DOVER – The days are heating up as we approach the official start of summer. While most people are focused on getting outdoors to be more active, enjoy sports like baseball and fishing, and appreciate the warmth, the Division of Public Health (DPH) is reminding everyone to be mindful of the sun’s harmful rays. Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays can lead to skin cancer. Delaware ranks third nationally for skin cancer diagnosis. Building on ongoing awareness efforts, the 2017 Division of Public Health’s #ProtectYourSkinDE skin cancer prevention campaign is under way to educate Delawareans, especially children, teens and young adults about skin cancer prevention.

“Skin cancer is absolutely preventable and being sun smart can dramatically reduce the risk of developing it later on,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “By building new partnerships we hope to reach even more people through this campaign and give them the tools and support to help prevent them, along with their loved ones, from becoming victims of this life-threatening disease.”

DPH is teaming up with Delaware State Parks and the YMCA of Delaware this year to spread the word about skin cancer prevention. Educational signs and materials will be distributed throughout state parks to help remind visitors to use sunscreen and practice other healthy behaviors. The Division of Public Health (DPH) Comprehensive Cancer Control Program has partnered with the YMCA of Delaware to incorporate the evidence-based “Pool Cool” program into the YMCA swim lessons and swim team practices. YMCA instructors and Coaches will provide 40 minutes of skin cancer prevention education to children ages 3 to 19. The 2017 prevention campaign will also include events throughout the summer in an effort to connect people with resources for prevention and early detection.

DPH is sharing the following information and tips so everyone can “Protect Your Skin”:

Everyone is at risk for skin cancer. Protection from damaging and dangerous ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) radiation is important year-round. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun as well as indoor tanning, damages the epidermis, the skin’s top layer. Long-term sun exposure, sunbathing, using indoor tanning, or having sunburns increases your chance of developing skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. Sun exposure also causes premature aging, wrinkles, age spots, and uneven skin tone. Protecting your skin is easy if you do these simple things:

• Apply sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.
• Use a water-resistant sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and a broad-spectrum SPF 15+.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
• Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wear wide-brimmed hats to cover your head, face, neck and ears.
• Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block 99% or more of UV light.

Damaging rays can cause skin cancer and melanoma that can threaten your life. Facts:

• The sun’s rays reach you on cloudy or hazy days and reflect off of water and sand.
• People with light complexions are more likely to sunburn and should use a broad-spectrum SPF 15+.
• If you have a family history of skin cancer, you’re more likely to develop it, so be sure to get checked. Also at greater risk are those with freckles, blonde or red hair, or blue or green eyes or those with skin that reddens or sunburns easily.
• If you work or play outdoors, you can reduce your risk for skin cancer by wearing SPF 15+ sunscreen.
• Tanning beds, booths and sunlamps have been linked to skin cancers including melanoma, therefore, if you have a history of indoor tanning, you’re more prone to skin cancer and should see a dermatologist.

Examine your skin. Check all exposed and unexposed parts of your body. A change in a mole, a new growth, or even an unhealed sore can be a sign of skin cancer.

Remember: Not all skin cancers look the same, and may not fit the rules described above. It’s important to tell your health care provider about any changes or new spots on the skin, or growths that look different from the rest of your moles. That’s why it’s important to self-examine your skin, know what to look for and to see a dermatologist if you identify an irregularity.

DPH also encourages everyone to check out the ProtectYourSkinDE.com website. This comprehensive site offers everything from facts and figures, to tips for people who work outdoors. The site enables visitors to find a dermatologist, and it also offers video testimonials from skin cancer survivors who explain why skin cancer prevention is so important.

The #ProtectYourSkinDE campaign runs from May through September. For more information on prevention and your risk for skin cancer, contact the DPH Comprehensive Cancer Control Program at 302-744-1020, or visit ProtectYourSkinDE.com or HealthyDelaware.org.

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. 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.

DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police to host Youth Fishing Tournament June 3

DOVER – To celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, June 3-11, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife invites you to fish, crab and clam in any Delaware waters by offering free fishing days on Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4. On these two days, anyone, out-of-staters included, may fish the state’s waters without a fishing license.

Anglers are reminded that even though they don’t need a license to fish on June 3 or 4, they are still required to obtain a free Fisherman Identification Network (F.I.N.) number. A F.I.N. number can be obtained online at www.delaware-fin.com or by calling 800-432-9228. Anglers also are required to comply with Delaware’s fishing regulations, including size and daily catch limits.

National Fishing and Boating Week festivities will also include the Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police’s 31st Annual Youth Fishing Tournament from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 3. The event will take place at a pond in each county: Ingrams Pond near Millsboro, Akridge Scout Reservation near Camden and the dog training area at Lums Pond State Park near Bear. Participants are asked to arrive before 10 a.m. to register for the tournament.

With the exception of Delaware’s annual free fishing weekend, resident and non-resident anglers from the ages of 16 through 64 who fish, crab or clam in any Delaware waters – including ponds, impoundments, streams, rivers, bays and ocean – are required to purchase a fishing license. Delaware residents 65 or older and both residents and non-residents under age 16 are not required to purchase a license, although exempt persons may purchase fishing licenses if they so choose to help support fisheries management. Licenses are required for non-residents age 65 and older.

Delaware fishing licenses cost $8.50 for residents, while non-residents pay $20 a year or $12.50 for a seven-day license. Fishing licenses are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901 and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For additional information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

For more fishing information, click on 2017 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk, and from license agents throughout the state.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Vol. 47, No. 124

-30-

New laws expand access to substance abuse treatment, remove insurance barriers, and strengthen oversight of prescriptions

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday signed into law Senate Bill 41, House Bill 91, and House Bill 100, a bipartisan package of legislation that will expand access to substance abuse treatment, strengthen oversight of opioid prescriptions, and combat Delaware’s addiction crisis.

Governor Carney signed the legislation during a ceremony that included remarks from Attorney General Matt Denn, members of the General Assembly, and Delaware advocates for improved access to substance abuse treatment – including families who have lost loved ones to Delaware’s opioid epidemic.

“Far too many Delawareans, and Delaware families, have been affected by this crisis,” said Governor Carney. “These new laws represent a significant step forward in our efforts to combat Delaware’s addiction epidemic. To the Delaware families who have lost loved ones to addiction, and who are now fighting to prevent others from experiencing the same fate, your work is nothing short of inspiring. To the Delawareans who are using your own experience with substance abuse to help others, know that you are making a difference. We will continue to follow your lead. Thank you to Attorney General Denn and members of the General Assembly for your continued urgency on this issue.”

“The credit for these bills should go to the Delawareans who have overcome substance abuse, and the families who lost loved ones to drug overdoses, who stepped forward and shared their thoughts about where the system was failing and how it could be improved,” said Attorney General Matt Denn. “We listened and tried to turn their suggestions into laws, but the ideas came from those families, and after giving us the ideas they stood shoulder to shoulder with us to make sure the bills were passed.”

“I truly feel that every life matters,” said MaryBeth Cichocki, who lost her son to opioid addiction, and advocated for the new laws. “We are all one injury or surgery away from the disease that continues to take the lives of those we love. As long as I breathe, Matt will continue to live.”

“We are grateful for all those responsible for the passing of these bills,” said Don Keister, a founder of atTAcK Addiction, whose son lost his battle with addiction. “When families need help, it’s important that services are available without additional delays. If these laws had been around when our son was battling this disease, he may still be alive today.”

Legislation signed into law on Tuesday will take a number of steps to expand access to substance abuse treatment, target barriers to insurance coverage, and improve Delaware’s response to the addiction epidemic.

The package will:

• Prevent private insurers from using pre-authorization and referral requirements to delay access to substance abuse treatment;
• Require insurance companies to cover 14 days of substance abuse treatment before conducting a “utilization review” that can delay treatment;
• Limit insurance companies from denying substance abuse treatment based on “medical necessity” grounds;
• Allow the Department of Justice to use consumer protection funds to advocate for those being denied coverage based on “medical necessity” grounds;
• Establish a new committee to help oversee opioid prescriptions, and strengthen the oversight of over-prescription.

“Even with limitless support, battling addiction is incredibly difficult. But it shouldn’t be made harder by insurance companies and health care providers standing in the way of critical treatment,” said Senate Majority Leader Margaret Rose Henry, the lead Senate sponsor of House Bill 100. “I am grateful to Governor Carney for signing this important legislation into law, so Delawareans never again have to worry about whether they’re covered by insurance before seeking substance abuse treatment that could save their lives.”

“Delawareans who take the initiative to seek treatment for substance abuse shouldn’t have to wade through red tape to get the help they need,” said Senator Stephanie Hansen, the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 41. “I appreciate the Attorney General’s leadership in helping us pass this important legislation, which ensures that insurance companies are forbidden from imposing pre-certifications, screenings, prior authorizations or referrals for those ready to make the potentially life-saving decision to get help.”

“In light of the scourge of addiction, we need to get these people appropriate treatment, when it’s needed,” said Senator Dave Lawson. “Current coverages are insufficient.”

“These measures are necessary first steps towards addressing the needs of a significant portion of the more than 90,000 Delawareans currently suffering from addiction. We mustn’t fail to provide safety-nets for those in need of immediate treatment, and we must work to ensure current policies align with the increasing needs of Delawareans affected by addiction,” said Senator Anthony Delcollo. “Lastly, we cannot continue to operate in a vacuum when addressing addiction, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to aggressively pursue solutions to improve the lives of almost 100,000 Delawareans affected by this horrific disease.”

“If people struggle and stumble as they seek treatment, they should have the ability to come back and get treated again. Addiction is a disease, just like cancer and diabetes, and should be considered as one when it comes to medical treatment. Delawareans struggling with addiction should be extended a helping hand when they seek treatment, not have the door shut in their faces,” said Representative Helene Keeley, the prime sponsor of House Bill 100. “These combined efforts provide us with the necessary resources to battle the opioid epidemic in the First State and remove the stigma associated with substance abuse.”

“These bills will help save lives in Delaware and I am proud to be part of this effort to combat the disease of addiction. Substance abuse treatment helps people reintegrate into society and lead productive lives,” said Representative Michael Mulrooney, the prime sponsor of House Bill 91. “If we deny people suffering from substance abuse the treatment they need, it can lead them to relapse and either end up in the criminal justice system or worse.”

“This package of legislation represents best practices that we are implementing in Delaware in order to strategically address our concerns in battling the heroin and opioid epidemic,” said Representative Ruth Briggs King. “And, we are not done yet. Other bills, such as the substance-exposed infant legislation is working its way through Legislative Hall and should be our next primary focus in this ongoing effort to combat this epidemic.”

“These bills are key to fighting the opioid epidemic in Delaware because they address a very important component of this process – making sure adequate treatment is available to those who need it,” said Representative Tim Dukes. “Without access to treatment, all our efforts may as well be considered for nothing.”

“Collectively, these bills also add to the public awareness that addiction is a disease, that it can be treated, and people do recover,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services. “With addiction, we know that when people are ready for treatment, the window can be small in terms of connecting them to that critical care. At the Department of Health and Social Services, we will do everything in our power to connect that person to the treatment they seek.”

###

Related news:
Delaware to Participate in NGA’s Bipartisan Health Reform Learning Network
DHSS Relaunches ‘Help is Here’ Website with Accompanying Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Support Campaign

Wilmington, Del. (May 30, 2017) – Gaiter explores the concept of “facts” after the 2016 election season. She arranges public texts and statements from traditionally reliable sources (books, major news sources, etc.) in relationship to images that may enhance or challenge their meaning. At a time when images, words, and meanings can be manipulated, Gaiter invites viewers to question assumptions.

Alternatively True Facts will be on view in the Mezzanine Gallery from June 2-30, 2017. An opening reception to meet the artist will be held on Friday, June 2 from 5-7 p.m.

Learn more about Gaiter with our YouTube Meet the Artist video series. Image: ELECT/RICITY, 18″ x 12.5″, Artist’s book, Digital prints, 2016

The Mezzanine Gallery is located in the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French St., Wilmington, DE 19801 and open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

###

Contact: Leeann Wallett, Program Officer, Communications and Marketing
302-577-8280, leeann.wallett@delaware.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 30, 2017

Newark, DE – Due to construction activity at the site, the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Training office has temporarily closed its Hudson State Service Center and relocated the operation to the agency’s Pencader Corporate Center.

Effective June 1 and until further notice, the team from the Hudson office will be operating out of the Employment and Training facility off of DE-896 in Newark.

While no specific date for moving back to the Hudson State Service Center has been set, the move is expected to last some three weeks.

The Pencader Corporate Center address is:

225 Corporate Blvd, suite 211

Newark, DE 19702

Members of the public can continue contacting the staff from the Hudson office 302-451-3466.

ABOUT THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

The Delaware Department of Labor connects people to jobs, resources, monetary benefits, workplace protections and labor market information to promote financial independence, workplace justice and a strong economy. The department is made up of four divisions:

Division of Unemployment Insurance

Division of Industrial Affairs

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Office of Occupational and Labor Market Information

The combined efforts of these divisions and offices support the employment-related needs of nearly 400,000 Delaware workers and more than 20,000 businesses throughout the state.

CONTACT:

Leon Tucker, Director of Communications

Delaware Department of Labor

302.761.8002 office

302.530.5770 Cell

Leon.Tucker@delaware.gov

http://dol.delaware.gov/