DPH Shares Activities As Part Of Falls Prevention Awareness Week

DOVER, DE (Sept. 14, 2022) – Falls can result in broken bones, head injuries, and temporary or permanent disabilities, and the Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention’s Falls Prevention Team says it takes community effort to prevent them.  The Injury Prevention Coalition operates under the Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Office of Emergency Medical Services section.

In recognition of the importance of fall prevention, Governor John Carney and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long proclaimed September 18-24, 2022, as Falls Prevention Awareness Week in keeping with the nationally recognized week.

“We need to look out for all Delawareans, especially our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Governor Carney. “When everyone focuses on how they can prevent falls, we create safer communities.”

“Preventing falls is important not only to keep individuals of all ages safe, but also to reduce the strain on the emergency services and health care system,” said Steve Blessing, Chief of DPH’s Office of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness. “Falls create a ripple effect in the person’s life, the life of their families who may need to arrange for a higher level of care for them, and the EMS and medical system as a whole.”

On Sept. 20, the Falls Prevention Team and the Modern Maturity Center (MMC) will show the movie “Denying Gravity.”  The movie highlights in a relatable, good-humored approach the positive effects of fall prevention activities for seniors.  A small health fair with information on preventing falls precedes the movie.  The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the MMC, located at 1121 Forrest Avenue in Dover, Delaware.  Registration is not required.  Should movie-goers choose to stay for lunch in the Longwood Dining Room, the cost is $6.00 for ages 60 and older and $9.00 for ages up to 59.  Visit www.modern-maturity.org for more information.

Falls occur among persons of all ages, though in the United States young children and seniors are most at risk for suffering fall-related traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries lead to major life changes for the individual and their families.  In the U.S., falls are the leading cause of trauma-related hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and older, with one in four in that age group falling every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  According to the Delaware Trauma Registry, 3,229 individuals were injured from falls and seen at a Delaware trauma center in 2021.  Of that total, 1,833 were over the age of 64 and survived the fall while 38 people in that age group died.   

“Head injury and hip fractures are unfortunately common among seniors who fall, and that impacts their mobility long-term,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long who is also a Registered Nurse.  “It is so important for them to improve their balance and strengthen leg muscles, which can weaken from inactivity.”

The Falls Prevention Team asks communities, businesses, schools, organizations, and households to follow this safety advice to prevent falls:

 

·         Adults, especially seniors and individuals using wheelchairs and walkers, can get regular vision and hearing checkups and visit their health care provider to review medications, balance and coordination, muscle strength, and physical activity level.  Adults should eat nutritious foods and beverages, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and get appropriate sleep.

 

·         Wear shoes in good condition without worn soles and heels. Shoes should fit well and not fall off the feet. Individuals at risk of falls should wear shoes and slippers that fit around their feet with no open backs.

 

·         Ensure proper fit of canes and walkers.

 

·         Do not let pets get underfoot. Teach them basic commands like “sit” and “stay.”

 

·         Use motion-activated lights to keep walkways and parking areas well lit.  Use motion-activated night lights inside.  

 

·         Keep homes, yards, and public areas free of clutter.

 

·         Maintain walkways to ensure a smooth surface without crumbling or splintered surfaces.  Prevent slippery conditions by removing snow, ice, rain, wet moss, leaves, oil, and other substances that can cause individuals to fall.

 

·         Ensure that there are curb cuts or other detectable warning surfaces that meet state/local safety codes and the guidelines provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Curb cuts, tactile surface pavers, slopes, contrasting colors, and other universal design elements benefit everyone, especially individuals with disabilities who use walkers and wheelchairs, those pushing strollers, and those who cannot see well or easily lift their feet up onto the curb.

 

·         Install handrails, ramps, and automatic doors and keep them free of hazards.

 

·         Use entrance mats with flat and secured edges that do not curl up.  Absorbent floor mats catch rain and snow at entrances and spilled drinks at food establishments.

To improve coordination and balance, older Delawareans can enroll in A Matter of Balance© classes that are held in communities throughout the state.  For a schedule of A Matter of Balance© classes, call Volunteer Delaware 50+ at 302-515-3020. 

ChristianaCare offers BingoCize, an evidence-based fall prevention program integrating Bingo and exercise, as well as the ThinkFirst to Prevent Falls© program, which can be done either virtually or in person. The ThinkFirst program addresses home modifications, medications, balance, healthy eating, and other strategies to prevent falls.  To schedule these programs and obtain more information, send an email to injuryprevention@christianacare.org.

To learn more about falls and falls prevention, refer to the CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) program at https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html and the National Council on Aging at https://www.ncoa.org/.  For falls data, visit the Delaware Trauma System Registry webpage at https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/ems/trauma.html.

View PDF:

Proclamation in Observation of Fall Prevention Awareness Week

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The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH 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. 

 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. 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.


Delaware Farmers’ Markets Continue to Grow in Popularity

Governor Carney declares Delaware Agriculture Week January 13 through January 17, 2020

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney and the Delaware Department of Agriculture on Thursday announced Delaware farmers’ markets hit an all-time high sales record of $3.28 million in 2019. The announcement comes during the 15th Annual Delaware Agriculture Week held at the State Fairgrounds in Harrington, a week-long conference that covers agricultural operations in Delaware and provides critical updates, research, and training for members of the industry. Governor Carney issued a proclamation declaring the week of January 13 to January 17,  2020 as “Delaware Agriculture Week.”

Click here to view the proclamation.

“Delaware has a rich farming history, and agriculture remains our number one industry. It’s no surprise Delaware’s farmers markets continue to gain popularity with Delawareans and visitors to the state who want to purchase local, Delaware grown foods and farm-fresh products from family farms,” said Governor Carney. “Agriculture contributes $8 billion to Delaware’s economy, and we’ve permanently preserved 25 percent of Delaware’s farmland so that agriculture will continue to be the backbone of our economy.”

Delaware’s Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse said in a time when ordering groceries using an app and picking up curbside is popular, these figures are indicative of how much people value the connection with the farmers growing their food.

“Looking at 2019, the weather was cooperative, and our farmers had a lot of great produce to sell at our local farmers’ markets,” said Scuse. “Delaware produce is seasonal and changes from month to month, week to week. The variety of Delaware grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and other items provides a lot of options for consumers who want to eat healthy.”

Sales from all 19 Delaware community-run farmers’ markets this year totaled $3,277,788, up more than $394,086 from 2018 – an increase of 13.7 percent. Sales have increased more than elevenfold since the Department of Agriculture began tracking them in 2007.

Fresh produce made up 57 percent of total sales, with the remainder coming from products such as meats, cheeses, jellies, breads, salsa, eggs, or honey.

In 2019, there were 14 markets that participated in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and the Women, Infants, and Children Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Both programs had their highest participation since Delaware began offering these benefits. There were 9 markets that participated in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). These programs help expand access for low-income residents to be able to purchase fresh local produce at Delaware farmers’ markets. 

Delaware farmers’ markets are all run at the local level, by municipalities, business groups, farmers or market associations, with the Department of Agriculture providing support and marketing assistance.

The 2020 market season will begin in April; most markets start their operations in May, June, and July. A list of the 2019 markets is online at Delaware Grown, and will be updated in late March for 2020.

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Governor Carney: We are here for you

During the month of April, Governor John Carney signed proclamations to draw attention to child abuse prevention, sexual assault awareness and prevention, and crime victims’ rights. Below is a note from Governor Carney on all three proclamation signings:

Over the past month, I’ve recognized the victims across Delaware who are sometimes pushed down or silenced after being targets of heinous crimes like abuse and assault.

In recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we want to show our commitment to those individuals who sometimes feel voiceless, and remind them, we are here for you. We will continue to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions through the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement and advocates across the state.

This week, we heard from advocates that over 20,000 reports of alleged child abuse, neglect or dependency are made in Delaware every year. We heard that over 65% of sexual assaults go unreported. We heard many personal stories of abuse and neglect.
We also heard from state agencies and organizations such as the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children, the Sexual Assault Network of Delaware, and the Delaware Victims’ Rights Task Force about the important work being done to support victims and to prevent abuse and sexual assault across the spectrum – whether it occurs in the home, or the workplace.

We remain dedicated to addressing these issues, and here are a few things we’re doing to uphold that commitment:

Earlier this month, along with my wife Tracey, we launched #FirstChanceDE, an initiative which will help lift up children who are dealing with trauma, hunger and other events that might hold them back from reaching their full potential.

The State of Delaware, like all employers, has an obligation to protect our employees from facing harassment and assault of any kind in the workplace. That’s why I directed the Delaware Department of Human Resources Secretary Johnson to prepare a report on our state’s policies and procedures, and to look at ways we can make improvements. We will take appropriate action on all of the report’s recommendations.

We will continue to work with partners across the state to make sure that victims feel supported.

I’m honored I got to spend time with these individuals and advocates. Thank you for your hard work for these causes.

More Information
First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney’s First Chance Delaware Initiative
Governor Carney Releases Report on State’s Sexual Harassment Policies and Procedures


Governor Carney Recognizes State Social Workers

Governor signs proclamation marking March as Social Work Month

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday recognized the role of Delaware’s social workers as he signed a proclamation marking Social Work Month. The Governor signed the proclamation during an event at the Wilmington Public Library, one of seven libraries statewide where since January social workers have been stationed once a week to answer questions and connect patrons to social services.

“Social workers are a vital source of support for many individuals, families and communities here in Wilmington and throughout our state,” said Governor Carney. “The Social Worker at the Library program is just one way these compassionate, dedicated individuals help others cope and thrive in the face of life’s challenges, and help us build a stronger and healthier Delaware.”
Governor Carney signs Social Work Proclamation
At the libraries, social workers guide patrons through the state’s online benefits application process, steer them to resources that provide basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, health care, child care, and education; connect them with services to treat addiction or address domestic violence; and help them get training and opportunities to find and keep jobs with decent wages. This onsite assistance is provided in addition to the help available at the 15 state service centers.

The social workers who staff the libraries come from the Department of Health and Social Services’ (DHSS) Community Partner Support Unit, operated within the Division of Social Services.

“Our social workers are meeting the community where they are,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary of DHSS and board-certified family physician. “As a doctor, I know some of the things my patients need such as housing, employment or transportation can’t be provided through a prescription. In the libraries, our social workers are finding another way to connect individuals to those support services.”

Libraries were identified as a natural fit for this outreach since many people who need assistance are already library patrons.

“Delaware libraries have become ‘force-multipliers’ for community outreach and engagement across the state,” said Dr. Courtney Stewart, Deputy Secretary of State. “This is another outstanding example of the added value our libraries can provide by partnering with agencies and organizations across the social services spectrum.”

“The Division of Libraries is delighted to have the expertise of social workers in libraries to assist patrons in need,” said Dr. Annie Norman, Delaware’s State Librarian. “Now more than 150 agencies and nonprofits are partnering with libraries to extend their reach and effectiveness in providing services to Delawareans across the state.”

Social workers have helped about 150 people since the program’s launch.

“I was homeless for a couple of months, staying in abandoned buildings, on the streets, even benches. I basically broke down and told [social worker Chloe Mayo] my situation,” said Sharis Purnell, a 27-year-old Wilmington woman who recently found help through the Social Worker at the Library program. “She literally called everyone, all the shelters [and other emergency housing resources]. Everything is going to be OK. I’m staying positive. Just when I thought no one cared, I opened my mouth and got the help I needed.”

With additional help from the library staff and from the nonprofit Housing Alliance Delaware, Purnell was offered a temporary bed at the Salvation Army in Wilmington and has been accepted into that organization’s rapid rehousing program, which provides temporary housing subsidies to families and single women. She is also getting help applying for jobs.

“Sharis is 27; my son is 27. If my son ever had a problem, I would want someone to treat him the way I treat Sharis. They’re all our children,” said Chloe Mayo, a social worker in the Division of Social Services. “She’s not going to be able to get rid of me until she’s able to show me she’s on a path to success in life. I see her doing great things.”

Library patrons in Kent and Sussex counties are also benefiting from the social workers’ presence.

Social worker Mel Mahoney recently helped a man complete an online job application in the Dover Library when the applicant did not have a computer or know how to operate one. The man later informed Mahoney that he had been hired for the position.

At the Frankford Library in Sussex County, social worker Dorian Baker has been working with a man in his 60s who needed help applying for medical assistance following a recent stroke, and has returned to the library frequently with questions for Baker about his benefits.

The Division of Social Services has received positive responses to the library pilot program and is placing social workers from the Community Partner Support Unit at other pivotal sites, especially in and around Wilmington.

“We are present at the Hicks Anderson Community Center, Latin American Community Center, and the Department of Correction’s Cherry Lane Probation and Parole Office in New Castle,” said Ray Fitzgerald, Director of the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Social Services. “And we’re walking the beat with Wilmington’s community-police unit as part of the city’s West Center City neighborhood stabilization effort. It’s all about increasing access to services by going where our clients are.”

Here’s the statewide schedule for the Social Worker at the Library program:

• North Wilmington Public Library, 34th and Market streets, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fridays
• Wilmington Public Library, 10 E. 10th St., Rodney Square, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays
• Route 9 Library, 3022 New Castle Ave., New Castle, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays
• Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays
• Seaford Public Library, 600 N. Market St. Extension, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays
• Selbyville Public Library, 11 S. Main St., 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursdays
• Frankford Public Library, 8 Main St., 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays

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Related:
Social Workers at the Libraries
Governor Carney’s 2018 State of the State
Pilot Program Will Connect Library Patrons to State Services


Governor Carney Recognizes Giving Tuesday in Delaware

DOVER, Del.Governor Carney on Tuesday released the following statement after signing a proclamation recognizing Tuesday, November 28, 2017 as Giving Tuesday:

 

“Nonprofit organizations provide many services that benefit Delawareans across the state every day. I’m proud to recognize Giving Tuesday in the First State, and to support a movement about giving back. I encourage all Delawareans to give back to your community by volunteering, making a donation, or participating in a community service project

throughout the holiday season.”

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Click here to view photos from the proclamation signing.

 

Giving Tuesday Proclamation