NEW CASTLE (July 18, 2018) – With more than half of the deaths from suspected overdoses occurring in Sussex County so far this month, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker is urging the community to be aware of the uptick and also is warning people in active substance use in Sussex County and the rest of the state of the possibility that heroin could be laced with fatal amounts of fentanyl.

“Because of the rapid increase in deaths in Sussex County, we are issuing this warning now before we have the results of the toxicology screens on which substances were involved,” said Secretary Walker, a board-certified family physician. “These substances clearly are dangerous, especially those being used in Sussex County. If you are in active use, we urge you to seek treatment immediately. If you continue to use substances, have the overdose-reversing medication naloxone with you because the risk for death is increased. Reducing harm and saving lives are our first priorities.”

As of July 18, the Division of Forensic Science has reported that seven of the 12 deaths from suspected overdoses in Delaware during July have occurred in Sussex County; the rest occurred in New Castle County. Since the start of the year, Sussex County has accounted for about 22 percent of all deaths from suspected overdoses.

In 2017, Sussex County accounted for 64 of the 345 overdose deaths in the state, or about 18.5 percent of the total. In July 2017, four of the 21 deaths from suspected overdoses that month occurred in Sussex County; the rest happened in New Castle County.

How to Seek Help 

Elizabeth Romero, director of DHSS’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, encouraged individuals in active substance use in Delaware to see a medical provider immediately or call DHSS’ 24/7 Crisis Services Hotline to be connected to trained crisis professionals who can discuss treatment options. In Kent and Sussex counties, the number is 1-800-345-6785. In New Castle County, the number is 1-800-652-2929. Individuals and families also can visit DHSS’ website, www.HelpIsHereDE.com, to find addiction treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states.

If individuals see someone overdosing, they should call 911. Under Delaware’s 911/Good Samaritan Law, people who call 911 to report an overdose and the person in medical distress cannot be arrested for low-level drug crimes.

If a user has ingested fentanyl or a drug laced with fentanyl, time is critical because the powerful opioid quickly affects the central nervous system and the brain. Users often have trouble breathing or can stop breathing as the drug sedates them. If someone is too drowsy to answer questions, is having difficulty breathing, or appears to be so asleep they cannot be awakened, call 911 immediately.

In 2017, about 61 percent of the overdose deaths in Delaware involved fentanyl and 40 percent involved heroin. In many overdose deaths, multiple substances are found in a person’s system during toxicology screens.

Naloxone, the overdose-reversing medication carried in Delaware by community members, paramedics and some police officers, can be administered in overdoses involving opioids –fentanyl, heroin or opioid painkillers. Because fentanyl is more potent than heroin or opioid painkillers, multiple doses of naloxone may be needed to reverse an overdose. In 2017, Delaware paramedics and police officers administered naloxone 2,714 times in suspected overdose situations to a total of 1,906 patients.

Overdose deaths continue to increase in Delaware. In 2017, 345 people died from overdoses, up 12 percent from the 308 people who died in 2016, according to the Division of Forensic Science.

-30-

The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

(DOVER, Del.—July 18, 2018)—During the month of August 2018, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 12 special programs at sites across the state. A full schedule is included below. Except where noted, all programs are free and open to the public.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, August 2018

Thursdays, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2018
“Lost Off Lewes: The British Warship DeBraak.” Special tour explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of this 18th-century shipwreck. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 9 a.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 (cash or check only). For reservations, e-mail hca_zmevents@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148.

Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018
Third annual “Movie Night on the Lawn.” Screening of “Jumanji” provided by Ultimate Outdoor Movies plus the Professor Looney Photo Booth, live music, lawn games and food trucks from Out of The Ordinary Catering, Kona Ice and the Sweetest Rose Cupcake Company. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and bug spray. Buena Vista: A Delaware Country Estate, 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), New Castle. Activities begin at 6 p.m. Film begins at 8:30 p.m. 302-323-4430.

Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018
“Medicine Through the Wars: The Evolution of American Wartime Medicine.” Lecture examines the progress made in military medical practices, and the role Delawareans played in that progress from the American Revolution through World War II. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Lecture at 11 a.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018
“Sound, Stage, and Screen.” Program examines the careers of two American musical pioneers of the early-20th century—George M. Cohan and Irving Berlin—and shows how they shaped the Broadway stage and Hollywood movies for more than 50 years. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Program at 1:30 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018
“Straws.” Screening of the documentary “Straws” by Linda Booker which explores plastic straw litter, its impacts and how communities are making a sea change on plastic waste. Free reusable straws and bags for participants until supplies run out. Co-sponsored by Plastic Free Delaware and New Castle Green: Net Zero Waste. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 1–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018
“The Empty Glass: Sherlock Holmes Comes to Dover.” Theatrical performance in which Sherlock Holmes, having solved every case in Victorian London, embarks on a journey to America. Arriving in Dover, he and his trusted colleague Dr. Watson attempt to solve the grisly murder case of “The Empty Glass.” Based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and an actual Dover court case. Presented in coordination with Dover Comic Con. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but visitors are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018
“Lost Off Lewes: The British Warship DeBraak.” Special tour explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of this 18th-century shipwreck. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 5 p.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 (cash or check only). For reservations, e-mail hca_zmevents@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148.

Exhibits and displays, August 2018
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is sponsoring the following exhibits and displays. Admission is free and open to the public:

Ongoing 
“Delaware Railroads: Elegant Travel and Timely Transport.” Exhibit explores the history of rail travel and transport in the First State emphasizing the New Castle and Frenchtown Railroad (1832), the Delaware Railroad (1852), the Junction and Breakwater Railroad (1857) and the Queen Anne’s Railroad (1896). Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Drawing America to Victory: The Persuasive Power of the Arts in World War I.” Online exhibit revolves around 27 World War I posters from the collections of the State of Delaware.

Ongoing
“Five Stories.” Display explores the varied lives of people who lived on the plantation including Dickinson family members, tenant farmers, tradesmen, free blacks, indentured servants and enslaved individuals. John Dickinson Plantation Welcome Center, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Oct. 1–March 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Sept. 30: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Ongoing
“Letters From a Farmer in Pennsylvania.” Online exhibit explores the life of Founding Father John Dickinson on the 250th anniversary of the publication of his essays that described Colonial American grievances with the British government.

Ongoing
“New Castle: Three Forts, One Community.” Exhibit examines the 17th-century struggle for control of New Castle by the Dutch, Swedes and English, and the strongholds that they built to maintain their power. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“The Old State House: A True Restoration 1976-2016.” Display explores preservation work that has been conducted since Delaware’s first permanent capitol building in Dover was restored to its original appearance in 1976. From the collections of the State of Delaware. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Ongoing
“Rose Color to Gold to Glowing Red: Orville and Ethel Peets in Paris 1913-1914.” Exhibit featuring paintings and painting materials used by the noted Delaware artists Orville Houghton Peets and Ethel Canby Peets. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
Sculpture by Charles Parks. Display of works by the noted Wilmington artist featuring historical and political figures including a Minute Man, and presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George W. Bush. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“A Seaborne Citizenry: The DeBraak and Its Atlantic World.” Exhibit utilizes artifacts recovered from His Majesty’s Sloop of War DeBraak, a British warship that sank off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798, to tell the story of the vessel, its crew and the historical context within which it operated in the Atlantic World of the late 18th century. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Simple Machines.” Exhibit demonstrating the six “simple machines”—incline ramp, screw, wedge, pulley, lever and wheel—that constitute the elementary building blocks of which many more-complicated machines are composed. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Oct. 1–March 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Sept. 30: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the five museums of the State of Delaware—the John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum, The Old State House and the Zwaanendael Museum—tell the story of the First State’s contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Through tours, exhibits, school programs and hands-on activities, the museums shine a spotlight on Delaware’s unique history and the diverse people who came to live there. The museums are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The New Castle Court House Museum and the John Dickinson Plantation are partner sites of the First State National Historical Park. The Old State House is located on the Dover Green, another partner site of the park. Go to the following for a comprehensive, long-term calendar of division-sponsored events.

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is an agency of the State of Delaware. The division enhances Delaware’s quality of life by preserving the state’s unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality and providing educational programs and assistance to the general public on Delaware history and heritage. The division’s diverse array of services includes operation of five museums which are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, administration of the State Historic Preservation Office, conservation of the state’s archaeological and historic-objects collections, operation of a conference center and management of historic properties across the state. Primary funding for division programs and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, a federal agency. However, the contents and opinions expressed in the division’s programs and services do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Department of the Interior.

-End-

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-739-7787
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

Highly skilled students and advisors from across Delaware brought home honors from the 54^th annual National SkillsUSA Leadership Conference last month in Louisville, Kentucky. Delaware students represented our state in competitive events such as: architectural drafting, automotive service technology, aviation maintenance technology, carpentry, computer programming, cosmetology, criminal justice, diesel equipment technology, electronics technology, extemporaneous speaking, heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration, industrial motor controls, information technology, masonry, plumbing, prepared speech, technical math, welding, and more.

Highlights include:

• A delegation of 83 students and advisors from six schools represented Delaware in national competition.
• Delaware students earned 10 Top 10 national honors.
• Seven students were honored as national medalists.  Gold Medalist: Ashish D’Souza (computer programming); Bronze Medalist(s): Chase Albright, Ryan Bradley, Sydney Gross, and Hannah Wolk (broadcast news production); Robert Bell (internetworking); and Alex Colon Perez (sheet metal).

Top 10 national placements:

1^st place            Computer programming                                  Ashish D’Souza of POLYTECH High School (POLYTECH School District)

3^rd place            Broadcast news production                           Chase Albright, Ryan Bradley, Sydney Gross & Hannah Wolk of Sussex Tech High School (Sussex Technical School District)

3^rd place            Internetworking                                                Robert Bell of POLYTECH High School

3^rd place            Sheet metal                                                    Alex Colon Perez of Delcastle Tech High School (New Castle County Vo-Tech School District)

4^th place            Audio radio production                                  Jacob Hoffpauir & Josh Hoffpauir of Sussex Tech High School

6^th place            Advertising design                                           Haley Norwood of Sussex Tech High School

7^th place            Career pathways human services                 Denise Garcia Alonzo, Courtney Respes & Alyssa Todd of Delcastle Tech High School

7^th place            Welding sculpture                                            Savion Hollis of Delcastle Tech High School

7^th place            Industrial motor control                                 William Shaha of St. Georges Technical High School (New Castle County Vo-Tech School District)

8^th place            Television (video) production                        Abigail Drummond and Julia Hardy of Sussex Tech High School

Participating Schools:

• Delcastle
• Hodgson (NCCVT)
• Howard (NCCVT)
• POLYTECH
• St. Georges
• Sussex Tech

Delaware SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization dedicated to students who are interested in pursuing their future in technical careers. Through SkillsUSA, members have the opportunity to participate in career focused competitive events, take part in community service work, and become leaders for the organization in their school, state, and at the national level. SkillsUSA incorporates curricular and co-curricular experiences to emphasize the importance of knowledge, leadership, skill development, and teamwork. To learn more about Delaware SkillsUSA, please visit: http://delawareskillsusa.org/ or contact Mike Fitzgerald by phone at (302) 735-4015 or by email at Mike.Fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.

Media Contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006.

Dover, DE – The Delaware Department of Insurance (Department) has received a proposed rate increase request from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (Highmark BCBSD) of 5.7% for its 2019 individual Marketplace business, also known as the Affordable Care Act and Obamacare. It is important to note that the proposed rate increase will not apply to Delawareans on Medicare, Medicaid, or those with group or individual policies outside of the Marketplace.

“While I am pleased to see that Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware’s initial filing is significantly lower than in previous years, this increase comes on top of an already expensive product for thousands of families,” stated Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “As Insurance Commissioner, I will continue to protect the interests of Delaware consumers. The DOI and its team of independent actuaries will evaluate Highmark BCBSD’s proposed rate increase before a final rate is approved.”

Highmark’s proposed rate increase is silver-loaded. Silver-plan premiums are the benchmark in calculating tax credits used to subsidize lower-income enrollees’ premiums. Therefore, silver-loading generally results in greater federal subsidies to help curb expenses. Because of the increased federal subsidies received, silver-loading may result in reduced gold plan premiums and free or very low-cost bronze plans.

Presently, 20,000 Delawareans have health insurance through the Marketplace and will be affected by increasing rates.

The Delaware Department of Insurance will host a public comment meeting at the Dover office located at 841 Silver Lake Boulevard on Monday July 30^th, 2018, from 6 PM to 8 PM. The purpose of the meeting will be to explain Highmark’s rate filing, and to receive public comments and answer questions. Members of the Department of Insurance will be on hand, as will representatives from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The Department of Insurance will also take public comments on its website beginning today. The Commissioner and his staff will review and consider the public comments prior to making a decision regarding Highmark’s rate filing. The public can go to the Department’s website at https://insurance.delaware.gov to leave comments.

###

Contact: Vince Ryan

Office: (302) 674-7303

Email: vince.ryan@delaware.gov

Delaware Department of Insurance

http://www.insurance.delaware.gov

Dover Office: 302-674-7300

Consumer Services Division: 1-800-282-8611

(DOVER, Del.—July 11, 2018)—On Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 7 p.m., the New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware St. in New Castle, Del., will present “An Immigrant Story: Crossing the Atlantic in a 17th Century Sailing Ship,” a program by New Castle’s own Jean Norvell who will discuss what life would be like for a two-month crossing of the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to the New World. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-323-4453.

As part of the program, Norvell will demonstrate the small spaces that were available for sleeping onboard ship, and how hard-boiled eggs were used to determine if meat was sufficiently ‘brined’ to be fit for consumption. She will also discuss how beer and wine were used to modify the drinkability of water, and the difficulties of basic hygiene and toileting during the voyage.

Jean Norvell was born in London, England and educated at London University with a major in English and a minor in theology. An Air Force wife, she travelled the world with her husband and during one three-year assignment in Japan studied garment design and pattern making. Prior to retirement, she worked in product development for W.L. Gore & Associates and has earned several patents for her inventions. She writes a bi-weekly column in the New Castle Weekly which focuses on the Penn family and 17th Century history in England and America. Her business—‘Bit of History’—is housed in a circa 1682 house reputed to be the home where William Penn spent his first night in New Castle.

Constructed in 1732, the New Castle Court House is one of the oldest active court buildings in the United States and was Delaware’s first state capitol. Here, the Colonial Assembly passed the 1776 Separation Resolution creating the Delaware State. During its nearly 300 years of history, this National Historic Landmark has played pivotal roles in the political, social and commercial life of both New Castle and Delaware. The museum is a partner site in the First State National Historical Park.

The New Castle Court House Museum is administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, an agency of the State of Delaware. The division enhances Delaware’s quality of life by preserving the state’s unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality and providing educational programs and assistance to the general public on Delaware history and heritage. The division’s diverse array of services includes operation of five museums which are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, administration of the State Historic Preservation Office, conservation of the state’s archaeological and historic-objects collections, operation of a conference center and management of historic properties across the state. Primary funding for division programs and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, a federal agency. However, the contents and opinions expressed in the division’s programs and services do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Department of the Interior.

-End-

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-739-7787
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov