Dear Delawarean,

Because of the diagnosis of individuals in Dallas with Ebola virus and the subsequent intense media coverage, I know that people are concerned. As Delaware’s State Health Officer, I want to help Delawareans separate the facts from fiction and to know what is being done in Delaware in the event that we have the Ebola virus in our state. And I want people to know where to turn if they have concerns or questions.

The tragic epidemic of the Ebola virus infection in West Africa continues to unfold. Particularly affected are the countries of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. Recently, the Ebola virus was transmitted to two nurses from an ill Liberian man in Dallas, Texas. The man subsequently passed away, and the nurses are still hospitalized. The two women contracted the illness due to a combination of direct contact with a severely ill individual and a presumed break in hospital personal protection measures. None of the community contacts of the man who passed away in Dallas became ill, including his family and friends. The other health care workers who treated him are still under observation and will remain so until the 21-day incubation period passes.

Based on currently available information, Ebola virus is only transmitted by patients who have symptoms and the risk of getting the disease through normal, everyday contact is very low. The people being monitored by health officials in other states who came into brief contact with the three ill people in Texas or on an airplane are being monitored as an extra precaution, not because there is a high risk of a genuine large spread of the illness. And, the close family and friends of the man who passed away in Texas were just released from monitoring as the incubation period has passed and no one became ill.

As you move through your day, remember this virus, and many other viruses, can be killed through careful hand washing and alcohol-based sanitizers.

To become ill with Ebola, a person must come into direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected individual. Symptoms of Ebola occur after an incubation period of two to 21 days and include:

• Fever (temperature greater than 100.4°F or 38°C)
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Vomitting
• Abdominal (stomach) pain
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Muscle pain

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has been actively preparing for a potential Ebola illness in Delaware. While the risk is low for Delaware, it is important to be prepared for any situation. DPH has been working with medical providers, hospitals, some employers, EMS, and other partners to ensure they are ready. DPH is particularly focused on ensuring medical partners can immediately recognize a potential case and handle the patient appropriately.

All Delaware hospitals have confirmed the ability to manage Ebola patients. That means they have put in place plans to isolate patients with Ebola, and are training on practices to protect health care workers. If a case is confirmed in Delaware, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) special team will immediately be placed on the ground to help DPH trace any potential contacts whom may also need to be isolated and help to determine if the ill patient should be moved out of state for treatment.

I know Delawareans have questions about what they should do if they suspect a person they encounter might be infected with Ebola virus. First, it is important that we don’t make assumptions that someone might be infected based on their accent, background or skin color, and it is important to remember how hard the disease is to get.

If you or a loved one start to show symptoms you find concerning, call your health care provider. Flu season has started in Delaware. Flu and several travel-related illnesses including malaria, typhoid fever and dengue are much more common than Ebola. The symptoms of all these diseases are very similar.

If you wish to discuss a suspected case, you may contact DPH at 888-295-5156 Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or 302-744-4700 after 4:30 p.m., weekends, and holidays. If you have general questions, the CDC has a 24/7 line available for general questions on the Ebola virus and can be reached by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

I hope I have helped to address concerns you may have. The attached Ebola Fact Sheet (PDF) is provided for further information.

Karyl Rattay, MD, MS
Director
Delaware Public Health
Department of Health and Social Services

With summer over and school back in session, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is reminding motorists to drive safe this fall and save a life by buckling up and slowing down on Delaware roadways.

What you need to know

Did you know that Delaware crash data for this year suggests that speed and improper seat belt use are major contributors in the number of fatalities this year? And the numbers are up. It’s mid-October, and the number of traffic deaths this year has already exceeded the total number of people killed last year on Delaware roadways.

From January 1 through October 17, there have been 102 traffic fatalities in Delaware.

• Sixty seven (67) were vehicle occupants. 42% were not wearing a seat belt.
• Aggressive driving behaviors, like speeding, contributed to 37% of the crashes to date this year.
• In 2013, 40% of the unbelted crashes happened on a Saturday or Sunday.  Saturday is also the most common day for speed-related fatal crashes and Friday has the highest number of speed-related injury crashes.

What you can do

Even one life lost on our roadways is one too many. In an effort to prevent more deaths, OHS has put a new campaign in place that will focus on proper seat belt use and slowing down.

Campaign dates: October 3^rd – 26^th and November 26^th – December 31^st.

• Enforcement:   Police will be looking for speeding drivers and anyone unrestrained or improperly restrained in vehicles. Remember, for a seat belt to be effective and save a life, it must be worn properly with the lap belt low and snug across the hips and the shoulder harness worn across the shoulder and chest with minimal slack.
• Public outreach: OHS has launched a contest on the OHS Facebook page www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE to engage the public about buckling up and slowing down. There will be one puzzle per week during October and December with weekly prizes, including an AAA membership and a guided tour of Dover Air Force Base’s AMC Museum.

For more information, visit www.ohs.delaware.gov. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DEHighwaySafe and Facebook www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE.

Drive Safe. Arrive Alive DE.

In his weekly message, Governor Markell recognizes organizations throughout the state that help people in need, as well as the individuals who volunteer their time and talents.
“Volunteering offers a sense of purpose and has shown to make us healthier too,” said Governor Markell. “Through volunteerism, we help ensure that assistance is there for our neighbors and communities when they need it – and that keeps Delaware moving forward.”
Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: http://youtu.be/cXCtocANEVg
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Full text of Message:

The most important measure of progress for our state is whether we give as many Delawareans as possible the best chance to reach their potential. And government has an important role: ensuring access to a high quality education, protecting health, making our communities safer. But we must also recognize the vital efforts of our non-profit community and other organizations that help people in need and improve our quality of life.

I’ve been amazed and grateful for the work of initiatives like Project Renewal, which has renovated and refurbished Boys and Girls Clubs that serve low-income youth, and Habitat Humanity, which provides affordable housing for struggling families. Their success, and the success of hundreds of other programs, is a result of thousands of hours donated by generous Delawareans. We recognized some of their extraordinary work at the state’s annual Volunteer Service Awards, which showcased people like Marilee Bradley. For 45 years she has been dedicated to the Stockley Center in Georgetown, advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. At 92, she is still actively raising funds for projects and awareness about the center.  Other honorees are helping people recover from addiction, raising awareness about Alzheimer’s; working at free tax clinics; providing free legal aid to disabled veterans, and much more.

Volunteer opportunities exist for everyone to tap into their individual strengths. I urge you to get involved by visiting https://volunteer.delaware.gov. And remember those you help will not be the only ones who benefit. Volunteering offers a sense of purpose and has shown to make us healthier too. Through volunteerism, we help ensure that assistance is there for our neighbors and communities when they need it. And that keeps Delaware moving forward.

Teen Driver Safety Week October 19-25

Dover – Has your teen driver ever rolled their eyes and responded “Yes, I know that” when you are trying to coach them behind the wheel? We know they do not know everything but part of your job as parents and caregivers is to ensure they learn everything about how to be a responsible and safe driver.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 14-18 year olds in the U.S. In fact, almost half of the teen drivers involved in a crash die. Yet, a recent survey shows that only 25% of parents have had a serious talk with their kids about the key components of driving. During Teen Driver Safety Week, parents and caregivers of teen drivers are encouraged to have a conversation with their teen drivers and set rules about the responsibility of having the car keys before they hit the road.

In June of 2012, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety coordinated a technical assessment and evaluation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the Delaware driver education program. The assessment report has contributed to the State’s efforts to enhance the effectiveness of its driver’s education program in preventing injuries, saving lives and reducing economic costs of young novice driver motor vehicle crashes on Delaware’s roadways. As a result, the Delaware Teen Driver Task Force was re-established in 2013. One of the goals for the task force is to promote education of teen drivers and their parents about safe driving skills, training, and the consequences if ignored. Members of the task force include the Office of Highway Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Education, Delaware Driver Safety Education Association, Delaware State Police, and SmartDrive.

Members of the task force have developed or have provided several resources for parents and teens to encourage a dialog of safe driving and rules of the road. These resources are available year round and are being highlighted during Teen Driver Safety Week.

• The Office of Highway Safety created a Graduated Driver’s License Parent Orientation Program to educate parents of teen drivers about their responsibilities under the GDL law. http://www.ohs.delaware.gov/OHSGDL/story.html

• The DMV coordinated the Parent Supervised Driving Program and RoadReady app for parents and teens. This year theme is It Takes Two: Shared Expectations for Teens and Parents for Driving. The topic is aligned with the program’s effort to help motivate parents to expand their participation in the supervised driving process. http://www.theparentssuperviseddrivingprogram.com/states/de.html

• The Delaware Driver and Safety Education Association (DDSEA) is encouraging Delaware high schools to participate in Celebrate My Drive, powered by State Farm Insurance. The program brings added awareness to teen driver safety during National Teen Driver Safety Week. In addition, it offers participating schools the chance to compete for grant money ranging from $25,000-$100,000 by having their schools and communities vote online in recognition of the importance of keeping 2 eyes on the road and 2 hands on the wheel when driving. www.celebratemydrive.com/home

• The SmartDrive Foundation is conducting in school education programs such as their Driving With Intention program, PROMise program and Distraction & Reaction program. Each program is designed to educate young drivers to make the right decisions every time they are behind the wheel so they will never put anyone in harm’s way. www.smartdriveusa.org

• A subcommittee was created to update the driver’s education curriculum in Delaware high schools. The curriculum is being updated to meet the National Content Standards for driver’s education curriculum, meet the Common Core State Standards initiative and to include new traffic laws. The new curriculum will ensure continuity, measurement, and accountability for educators and novice teen drivers learning in Delaware.

For more information about teen driving visit www.safercar.gov/parents, www.ohs.delaware.gov, http://www.dmv.de.gov/services/driver_services/teen/index.shtml.

Delaware students will not owe application fees at six state institutions, which addresses a barrier to college entry

Wilmington, DE – Continuing the state’s commitment to increasing access to post-secondary education and training, Governor Markell, the University of Delaware, and Delaware State University have announced that the schools will waive their college application fees for Delaware’s high school seniors when they apply during College Application Month (CAM), which runs now through November 21, 2014. All students who are residents of the state are eligible for the waiver from UD and DSU.

The Universities join Delaware Tech and Wilmington University, which have for the past two years waived fees for Delaware students who attend schools that participate in CAM. All public high schools will hold CAM activities over the next month. Among other Delaware institutions, students can also apply to Wesley College and Goldey-Beacom College without charge, meaning no Delaware seniors will owe application fees to six of the state’s colleges and universities during College Application Month.

“I applaud our colleges and universities for working to make their admissions process as accessible and encouraging to our students as possible,” said Markell. “With goods jobs increasingly requiring education or training beyond high school, addressing obstacles to a college education is vital to supporting our students and strengthening our state, where our economy’s growth depends on having a highly-skilled workforce.

“Financial concerns too often discourage students from college and the state is working to make sure our youth are aware of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities. But students can’t take advantage of those if they never apply, so I’m thrilled that our schools are sending this welcoming message to all Delaware students.”

The Governor has made it a priority to remove financial and other barriers for students who wish to attend college. A partnership with the College Board, launched last year and continuing this fall, provides college-ready seniors with information on college affordability and financial aid, as well as materials to help them choose colleges. Low-income students receive application-fee waivers, which have traditionally been complicated to obtain, for up to eight schools.

School Comments

“As the state flagship, the University of Delaware takes great pride in providing access to the extraordinary, life changing experiences provided through scholarship at our campus,” said Jose Aviles, Director of Admissions at the University of Delaware. “We recognize the great challenges in increasing college participation rates across Delaware and are pleased to join the state’s efforts. We continue to work toward removing barriers so that Delawareans can realize their dream of a higher education at UD.”

“We are pleased to be able to assist students as they take this initial step toward attaining a college degree by removing financial barriers that may come with submitting the admissions application,” said Erin Hill, assistant vice president for enrollment at Delaware State University. “Every state must play an active role in increasing its proportion of college graduates to ensure our nation’s competitiveness in a global marketplace. This focused effort in Delaware to create a college-going culture moves us toward that goal.”

“We fully support College Application Month by providing volunteers in the schools to assist students with the application process and allowing all Delaware high school seniors the ability to apply to the college with no application fee,” said Dr. Mark Brainard, president of Delaware Technical Community College. “This is one way Delaware Tech can remove the barriers to access for students who dream of attending college.”

“Wilmington University’s long history of providing opportunity to anyone seeking an advanced degree has been in lock-step with Governor Markell’s vision for educating Delaware’s workforce,” said Wilmington University President Dr. Jack Varsalona. Wilmingtonwaives the application fee for prospective students, which they can experience at the school’s October 22 open house event at locations statewide, in addition to ongoing online and face-to-face information events.

Further information on College Application Month

To receive a fee waiver when applying to the University of Delaware, students should select “Yes, I participated in the UD Senior Search Program” on the Common Application. As long as they submit their application during the Delaware CAM time frame, the University will honor the fee waiver if they select it. Counselors do not need to provide any additional verification for this waiver.

For Delaware State, once a student completes the application at www.desu.edu/apply-now, they should select “Request a Fee Waiver” on the Submit and Pay screen.  The University will not require further documentation for the fee waiver during College Application Month period.

As part of College Application Month, which began this week, students in every high school will have the opportunity fill out their applications in computer labs and write college application essays during English class. Volunteers from employers and college campuses throughout the state are assisting students. Another part of the effort, in partnership with Stand By Me, assists families with filling out the FAFSA form, individual school aid forms, and scholarship applications.

Last year, for the first time on record, every college-ready student in Delaware who was on track to graduate from high school applied. In previous years, as many as one out of five did not.