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 Delaware Veterans Home (DVH) will be hosting a job fair for healthcare professionals scheduled for September 29, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. DVH is actively seeking qualified candidates for the roles of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs,) Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs) to provide quality care for veteran residents.

Prospective individuals will be able to connect with DVH staff, learn more about the positions available, and receive onsite interviews. Applicants are encouraged to bring their resume and any pertinent supporting documentation.

Successful applicants receive a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental and vision care, retirement plans, work-life balance, and opportunities for professional growth. Recruitment incentives are currently being offered for eligible positions.

Individuals are invited to attend the job fair from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 100 Delaware Veterans Blvd., Milford, DE 19963. Pre-registration is not required. Light refreshments will be offered.

For more information about the event or about the Delaware Veterans Home, visit vethome.delaware.gov or call (302) 424-6000. To apply today, visit statejobs.delaware.gov.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Rony Baltazar-Lopez (Rony.baltazar@delaware.gov) or (302) 739-4111.

Established in 2007, the Delaware Veterans Home is a large 144-bed facility situated on over 20 acres in Milford, DE. Its mission is to offer a safe and nurturing environment for veterans in need of long-term care. DVH houses residents from diverse military backgrounds and delivers a variety of support services that meet their unique needs and preferences.

DOVER, DE (March 11, 2022) – It was two years ago today that Delaware announced its first COVID-19 case. Since then, the state has reported 258,024 positive cases, 2,753 deaths, and at its peak in January 2022, 759 hospitalizations. The Division of Public Health (DPH) recognizes the great losses suffered by Delawareans of friends, family members and other loved ones. Yet, these numbers would be far worse had it not been for Delawareans’ action and resilience.

Nearly 600,000 residents (599,204) stepped up and became fully vaccinated.  Of those, 292,788 have received a booster or additional dose.  Countless others complied with masking requirements, social distancing, isolation and quarantine guidelines, and took advantage of testing opportunities statewide. This is a clear demonstration of the dedication Delawareans have for one another.

DPH is grateful for all who have stepped up to do what is necessary to control the spread of COVID-19, including its staff, and is especially grateful for our partners at all levels in the health care and medical fields, state and local governments, and community-based organizations.  DPH continues to encourage residents to use the tools available to them to reduce their chances of contracting COVID-19, and be mindful of those who are increasingly susceptible to contracting the virus due in part to underlying conditions.

COVID-19 Prevention Tools:

• Get vaccinated and then boosted when eligible
• Mask up during times of high COVID-19 transmission
• Get tested when you have symptoms
• Stay home when sick

COVID-19 Temporary Testing Site Closures Starting Week of March 14

DPH is announcing the following temporary testing site closures beginning the week of March 14 to allow for staffing changes. Some sites may be down for several days so check de.gov/gettested to confirm testing availability at the below sites, or to identify other sites near you. The following sites will be closed starting:

• Tuesday March 15 – Modern Maturity
• Wednesday March 16 – Claymont State Service Center  
• Thursday March 17 – Northeast State Service Center
• Friday March 18 – Laurel State Service

DPH update on COVID-19 statistics in Delaware, as of Thursday, March 10, 2022 

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations: 

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 258,024 
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 80.0, a decrease of 22.9 positive cases from last week. 
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 3.3%, a decrease of 0.9 percentage points from last week. 
• Hospitalizations: 54, a decrease of 22 from last week; critically ill: 4, a decrease of 5 from last week.  
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,753* deaths in last week’s release were incorrectly listed as 2,713
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 2

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,699,147 
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 72% 
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.3%  
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.8% 
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 67.9%  

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. Booster vaccinations are available at any locations that offer the initial COVID-19 vaccine series. Visit de.gov/boosters for more information. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.  

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:   

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Feb. 28 – Mar. 6. 

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, March 10, there have been a total of 3,476 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 921 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update: 

There were 43 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Feb. 27-March 5. As of March 5, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 733 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 462 individuals from New Castle County, 103 from Kent County and 168 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab. 

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. 

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov. 

Resources:  

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:  

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.  

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.    

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Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com. 

The Delaware Department of 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.

DOVER, DE (February 18, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of Thursday, Feb 17, 2022.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations: 

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 254,719
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 232.6, a decrease of 146.1 from last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 8.4%, a decrease of 1.8 percentage points from last week
• Hospitalizations: 148, a decrease of 54 from last week; critically ill: 13, a decrease of 8 from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,660
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 59, including 36 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,679,444
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 71.2%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75.7%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.2%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 67.2%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. Booster vaccinations are available at any locations that offer the initial COVID-19 vaccine series. Visit de.gov/boosters for more information. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.  

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:   

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Feb. 7 – Feb. 13. 

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

• Total breakthrough cases: 21,600, or 3.64% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 257
• Total breakthrough deaths: 253

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more.  

*Please note, these data may be updated as additional information is received. 

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, Feb 17, there have been a total of 3,057 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 902 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update: 

There were 13 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Feb. 6 – Feb. 12. As of Feb. 12, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 640 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 435 individuals from New Castle County, 85 from Kent County and 120 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab. 

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.  

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov. 

Resources:  

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:  

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.  

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.  

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Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com. 

The Delaware Department of 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.

On view from June 12 – July 24, 2020
Visit the Gallery in-person or view it online

Wilmington, Del. (June 10, 2020) – The Pandemic Paintings, an exhibition of watercolor portraits of health care workers and scenes that represent hope to them by Theresa (Terre) Walton, will be on view in the Mezzanine Gallery from June 12-July 24, 2020. For those unable to visit in-person, an online gallery will be available on our main website on June 12. Walton, a retired art educator with over 25 years of experience, paints in both watercolors and acrylics and has exhibited in various venues in the Newark and Wilmington area.

The Pandemic Paintings started with Walton’s commitment to paint every day during the quarantine, and a spontaneous watercolor painted from a photo of her son’s fiancé in a mask before work. After posting the watercolor on Facebook, Walton received an avalanche of requests from family and friends to paint their loved ones working in health care. For over a week she painted up to four portraits a day to keep up with the demand. The result is a collection of over 35 portraits of people “connected to her by five degrees of separation.”

Moving on from the portraits, hope became the theme of the next phase of the quarantine watercolors. Walton requested from that same sphere of friends to send her a photo of something “that represents hope or a photo of what you hope to do when this whole thing is over.” Walton received many images of nature (walks, wildlife, and gardens) and water.

Most recently she is painting a series of loose, spontaneous images of her own choosing. Walton said, “I am still getting portrait requests and still fulfilling those requests, but primarily have moved on to the loose, relaxed work of the final phase, and hope.”

Images from Health Workers/ Five Degrees of Separation, 2020, watercolor, all images 5″ x 7″

The Mezzanine Gallery is open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is located in the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington. Visitors must wear face coverings and maintain 6 feet distance from other individuals not in their household.

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Contact: Leeann Wallett, Program Officer, Communications and Marketing
302-577-8280, leeann.wallett@delaware.gov

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