Local independent pharmacy to administer important immunizations

Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, in collaboration with Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and Kevin Musto, R.Ph., FAPhA, independent pharmacist with Atlantic Apothecary, has announced a COVID Vaccination and Flu Shot Clinic on Thursday, November 18 from 1:00 to 4:00PM at the Delaware Department of Insurance’s Dover Office, 1351 West North Street. Weather permitting, the event will take place outdoors.

“Both the COVID-19 vaccines and the flu shot are safe and effective, and I’m proud to be able to offer them at our Dover office. Each are vital in helping to avoid significant illness, including hospitalization and death, and can be received during the same visit – including at our November 18 event,” said Commissioner Navarro, who will be getting his next dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the event.

All three types of COVID-19 vaccines – Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer – will be available. Pfizer will be provided to eligible residents 5 years and older, Moderna is available for those 12 and older, and Johnson & Johnson for those 18 and older. All levels of vaccination will be offered, including first, second, third and booster doses. Flu shots are available and recommended for those 6 months and older. High-dose flu shots for those 65+ will also be administered at no charge with a Medicare card. Minors must have a guardian’s consent to receive their immunization.

Residents should bring their photo ID or other identification, insurance information or Medicare card, and their prescription or pharmacy card if applicable. Those who have previously received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should bring their vaccine card or other documentation if possible. Vaccinations records can be obtained via the DelVAX system. For a faster registration, flu shot recipients can download and complete their Influenza Fluzone form in advance. There is a separate Influenza Fluzone form for those 65+  who wish to receive the high-dose flu vaccine. Participants will be asked to wear a mask and observe social distancing protocols.

Commissioner Navarro also expressed his gratitude to the pharmacists who have been providing these important immunizations throughout the state, saying “This event, and so many others, wouldn’t be possible without local pharmacies and their dedicated staff. We are grateful for their service to our communities.”

For more information about the flu and where to get vaccinated, visit flu.delaware.gov or call 1-800-282-8672. For information about where to get the COVID-19 vaccine, visit coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/where-can-i-get-my-vaccine/ or call 1-833-643-1715.

COVID-19 vaccination eligibility for Johnson and Johnson second dose, third and booster doses of Moderna and Pfizer, and age-based eligibility for vaccination are all subject to change prior to the event. More information on COVID-19 vaccine doses is available through the Delaware Division of Health.

View event flyer or email Christina.Haas@Delaware.gov  for a full-size flyer.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Media availability will be at 3PM. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Christina.Haas@Delaware.gov.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long on Thursday released the following statements on the passing of former Governor Ruth Ann Minner:

Governor Carney’s statement:

Tracey and I learned the sad news today of the passing of former Governor Ruth Ann Minner. I served alongside Governor Minner as her Lieutenant Governor from 2001-2009. She was a leader who had a real common touch. Governor Minner focused on raising up the working families of our state because she knew what it meant to struggle. Having grown up poor in Slaughter Beach, she brought that perspective to her job every day, and she never lost her attachment to those roots.

Governor Minner was also a trailblazer, becoming Delaware’s first female Governor when she was elected in 2000 and paving the way for women and girls in our state to seek out leadership roles. Her path to the Governor’s office was a unique one. Widowed in her early 30s, Governor Minner served as a legislative aide in the General Assembly, and a receptionist to Governor Sherman Tribbitt, before beginning her own political career. She was elected to her first of four terms in the Delaware House of Representatives in 1974. Governor Minner went on to serve three terms in the Delaware Senate, and two as Lieutenant Governor, before winning two terms as Governor.

During her time in office, Governor Minner worked with legislators of both parties to improve health care and fight cancer, strengthen our education system, and attract good jobs to our state. She will be greatly missed. Tracey and I are praying for Governor Minner’s family, and her many friends across our state, during this difficult time.

Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long’s statement:

Today, we in Delaware collectively mourn the loss of one of our great leaders, Governor Ruth Ann Minner. She was a role model to so many women in our state and her life story and political career was one of a kind. As our first female Governor, she was a trailblazer and worked tirelessly in a bipartisan manner to uplift all of our families up and down the state. From her grassroots down-to-earth upbringing, she put in place policies that continue to affect our families today. It was a pleasure and one of my greatest honors to work with her as a legislator and now as Lieutenant Governor. We all have her family in our thoughts and prayers.

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Secretary Nathaniel McQueen Jr., DATE Director John Yeomans, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Communications
Manager Denée Crumrine, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

DOVER, DE – The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) was joined by Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen Jr. representatives from the Office of Highway Safety (OHS) and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield to celebrate the launch of the State’s first Impaired Driving Simulator Program.

“It is critical that every driver on the road understands the repercussions of driving while under the influence,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “Deaths and injuries due to driving under the influence are preventable. Innovative solutions like this can help to reduce the number of accidents and save lives. I thank all of the state partners for their leadership and the support of Highmark DE in launching the DUI Driving simulator. Partnerships like this help make our state stronger and healthier.”

The simulator program, made possible through a partnership with the Office of Highway Safety and Highmark Delaware, will allow drivers to experience what can happen when they operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or while distracted with a cell phone. Vision, braking, and steering are impacted by the various levels of impairment and demonstrate the dangers in a virtual training scenario.

“Impaired driving remains prevalent on our roadways. Much like aggressive driving or other dangerous behaviors, impaired driving is entirely preventable,” said Secretary McQueen. “Many thanks to DATE, OHS, and the support of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for devoting their time and dedication to this project. Projects like this are critical for our efforts to reduce the incidence of impaired and distracted driving throughout our state.”

With 3,972 DUI arrests and 1,050 DUI related crashes occurring in our State last year, DATE and OHS will join forces to deploy the simulator at schools and community events statewide to educate the public and create an awareness around the dangers of impaired driving.

“Our Division is pleased to present this state-of-the-art Impaired Distracted Driver Simulator. From its inception, this project has been supported by our partners at Highmark Delaware, Delaware Office of Highway Safety and the Office of the Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security,” DATE Director John Yeomans said. “This is an extremely valuable tool in our continued efforts to educate our citizens and especially our young drivers regarding impaired driving.”

“Driving under the influence is the result of poor decision-making, and has tragic consequences,” OHS Director Kimberly Chesser said. “The DUI Simulator offers an opportunity for people to experience various driving conditions, hazards and scenarios as if they were under the influence while safely using a simulation program. The simulation mimics the difficulties drivers will encounter at various blood alcohol content levels. By incorporating the DUI simulator into our safety programs, we are educating the community about the consequences of impaired driving and reinforcing our drive sober message.”

DATE was awarded a $140,000 grant from Highmark Delaware to help purchase the driving simulator.

“Highmark Delaware’s BluePrints for the Community is pleased to support the purchase of an impaired driving simulator for the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement as they partner with schools and community-based organizations throughout the state to combat impaired driving. By providing real-life scenarios in a safe and controlled environment, good driving practices can be instilled in our young drivers,” Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield President Nick Moriello said.

Media Contact:
Arshon Howard
Chief of Community Relations
Cell: (302) 922-0186
Arshon.Howard@delaware.gov

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Recovery Fund will provide funding for one-time capital projects in communities hard hit by COVID-19; Application for funding now available at de.gov/rescueplan 

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney and Lt. Governor Hall-Long on Thursday announced the Community Investment Recovery Fund, which will provide nonprofits with one-time funding to support major capital projects in Delaware communities hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The application for funding is available now at de.gov/rescueplan. Applications must be fully completed and submitted by November 30, 2021.

The Community Investment Recovery Fund is funded with $100 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA was championed in Congress by members of Delaware’s congressional delegation — Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester — and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11.

“The American Rescue Plan is about rebuilding from the COVID-19 pandemic, and coming out of this crisis stronger than before. That’s exactly what this Community Investment Recovery Fund will help us do,” said Governor Carney. “This Recovery Fund will help support community centers and other nonprofits that are seeking to rebuild and strengthen the communities they serve every day. I want to thank President Biden and members of Delaware’s congressional delegation for making these resources available.”

“We rely on our nonprofits to care for and serve Delawareans, especially our most vulnerable residents every day. This has been especially true throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “This ARPA investment will provide critical support for our non-profits and community organizations that have stepped up every day to ensure Delaware families have the services they need.”

“The pandemic’s impact on our economy is far reaching, and nonprofits that work to fill the needs of our community need additional support to continue their critical work,” said Sens. Carper, Coons and Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. “We commend Governor Carney for directing American Rescue Plan Act funds to help these organizations who are vital to strengthening our communities.”

Governor Carney, Lt. Governor Hall-Long, and members of Delaware’s federal delegation have recently announced several investments funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which meet the goals of the legislation by:

• Building a stronger, more equitable economy in communities hit hard by COVID-19.
• Providing immediate economic stabilization for impacted households and businesses.
• Addressing systemic public health, public safety, and economic challenges.
• Meeting pandemic response needs.

This week, Governor Carney announced plans to invest $26.4 million in affordable housing in Wilmington, $50 million for jobs training programs statewide, and $50 million to build a modern Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill in Smyrna. 

In Bridgeville last month, Governor Carney announced a $110 million plan to provide universal wired broadband access for all Delaware homes and businesses. Delaware is aiming to become the first state to close every “last mile” with wired, high-speed broadband.

The Community Investment Recovery Fund announced on Thursday will provide support for major nonprofit capital projects statewide. 

Visit de.gov/rescueplan to learn more about how the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) is helping in Delaware. 

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