WILMINGTON, Del. – Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long will host Delaware’s first summit spotlighting the social and economic importance of mental and behavioral health in Delaware on Monday, June 12. The 2023 Mental and Behavioral Health Summit: Pathways and Partnerships for a Stronger Delaware will bring together a variety of stakeholders including local and national thought leaders, community advocates, and government officials.  

As Delaware emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic and looks to the future, there is no better time to strategize, collaborate, and take a deep dive into the current state of mental and behavioral health. Recent data from the World Health Organization shows a 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression in the year following the start of the pandemic, and one in five children will experience a mental disorder this year, according to the CDC. 

Featured panel discussions will highlight mental and behavioral health data, Delaware’s legislative and policy response to the behavioral health crisis, frontline work led by Delaware community advocates, and more. The Summit will close with a fireside chat with Lt. Governor Hall-Long and The Kennedy Forum founder and former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy around strategies to enhance behavioral and mental health support – from insurance parity to holistic treatment solutions.

Members of the public are welcome to register for the 2023 Mental and Behavioral Health Summit: Pathways and Partnerships for a Stronger Delaware at this Google Docs link. 

NOTE TO MEDIA: Reporters should RSVP to Jen Rini (jennifer.rini@delaware.gov) to attend the Summit. 

 2023 MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUMMIT: PATHWAYS FOR A STRONGER DELAWARE: MONDAY, JUNE 12, 2023 

WHAT:          Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long will host Delaware’s first summit spotlighting the social and economic importance of mental and behavioral health in Delaware on Monday, June 12. The 2023 Mental and Behavioral Health Summit: Pathways and Partnerships for a Stronger Delaware will bring together a variety of stakeholders including local and national thought leaders, community advocates, and government officials.  

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy, Members of the General Assembly, Local and National Health Experts, Community Advocates

WHEN:          Monday, June 12, 2023, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

WHERE:       Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison St., Wilmington, DE 19801 

Additional Information on the Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium

 The Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium has been recognized as a national model. The consortium brings together community advocates, law enforcement, healthcare professionals and state leaders to address this crisis and help impacted Delawareans and their families. The group coordinates listening sessions, works to reduce the stigma, ensures adequate resources, enhances data and policy, and more. Learn more on the Lt. Governor’s website.

Additional Panel Information

2023 Mental and Behavioral Health Summit: Pathways and Partnerships for a Stronger Delaware 

The Honorable Bethany Hall-Long  

Delaware Lt. Governor and Summit Convenor 

Goal: Led by Delaware Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, the summit is intended to convene local, state, regional, and national thought leaders, community advocates, government officials, business and labor leaders dedicated to elevating the social and economic importance of mental and behavioral health in Delaware. 

9:00 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.: Welcome and Opening Remarks: Alexia Wolf, Director, Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium 

9:05 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.: “What’s at Stake”: Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, Summit Convenor  

9:15 a.m. – 9:20 am: The Honorable U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) 

9:25 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.: Panel 1: Facts & Figures: Mental and Behavioral Health Data 

Overview: A discussion centered on data and research provided by local and national academic and mental health professionals. 

10:20 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Panel 2: Delaware United: How are DE State Agencies and Legislature Responding to Mental and Behavioral Health Crisis 

Overview: A discussion specifically related to policies and legislative actions taken in recent years by the Delaware legislature.  

Featured Speaker over Lunch: 11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Tom Coderre, SAMSHA Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary will share his expertise and vision with the audience.  

12:00 p.m. – 12:40 p.m.: Panel 3: Joining Forces: How Labor and Business Leaders Can Work Together 

Overview: A discussion on labor and business leaders’ workforce challenges relating to the state’s mental and behavioral health crisis and how the two constituencies can collaborate with the government to find a solution. 

1:00 p.m. – 1:40 p.m.: Panel 4: On The Front Lines: The Voices of Community Leaders and Health Care Professionals 

Overview: A discussion highlighting the hard work and bravery of dedicated Delaware residents to improve mental and behavioral health in the state. 

2:05 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.: Armchair Discussion – The Path Forward: Highlighting Strategies to Enhance Behavioral and Mental Health Support in Delaware and Beyond 

Overview: A one-on-one discussion on parity, integrations between behavioral health and substance abuse, prevention and treatment solutions, and innovative technology solutions, creating strategic ways to address current issues and pave a new way forward.  

Participants: Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long and the Honorable Former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy 

2:35 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.: Closing Remarks  

DOVER, Del. – Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long applauds the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 55, which creates a new advisory body for Delawareans suffering from rare diseases. 

Senate Bill 55, sponsored by Sen. Nicole Poore and Rep. Krista Griffith, would establish a Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC) in Delaware to help identify and address barriers to the treatment and care of those suffering from one of the approximately 7,000 known rare diseases.

Passed overwhelmingly on Thursday, the bill creates a council that will be comprised of stakeholders from across the rare disease community including health care providers, elected officials, researchers, patients, and caregivers. It is estimated that 25-30 million Americans suffer from a rare disease. If signed into law, Delaware would join 26 other states across the nation to have established a Rare Disease Advisory Council. 

“It’s critical we do everything we can to make sure Delawareans suffering from a rare disease have access to the treatment they need and deserve,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, who led efforts to get the legislation introduced. “This advisory council will give patients, caregivers, and families a critical resource and more unified voice to removing barriers and improving access to quality care.” 

“Delaware families facing a rare disease experience incredible challenges, often starting with simply getting a correct diagnosis and ranging from finding specialists, therapies and medication to connecting with support groups who can provide them with the emotional encouragement that comes from people going through the same experience,” said Sen. Nicole Poore, vice chair of the Senate Health & Social Services Committee and prime Senate sponsor of Senate Bill 55. 

“Those families need a voice who can help to advocate for them, raise awareness about the unique issues they face and help our state to better meet their needs,” she said. “I want to thank Lt. Governor Bethany-Hall Long for her tireless support for creating the Delaware Rare Disease Advisory Council, and I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate for voting today to show some of Delaware’s most vulnerable residents that we have their back.” 

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) estimates that more than 90% of rare diseases do not have an FDA-approved treatment. The lack of treatment options combined with high out of pocket costs often lead to significantly diminished care for individuals with a rare disease.  

“Those who live with rare diseases face many hurdles, beginning with the great challenge of even finding a diagnosis for what are often debilitating, painful and life-threatening conditions. I’m hopeful that the work of this Advisory Council will give Delawareans greater access to specialists who can provide diagnoses and treatment; affordable access to therapies; and medication to treat rare diseases. I’m also excited for the opportunities this Advisory Council may present for research and development of new treatments for rare diseases,” said Rep. Krista Griffith. “I’m looking forward to passing this bill in the House.” 

Senate Bill 55 now heads to the House. 

Wilmington, Del. (June 6, 2023) – Five organizations in the State of Delaware will receive a total of $1,030,000 in federal grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, as part of the National Endowment for the Arts’ second round of funding, announced today.

“The National Endowment for the Arts is pleased to support a wide range of projects, demonstrating the many ways the arts enrich our lives and contribute to healthy and thriving communities,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “These organizations play an important role in advancing the creative vitality of our nation and helping to ensure that all people can benefit from arts, culture, and design.”

In response to this generous support, Delaware Division of the Arts Director Jessica Ball said, “This significant investment is a testament to the immense talent and creative spirit that thrives in our vibrant arts community. The grant will undoubtedly empower these organizations to further enrich the cultural landscape of Delaware, fostering artistic excellence and accessibility for all residents. Together, we will continue to celebrate and support the arts, recognizing their profound impact on our society and the boundless opportunities they create for artistic expression and community engagement.”

The following Delaware arts organizations have received funding:

Delaware Art Museum (Wilmington, DE) will receive $40,000 to support an exhibition featuring work by members of the Rossetti family, active in both the Pre-Raphaelite and Aesthetic Movements of the 19th century.

Delaware Division of the Arts (Wilmington, DE) will receive $935,000 to support arts programs, services, and activities associated with carrying out the agency’s National Endowment for the Arts-approved strategic plan.

Delaware Shakespeare (Wilmington, DE) will receive $10,000 to support the Community Tour of a contemporary work adapted from a play by Shakespeare.

The Grand Opera House (Wilmington, DE) will receive $20,000 to support sensory-friendly performances for youth and their families.

Opera Delaware (Wilmington, DE) will receive $25,000 to support the premiere of “Fearless: the Story of Hazel Ying Lee and the Women Airforce Service Pilots” by composer and librettist Derrick Wang.

More information about the National Endowment for the Arts’ grant opportunities is available at arts.gov/grants. This section also includes resources for first-time and returning applicants as well as information on how to volunteer to be an NEA panelist.

The full NEA grant descriptions follow:

Grants for Arts Projects

Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) is the National Endowment for the Arts’ largest grants program for organizations. Matching grants range from $10,000 to $100,000, and are recommended for organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. In July 2022, 1,927 eligible applications were received requesting more than $98 million in FY23 support. This round, 1,130 projects are approved for funding totaling more than $31 million.

Project-based funding will support opportunities for public engagement with the arts and arts education, the integration of the arts with strategies that promote the health and well-being of people and communities, and the improvement of overall capacity and capabilities within the arts sector.

State and Regional Partnerships

Each year, approximately 40 percent of the NEA’s appropriated program funds are awarded to state arts agencies, regional arts organizations, and the national service organization to support the work of the states and regions. In total, up to $67.9 million is recommended for these partners in FY 2023, with up to $55.1 million of that total designated for State Arts Agencies.

State & Regional Partnership Agreement grants extend the NEA’s reach to even more communities, reflecting investments in locally-determined priorities, and translate national leadership into local benefit. To learn more about how the National Endowment for the Arts is impacting individual states and regions of the country, select a state or territory on the state impact page or visit the regional map.

About the National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the NEA supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. For more information, visit www.arts.gov.

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long joined state officials and community leaders to sign a proclamation marking the first full week of June as Gun Violence Awareness Week in Delaware.    

As school wraps up for the year, it’s important to increase public awareness for children and caregivers around the safe storage of firearms. National data shows that gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. Monday’s event was a call-to-action for awareness and safety.    

“Gun violence is a public health crisis, full stop. Far too many Delaware families wake up grieving the loss of a loved one and it’s on all of us to take a stand for safer communities,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “As we recognize Gun Violence Awareness Week this June, I encourage everyone to take actions to protect our children, practice responsibility, and advocate for common-sense safety measures.”    

“There is nothing more important than keeping our community safe,” said Governor John Carney. “We haven’t waited to do what’s right in Delaware around gun safety. We’ve banned assault weapons, limited high-capacity magazine, and strengthened background checks. But there’s more work to be done, especially at the community level. The Family Services Cabinet Council and the Delaware Community Gun Violence Reduction Project have been working across the state to create a shared approach on gun violence intervention and amplify the great work happening in our communities. This targeted outreach is critical to addressing gun violence.” 

Research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) cites that an estimated 4.6 million U.S. children live in homes with at least one loaded and unlocked gun. Delaware law currently requires the safe storage of firearms, which is a best practice to help to protect both adults and children from dire consequences.   

“Delaware is making real progress against gun violence — both in our legislature and in our neighborhoods, where we’ve reduced shootings by 30%  — and we owe that to the tireless work of advocates and legislators who have defied the gun lobby. But we still have work to do: guns remain the leading cause of death for children, the weapon of choice for homicide, and the leading method of suicide in our country. Much of our work needs to happen in the legislature, including through the passage of a handgun training and licensing law — but it also needs to happen at home,” said Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Owning a gun is a responsibility; responsible gun owners keep their children and their communities safe by properly storing their firearms. I’m grateful to our Lieutenant Governor and to countless advocates who are promoting safe storage, and I continue to stand with everyone working to reduce the deadly impact of gun violence on our state.”  

Over the last five years, the First State has pursued comprehensive gun safety legislation. In 2022, Governor Carney signed a historic package of common-sense gun safety bills including measures to strengthen background checks and raise the age from 18 to 21 to purchase most firearms. One bill in consideration this legislative session is Senate Bill 2, which would require a permit and training to purchase a handgun.  

“As we gather together to commemorate Gun Violence Awareness Week, we should take a moment to be proud of the accomplishments we’ve made to keep Delawareans safe from gun violence. This work is not easy, and our fight is not over. There’s still one big job left to do, and that is passing a permitting law. I remain deeply committed to the passage of Senate Bill 2, and we will not stop until this bill gets signed into law,” said Senate Majority Whip S. Elizabeth Lockman and Senate Bill 2 prime sponsor. 

“It’s important for every Delawarean to understand how gun violence impacts all of us, in every community,” said Traci Murphy, Executive Director of the Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence. “Bringing awareness to this public health crisis is just one step in the long journey to solving Delaware’s gun violence crisis.”  

“I have a right and it’s not to remain silent. Gun violence is devastating, life-changing, and we need to continue to work together to address this epidemic. This Gun Violence Awareness Week we are coming together for our children, our communities, and our entire state,” said Shawn Flowers, a Community Activist. A survivor, Shawn tragically lost a child to gun violence in Wilmington and is committed to raising awareness.  

Watch a livestream of today’s Gun Violence Awareness Week proclamation signing on the Lt. Governor’s Facebook page.   

The joint initiative with the National Child Identification Program will provide Delaware families and law enforcement with new tools to locate missing children

NEW CASTLE, DE– Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long joined NFL Hall of Famer Randy White, former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowler Jeremiah Trotter and state education and law enforcement leaders at the Garfield Park Police Athletic League on Wednesday to announce a new statewide initiative aimed at better identifying and locating missing children in Delaware.

The new partnership between the state of Delaware and the National Child Identification Program will provide 156,000 at-home child ID kits to Delaware families beginning this year. The ID kits will feature an inkless fingerprint solution, DNA storage, a place for medical/dental records, and a section to provide details about a child’s physical description. The kits are already being used in several states to give law enforcement critical information about a missing child.

On average, over 1,000 children are reported missing each day in the United States. In 2022, 58 children were reported missing in Delaware according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

“When a child goes missing, every second counts,” said Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “These ID kits provide law enforcement with a new tool to locate missing children more quickly and provide Delaware families with the ability to be better prepared for the unimaginable. This partnership will help reunite families and save lives.”

“I can’t imagine the helplessness parents feel when their child is missing. But I do know that when it comes to protecting our children, no precaution or tool in our playbook is too small,” said House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, who also is executive director of the Police Athletic League of Delaware. “These ID kits will provide parents with all the critical, identifying information about their children at their fingertips should they go missing. Hopefully, they will never need them, but the kits will be invaluable in an emergency. I’m grateful that we’re able to provide this extra step of preparedness to Delaware families.”

The new initiative will feature public service announcements from sports legends, educational materials for students, and free ID kits for Delaware families.

“As a father and grandfather, few things are scarier than a missing child,” said Randy White, NFL Hall of Famer. “It is an honor to partner with Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long to protect the children in my home state of Delaware. Just as I was a defender on the field during my time with the Dallas Cowboys, Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long is a strong defender of Delaware’s children and families. This state is lucky to have her on their team,”

Many children who go missing each year end up in unsafe and often dangerous circumstances. It is estimated that about 30% of missing children are being trafficked across the United States.

“The safety of children in Delaware is paramount. When a child goes missing, every second counts. There is nothing more important than bringing them home. Having the Child ID Kit information available allows law enforcement and the community to focus on locating the child. These Child ID Kits are another tool to help keep them safe and allow parents to be proactive in our shared efforts to protect our children.” said Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen, Jr.

The ID kits will be distributed to K-12 students through the Delaware Department of Education beginning May 24th, one day before the 40th annual National Missing Children’s Day. Parents will be notified about the kits before distribution begins.

“As a father and educator, I am grateful for this tool,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said. “When a child is missing, the speed at which we are able to respond is paramount. If families have these kits at home and prepared for an emergency, they will help law enforcement move as quickly as possible.”

The kits in Delaware were made possible thanks to the generous support of the United Auto Workers union and the Exelon Corporation in partnership with the National Child Identification Program.

“I am humbled by the dedication that Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long and Delaware’s state leaders have in serving the families of Delaware. It is a blessing to launch the Delaware Child Identification Program with her today and I look forward to providing this great gift of safety to all K-12 students this fall,” said Kenny Hansmire, Executive Director of the National Child Identification Program.

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