WILMINGTON – With hundreds of lives being lost to drug overdoses each year, Delaware will hold a Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 29, 2017 to help reduce the risk of prescription medications being diverted for misuse. Delawareans can discard their expired or unused medications at locations statewide between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday.

Organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Social Service (DHSS), the twice-a-year event has resulted in more than 65,000 pounds of medication being collected in 13 events.

Properly discarding unused medications protects groundwater, reduces the risk of addiction, keeps prescription medications out of the hands of people who may abuse them, and helps prevent drug overdoses.

“We must view addiction as the chronic disease it is. We can all improve the safety of our homes and communities by properly disposing of unused medicines,” said DHSS Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker. “National studies show that almost two-thirds of people who misuse prescription drugs get them from friends and family, including by raiding medicine cabinets, purses, and drawers.”

The April 29, 2017 Drug Take-Back Day announcement was held in the Walgreens pharmacy in the Fairfax Shopping Center near Wilmington. Dr. Walker praised Walgreens for being the first private Delaware retailer to install safe medicine disposal boxes. Six of Delaware’s 21 permanent medicine drop-off locations are in Walgreens pharmacies. The remaining 15 permanent boxes are located in local law enforcement agencies.

“Delaware – and the nation’s – problem with prescription drug abuse has hit nearly every home and family,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “The Prescription Drug Take-Back program is just one tool in our tool box to get these drugs out of the wrong hands. It’s easier than ever to get rid of your unwanted prescriptions instead of letting them get into the wrong hands, or throwing them away and polluting our land and water supply. We will continue to fight this problem and will only be successful by working with all levels of government, and partnering with the private and nonprofit sector to attack this problem on all fronts.”

“By making safe medication disposal kiosks available in select Delaware stores, as we have done in other states over the last year, Walgreens is taking an important first step to reduce the misuse of medications throughout the country and curb the rise in overdose deaths,” said Jessica Puckett Beasley, Walgreens regional healthcare director in Delaware. “Everyone has a role to play in minimizing prescription drug abuse, and we are committed to being part of a comprehensive solution to reverse this epidemic.”

“I want to applaud Walgreens, the DEA, Delaware Health and Social Services, and everyone working together to do their part to stop the spread of prescription medications getting into the wrong hands,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons. “It takes a group effort; everyone doing their part to stop the drug abuse that’s taking hold in our communities. I encourage everyone to take a look at their medicine cabinets, and if you’re not using those prescriptions, participate in the Drug Take-Back Day or dispose of their medications in one of the 21 locations permanent drop boxes statewide.”

In 2016, 308 people died in Delaware from drug overdoses compared to 228 in 2015 and 222 in 2014. Up to 80 percent of Delaware’s drug overdoses may involve one or more prescription medications.

“We know that prescription drugs are often a gateway to illegal drugs,” said Delaware Attorney General Matt Denn. “Ensuring that prescription drugs do not end up in the wrong hands is therefore an important part of our effort to address Delaware’s opioid epidemic. Prevention, treatment, and law enforcement are all critical parts of this fight.”

“Public Health is grateful for all the Drug Take-Back Day participating organizations, the DEA, and the law enforcement agencies and Walgreens which offer the permanent drop boxes,” said Division of Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We must also increase awareness about alternatives to opioid medications to reduce pain and educate medical providers on the new Delaware prescribing rules.”

New regulations for the safe prescribing of opiates, promulgated by the Delaware Department of State’s Division of Professional Regulation, became effective April 1, 2017. They establish standards for prescribing opiates safely for acute episodes and for chronic, long term pain management. Read the full text at: http://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/controlledsubstances/documents/20%20DE%20Reg%20564%2001-01-17.pdf

Delawareans seeking help for drug addiction or medical providers seeking information on patient education and treatment resources can visit www.HelpIsHereDE.com. Click on “I am here for me” to see a list of detox, treatment and recovery providers in the region.

Drugs for disposal must be in a container such as a pill bottle, box, blister pack, or zipped plastic bag, with personal information removed. Liquid medications must be in their original containers. Needles, aerosols, biohazard materials, medical equipment, and batteries will not be accepted. For more details and a list of permanent collection sites, visit DPH at http://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/hsp/hhdrugtakeback.html or 302-744-4546, ext. 5; and the DEA atwww.dea.gov/take-back/takeback-news.shtml.

Delaware’s Drug Take-Back Day sites for April 29, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. are:

New Castle County
Daniel S. Frawley Stadium, 801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington, DE 19801
Delaware City Police Department, 407 Clinton St., Delaware City, DE 19706
New Castle County Airport, 151 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720
Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety Building, 3601 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720
Wilmington VA Medical Center, 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805
Shipley Manor Nursing Home, 2723 Shipley Road, Wilmington, DE 19810
Christiana Care Surgical Center, 4755 Ogletown Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19718
University of Delaware – Laurel Hall, 282 The Green, Newark, DE 19716
Delaware State Police Troop 2, 100 La Grange Ave., Newark, DE 19702
Newark Police Department, 220 South Main St., Newark, DE 19711 (permanent collection site)
Walgreens, 1120 Pulaski Highway, Bear, DE 19701 (permanent collection site)
Walgreens, 6317 Limestone Road, Hockessin, DE 19707 (permanent collection site)
Walgreens, 2119 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 (permanent collection site)

Kent County
Atlantic Apothecary, 103. S. Dupont Blvd., Suite 2, Smyrna, DE 19977
Cheswold Police Department, 691 Main St., Cheswold, DE 19936
Delaware State Police Troop 3, 3759 S. State St., Camden, DE 19934
Heritage at Dover Assisted Living, 1203 Walker Road, Dover, DE 19904
Walgreens, 1001 Forrest Ave., Dover, DE 19904 (permanent collection site)
Felton Police Department, 24 East Sewell St., Felton, DE 19943 (permanent collection site)
Milford Police Department, 400 N.E. Front St., Milford, DE 19963 (permanent collection site)

Sussex County
Dagsboro Police Department, 33134 Main St., Dagsboro, DE 19939
Delaware State Police Troop 4, 23652 Shortly Road, Georgetown, DE 19947
City of Lewes Board of Public Works, 129 Schley Ave., Lewes, DE 19958
Delaware State Police Troop 7, 18006 Coastal Highway, Lewes, DE 19958
Milton Police Department, 101 Federal St., Milton, DE 19968
Beebe Medical Tunnell Center, 18947 John Jay Williams Highway, Rehoboth, DE 19971
Rehoboth Beach Police Department, 229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth, DE 19971
CVS Pharmacy, 36252 Lighthouse Road, Selbyville, DE 19975
Selbyville Town Hall, 68 W. Church St., Selbyville, DE 19975 (permanent collection site)
Ocean View Police Department, 201 Central Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970 (permanent collection site)
Laurel Police Department, 205 Mechanic St., Laurel, DE 19956 (permanent collection site)
Walgreens, 17239 Five Points Square, Lewes DE 19958 (permanent collection site)
Walgreens, 22898 Sussex Highway, Seaford, DE 19973 (permanent collection site)

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Walgreens operates 8,173 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens omnichannel business includes Walgreens.com and VisionDirect.com. More than 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER – Delaware’s Division of Public Health (DPH) is warning residents in the Sharpley area (near Mt. Lebanon and Sharpley Roads) who may have come into contact with a raccoon found to be rabid on Thursday, April 20, 2017. The raccoon was picked up after getting into a fight with a domestic cat in the area and died during the altercation with the cat and pet owner. The cat is currently under quarantine following exposure.

Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched or come in contact with a raccoon should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Also anyone who thinks their pet may have been bitten by this raccoon should call their private veterinarian or the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) at 302-698-4630.

Residents should take precautions against rabies by:

• Avoiding wild and feral animals, regardless of whether or not the animal seems “friendly.” Not all rabid animals exhibit the classic signs of the rabies illness, such as aggression, depression, or other abnormal behavior.
• Ensuring their pets are up-to-date with rabies shots.
• Keeping pets indoors or, while outside, supervising them on a leash.
• Warm spring and summer temperatures lead to more outdoor activities, which increase possible exposure to rabies through contact with animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.

Since January 2017, rabies tests have been performed on 27 Delaware animals, five of which were confirmed to be rabid, including three raccoons, one cat, and one dog. As with other recent rabies animal cases, the Office of Animal Welfare has gone door to door near where the raccoon was found to talk to residents and distribute literature.

“This is the third rabies case we have seen in animals during the month of April,” said DPH Epidemiologist Amanda Bundek. “The others were a raccoon in another part of Wilmington and a cat in Bridgeville. Rabies is a problem statewide, even in urban areas. Taking precautions is important, especially now that people and their pets are spending more time outside.”

Rabies in humans and animals cannot be cured once symptoms appear. If the animal is of unknown origin or unavailable to be quarantined or tested, the Division of Public Health recommends that people receive postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, a series of four vaccinations, as a precaution.

Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth or an opening in the skin.

Fortunately, rabies is also almost 100 percent preventable. DPH recommends that members of the public take the necessary steps to stay clear of exposure to rabies. Rabies prevention starts with the animal owner. Vaccination of pets and livestock is a crucial factor in rabies prevention.

• All dogs, cats and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Consider vaccinating livestock and horses. It is recommended to consult with your private veterinarian if you have any questions regarding whether your animal(s) should be rabies vaccinated.
• Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by not letting them roam free.
• Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and thus reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
• Do not feed or water your pets outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
• Keep your garbage securely covered.
• Do not handle unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER – Delaware’s Division of Public Health (DPH) is warning residents of the Chalfonte community and surrounding areas in Wilmington who may have come into contact with a raccoon that the DPH Lab found to be rabid on Thursday, April 13, 2017. The raccoon was picked up after getting into a fight with pet dogs in the area and was euthanized.

Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched or come in contact with a raccoon should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Also anyone who thinks their pet may have been bitten by this raccoon should call their private veterinarian or the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) at 302-698-4630.

Residents should take precautions against rabies by:

• Avoiding wild and feral animals, regardless of whether or not the animal seems “friendly.” Not all rabid animals exhibit the classic signs of the rabies illness, such as aggression, depression, or other abnormal behavior.
• Ensuring their pets are up-to-date with rabies shots.
• Keeping pets indoors or, while outside, supervising them on a leash.

Warm spring and summer temperatures lead to more outdoor activities, which increase possible exposure to rabies through contact with animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.

Since January 2017, DPH has performed rabies tests on 24 animals, four of which were confirmed to be rabid, including this raccoon, one other raccoon, one cat, and one dog. This is the second 2017 lab-confirmed case of rabies announced by DPH. DPH only announces those rabies cases in which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts. The first occurred in the Bridgeville area earlier this month.

“As the weather gets warmer, people and their pets may be spending more time outside,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “It is important for people to remember never to approach unfamiliar animals and to keep pets indoors or supervised on a leash while outside.”

Rabies in humans and animals cannot be cured once symptoms appear. If the animal is of unknown origin, or unavailable to be quarantined or tested, the Division of Public Health recommends that people receive postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, a series of four vaccinations, as a precautionary measure.

Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth or an opening in the skin.

Fortunately, rabies is also almost 100 percent preventable. DPH recommends that members of the public take the necessary steps to stay clear of exposure to rabies. Rabies prevention starts with the animal owner. Vaccination of pets and livestock is a crucial factor in rabies prevention.

• All dogs, cats and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
• Consider vaccinating livestock and horses. It is recommended to consult with your private veterinarian if you have any questions regarding whether your animal(s) should be rabies vaccinated.
• Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by not letting them roam free.
• Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and thus reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
• Do not feed or water your pets outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
• Keep your garbage securely covered.
• Do not handle unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Dover – The Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing three more flu-related fatalities for the 2016-2017 flu season. The three recent deaths push flu-related fatalities in Delaware to 14 – more than doubling the 2015-2016 death total of six. Of the 14 Delawareans who have died from the flu this season, 13 had other serious underlying health conditions. However, the most recent flu-related death involved a 45-year-old Kent County man who had no known significant underlying medical conditions beyond being ill with the flu. DPH was not able to verify his vaccination status.

During the last week of March, two New Castle County women passed away from flu-related complications. One was a 53-year-old woman infected with Influenza B, and the second, an 88-year-old woman infected with Influenza A. Both passed away at local hospitals and had multiple underlying medical conditions.

The death of the 45-year-old Kent County man who was known to be otherwise healthy is a reminder that the flu can be unpredictable and even deadly.

“Influenza is a contagious disease that affects the lungs and can lead to serious illness, and, sadly, as we’ve seen far too often this season, even death,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary for the Department of Health and Social Services. “This is a reminder that even healthy people can get sick enough to miss work or school for a significant amount of time, be hospitalized or suffer the most serious consequences. If you think you have the flu, limit your contact with others. Flu is easy to transmit and you can pass it on to your children, other family members, friends, and co-workers long before you know you are ill.”

“DPH continues to keep its thoughts and prayers with the families who have lost someone from the flu,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “The latest deaths are a somber reminder that flu season is still ongoing and taking precautions and recognizing symptoms of the flu are still as important as ever, even if you are not considered part of a high-risk group. If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should immediately consult your doctor, especially if you have underlying health conditions.”

As of March 25, there are 3,715 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu in Delaware for the 2016-2017 season. Of the 3,715 cases, 1,771 (47.7 percent) infected individuals are from New Castle County, 1,143 (30.8 percent) are from Kent County, and 801 (21.6 percent) are from Sussex County. These numbers reflect lab-confirmed cases and the actual number of illnesses is likely much higher.

DPH stresses that while getting vaccinated for the flu is the first and best way to protect against the flu, other precautions must also be taken to prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses, including:

• Washing hands frequently with soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after you cough, sneeze, or touch your face.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and disposing of the tissue immediately. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your inner elbow. Droplets from a sneeze can travel up to six feet.
• Staying home when sick and not returning to work or school until you are fever-free for 24 hours.
• Ensuring all your loved ones are vaccinated against the flu.
• Taking anti-virals as prescribed by your doctor.

If you are receiving treatment in a long-term care facility or in-home care, ask if the staff is vaccinated against the flu and if not, be certain all non-vaccinated staff members wear a mask at all times. Visits at home or in a facility should be limited if the visitor is under age 16, has the flu, or is at risk of exposure to the flu. The illness can be transmitted prior to someone showing symptoms. If you are living with a senior and a family member contracts the flu, keep the two separate as much as possible and ensure everyone in the home follows sanitary precautions.

DPH recommends that people with flu-like illnesses call — not visit — their medical providers, who may be able to prescribe anti-viral medications by phone.

For more information on influenza prevention, diagnosis and treatment, visit flu.delaware.gov or call DPH at 800-282-8672.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER – Did you know that In the U.S., where you live, your income, education, race and access to health care may mean as much as a 15-year difference in how long you will live? The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) wants to help ensure conditions where everyone has the opportunity to be healthy. During National Public Health Week (April 3-9, 2017), the DPH is joining the American Public Health Association (APHA) by encouraging Americans to do their part to help the United States become the healthiest nation by 2030.

“Our vision is to create the healthiest nation in one generation,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, director for DPH. “Improving social and environmental conditions can dramatically improve public health. Making nutritious foods available to families reduces their chances of chronic disease and helps to send their children to school ready to learn. Installing sidewalks and marking crosswalks can reduce pedestrian fatalities and increase physical activity. Living in violence-free communities reduces injuries and stress and also encourages people to be physically active outside. We have so many opportunities to make a difference.”

Here are ways to get involved and advocate for a healthier Delaware:

• Start a community garden, open a food pantry, or ask existing local stores to provide more fresh produce. Increasing opportunities for Americans to consume healthy foods helps reduce hunger and promotes healthy nutrition, helping them avoid developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or becoming obese. According to the 2015 Delaware Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFS), only about 15.2 percent of Delaware adults reported eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Try the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s healthy eating tool, Choose My Plate. Find Delaware’s community Farmers Markets at http://dda.delaware.gov/marketing/FarmersMarketsGuide.shtml. Want to do more? Volunteer at a local food bank!
• Be more physically active. According to the APHA, nearly half of U.S. adults did not meet 2014 recommended guidelines of 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. The U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults should do at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity a week. Adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. Only 20.2 percent of Delaware adults met those guidelines in 2015, according to the BRFS. Too much to fit in?
  • Start exercising in smaller increments.
  • Try being physically active for even a small amount of time every day or, at least 30 minutes three times a week.
  • Find fitness inspiration at http://www.getupanddosomething.org/ and http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/getfit.html. J
  • oin the APHA’s 1Billion Steps Challenge for Public Health Week.
  • Join the Motivate The First State campaign. This is a public-private partnership that has inspired thousands of Delaware residents to be more physically active and healthier. Through its free online social network participants can log a wide range of healthy activities and earn points that are converted to charitable donations that support several Delaware statewide organizations.
• Avoid tobacco or vaping. Tobacco use is the leading is the leading underlying or contributing cause of premature death in Delaware and smoking causes lung and other cancers, heart disease, stroke, emphysema, COPD, and other lung diseases. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Delaware. Delaware women rank fifth-highest and men rank sixteenth-highest for national lung cancer mortality (http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/cancer.html). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), liquid vaping cartridges contain nicotine and other toxic chemicals. Delawareans age 18 and older who want to quit can call the Delaware Quitline at 1-866-409-1858.
• Avoid alcohol, or at least drink it in moderation. Do not engage in binge drinking or drink at all if pregnant.
• Never use illegal drugs and take prescription opioids (pain medication) exactly as prescribed. Know the signs of addiction and the challenges created by addictive behaviors summarized in the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health of 2016. To learn about regional detox and treatment resources visit www.HelpishereDE.com and go to the “I am Here” tab and select ‘Resources’. Persons without computers in New Castle County can call the 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 800-652-2929; in Kent and Sussex counties, call 800-345-6785.
• When new communities are planned, review land use plans to ensure that the communities are walkable, bikeable, and offer public transit stops. Know what designs work best at the Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination’s webpage: http://stateplanning.delaware.gov/.
• Support your child, grandchild, relatives or neighbors in their educational journey to ensure that everyone graduates from high school. High school graduates tend to live longer and be healthier than students who drop out. Be in constant contact with your child’s teachers, ask how their day was, and help out with homework. Don’t have children in school? Volunteer as a mentor. If a student is having trouble in school, their teachers, guidance counselors, school based health centers, and others may be able to help. Didn’t finish school? Drop-outs who want to earn their high school diplomas can enroll in the James H. Groves Adult High School or call 302-857-3340.
• Learn about the social determinants of health and how they impact where we live, work, and play. Poverty, deplorable living conditions, homelessness, high school drop-outs, and racism negatively impact health and can be reversed. Encourage a health-in-all-policies approach with transportation, housing, education, and law enforcement agencies. A great place to start is by reading the Health Equity Guide for Public Health Practitioners and Partners published by DPH and the University of Delaware.

For more information about how you can make a difference, visit the American Public Health Association’s website. You can also follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nphw and join them for their #NPHWChat on April 5.

The Delaware Division of Public Health achieved national public health agency accreditation in 2016. DPH received its five-year accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Delaware is the only accredited state health agency in the Mid-Atlantic region. Accreditation satisfies a goal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which identified accreditation as a key strategy for strengthening our nation’s public health infrastructure.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.