareans, providing a forum to identify practices that will prevent or minimize flooding. The goal is to let communities and businesses focus on families and jobs instead of dealing with floods.”

State expenditures to resolve flooding and drainage problems have cost taxpayers an estimated $65 million since 1996. Currently, approximately 500 drainage projects remain to be completed throughout the state with an estimated cost of $58 million. In addition, flood insurance claims add millions of dollars a year to that total.

Regulations which govern construction activities in Delaware’s floodplain consist largely of county and municipal regulations adopted to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In many areas, communities have adopted regulations which minimally meet NFIP standards.

“By modernizing outdated standards and codes, Delaware will minimize property damage from flooding and save millions of dollars,” said Secretary O’Mara. “Senate Bill 64 makes it possible to implement minimum protective standards and on-going and long term improvement measures that are consistent across the state.”

Senate Bill 64 directs Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara to develop guidance and minimum standards for improved floodplain management and drainage based upon the recommendations of the Floodplain and Drainage Advisory Committee. The 21-member committee, comprised of individuals from private and public organizations, as well as state, federal and municipal governments, will evaluate the current capacity of local governments to implement revised floodplain and drainage standards.

“As one of its charges, the Committee will examine whether existing policies and practices provide adequate notifications to prospective property buyers of existing flooding and drainage issues,” said DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship Director Frank Piorko, who also serves as Chair of the Floodplain and Drainage Advisory Committee. “We’ll also discuss the role that smarter construction practices and education play in reducing flood risk and the overall cost of flood insurance.”

DNREC will provide technical assistance to local governments in assessing the standards and will to continue to update floodplain maps. In addition, DNREC’s Secretary is afforded greater flexibility to waive regulatory requirements for emergencies to protect public health and safety and property.

 


DPH Awarded $2.9 Million To Strengthen Health Of Mothers And Children

Delaware was awarded a $2.9 million competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Sept. 22 to help at-risk families voluntarily receive home visits to improve maternal and child health. The state Division of Public Health’s Family Health Section will use the funds to support the development of a comprehensive early childhood system that addresses health and development from the prenatal period through age 8, reaching high-risk and hard-to-engage populations including rural communities. As part of the federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program, this first-time grant is funded by the Affordable Care Act and was awarded to only 13 states.

“Helping children succeed in school and in business begins early and at home,” said Governor Jack Markell. “This grant will enable us to reach at risk children in their own homes providing resources that will help them build a critical foundation for their future. By helping children in their earliest years, we significantly increase their chances of success later on in life.”

DPH will build upon four existing home-visiting programs; Smart Start, the Nurse-Family Partnership, Parents as Teachers and Early Head Start. This will involve recruiting home visitors who can serve as health navigators in Wilmington and in southern Delaware.

“The use of community health workers is documented as a method to enhance health education with high-risk and underserved populations,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director. “This facilitates a culturally competent approach to serving families.”

For more information on the Smart Start program, go to http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/chs/chssmartstart.html

For more information on DPH’s maternal and child health programs, go to http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/chca/dphmchhome.html

For more information on HRSA’s MIECHV program, please visit mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/homevisiting/.