NEW CASTLE (July 26, 2018) – As part of the State Innovation Model (SIM) initiative, the Delaware Health Care Commission is seeking applications from Delaware health care providers for one-time, value-based payment reform mini-grants to grow their capacity to integrate data, improve the coordination of patient care or increase their readiness to integrate into a total cost of care or Alternative Payment Model (APM).

The Delaware Health Care Commission is prepared to award up to 10 applicants in amounts ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 through the Value-Based Payment Reform Fund for work that must be completed or services procured by Jan. 31, 2019. Mini-grant applicants must be primary care providers, behavioral health providers, hospitals, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or clinically integrated networks, and must be licensed in the State of Delaware. Bidders may apply for multiple projects. The Health Care Commission expects to award grants for small projects (up to $50,000) and large projects (up to $250,000), based on the scope of the project. Applications are due no later than Aug. 30.

“These one-time mini-grants offer a great opportunity for health care providers in Delaware to conduct pilot projects in the area of value-based payment reform,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a board-certified family physician. “To embrace this change, we urge providers to test out collaborations or partnerships in the areas of data integration, care coordination or readiness to integrate into an ACO or an Alternative Payment Method.”

“In our continuing work with the State Innovation Model, the Health Care Commission has embraced innovative ways to help practices succeed in the changing health care delivery environment,” said Dr. Nancy Fan, Chair of the Delaware Health Care Commission. “These mini-grants, along with the ongoing work through our practice transformation vendors, give us practical ways to help facilitate that change.”

Applications must be made in one of three areas:

• Data integration: Project must enhance the applicant’s data integration, clinical informatics or population-based analytics capabilities. Examples include data exchange infrastructure and analytics projects or support; data warehousing and reporting capacity; and development of data-sharing agreements.
• Improve the coordination of patient care: Project must enhance the applicant’s clinical integration. Examples include conducting data analytics and developing care guidelines for a primary care-based system of complex care management for high-risk population(s); implementing improvements in care transitions such as new business processes or mutual agreements with partner providers; and implementing a practice support call center.
• Increase readiness to integrate into an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) or operate through an Alternative Payment Method (APM): Project must develop, expand or enhance the applicant’s shared governance structures and organizational integration strategies, linking the applicant with ACO leadership and across the continuum of care with providers already contracted with an ACO. An example would be support to model costs of care in preparation for participation in value-based payment arrangements with multiple payers.

“The Delaware Center for Health Innovation (DCHI) is a public/private partnership, supporting innovative changes in the way health care is delivered and paid for in order to drive quality and better health for all in our state,” said Julane Miller-Armbrister, executive director of DCHI. “We encourage Delaware health care providers to apply for these mini-grants as a way to pilot their ideas for comprehensive reform.”

Applications will be evaluated and considered as they are received, with the final notifications of award coming by Sept. 30. For potential applicants, the Health Care Commission will host a Q&A session via conference call at 2 p.m. Aug. 9. Please email DHCC@delaware.gov for call-in information. All questions and final applications also must be submitted by email to DHCC@delaware.gov.

ST. GEORGES – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today that a portion of the Mike Castle Trail east of the Biddles Point trailhead on the C&D Canal Conservation Area has been closed effective immediately due to a large sinkhole opening along the trail as a result of the recent heavy rains.

Repairs to replace a faulty drain and repair the blacktop on the trail will begin Friday, July 27, and are expected to be complete, with the trail reopened, weather permitting, on Monday, August 6.

For more information, please call the Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912.

Visit the John Bell House to find out more about how diseases like smallpox were managed during the American Revolution.

DOVER – DNREC’s First State Heritage Park will feature “Science Exploration” as the theme August 4 for the First State Heritage Park’s monthly “First Saturday in the First State,” with a variety of free events and activities.

The John Bell House will feature “Revolutionary Medicine,” a program offered throughout the day about what medicine was like in the 18th century. Join historical interpreters in colonial clothing to learn about how Revolutionary War soldiers were treated for smallpox and other diseases. Visitors also will be able to play the role of a bio-archaeologist to help determine the cause of death for theoretical remains based solely on what can be found using archaeology.

Dr. Stephanie Holyfield will present “Colonial Contagion: Smallpox and the American Revolution,” at the Delaware Public Archives. Dr. Holyfield will discuss the impact of the disease and present information about the history of smallpox in the colonial era, George Washington’s decision to inoculate the army, and how the epidemic threatened the outcome of the war.

At 11 a.m., The Old State House will host “Medicine through the Wars: The Evolution of American Wartime Medicine.” From the American Revolution to present, find out how warfare – despite its destructive nature – has led to great advancements in science, especially in medicine.

Social science is the subject at the Kent County Courthouse, where visitors will participate in “Crime and Punishment” to learn how justice was served in the 18th century. The newly constructed pillory and stocks will be on display for visitors to try them on for size.

Here is a list of programs and activities for First Friday and First Saturday in the First State:

First Saturday – August 4

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Revolutionary Medicine — John Bell House on The Green, 43 The Green
Learn about 18th century medicine and how the inventions of Dover’s own Dr. James Tilton saved lives during the Revolutionary War.

A Capitol Experience — Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Avenue
Tour Delaware’s State Capitol building, and experience Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.

Biggs Kids: Bird Prints — Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
Help welcome our visiting flock of John James Audubon bird prints with a special bird craft. Feathers will fly! For ages 5-10.

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Tours of the Governor’s House — Woodburn – The Governor’s House, 151 King’s Highway
Enjoy guided tours of the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, and Hall House, the Governor’s guest house.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sickness and Health…and the Occasional Poisoning Walking Tour — John Bell House on The Green, 43 The Green
Highlighting stories of medical curiosities of Dover’s past.

10:30 a.m.

Colonial Contagion: Smallpox and the American Revolution — Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Dr. Stephanie Holyfield will discuss the impact of smallpox during the American Revolution with information about the history of the disease, epidemic threats, and George Washington’s decision to inoculate soldiers against the disease.

11 a.m.

Medicine Through the Wars: The Evolution of American Wartime Medicine — The Old State House, 25 The Green
This lecture examines the progress made in military medical practices and the role Delawareans played from the American Revolution through World War II.

1:30 – 4 p.m.

Crime and Punishment in the 18th Century — Kent County Courthouse, 38 The Green, Courtroom #1
From the pillory to the gallows, learn how justice was served in the 18th century, and how American colonists showed mercy to criminals in surprising ways.

1:30 p.m.

Sound, Stage, and Screen — Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
Examine the science behind adding recorded sound to film and how that revolutionized the industry.

Each month during “First Saturdays in the First State,” the First State Heritage Park offers a variety of free programs at each of the park’s partner sites, including tours of the two capitol buildings in Delaware’s capital city – the Old State House and Legislative Hall – hourly walking tours leaving from the John Bell House, and the monthly “Biggs Kids” program at the Biggs Museum of American Art. Exhibits are also on display at the Biggs Museum, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, and the Johnson Victrola Museum.

Admission to all park sites and programs is free. Centrally-located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North. For more information about “First Saturday” events and all First State Heritage Park programs, please call 302-739-9194 or visit the First State Heritage Park web site.

The First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries,” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. The park is a partnership of state agencies under the leadership of DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, working in collaboration with city and county government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

Contact: Sarah Zimmerman, DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation, First State Heritage Park, 302-739-9194 or sarah.zimmerman@delaware.gov.

[AUGUST UPDATE: Click here to view request for proposal]

Applying for a job, or recruiting talented employees for your business. Taking a college course. Reading a book. Helping your kids with math homework.

More and more, these are tasks that Delawareans are completing online —to further their education, acquire new skills, and compete in an economy that is evolving every day. My most important job as Governor is to make sure that Delaware has a strong, growing, and competitive economy. That’s why, among other steps we’re taking, it’s so important for us to expand access to high-speed broadband service across our state - especially in areas where service is spotty or unavailable today.

Over the next two years, working with partners in the private sector, we plan to eliminate broadband deserts and ensure that every Delaware citizen and business has access to high-speed broadband service.

Delaware has consistently been recognized for having among the fastest internet speeds in the country. Ensuring reliable access to the internet for even more Delawareans will help prepare our young people for the economy of the future, and it will help our existing workforce do their jobs even better.

“As vice chair of the House Committee on Telecommunication Internet and Technology, I believe that every Delawarean should have equal access to high quality broadband,” said Representative Trey Paradee, a Dover Democrat. “I’m proud of the efforts made in Delaware to expand broadband access throughout the state.”

“Connectivity is the key. Many areas of our county have been under served by the major Internet players for many years,” said Senator Brian Pettyjohn, a Georgetown Republican. “Bringing broadband access will help families, students, businesses, and our agricultural community compete in the modern world.”

On Tuesday, during a tour of Delaware Electric Cooperative in Greenwood, we saw how important broadband access is to the delivery of electricity to customers across Kent and Sussex counties.

Josh Wharton, a Delaware Electric Cooperative operations supervisor, shared one of his favorite stories. One night at 11:00 p.m., Josh received a call from another power company that had a fire on a power line. The company asked Josh to redirect power to 5,000 customers before their service was impacted. From his home in Gumboro, Josh used an iPad to guarantee those customers didn’t lose power. How was that possible? A high-speed, remote internet connection.

Businesses need to reach their customers, and set up shop in locations that enable them to communicate efficiently. High-speed broadband is critical for companies of all sizes, and it’s why we’re working to ensure businesses have access to quality internet service statewide.

We also heard from R.C. Willin and Brent Willin of Willin Farms on how their fifth-generation family farm uses internet connectivity to make adjustments to planting, monitor equipment, and manage business operations.

We want all of Delaware’s farms to have access to this type of technology. Expanding access to high-speed broadband is essential for Delaware’s agriculture sector to remain competitive.

Here’s how we plan to expand high-speed broadband access in Delaware:

In August, we will release a request for proposals (RFP) to develop partnerships that will improve broadband availability in rural areas throughout Delaware by creating opportunity for the private sector to develop and offer that service. [AUGUST UPDATE: Click here to view RFP.]
Through this RFP and subsequent partnerships, the State will focus on enabling service to homes and businesses where broadband service is not readily available, particularly in rural Kent and Sussex Counties.

Delaware will also prioritize low-cost services for lower income families to enable them to take full advantage of the internet, meeting needs that range from applying for jobs to completing homework assignments.

We will make funds available through a rural broadband grant program to reduce barriers to market entry for private sector providers, and to further attract private investment.

This is about increasing opportunity for all Delawareans - and making sure that no one in our state is left behind because they don’t have adequate access to technology.

We are building on earlier work across our state that has achieved results. Delaware has worked diligently to expand broadband access across the state for several years. Delaware Chief Information Officer James Collins has worked with school district leaders to upgrade digital infrastructure and dramatically increase internet speeds in 48 schools statewide - many in areas that are under-served.

As part of the Delaware Department of Technology and Information’s Delaware Broadband Fund Phase Two initiative to promote fixed wireless broadband solutions and reach under-served populations in rural areas, Bloosurf launched a pilot project in the City of Seaford which offered free service to customers within 8 miles of the wireless access points.

That helped Delawareans like Kim Hopkins, a Seaford teacher, who previously had trouble grading papers, preparing lesson plans, and helping her children with their homework because of slow, spotty internet connection.

We have invested in increasing our fiber infrastructure, with the State’s initial financial contribution, resulting in over $30 million in private investment and 700 miles of fiber.

Delaware’s existing broadband “backbone” features high capacity fiber-optic lines that run the length of the state from Wilmington to Georgetown, and from Seaford to Lewes, improving internet reliability for consumers and increasing internet access speeds by as much as 10 times since 2009.

“We live in an amazing time where technology provides us unprecedented access to information and the ability to collaborate - high-speed broadband is key to that connectivity. Without broadband, we wouldn’t be talking about emerging technologies like the ‘Internet of Things’ or the many cloud-based services available because they wouldn’t exist. It is imperative we continue the work to bridge the digital divide because access to technology levels the playing field. In today’s connected world, broadband access is necessary for the success of our students, communities and businesses. Our hope is that high-speed broadband will become as accessible as electricity for all Delawareans.” - Delaware Chief Information Officer James Collins

Thanks in large part to these efforts, Delaware continuously ranks at, or near, the top of broadband speed rankings across the nation. Yet, we still face the same challenges as many other states when it comes to access and affordability, especially in our rural areas where broadband deserts still exist.

Over the next two years, we will directly confront this issue, eliminate those deserts, and make high-speed internet a reality for all Delawareans. That will help all Delawareans connect and compete in a new economy, and help move our entire state forward.

NEW CASTLE (July 25, 2018) – With back-to-school shopping already well underway for many Delaware families, the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) asks you to consider helping students in need get off to a good start this school year by participating in the annual Adopt-A-Student program.

DHSS, in partnership with the Human Services Council, Inc., is seeking individuals, businesses and organizations to help thousands of the state’s children living in poverty or in low-income households by providing much needed backpacks, school supplies, and gift cards to purchase uniforms. The deadline for donations is Aug. 3.

“Providing resources and support for low-income students has always been high on my list of priorities,” said Governor John Carney. “The work done by the Adopt-A-Student program – thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors – helps make sure all Delaware children are ready to start learning with the first school bell of the year. I urge Delawareans to donate to Adopt-A-Student so our most vulnerable students are ready to take that next step toward success.”

Designed to encourage a positive attitude toward school by helping with the supplies students need to achieve success, Adopt-A-Student accepts backpacks and school supply donations, as well as $50 gift cards to retail stores that carry school uniforms such as Forman Mills, Rainbow and Walmart.

“This year we shared the poem ‘Children Learn What They Live,’ written by Ms. Dorothy Law Nolte many years ago, with our sponsors – a poem that has been an inspiration to many over the years,” said Lisa MB Johnson, Program Administrator for the Adopt-A-Family program in the Division of State Service Centers. “Our goal is to decrease the stress level of vulnerable families as parents and children prepare for a successful school year.

“We are excited about the support we have received from the Delaware community at-large and want to reiterate the point that our sponsors continue to be an inspiration to the many children and parents whose lives they encourage by the annual educational support they provide.”

In 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 12 percent of Delawareans lived below the poverty line.

To “adopt” a student or make a donation, please contact the closest Adopt-A-Family office:

• New Castle County: Contact the Adopt-A-Student program at 302-792-6510 or email sharon.brown@delaware.gov. Donation hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Kent and Sussex counties: Contact the Adopt-A-Student program at 302-424-7260 or email elizabeth.senato@delaware.gov. Donation hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Any donor who needs to drop off donations outside of these hours may call either office for an accommodation. More information can be found at www.adoptafamilyde.org.

In 2017, the Adopt-A-Student program, through the leadership of the Human Services Councils, Inc., helped more than 1,400 Delaware students. Year-round, the various Adopt-A-Family programs aid families in crisis – those struggling with illness, homelessness, domestic violence, poverty or unemployment. The program, begun in 1973, is coordinated by the Division of State Service Centers in all three counties.

For these programs, Adopt-A-Family accepts financial and in-kind donations. All donations are tax deductible (Federal Tax ID# 51-0292966). Checks can be made payable to: Adopt-A-Family, and mailed to either 3301 Green St., Claymont, DE 19703; or 13 SW Front St., Milford, DE 19963.

For more information about Adopt-A-Family, go to www.adoptafamilyde.org/ or contact your nearest state service center.