NEW CASTLE (April 22, 2024) – Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and leaders from the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), along with partner community agencies, led a community response briefing on Monday to provide the latest outcome data and other information regarding the State’s efforts to support individuals struggling with substance use disorder in Delaware.

Organized by DHSS’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH), these quarterly briefings aim to inform the public about the State’s ongoing work to reduce overdoses and respond to the opioid epidemic.

The event was opened by Delaware Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, who highlighted her commitment to supporting people in Delaware struggling with substance use disorder and the providers who are the helpers in Delaware.

“As a public health nurse, I’m optimistic our efforts are having an impact on the opioid crisis here in Delaware. But the fact still remains that we have lost far too many Delawareans.” said Lt. Gov. Hall-Long, PhD, RN, research scientist and Chair of the Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium. “We’ve thrown the kitchen sink at this issue – and we are not stopping anytime soon. It has taken an all-hands-on-deck approach to get this far. As we continue forward, I want to thank the many grassroots advocates, nonprofits, state and local government agencies, our General Assembly, and especially, family members, for leaning in and collaborating on how to provide the best treatment, prevention, and recovery models for Delawareans.”

DSAMH Director Joanna Champney followed the Lt. Governor and provided information on her office’s efforts to combat overdose fatalities and the harmful impacts of substance use disorder in the community.

“We will not rest until drug poisoning and overdose deaths in our state are at zero, but we are grateful for the efforts of all of our partners to continue flattening the curve,” said Director Champney. “We will continue to focus on our strategies of reducing the negative stigma of addiction, screening individuals for opioid use disorder, offering information to healthcare providers about how to use medication to treat opioid use disorder, blanketing the state with the overdose reversal medication, targeting efforts to reach specific consumer groups, and focusing on Delaware’s addiction treatment infrastructure.”

John Evans, Director of the Division of Forensic Science, spoke about the variety of substances leading to overdose fatalities and broke down some data that demonstrated usage in the state.

Caroline Judd, MPH, Substance Use Disorder Epidemiologist with the Division of Public Health, shared data from the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) as well as other key data points related to non-fatal overdose. The links below will provide access to the full sets of data provided by Caroline Judd during the press briefing:

State Unintentional Drug Overdose Deaths, Delaware, 2018 to 2022 (arcgis.com)

Non-Fatal Emergency Visits, Delaware, 2019 to 2024 (arcgis.com)

Kim Blanch, BSN, RN, Director of Community Outreach at Beebe Healthcare, and Arlene Wood, LPCHM, LCPC, NCC, Beebe Healthcare Behavioral Health Grant Director, provided detailed insight from the provider perspective of their community work. Beebe Healthcare also brought their mobile outreach vehicle and provided tours for the public in attendance to see how they perform their work in the community.

Dr. Robert Rosenbaum, M.D., FACEP, FAEMS/State Medical Director for Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness at the Division of Public Health, spoke about the use of Buprenorphine by EMS response teams as a way to save lives and serve the public.

To help address behavioral health needs of Delawareans, DHSS has several ways for individuals or their family members to connect:

• Call the 24/7 Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE or 1-833-946-7333 – a single point of contact in which callers can connect to a variety of resources and information, including support from clinicians and peer specialists plus crisis assistance.
• Stop by one of DHSS’ Bridge Clinics for an in-person assessment.
• Visit TreatmentConnection.com to find out which treatment providers are located near you.
• Visit HelpIsHereDE.com, DHSS’ one-stop website where Delawareans can search for treatment services and resources in Delaware or nearby states.
• Call 988 if the individual is in crisis and needs immediate support.
• Call 911 if someone has overdosed and needs emergency medical attention.
• Learn where to find Narcan training, get the medication through the mail, and download the OpiRescueDE App here.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) hosted a Family Assistance Center (FAC) Full-Scale Exercise on Thursday, April 18, in Frankford. The exercise simulated a traffic collision with multiple coach buses and numerous injuries and fatalities. It was held to test the readiness and response capabilities of state agencies and the community.

DPH collaborated with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Delaware State Police, Delaware Division of Forensic Sciences, Division of Social Services, Victim Services and other emergency and community-based organizations to develop a comprehensive FAC plan.  Participants acted out different scenarios that mimicked what might occur following the emergency.

The Full-Scale Exercise aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various response measures, including reunification information, patient/deceased tracking, implementation of a call center, communication strategies (including family and press briefings) and family support and victims’ services operations. It also tested various aspects of the response process, including the coordination between different agencies and local hospital systems, the flow of information to the public and the support provided to survivors and their families.

“The exercise was an excellent opportunity for emergency responders and community stakeholders to practice and refine their emergency response plans,” said Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Josette Manning. “It also served as a valuable learning experience, providing them with insights into what steps can be taken in the event of a real emergency.”

“DPH is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Delawareans,” said DPH Director Steven Blessing. “By hosting this exercise, DPH aims to improve the coordination and effectiveness of emergency response efforts, ensuring that all Delawareans receive the support they need in times of crisis.”

You can view the full recording of the exercise here.

NEW CASTLE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Health Fund Advisory Committee (HFAC) announced applications are now available for Fiscal Year 2026 and are due July 15.

This is a change from previous years when Delaware Health Fund applications went live in June and closed in August.

The application went live on Monday, April 15, which will still allow applicants to have three months to complete applications. Committee members will have about five weeks to complete a thorough review before public hearings begin.

Applications should be submitted electronically to Juliann.Villecco@delaware.gov and cc: Susan.Bailey@delaware.gov. The application should be sent as a PDF with the organization’s name at the beginning of the file name.

The Delaware Health Fund is a special fund comprising all annual payments received pursuant to the Master Settlement Agreement entered into by the State of Delaware and the Participating Tobacco Manufacturers.

For more information, and to view the application online, visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/healthfund.

Any questions should be directed to Jules Villecco at Juliann.Villecco@delaware.gov.

On April 9, 150 Delaware Cancer Consortium (DCC) members gathered for their 2024 retreat for presentations by prominent local and national speakers, including four cancer survivors who shared their diagnosis, care, and experience living with cancer.

The theme was Vision. Purpose. Action. Coming Together to Eliminate Cancer Disparities, aligning with DCC’s goal to implement culturally inclusive initiatives that ensure affordable and accessible care.

The Delaware General Assembly established the DCC in 2001 to reduce Delaware’s cancer incidence and mortality rates. Over the past 23 years, the DCC has produced five five-year plans with innovative cancer control recommendations that guide its members and thousands of dedicated volunteers.

“Every year, this event renews our passion to give Delawareans the resources they need to lead healthy lives,” said Governor John Carney. “Since the mid-to-late 1990s, Delaware’s cancer mortality rate has decreased substantially. We still have work to do, but thanks to the dedication of our health care workers and the Delaware Division of Public Health, we are on the right track.”

In the 1990s, Delaware’s cancer death rate ranked second in the nation. Most recent data show the state ranks 15th in cancer mortality and 20th for cancer incidence rate (457.6 per 100,000 in Delaware compared to 442.2 per 100,000 population in the nation), according to the Delaware Cancer Registry for the period 2016-2020.

Since the creation of the Delaware Cancer Treatment Program in 2004, funding for cancer treatments has been provided to 2,009 Delaware residents as of March 30, 2024.

• 13,019 Delaware residents were enrolled in the Screening for Life program between calendar years 2017 and 2023, and 8,303 received free breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer screenings during that time period.
• The Screening for Life program was created in 1997 and expanded by the Delaware Cancer Consortium in 2002. The program began covering lung cancer screenings in 2015.
• Each year, the Screening for Life program provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings to over 1,000 women.

Governor Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long signed two proclamations that designate the month of April as Cancer Control Month and Minority Cancer Awareness Month.

The Cancer Control Month designation urges all Delawareans to get screened for cancer when advised to do so and encourages all health care providers to promote cancer screening “as a powerful opportunity to save lives.”  Regular screenings increase the odds of detecting cancer in the early stages, when it is most treatable.  It remains a top priority for the DCC to ensure Delawareans have access to regular screenings and know the recommended guidelines.

According to the Delaware Cancer Registry for the period 2016-2020, 22.4% of new cancer cases in Delaware were detected in the distant stage, compared to 48.3% diagnosed at the local, or early, stage.

“I’m just going to be candid: knowing your cancer risk – as early as possible – can literally be the difference between life and death,” said Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long, who serves on two DCC committees. “The DCC is working tirelessly to raise awareness and increase accessibility to detect and treat cancer for all Delawareans. We have work to do, but I commend these continued efforts.”

The DCC and the Division of Public Health’s Bureau of Cancer Prevention and Control work to ensure every Delawarean has access to timely cancer screenings and treatment through the Screening for Life (SFL) Program and the Delaware Cancer Treatment Program.  Cancer screenings are covered by insurance or SFL.  Delawareans can determine their eligibility for SFL by visiting Healthy Delaware.org or calling the SFL Program at 302-744-1040.

In a nod to pursing full health equity, the Minority Cancer Awareness Month observance notes that cancer disproportionately affects Delaware’s minority communities and urges them to get cancer screenings when advised to do so.

According to the Delaware Cancer Registry, for the period 2016-2020, the all-site cancer mortality rate among non-Hispanic Black Delawareans (171.7 people per 100,000 population) was higher than for non-Hispanic White Delawareans (158.9 people per 100,000 population).

In the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, 36% of non-Hispanic White Delawareans reported having a PSA test to detect prostate cancer in the past two years compared to 26% of non-Hispanic Black Delawareans.  For 2016-2020, 28.3% of new breast cancer cases were detected in the distant stage among non-Hispanic White Delawareans, compared to 36.7% diagnosed at the distant stage among non-Hispanic Black Delawareans, according to the Delaware Cancer Registry.

Elle Sheaffer, a five-year cancer survivor of Newark and distinguished speaker at the retreat, is now a DBCC volunteer and leads a flower-arranging course for Cancer Support Community.

“A lot of people are scared to get help and think they must do it alone, but these resources are here, and they are still helping me thrive,” said Sheaffer.

For more information on the DCC’s initiatives, committees, upcoming events, and the current five-year plan, visit healthydelaware.org/consortium.

NEWARK – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) will seek public comment on its proposed State Plan on Aging for the period of October 2024 through September 2028.

The State Plan has been developed to meet requirements under Title III and Title VII of the Older Americans Act (OAA). The Act provides funding for a variety of programs and services for older Delawareans and their caregivers, including supportive services, nutrition programs, disease prevention and health promotion initiatives, elder rights protection activities, and caregiver support programs.

These hearings will provide an opportunity for the public to offer comments and suggestions on the plan. In-person sessions will be held in Wilmington, North New Castle County, Southern New Castle County, Kent County, East Sussex County, and West Sussex County, with one evening virtual session. The schedule is:

• April 8, 11 a.m. – Modern Maturity Center, 1122 Forest Avenue, Dover, DE. 19904
• April 9, 1 p.m. – Claymont Community Center, 3301 Green Street, Claymont, DE. 19703
•  April 18, 1 p.m. – MOT Senior Center, 300 South Scott Street, Middletown, DE. 19709
•  April 23, 1 p.m. – CHEER Community Center, 20520 Sand Hill Road, Georgetown, DE. 19947
•  April 25, 1 p.m. – Lewes Senior Activity Center, 32083 Janice Road, Lewes, DE. 19958
• April 26, 1-3 p.m. – Hispanic Association of Delaware, 1801 Lancaster Avenue, Wilmington, DE. 19805
•  May 2, 6 p.m. – Via Zoom

A copy of the draft plan may be obtained by following the links on the division’s website at: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsaapd/state_plan_hearings_2024.html

Twenty percent of Delaware’s total population is 65 years or older, according to the most recent census data, meaning nearly one in four Delawareans are currently eligible for OAA programs and services.

By the year 2040, Delawareans who are age 60 and older will make up one-third of the state’s population, or more than 313,835 people, according to the latest Delaware Population Consortium projections.

“Public input is essential to the development of Delaware’s State Plan on Aging, to ensure our programs, supports, and services reflect the growing and changing needs of Delaware’s older adult population,” said DSAAPD Director Melissa Smith. “We recognize the importance of active living and community integration to allow older Delawareans to age in place where, and how, they choose. We are asking you to partner with us in shaping what that will look like over the next four years.”

The goals of the State Plan are to ensure people can safely remain in their own homes, to promote healthy lifestyles and wellness activities that will enhance aging in place, and to assist with developing an individualized plan for equitable access to community activities.

The 2024-2028 State Plan on Aging focuses on initiatives such as:

• Promoting excellence in the delivery of Older Americans Act Core Programs through modernized service delivery and resource allocation.
• Supporting local community organizations to expand access to programming and support healthy aging.
• Increasing accessibility of emergency preparedness resources and services.
• Supporting Delaware’s aging population with in-home services and supports that allow them to age in place where and how they choose.
• Continuing stakeholder engagement in underserved communities to build and expand person-centered service delivery.
• Enhancing services and supports for Family Caregivers by implementing recommendations and best practices from local, state, and national taskforces and councils.

Comments and suggestions on the Draft State Plan on Aging will be accepted until the close of business on May 1, 2024.

• By Mail: DSAAPD Planning Unit, 240 Continental Drive, Suite 101, Newark, DE. 19713
• By Email: DelawareADRC@delaware.gov
• By Fax: 302-781-3548