Dover – With temperatures starting to drop, especially at night, many Delawareans are beginning to pull out their home heating devices. Now is the time to educate yourself about carbon monoxide, the colorless, odorless gas that is produced by fuel-burning heating sources, appliances, and engines. Furnaces, vehicles, snow blowers, portable generators, stoves, lanterns, gas ranges, and charcoal or wood grills are all potential sources of this dangerous gas. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.

“Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and over 4,000 are hospitalized,” said Ming Lau, DPM, environmental health toxicologist at the Division of Public Health. “Pregnant women, infants, elderly people and those who suffer from anemia, respiratory or heart disease are most susceptible.”

When power outages occur during emergencies such as hurricanes or winter storms, the use of alternative sources of power for heating, cooling, or cooking can cause carbon monoxide to build up in a home, garage, or camper.

PREVENTION
The best way to protect yourself and be aware of potential carbon monoxide in your home or garage is to purchase and install a reliable battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. These devices are similar to a smoke alarm, and are available at stores that sell home hardware. Follow these additional steps to prevent poisonings:

• Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.
• Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Test your battery-operated carbon monoxide detector monthly and replace the battery at the same time each year.
• Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or outdoors less than 20 feet from a window, door, or vent.
• Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
• Don’t light a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is entirely preventable. For more information, go to http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph/hsp/hhinsideco.html.

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.

DOVER – Cemeteries hold the remains of treasured members of our families, and may hold historical significance as well. Many small and older cemeteries lack sufficient funds for long-term care and maintenance because owners never established a perpetual care fund, or the prices they charged have not kept up with actual costs. Efforts to restore those that fall into disrepair can become costly. That’s why the Distressed Cemetery Fund was established in 2009. The Fund exists to provide for the preservation of cemeteries by supporting repair and improvement projects that are outside normal maintenance activities.

The Delaware Cemetery Board’s purpose is to register Delaware cemeteries, administer the Distressed Cemetery Fund, and refer complaints from the public to the appropriate agency. All theft or vandalism should immediately be reported to the local police. The Board refers complaints to the police, Delaware Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Agency, or the Better Business Bureau.

To date the Delaware Cemetery Board has awarded $120,169 in funding to 13 cemeteries (four of the thirteen cemeteries received funding twice making a total of 17 awards). The maximum amount available from the Fund to each cemetery is $10,000 every two years but a financial assistance request must be matched with real dollars and/or documented volunteer hours. Awards have been used to repair tombstones/monuments, repair or replace fences/stonewalls/gates, landscaping, remove trees and brush, purchase or repair lawn equipment, purchase sheds, topsoil and seeding, conducting of perimeter surveys and plot plans.

The Distressed Cemetery Fund is funded by adding $2.00 to the fee established for each copy of a certificate of death. Individuals and organizations may also make contributions or bequests to the Fund.

The next Delaware Cemetery Board meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m., Dec. 9, 2015 in the Dover Library, Meeting Room B (1st floor). The Board will set its 2016 meeting dates and an Executive Session will be held to discuss two applications for Distressed Cemetery Fund monies.

The five members of the Delaware Cemetery Board are appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, with administrative support provided by the Division of Public Health. In addition to administering the Fund, the Cemetery Board is authorized to: Promulgate rules and regulations for the registration of cemeteries; Designate a cemetery as “distressed” based on standards set forth in the rules and regulations; Authorize payment to a distressed cemetery from the Fund; Require a thorough accounting of each recipient’s use of money from the Fund; Receive and forward to appropriate agencies of the State, or other organizations, complaints from any person relating to a Delaware cemetery; and Address specific cemetery issues as requested by the Governor or the General Assembly.

Registration is required for all cemeteries in Delaware every five years. To learn about registering a cemetery, or for more information on the Distressed Cemetery Fund visit the Delaware Cemetery Board website.

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.

DOVER,  – The Division of Public Health Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) has selected Chester County SPCA (CCSPCA) for animal sheltering services in support of the state animal control enforcement unit starting on Jan. 1, 2016. The agreement is a three-year agreement that may be renewed for up to two additional years. CCSPCA will provide services at a permanent facility located in New Castle County and satellite facilities in Kent and Sussex counties, ensuring that all Delaware animals will stay in the state for care and adoption.

The Office of Animal Welfare solicited animal sheltering bids as part of a plan to launch the second phase of Delaware Animal Services (DAS), the State’s first animal control enforcement unit. During the first phase, launched in mid-September, DAS officers began enforcing all animal cruelty and complaints concerning humans exposed to the rabies virus. Starting in January, DAS will also handle all animal control complaints, including stray dogs and seriously injured or endangered cats.

Chester County SPCA, which has been providing temporary animal control services for the City of Wilmington and Kent County, as well as emergency cruelty sheltering services for the state since September when the previous provider suddenly ended services, is expanding its Delaware-based operation, including new job opportunities in the state, to accommodate the new sheltering agreement.  CCSPCA has also built strong partnerships with other local animal shelters and rescue groups, which currently work with the CCSPCA to find placement for stray animals and have hosted joint vaccine clinic events.

“The CCSPCA has a solid reputation for delivering progressive and innovative programs to rehabilitate and rehome stray and abused animals, which is a population of animals with a unique set of needs,” says Hetti Brown, director of the Office of Animal Welfare. “The organization also prevents animal homelessness through pet owner counseling and the delivery of compassionate resources. This is the key to ensuring every healthy and treatable animal has a home in Delaware.”

CCSPCA is the only open admission shelter in Pennsylvania that does not euthanize healthy or treatable animals, and it will bring that same experience to Delaware. “We are a proud partner of the Office of Animal Welfare in the collective goal of aiding the most vulnerable animals in Delaware,” says Chester County SCPA Executive Director Adam Lamb. “We are also excited to continue to be part of a community so dedicated to the advancement of animal welfare.”

Under the new agreement, stray animals will be housed at convenient locations in the state so their owners have a chance to recover their pets. Animals that are not recovered, or animals that are the victims of animal cruelty, will be placed into the rehabilitation or adoption programs at the CCSPCA New Castle location, or transferred to one of their Delaware-based shelter or rescue partners for foster or adoption at other facilities, serving as a statewide network for animals.

The services outlined in the contract are for stray and abused animals.  Through the contract, the CCSPCA will provide all medical and sheltering, rabies quarantine, and adoption services for animals retrieved by DAS.  The contract also includes requirements for programs to minimize stress levels, address social and exercise needs, and reporting requirements.

The contract will cost a total of $6,514,500 over three years; including:

• ​$2,150,000 for year one costs
• $2,150,000 for year two costs
• $2,214,500 for year three costs

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2016, citizens wishing to report stray animals may do so through the Delaware Animal Services hotline at 302-255-4646. The DAS hotline is currently accepting calls concerning animal cruelty and rabies exposure to a human.

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.

This Holiday Season, Adopt-A-Family Seeks Donors to Help Provide Gifts for Delaware Children, Families and Seniors in Need

NEW CASTLE – By participating in the Holiday Adopt-A-Family program, Delawareans can help bring the holiday spirit to thousands of Delaware children, adults, people with disabilities and seniors in need. There are many ways to support individuals and families in need, including an online shopping option called CommuniGift.

Each holiday season, donors are anonymously matched to a senior, individual with a disability or a family of one or more children through the Holiday Adopt-A-Family program. Adopt-A-Family provides the donor with the age and gender of each child in the family and a brief description of the circumstances that led to their need for assistance. The donor then provides gift cards or certificates for the head-of-household to use in buying holiday gifts. The recommended gift is $100 to $125 per child, with a gift certificate for the parent optional but thoughtful.

Those interested in adopting a senior or a person with a disability will be matched to an individual in need living in a nursing home. A wish list of things the individual likes and would appreciate, as well as clothing preferences and sizes, will be provided. After shopping for these residents, items can be dropped off at the Adopt-A-Family offices in New Castle County (3301 Green St., Claymont) or Kent and Sussex County (13 SW Front St., Milford).
“Through a simple gift, we can touch the hearts of children and their families or seniors in a nursing home,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “One act can have a powerful impact, especially for those most vulnerable this holiday season. I encourage people to reach out through Adopt-A-Family and showcase the best of our community holiday spirit.”

Again this year, Adopt-A-Family makes it easier to support a Delaware individual or family through a partnership with the online giving platform, CommuniGift. Donors are able to browse and learn about individuals and families in need, and then directly purchase products for them through one-click integration with retailers. To familiarize yourself with the process, go to https://holidays.communigift.com/o/aafde

Another option is to buy gift cards or shop for items in your favorite stores or your favorite online shopping sites. You can either have the items mailed to Adopt-A-Family or drop them off yourself (offices addresses below). Just include the family code with the gift cards or items, so Adopt-A-Family knows who should receive the items. Otherwise, Adopt-A-Family staff will distribute the items to the individuals or families most in need first.

A sampling of Delawareans in need:

• A Wilmington family of four is currently homeless and staying with a relative. The father is not involved with the family financially or physically. The family, including two sons, ages 8 and 6, and a daughter, age 1, would really appreciate any assistance for the holiday.
• A Dover mother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer this year. She is currently undergoing radiation and will be out of work for another month at least. Her health is declining. She has two sons, ages 12 and 8, and a daughter, age 6.
• This nursing home resident in Seaford is a quiet, sweet lady. She loves her stuffed animals and writing in her notebook. She would like a radio, notebook & pencils, watch, and rosary.

“Please think about coming together as a family, a workplace, a place or worship, a school or an organization to adopt a family or a senior in need,” said Rita Landgraf, secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees the Adopt-A-Family program. “During this holiday season, your generosity on behalf of vulnerable Delawareans is greatly appreciated.”

The deadline to “adopt” a family is Dec. 14, and all gift cards and gifts must be delivered to the Adopt-A-Family Office by Dec. 18. Families who are adopted pick up their gift cards from their respective Adopt-A-Family office.

In 2014, the Holiday Adopt-A-Family program, through the leadership of the Human Services Councils of New Castle County and Kent/Sussex counties, helped 2,593 Delawareans. Most of the beneficiaries are single-parent households, children, adults with a disability, and senior citizens. Eligible recipients are referred to Adopt-A-Family by a social worker or case manager through state agencies and human service nonprofit organizations.

Year-round, the Adopt-A-Family program aids 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.

In 2014, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 12.5 percent of Delawareans lived below the poverty line. In November 2015, more than 143,000 Delawareans qualified for food benefits and more than 230,000 people are clients of Medicaid. Delaware’s unemployment rate for October 2015 was 5.1 percent.

“While the economy continues to improve, the need for our Holiday Adopt-A-Family program remains far-reaching,” Secretary Landgraf said. “So many Delaware families continue to be impacted by medical conditions, behavioral health issues, domestic violence, homelessness and unemployment. The personal stories of need are truly heart-breaking. That’s why we are grateful for your support in adopting a family, an individual with a disability, or a senior in need.”

To “adopt” an individual or family without using CommuniGift, please contact:

• New Castle County: Contact the New Castle County Adopt-A-Family at (302) 792-9538 or email lisa.mb.johnson@delaware.gov. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
• Kent and Sussex counties: Contact the Kent and Sussex Adopt-A-Family at (302) 424-7260 or email shannon.smith@delaware.gov. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For these programs, Adopt-A-Family also accepts financial and in-kind donations. Checks should be made payable to: Adopt-A-Family.

• New Castle County: Adopt-A-Family, 3301 Green St., Claymont, DE 19703.
• For Kent and Sussex Counties: Adopt-A-Family, 13 SW Front St., Milford, DE 19963.

For more information about Adopt-A-Family, go to dhss.delaware.gov or contact your nearest state service center.

For more information, contact Jill Fredel, Director of Communications, (302) 255-9047 (office) or (302) 357-7498 (cell).

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 – As cold and flu season begins, many people will visit their health care provider and hope to be prescribed antibiotics to ease their symptoms. However, antibiotics cure bacterial infections, not viruses like the cold and flu. In fact, up to 50 percent of all the antibiotics prescribed for people are not needed or are not optimally effective as prescribed. Misuse and overuse is the single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance around the world.

Antibiotic resistance has been called one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. That’s why the Division of Public Health (DPH) is observing Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, Nov. 16 – 22, 2015. Get Smart About Antibiotics Week is an annual effort to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing and use.

“Antibiotics are the most important tool we have to combat life-threatening bacterial diseases, but misusing them can result in dangerous side effects,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH Director. “Patients, health care providers, and hospital administrators must work together to use effective strategies for improving antibiotic use which ultimately improves medical care and saves lives.” Each year more than two million people in the United States get infections that are resistant to antibiotics and at least 23,000 people die as a result, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Antibiotic overuse increases the development of drug-resistant germs. Every time a person takes antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant ones may be left to grow and multiply. Repeated and improper use of antibiotics threatens the usefulness of these important drugs. When antibiotics do not work, infections often last longer, cause more severe illness, require more doctor visits or extended hospital stays, and involve more expensive and potentially toxic medications. Some resistant infections can even cause death.

Antibiotic resistance in children is of particular concern because they have the highest rates of antibiotic use and often have fewer drug choices since some antibiotics cannot be safely given to children. The CDC says antibiotics cause one out of five emergency department visits for adverse drug events (ADEs. Antibiotics are the most frequent cause of ADEs in children.

Antibiotic resistance is also of concern to residents of long-term care facilities. Overuse of antibiotics creates an unnecessary risk for adverse drug events, such as Clostridium difficile infection, a sometimes deadly diarrhea.

Everyone has a hand in preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance. DPH offers the following tips:

• Parents should ask their health care provider what is the best course of treatment for a child’s illness. In some cases it is better to treat the symptoms than use an antibiotic.
• Parents should also consult with their child’s pediatrician to ensure that any antibiotic prescribed is the best type to address the child’s illness.
• Health care providers are encouraged to avoid treating viral syndromes with antibiotics, even when patients ask for them.
• Health care providers should pay attention to dose and duration: The right antibiotic needs to be prescribed at the right dose for the right duration.
• Health care providers should be aware of antibiotic-resistance patterns in your area so that you can always choose the right antibiotic.
• Hospital and nursing home providers should reassess within 48 hours of starting antibiotics, when the patient’s culture results come back and adjust the prescription if necessary. Stop the prescription, if indicated.
• Health care providers should practice good hand hygiene and other infection control measures with every patient.

For more information about Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/media/dpk/2014/dpk-antibiotics-week.html.

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.