Legislation will lead to the creation of a statewide integrated plan to address addiction and mental illness in Delaware

DOVER, Del. – On Thursday, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long announced the creation of the Behavioral Health Consortium in an effort to streamline and foster a coordinated behavioral health system within our state. The consortium, chaired by Lt. Governor Hall-Long, will be comprised of community advocates, law enforcement, state leaders, and healthcare professionals from across Delaware to develop a short-term and long-term unified strategy to deal with one of the largest public health crises’ in Delaware history.

“An average of 20 Delawareans die from overdoses each month.”, said Lt. Governor Hall-Long. “The addiction crisis we face ignores income, race, and geography. Fighting it is a team effort that requires us to stay ahead of the curve, and develop a streamlined approach. I thank Governor Carney for asking me to lead Delaware’s efforts to combat this deadly epidemic and focus on improved delivery and coordination of mental health services for all Delawareans statewide.”

These two pieces of legislation, SB 111 and HB 220, sponsored by Senator Bryan Townsend and Representative David Bentz, will further combat Delaware’s addiction epidemic and improve services for those suffering from mental illness. The legislation will lead to the creation of a Behavioral Health Consortium and an Addiction Action Committee that will form an integrated plan and blueprint for action for the prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders in Delaware. The creation of the consortium and coordinated plan is a recommendation of Governor Carney’s Action Plan For Delaware.

“Far too many Delawareans, and Delaware families, have been affected by this crisis,” said Governor John Carney. “This consortium will create a short-term and long-term strategy so that we can better prevent and treat individuals suffering from addiction. Lt. Governor Hall-Long has the experience as a nurse and as an advocate for mental health and substance abuse issues, and I know she will be a committed leader in our efforts to combat Delaware’s addiction epidemic.”

This legislation is an effort to develop a streamlined strategy aimed at reducing overdose fatalities, lessening opioid dependence, expanding treatment options, and increasing prevention and awareness for those struggling with addiction and mental illness in Delaware.

“We know that emotional wellness affects physical health, learning and child development.”, said Josette Manning, Secretary of the Department for Children, Youth, and their Families.  “We also know that when children are born substance exposed or grow up in the shadows of addiction, the impacts are often severe and lifelong. If we want to improve outcomes for our families, it is crucial that we take a coordinated approach to addiction, behavioral health and prevention services.  The Children’s Department is pleased to participate in this public-private partnership to increase awareness, improve access, and enhance the quality of services for children and families.”

The creation of the Addiction Action Committee will develop and monitor a coordinated and comprehensive approach to Delaware’s addiction epidemic. The committee is the next step for the Prescription Drug Action Committee which has been partnership since 2012 between the Division of Public Health, Medical Society of Delaware, and numerous other public and private agencies.  The group has worked to increase physician and community education on opioids and permanent drug take-back locations, supported the efforts of the Division of Professional Regulation to tighten prescribing rules, and played an advisory role in the creation of the Help is Here website and campaign.

Last year, 308 people died of overdoses, up 35 percent from the 228 total deaths in 2015.

“We need an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach to fighting the addiction epidemic and, at DHSS, we see how often mental health issues and substance abuse disorders occur together,” said Department of Health and Social Services Cabinet Secretary Dr. Kara Walker.  “We must examine our response to the epidemic, use the new tools created by this legislation, and increase coordination across the system so we better connect people to the treatment they need when they are ready.  DHSS is pleased to be part of this effort and looks forward to working with the Lt. Governor.”

“There’s virtually no one in Delaware who hasn’t been affected by substance abuse or, more broadly, by mental and behavioral health issues,” said Senate Health, Children and Social Services Committee Chair Sen. Bryan Townsend, D-Newark. “Countless state agencies, nonprofits, advocates, businesses, survivors, and families have stepped up to raise awareness of behavioral health issues, reduce stigma, close gaps in care, change policy, and save lives. This package would not only add their efforts together, but multiply them by breaking down silos, coordinating their work, and pooling all of their unique backgrounds, resources, and perspectives around a common—and urgent—goal.”

“In 2001, Delaware committed to addressing its cancer rates—then some of the worst in the nation—through the formation of the Delaware Cancer Consortium, among several other efforts,” said President Pro Tempore Sen. David McBride, D-Hawk’s Nest. “The Consortium’s work has paid enormous dividends—I can attest to that firsthand. Today there’s a new health crisis, and it’s incumbent on Delaware to pull out every stop now, as we did then, to reverse the tide of the addiction epidemic. I’m proud to lend my support to that effort.”

“Delaware has taken some important strides forward regarding the addiction epidemic that has hit communities up and down our state, but we must do more,” said Representative David Bentz, who chairs the House Health Committee and is sponsoring the bill. “By bringing together government leaders, healthcare professionals and members of the drug treatment and pharmaceutical communities, we will be able to effectively identify ways to combat the addiction crisis. I look forward to advancing this legislation in the coming days.”

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DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on the Delaware Senate’s confirmation of Gary F. Traynor to serve as a Justice on the Delaware Supreme Court:

“Gary is one of Delaware’s sharpest legal minds, and has a diverse legal background that will serve him well as a Justice on Delaware’s highest court. His judgment and thoughtfulness will be a significant asset on the Supreme Court. Thank you to the Delaware Senate for confirming his nomination.”

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Traynor practiced law at Prickett, Jones & Elliot in Wilmington from 1990 to 2014 – and served as the firm’s Managing Director from 2005 to 2007.

From 1990 to 2000, he engaged in a general litigation practice that included criminal defense, personal injury litigation and domestic relations disputes. From 2000 to 2014, his practice focused on litigation involving complex corporate and commercial matters.

Since January 2015, Traynor has served as an Assistant Public Defender, representing indigent Delawareans accused of felony-level crimes. He holds an undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and earned his law degree at the Delaware Law School at Widener University.

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Fitzgerald has overseen Child Protection Unit at DOJ, and represented Division of Family Services

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday nominated Craig R. Fitzgerald, a Deputy Attorney General at the Delaware Department of Justice since 1998, to serve as a Family Court Commissioner in New Castle County.

The Delaware Senate must confirm the Governor’s nomination.

“Craig has the background, experience, and independence necessary to thoughtfully consider cases as a Family Court Commissioner,” said Governor Carney. “I look forward to the Delaware Senate considering his nomination.”

Since October 2008, Fitzgerald has served as a supervisor in the Department of Justice’s Child Protection Unit, responsible for ten Deputy Attorneys General and four staff members who comprise the unit.

He also has served as counsel for the Division of Child Support Enforcement and the Division of Family Services, representing the state in child dependency and child neglect proceedings.

Fitzgerald earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, and his law degree from the Widener University School of Law.

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Plan includes appointment of Special Assistant to lead turnaround, and $2 million investment in cameras at JTVCC

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday released his plan to act on the recommendations of the initial report of the Independent Review into the causes of the February 1 incident at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center.

“We should all take this Independent Review seriously,” said Governor Carney. “It’s time to focus on addressing the difficult problems facing our prisons. We cannot let this report collect dust on a shelf. Our plan would take appropriate action to address the review team’s recommendations, and to help enhance safety and security for correctional officers and inmates at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center and across Delaware’s correctional system.”

The Governor’s Plan will:

• Appoint a temporary Special Assistant at the Department of Correction to spearhead reform of management practices, training and cultural turnaround. The position will report to the DOC Commissioner, but produce public reports at six months and a year, with a focus on implementation of the Independent Review’s recommendations.
• Direct the Delaware State Police and DOC to meet and jointly conduct an after-action review of the February 1 incident to identify any appropriate improvement to incident management protocols and policy.
• Allocate $2 million to purchase new cameras at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center. Funding for the cameras will require approval by the General Assembly.
• Direct the Delaware Department of Technology & Information to prepare a strategic technology plan for the Department of Correction, and to assume operational responsibility for technology needs across Delaware’s correctional system.
• Continue Collective Bargaining with the Correctional Officers Association of Delaware (COAD) – which began in April – with the goal of increasing base pay for Delaware’s correctional officers and decreasing use of mandatory overtime.
• Direct to-be-created Department of Human Resources to prepare and implement a staffing plan to eliminate the current shortage of correctional officers. The Department will report on progress every three months until the shortage is eliminated.
• Recruit a new Bureau Chief of Community Correction with expertise in managing re-entry programs, and reducing recidivism. The new Bureau Chief will work with the Criminal Justice Council to deliver recommendations for improving re-entry programs, and reducing recidivism, to Governor Carney by November 2017.

Governor Carney’s budget proposal also includes investments related to the Independent Review team’s recommendations. His financial plan would increase annual hazardous duty pay for Delaware’s correctional officers, authorize new positions at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, and invest in new equipment that will help correctional officers respond to and prevent violent incidents.

“We are committed to addressing the issues facing our correctional system,” said Perry Phelps, Commissioner of the Delaware Department of Correction. “This plan will help us address the safety and security of our facilities, more effectively recruit and retain correctional officers, and invest in new equipment and technology that will help us operate more safely and efficiently.”

“We know the challenges we face in our prisons and now we have a blueprint for solving them,” said Senator Bruce Ennis, chair of the Senate Corrections & Public Safety Committee. “Now it’s up to the General Assembly to show the political courage to get this done for the brave men and women who put so much on the line to keep our prisons safe and orderly.”

“We need to address these longstanding issues at Delaware’s correctional facilities to better help our dedicated correctional officers and provide them with sustainable quality of life changes. The governor’s plan is multi-faceted and I am optimistic it will help us get to the root cause of these systemic issues. I am also encouraged to see that there is a priority to recruit a Bureau Chief of Community Correction with an expertise in managing re-entry programs,” said Representative James Johnson, chair of the House Corrections Committee. “We need to ensure that history does not repeat itself and we are bolstering our correctional system so the facilities are safe, secure and have the interests of both the inmates and staff in mind.”

“I thank the Governor for ordering this independent review, as well as Commissioner Phelps for taking the necessary steps to lead the Department of Correction. We are taking steps to address these issues in great part thanks to the work of Correctional Officers Association of Delaware members for being responsible and never wavering in advocating for correctional officers,” said Representative Larry Mitchell, vice-chair of the House Corrections Committee. “As vice-chair of Corrections we are going to do what we can to implement the recommendations.”

“I see this initiative as a series of positive strides forward, but this should only be the start of the journey,” said State House Minority Leader Danny Short. “State leaders need to commit to continue reviewing and improving the conditions in our prison system.”

“We have a duty to provide a secure environment inside the correctional system, both for the sake of our dedicated staff and for inmates they supervise,” said State House Minority Whip Deborah Hudson. “The actions announced by the governor constitute a down payment on satisfying that obligation.”

“For me, one of the most disturbing parts of the initial Independent Review were the observations made by the review team about the level of burnout among JTVCC staff, due in large part from the ‘excessive overtime that is being worked.’ I support the Governor’s plan of action and I am especially happy to see the priority that is being placed on the need to increase correctional officers’ base pay, provide additional training, and reduce the use of mandatory overtime,” said Representative Kevin Hensley, who represents the area in which the JTVCC facility is located.

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Governor Carney pledges support in fight against climate change

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney announced on Monday that Delaware has joined the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to upholding the Paris Agreement to combat climate change, after President Trump announced last week that he would withdraw the U.S. from the agreement. The Climate Alliance now includes 13 members.

“Delaware is the country’s lowest-lying state and with 381 miles of coastline, climate change is a very real threat to our future,” said Governor Carney. “As sea levels rise, more than 17,000 Delaware homes, nearly 500 miles of roadway and thousands of acres of wildlife habitat including our critical wetlands are at risk of permanent inundation. Rising average temperatures and an increase in extreme weather events also pose health risks to Delawareans, and threaten our economy. The U.S. should lead in the global fight against climate change. Delaware is proud to join this coalition of states providing that necessary leadership.”

The Paris Agreement called for the U.S. to achieve a 26-28 percent reduction of emissions, from 2005 levels, by 2025. Delaware’s continued commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to clean energy also will provide economic opportunity for Delawareans, and offer significant public health and environmental benefits.

Delaware’s greenhouse gases come from three primary sources: energy production, transportation, and industry. The state is working to reduce emissions in a number of ways, including through continued participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a nine-state program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Delaware also has set renewable energy targets and increased energy efficiency with building codes, weatherization and other voluntary programs.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires action at all levels – from people using less energy and driving fuel efficient cars, to the government establishing national pollutant standards,” said Shawn Garvin, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. “We are proud of the progress the state has made and programs that help Delawareans drive cleaner cars and improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses. There is still much work to be done to reduce Delaware’s share of global greenhouse gas emissions, and I look forward to working with our sister states through the US Climate Alliance to meet Delaware’s pledge for the Paris Agreement.”

In the transportation sector, the state has incentivized the transition to cleaner fuels and electric vehicles, and now has a statewide network of charging stations.

“As we look to the future, it is imperative that we improve transportation resiliency to adapt to the effects of a changing climate. Incorporating the impact of climate change into our project planning and development, and adding more alternative fuel vehicles to our public transportation fleet each year are just two examples of how DelDOT is responding, and we thank Governor Carney for his leadership and commitment to this effort,” said Jennifer Cohan, Secretary of Transportation.

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