NEW CASTLE (January 22, 2024) – Today, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and leaders from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) along with partner community agencies led a community response briefing to provide the latest information regarding the state’s efforts to support individuals facing homelessness and housing instability related to substance use disorder.

Organized by the DHSS Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH), these quarterly briefings aim to inform the public about the State’s ongoing work to reduce overdoses and respond to the opioid epidemic.

The event was opened by Delaware Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Chair of the Behavioral Health Consortium, PhD, RN.

“Today, the unfortunate reality is that too many people who are unsheltered and living in encampments, on the street or in cars or motels, are also grappling with substance use disorder or behavioral health challenges. We must develop public policies to support social services and health agencies to meet Delaware’s families where they are. Traditional approaches to service delivery do not always work. If we are going to get real results, we need to meet people where they are and intervene there,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long. “I’ve been there on the street, working directly with people looking for shelter, and I see them struggling with addiction and other health concerns. We have to continue meeting people directly where they are and provide them with hope, with the tools and services they need to get back on their feet. I’m proud of the innovative work DSAMH and their partners have done and will continue to support them in any way possible while exploring new pathways for safe, secure housing with access to services.”

DSAMH Director Joanna Champney followed the Lt. Governor and presented information about DSAMH’s Recovery Support Scholarships, supported by the Behavioral Health Consortium and available to addiction treatment providers so they can provide short term emergency housing resources to people in their substance use treatment programs. This includes a seven day hotel stay, one-time one-month rental assistance, one-time security deposit, or one month of Oxford House rent.

“Reports from our behavioral health treatment providers indicate that in Delaware, 7% of people starting addiction treatment and 13% starting mental health programs are homeless,” Champney said. “When their housing is unstable, we worry very much that they may disengage from treatment. That’s why we partner with our addiction treatment providers to offer housing support to people already in treatment who are facing an emergency, and it’s why we administer and fund outreach programs for people who aren’t yet engaged in treatment. Our staff and partners try to build relationships and trust with people in the tent cities or who are living on the street. We meet some of their basic needs first. If and when they are ready, we help them connect to services.”

Karen Records, Chief of Social Determinants at DSAMH, provided an overview of Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) programs. This program served 675 persons this past grant year – 263 were enrolled through street outreach and 412 were enrolled through supportive service in-reach activities. Clients received connection including but not limited to temporary and permanent housing, substance use treatment, mental health treatment, income assistance, and healthcare insurance access.

Staff from one of Delaware’s service providers, Horizon House, Denise Rodriguez, Program Director, and Kenneth Fassett, Outreach Coordinator, spoke about their services and outcomes of their efforts.

Rachel Stucker, Executive Director for the Housing Alliance Delaware, shared the state’s upcoming efforts regarding the annual Point in Time (PIT) count and information related to serving on Continuum of Care teams.

The event was championed by Eugene R. Young, Jr., Director, Delaware State Housing Authority.

“The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) is proud to work alongside our state agency partners and local nonprofits to address substance abuse in our community,” Young said. “Now more than ever, we need community involvement. From joining the Point In Time count to donating items for hygiene kits or advocating for more recovery homes throughout the state, we all have an opportunity to help Delawareans on the road to a new life.”

Sharon Bell, DSAMH Community Outreach Manager, spoke about the work of her team completing outreach efforts to homeless encampments, making contact with 395 unhoused individuals in 2023. Bell said for donations or inquiries to contact her at Sharon.bell@delaware.gov or by telephone at 302-353-6492. Donations also are accepted at 203 Mitchell Lane in the Springer Building of Herman Holloway Campus in New Castle on Wednesdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Josette Manning, DHSS Cabinet Secretary closed the program with a call to action.

“Addiction can destabilize people in many ways, but one of the most damaging and cyclical aspects is that addiction contributes to homelessness, and homelessness further exacerbates addiction and mental health problems,” Secretary Manning said. “DHSS is committed to helping people access opportunities to escape this cycle. Our programs and partners continue regularly seeking out unhoused people to offer help. Through our outreach, connections to treatment, and temporary emergency housing resources, we offer people a compassionate opportunity to get help.”

To help address behavioral health needs of Delawareans, DHSS has several ways for individuals or their family members to connect:

• Call the 24/7 Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE or 1-833-946-7333 – a single point of contact in which callers can connect to a variety of resources and information, including support from clinicians and peer specialists plus crisis assistance.
• Stop by one of DHSS’ Bridge Clinics for an in-person assessment.
• Visit TreatmentConnection.com to find out which treatment providers are located near you.
• Visit HelpIsHereDE.com, DHSS’ one-stop website where Delawareans can search for treatment services and resources in Delaware or nearby states.
• Call 988 if the individual is in crisis and needs immediate support.
• Call 911 if someone has overdosed and needs emergency medical attention.
• Learn where to find Narcan training, get the medication through the mail, and download the OpiRescueDE App here.

NEW CASTLE – The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of State Service Centers (DSSC) and State Office of Volunteerism (SOV) is excited to announce that nominations for the prestigious Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards and the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards (Adult Awards) are open.

Nominations for both awards will be accepted by the State Office of Volunteerism until Monday, Jan. 15. Nomination forms, along with detailed award criteria, are available at Volunteer Delaware.

Nominees will have shown an unwavering commitment to service and will have made a positive impact on their community or the state through their efforts in the calendar year 2023.

For the first time in recent years, DHSS, DSSC and SOV has introduced the Corporate Category, recognizing exemplary corporate volunteer efforts that have significantly contributed to community enhancement.

“Now more than ever, there’s an expectation for corporations to actively engage in community betterment and address social issues,” said Paul Calistro, Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service. “This new award category is a fantastic opportunity for the State of Delaware to shine a light on how companies are not only involving their employees and consumers but also strategically using their resources to make a significant impact on the causes they are passionate about.”

“Delaware is known for its sense of community and volunteer spirit,” said Governor John Carney. “These awards celebrate those champions who are making a difference across our state, and now, they also will recognize corporations committed to integrating corporate citizenship, social impact initiatives, civic engagement, and community involvement as part of their business operations.”

“We are looking for nominees who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving others and have positively impacted their community or the State of Delaware through their efforts in 2023,” said DHSS Cabinet Secretary Josette Manning. “Whether you know a remarkable young person (17 and under), an inspiring adult, or a business that’s making a difference, we invite you to nominate them for these prestigious awards.”

The honorees will be celebrated in a distinguished ceremony on April 4, 2024.

For detailed information about the awards, volunteer opportunities, and the nomination process, please visit volunteer.delaware.gov or reach out to Diane Frebert, Volunteer Services Administrator, at diane.frebert@delaware.gov.

Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Award, ages 17 and under, Nomination Link
Governor’s Outstanding (Adult, Corporate, Group) Volunteer Service Award, ages 18 and up, Nomination Link

The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards and the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards are proudly sponsored by the Office of the Governor, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of State Service Centers, State Office of Volunteerism, and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.

Delaware’s Birth to Three Program is proud to announce a dynamic and engaging virtual event, “Explore Delaware’s Birth to Three Journey with Special Guest Ms. Rachel,” scheduled for December 6, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EST) via Zoom. This one-hour live event is divided into two captivating segments, designed to educate, inspire and foster community involvement. Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, PhD, RNC, FAAN will give opening remarks to the press about the partnership.

“It is important that children reach developmental milestones within their first three years of life,” Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long said. “I look forward to joining children and their parents and guardians to meet Ms. Rachel and her husband, Aron Accurso, on December 6.”

Meet the Panelists:

1. Rachel Griffin Accurso, aka Ms. Rachel, is an award-winning educator, songwriter and online sensation with a Master’s in Music Education from NYU and currently working towards her Master’s in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Rachel and Aron Accurso have created the popular YouTube channel Toddler Learning Videos, which provides educational videos and music classes for toddlers and preschoolers.
2. Nicole Topper, Public Health Administrator I, has been with the Birth to Three Early Intervention Administration since August 2022. Topper started her career with the Department of Service for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) in 2006 and joined the Division of Public Health in 2022. Topper has focused her educational and professional career on serving the children and families of Delaware for over 17 years.
3. Erin Rich is new to the Part C Coordinator* position but has been with the Birth to Three program since January 2022. Previously, Rich taught Research and Writing for many years at Delaware Technical Community College, and high school English in Philadelphia before that. She strives to ensure equitable and quality early intervention services for infants and toddlers in Delaware, and their families, aided by strong and collaborative relationships with community stakeholders.
4. Candi Biles, Public Health Treatment Program Administrator, has been with the Birth to Three Regional Program in Kent and Sussex County since November 2004. She started as a Casual/Seasonal Family Service Coordinator and was promoted to the Program Administrator position in 2020. She worked in the community for seven years, serving vulnerable populations, such as survivors of domestic violence, substance abuse and HIV. She enjoys serving Kent and Sussex families by giving their child the absolute best start in life. She is passionate about empowering her staff and creating a positive workplace culture.
5. Sarah Wood, Training and Education Administrator I, has been with the Birth to Three Early Intervention Program since April 2022. She came to the Division of Public Health after serving 8.5 years with the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families. Wood is passionate about child advocacy and enjoys working closely with community stakeholders to help support Delaware’s families.
6. Maricarmen Morales Santiago, Trainer/Educator III, has been with the Birth to Three Early Intervention Program since September 2019. Maricarmen was a Child Development Specialist and ECE Interventionist with the program before becoming the program trainer. Maricarmen is an Early Childhood Educator with experience in school settings, HeadStart Programs and private practice as tutor and educational therapist. Maricarmen is passionate about Early Intervention and outreach.

The live event will be divided into two segments:

Segment 1: Roundtable Discussion for Press with commentary from Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long (6:00 PM – 6:20 PM)

Participants will hear opening remarks from Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long regarding the importance of the partnership with Ms. Rachel for Delaware’s Birth to Three community and early intervention programs across the state.

This segment also includes a roundtable discussion where pre-submitted and screened questions from the press will be addressed, ensuring a comprehensive and informative dialogue.

Segment 2: Explore Delaware’s Birth to Three Journey with Special Guest Ms. Rachel (6:30 PM- 7:00 PM)

The second segment will include a special performance by Ms. Rachel and her husband, Aron Accurso, which promises to be both entertaining and educational as she interacts live with the audience.

Parents will have the opportunity to additionally engage through a Q&A session, where questions submitted and screened prior to the event will be addressed.

The “Explore Delaware’s Birth to Three Journey with Special Guest Ms. Rachel” event aligns with several key objectives of Delaware’s Birth to Three program:

1. Raise awareness with parents and caregivers about the importance of early childhood development and available resources via Delaware’s Birth to Three program including developmental tools.
2. Engage Delaware families to foster a sense of community and involvement, which is vital for raising awareness and generating support.
3. Raise awareness of the new partnership that has been established by worldwide influencer Ms. Rachel of Songs for Littles and Delaware’s Birth to Three program.

To register, visit www.b23de.org/b23-special-event. 

*The Part C Coordinator has the leadership responsibility for administering the early intervention program in a state so that all federal and state requirements are being met including building a high-quality early intervention system.

DOVER, Del. — To address nurse staffing challenges impacting state-operated facilities, the State of Delaware is implementing an innovative tuition incentive program to enhance the recruitment of Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) in the state’s workforce starting December 1, 2023.

Following a public request for proposal process, Delaware’s Department of Human Resources has selected three agencies to train CNAs, with the State covering the tuition cost for CNA candidates of up to $3,000 per student. The three training facilities selected are: Bear Professional Institute, Inc, the Delaware Skills Center, and Sussex County Vocational Technical School District. The program provides a pathway for individuals with some nursing experience to obtain certification while securing employment with the state.

The State operates four healthcare facilities at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the Department of State (DOS), including the Delaware Psychiatric Center, the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, the Delaware Veterans Home and Stockley Center. These facilities provide medical services to senior citizens, veterans, and residents with severe mental health and physical disabilities.

“With Delaware experiencing the same nurse staffing challenges as every other state, we are offering this first-ever tuition incentive to attract more state employees to serve as certified nurse assistants,” said Claire DeMatteis, Secretary of the Department of Human Resources. “With certified nurse assistant vacancy rates of 40-50% in our state-operated healthcare facilities, it puts additional pressure on licensed and registered nurses in these facilities. With this new tuition incentive, along with signing and retention incentives for all types of nurses in our state facilities, we are investing significant state resources for the health and well-being of some of our most vulnerable residents.”

Participants are required to commit to working with the state for two years following their certification. DHR is pursuing a similar tuition incentive plan for licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

“I work for the State of Delaware because it’s a dynamic organization with plenty of professional development opportunities, great health benefits and a family-oriented culture. The educational opportunities provided have given me the knowledge to better understand the residents and deliver quality care. With hard work and determination, you can advance your career while working for the state,” said Hannah Sackey, a dedicated CNA currently serving in the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill.”

Once certified, CNAs receive a state salary of $34,000 along with a comprehensive compensation package, which includes health benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off, learning and development opportunities, employee assistance programs, recognition programs, and employee discounts.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply for current nursing assistant job opportunities (Job Code-UDCD01) at one of the four state-operated facilities through the Delaware Employment Link at https://statejobs.delaware.gov/. For questions, please contact Germaine Harris, Nurse Recruiting Manager at 302-255-9148 or Germaine.Harris@delaware.gov.

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The American Cancer Society (ACS) has partnered with hospitals and imaging facilities across Delaware to present National Lung Cancer Screening Day (NLCSD) as a statewide event. On Saturday, November 11, representatives from the Bureau of Cancer Prevention and Control within the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will be on-site at several imaging facilities. Delaware is the first state to have all the health systems and major imaging facilities formally collaborate to support lung cancer screening and open weekend hours to address screening barriers for those that can’t make it Monday through Friday.

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer and is estimated to claim the lives of over 127,000 Americans this year. According to the latest Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Delaware report, lung and bronchus cancer was the leading cause of death from cancer in the First State (38.4 deaths per 100,000 population) in 2016-2020. Lung and bronchus cancer are also the third most common type of cancer (56.9 cases per 100,000 population) following prostate and female breast cancer. Only a small percentage of individuals get recommended screening tests, and 1 in 10 people at higher risk get screened nationwide.

The partnership with ACS asks that healthcare providers open their doors on the second Saturday in November for low-dose CT lung screenings (LDCT). By opening on a Saturday, individuals who have already been referred for LDCT can access screening without having to take a day off work. It will also raise awareness among those in the community who may not know about early detection of lung cancer.

“We are excited to help host Lung Cancer Screening Day and bring together the community to prioritize lung health,” said Cancer Prevention and Control Bureau Chief Dawn Hollinger. “By increasing awareness and providing access to screenings, we aim to save lives by detecting lung cancer at its earliest stages when treatment options are most effective.”

LDCT screenings are quick, painless and can help save lives. The following locations offer lung cancer screenings to Delawareans during National LCS Day: 

• Bayhealth

302-744-7060 (Kent County)

302-430-5707 (Sussex County)

www.bayhealth.org

• Beebe Healthcare

302-645-3278

www.beebehealthcare.org

• ChristianaCare

302-623-0552

www.christianacare.org/lung-screenings

• Delaware Imaging Network

877-990-2121

www.delawareimagingnetwork.com

• TidalHealth

410-543-7006

www.tidalhealth.org

For more locations, visit the Lung Cancer Screening Locator Tool at https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Lung-Cancer-Screening-Resources/LCS-Locator-Tool.

To participate in National Lung Cancer Screening Day in Delaware, individuals are encouraged to contact their local healthcare provider to determine their eligibility and schedule an appointment. It is important to note that screening eligibility criteria may vary, but generally include individuals aged 55 to 80 who have a history of smoking or exposure to environmental risk factors.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Day aims to stimulate screening across the board. Health systems, clinicians and patients are encouraged to make lung cancer screening a year-round priority rather than waiting until November. For more information, visit https://www.healthydelaware.org/individuals/cancer/lung#intro or https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html.