DHSS Announces Launch of New Help Is Here Delaware Website

NEW CASTLE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), in a coordinated effort with fellow government agencies, community partners, and Delaware residents, today announced the launch of the new, redesigned, and revamped HelpIsHereDE.com, available in English and Spanish.

Designed after months of listening sessions and focus groups, the new HelpIsHereDE.com is the state’s comprehensive resource for those seeking help for substance use disorder or mental illness, along with their family members, community organizations, and health care providers.

“Today, we are excited to share the revamped HelpIsHereDE.com website,” said Delaware Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, PhD, RN, and Chair of the Behavioral Health Consortium. “Delaware’s a small state, but that means we are uniquely poised to bring people together to get things done. The behavioral health and substance use crisis impacts all of us – regardless of Zip code, background, experiences – and we need to continue to address it with urgency and action. Connecting Delawareans to resources is critical and that is exactly what this redesigned website will do. I encourage you to take time to review this website and share the information with your audiences, members, friends, and loved ones. Together, we can provide hope and help to families and communities.”

This year, Delaware is yet again experiencing a high number of drug overdose deaths. As of Sept. 21, 2023, a total of 360 people have died from a suspected drug overdose.

“This new and improved website is the result of months of listening sessions with community members, support groups, and substance use professionals,” said DHSS Cabinet Secretary Josette Manning. “Through these focus-group sessions and one-on-one interviews, we heard what was needed, and we developed a website with those needs and concerns at the forefront.”

In addition to an easy-to-navigate design, the new website offers comprehensive resources for those seeking help for substance use disorder or mental illness — for themselves or those they love. This includes lists of treatment providers and facilities, with information on where to find an open bed nearby. There is also free and easy access to Narcan®, a lifesaving over-the-counter drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, along with training on how to use it.

“Creating this website was a joint effort,” Secretary Manning said. “And now we need a continued joint effort to ensure anyone in Delaware who is struggling with substance use disorder or mental illness, as well as their loved ones, is aware of this potentially lifesaving resource.”

Find updated data on suspected drug overdose deaths at My Healthy Community.


Suspected Overdose Deaths for May in Delaware Set New Monthly High Total

Health Officials Fear Rising Death Toll Linked to Fentanyl, Cocaine

NEW CASTLE (June 8, 2022) – Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) officials announced a new monthly high total of deaths from suspected overdoses during May and said they fear the vast majority of the deaths will be connected to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic pain reliever that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, or to the increasing use of cocaine, a powerfully addictive stimulant. In 2021, when a record 515 people died in Delaware from overdoses, more than 80% of the deaths involved fentanyl and more than 45% involved cocaine.

In May 2022, 42 people died from suspected overdoses in Delaware, according to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. That surpassed the previous monthly high total set in August 2018 and tied in May 2020, of 39 deaths. In May 2022, preliminary totals show that 25 of the 42 deaths involved people in New Castle County, 12 in Sussex County and five in Kent County.

Through May 31, 159 people have died from suspected overdoses in Delaware, which is about the same rate as 2021.

“We know that more families and friends have Narcan at home or with them to try to reverse opioid overdoses, but, sadly, that cannot prevent every heartbreaking overdose death,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “We urge families to convince their loved ones to get connected to treatment resources and services. Medical providers can make that referral or family members can drop by one of our Bridge Clinics to talk with trained counselors.”

Delawareans struggling with substance use disorder also can call DHSS’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s 24/7 Delaware Hope Line – a single point of contact where callers can connect to a variety of resources and information, including support from clinicians and peer specialists plus crisis assistance. For support, Delawareans can:

  • Drop by DHSS’ Bridge Clinics for in-person support, including access to naloxone (see locations and hours at the bottom of this release).
  • Reach the free Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE or 1-833-946-7333.
  • Get behavioral health tips and reminders by texting DEHOPE to 55753.
  • Search for treatment services and resources in Delaware or nearby states at DHSS’ one-stop website, HelpIsHereDE.com.

Joanna Champney, director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH), emphasized that there is no wrong door for accessing treatment. She encourages individuals who need help to call or stop by one of the Bridge Clinics, located in each county. “Our Bridge Clinics greet walk-ins with dignity and no judgment,” Champney said. “Whether someone just needs to talk about their options or they’re ready for treatment, we can help you.”

Champney also pointed to DSAMH’s expansion of clinical services to people who are justice-involved, building on the Division’s “no wrong door” approach to offering substance use disorder treatment. “Through our partnership with the Delaware State Police, we’ve put clinicians in multiple police troop locations statewide so we can help people pre-arrest who have had a brush with the law,” she said. “We know that substance use disorders often are the driver for illegal behavior, so the idea is to treat the problem. We’re seeing very high success rates of connecting people to treatment through this program.”

The increase in deaths from suspected overdoses during May 2022 follows another increase in overdose deaths for all of 2021. In its annual report for 2021, the Division of Forensic Science (DFS) reported 515 overdose deaths, an increase of more than 15% over 2020. The 515 deaths by county:

  • New Castle County: 334
  • Sussex County: 94
  • Kent County: 87

Of the 515 total deaths, DFS reported that 425 (82.5%) involved fentanyl, a decline of seven-tenths of a percentage point from 2020, and 221 involved cocaine, an increase of almost 9 percentage points from 2020.

Division of Public Health Director Dr. Kary Rattay urged those in active use of any illicit substances to get Narcan through DHSS’ mail-order Next Distro program, one of DSAMH’s Bridge Clinics, at a participating pharmacy – where no prescription is required – or at a Narcan training.

“This increased loss of life is heartbreaking,” Dr. Rattay said. “It is important for the public to know that fentanyl is being added to multiple types of illicit substances and is seen more commonly with amphetamines like cocaine. We know that Narcan can and does save lives, so we urge anyone who is actively using any illicit substances, as well as family and friends, to have Narcan on hand and be trained on how to use the medication. Additionally, we encourage Delawareans to download OpiRescue Delaware, a smartphone app that provides life-saving step-by-step instructions on how to respond to an overdose, including how to administer Narcan.”

In addition, under Delaware’s 911/Good Samaritan Law, people who call 9-1-1 to report an overdose and the person in medical distress cannot be arrested for low-level drug crimes.

To find Narcan training or distribution events, or a participating pharmacy, go to HelpIsHereDE.com, and click on the overdose prevention tab. The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s Bridge Clinic locations and hours:

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
DSAMH Central Office
14 Central Ave.
New Castle, DE 19720
24/7
302-255-1650

New Castle County Hope Center
365 Airport Road
New Castle, DE 19720
Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sat-Sun: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
302-544-6815

KENT COUNTY
James W. Williams State Service Center
805 River Road, Third Floor
Dover, DE 19901
Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
302-857-5060

SUSSEX COUNTY
Thurman Adams State Service Center
546 S. Bedford St.
Georgetown, DE 19947
Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
302-515-3310


DHSS’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to Host Free Monthly Naloxone Training Sessions Statewide

NEW CASTLE (March 3, 2022) – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) is hosting free monthly Naloxone Access Training for all members of the community. All trainings can be found here: http://delaware-dsamh.eventbrite.com

Naloxone, known commonly by the brand-name Narcan, is a medication that is effective in reversing the effects of an opioid overdose in an individual. This is a free training and is open to the public. Participants will learn how to recognize and appropriately respond to an opioid overdose and are eligible to receive an Opioid Rescue Kit at the conclusion of their training. For more information, questions, or to schedule a group training, please email Narcan.train@delaware.gov or call 302-255-2777.

“Naloxone saves lives,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “Until we can connect a person suffering from opioid use disorder to treatment, we will work with individuals, loved ones and concerned members of the community to make sure they are prepared to respond if an overdose does occur. We urge anyone who needs access to naloxone to attend one of these free training sessions, where they also will receive an Opioid Rescue Kit.”

Each training has two sessions available. The first session is a 30- to 45-minute classroom-style training in small groups with an informative presentation and plenty of time for practice and questions. This is the best option for all audiences. The second session is a Point of Distribution (POD)-style training event best for returning trainees, or those who have used their naloxone kit previously. The POD session is open for one hour, but participants should plan only for a 15-minute window to complete the training during this hour. Participants do NOT need to attend for the full hour of the POD session. At the completion of both training sessions, each participant is eligible to receive an Opioid Rescue Kit.

Trainings are currently being held monthly at the following venues, dates, and times. Due to ongoing and changing COVID-19 precautions, all attendees are asked to register via the EventBrite page to ensure compliance with state and facility/site restrictions. Available tickets through http://delaware-dsamh.eventbrite.com will be updated to reflect current capacity limitations at each location.

 

STARTING IN MARCH

Chapel on the DHSS Campus, 1901 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720
3rd Saturday of each month 11 a.m.-noon (training); noon-1 p.m. (POD)

Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901
3rd Saturday of each month 2-3 p.m. (training); 3-4 p.m. (POD)
4th Thursday of each month 6-7 p.m. (training); 7-8 p.m. (POD)

Georgetown Public Library, 123 W. Pine St., Georgetown, DE 19947
1st Tuesday of each month 5-6 p.m. (training); 6-7: p.m. (POD)

Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, DE 19958
2nd Saturday of each month 1-2 p.m. (training); 2-3 p.m. (POD)

Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Ave, Seaford, DE 19973
3rd Tuesday of each month 11 a.m.-noon (training); noon-1 p.m. (POD)

Ocean View Police Department Training Room, 201 Central Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970
4th Thursday of each month 2-3 p.m. (training); 3-4 p.m. (POD)

 

STARTING IN APRIL

Chapel on the DHSS Campus, 1901 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720
2nd Thursday of each month 11 a.m.-noon (training); noon-1 p.m. (POD)

Bear Library, 101 Governors Place, Bear, DE 19701
4th Monday of each month 5-6 p.m. (training); 6-7 p.m. (POD)

If you or a loved one is suffering from substance use disorder and need support, call DHSS’ 24/7 and confidential Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE (1-833-946-7333). A trained professional can offer a connection to treatment resources or services. For more information on overdose prevention, visit HelpIsHereDE.com.


‘Hope Line’ Connects Delawareans to Help for Handling Stress, Behavioral Health Issues

NEW CASTLE (May 15, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) has launched a phone line dedicated to helping Delawareans cope with stress and address behavioral health needs during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Delaware Hope Line – 1 (833) 9-HOPEDE or (833) 946-7333 – is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to connect callers to a variety of resources and information, including support from clinicians and peer specialists plus crisis assistance. The Hope Line, which is free, provides a single point of contact for individuals to tap into DSAMH’s range of services and resources.

Delawareans can also get behavioral health tips and reminders by texting DEHOPE to 55753.

The spread of COVID-19 and the social and economic impacts of mitigation efforts imposed to control the virus are expected to result in increased rates of mental health disorders and substance use disorders, along with deaths associated with suicide, overdose, and violence, especially domestic violence.

“Now more than ever, we are called to find ways to offer hope and a helping hand to one another,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “The Hope Line will help Delawareans who may be struggling with loneliness from social isolation; anxiety from the uncertainty of these times; or the stress of having to manage with limited resources. This is a time when no one has to struggle alone. We can find ways to be together in our common goal to keep Delawareans healthy and strong.”

“Though these public health mitigation efforts are necessary to help limit the transmission of the virus and the loss of life due to COVID-19, we know such measures will expose people to situations such as isolation and job loss that are linked to poor mental health outcomes,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a practicing family physician. “Anxiety is common, as people fear that they or their loved ones will get sick. Plus, we know that many of us are uncertain about all of the repercussions associated with this pandemic.”

According to a recent poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly half of Americans report that the coronavirus has had a negative impact on their mental health. And Mental Health America reported that since February, the number of people screening positive for moderate to severe anxiety and depression jumped by an additional 18,000 people compared with January. Resources and services are also available through DHSS’ behavioral health support website, HelpIsHereDE.com

“Based on the anticipated surge of mental health and substance use disorders related to the coronavirus crisis, we want to make people aware of the Hope Line so that we can help as many people as possible, when they are ready to receive it,” said Elizabeth Romero, DSAMH director. “We are living in extraordinary times requiring everyone to cope in different ways.”

The Hope Line will increase access to support for Delawareans experiencing mental fatigue, emotional distress, mental health issues, or addiction, Romero said, and to help them from feeling alone or in despair. “Our peer specialists and clinicians are here to provide a safe space for confidential therapy or coaching for those who need it, and they will link callers to appropriate services. We are grateful to partner with many behavioral health providers across the state to help in this crisis.”

A.J. Schall Jr., director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), emphasized the critical importance of resources such as the Hope Line. “During times of change and crisis we cannot forget about the need for mental health, not only to navigate existing challenges that people face but also for our statewide disaster and crisis-planning efforts to help those who need it most to adapt safely,” Schall said.

May is national Mental Health Awareness Month. A broad body of research links social isolation and loneliness to poor mental health. This may be particularly pronounced among older adults and households with adolescents, as these groups are already at risk for depression or suicidal thoughts.

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Patients of NCCo Doctor Whose Medical License, Controlled Substance Registration Suspended Urged to Seek Ongoing Care

DOVER (Aug. 1, 2019) – On July 30, 2019, the medical license and controlled substance registration of Damon Cary, MD, were suspended temporarily by the Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline. The suspension was the result of a request made by the Delaware Attorney General’s Office following investigations into the prescribing and treatment practices of Dr. Cary. The Board and the Secretary of State can temporarily suspend a license pending a hearing if a complaint concerning the activity of a licensee presents a clear and immediate danger to the public health and safety.

Patients being treated over a long period of time with certain medications at Dr. Cary’s practice locations in Newark or Wilmington will be in need of providers with expertise in treating similar types of patients with opioids and benzodiazepines. That’s why the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) is providing suggested resources for patients of Dr. Cary in need of accessing ongoing care.

Patients of Dr. Cary who were receiving treatment and need assistance with withdrawal symptoms can contact DSAMH’s Mobile Crisis Helpline for New Castle County at 1-800-652-2929 to be connected to needed services or they can visit HelpIsHereDE.com.

Patients of Dr. Cary who are seeking referrals to physicians may contact Dr. Cary’s offices, their insurers or local hospitals. Referrals may be limited based on the availability of specialists who are accepting new patients. Patients need to be aware that each prescriber is different and may not continue the medications in the exact dose or on the same schedule as their previous prescriber.

Opioid withdrawal can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Commonly prescribed opioids include: hydrocodone (Norco), oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), oxymorphone (Opana), morphine (Kadian, Avinza, Oxycontin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and fentanyl (Duragesic). Signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal may include:
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Rapid heart rate and changes in blood pressure
• Confusion
• Hallucinations (auditory and visual)
• Increased pain

Symptoms of abrupt opioid withdrawal can be severe and are best managed with medical assistance. This most often includes monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure, and administration of medications to ease withdrawal symptoms.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Benzodiazepines include Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam). While most patients will not experience withdrawal symptoms, those who do will need to seek immediate medical attention. Signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal may include:
• Sweating
• Tremor
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

Patients who are unable to secure an alternate treatment provider and who experience any of the above symptoms for opioid or benzodiazepine withdrawal should seek immediate treatment at the nearest emergency room.

While opioids and benzodiazepines do serve medically needed purposes, they each are in families of prescription drugs that can be easily subject to dependence. Twice as many Americans regularly abused prescription drugs than the number who regularly used cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin and inhalants combined. Accidental poisonings have surpassed minor vehicle accidents as the number one cause of fatalities in Delaware.