Participation will help identify areas of highest cost and poorest health outcomes and opportunities to address the root causes

WILMINGTON – The state of Delaware has entered into a multi-year agreement to participate in the AstraZeneca and HealthCore Real-World Evidence Collaboration. Delaware’s participation will help determine how to improve health and manage the total cost of care of its Medicaid enrollees and support a wide range of disease, treatment, and health outcomes studies.

Delaware – through the Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance – is the first state to participate in the Real-World Evidence Collaboration that was created last year by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP (NYSE: AZN) and HealthCore, Inc., the health outcomes research subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP). The collaboration is conducting real-world evidence studies to understand how to improve overall patient health while managing the total cost of care – and to determine the value of that care.

“As a state, we need to find ways of addressing the staggering cost of Medicaid,” Governor Jack Markell said. “We want our Medicaid population to be healthier. This analysis will help us figure out  what’s working well and what’s not, so we can reward what works and change what doesn’t. Ultimately, this is about making people healthier while driving down costs.”

Approximately 207,000 Delawareans receive their health coverage through Medicaid at an annual cost exceeding $1.2 billion in both state and federal funding.

“Joining this collaboration will give us a view of health care across populations, particularly the incidence of chronic disease in Delaware,” Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf said. “An important area of focus will be taking these insights to identify opportunities for interventions that will help us better manage diseases before they become more severe and more costly to treat. For our Medicaid clients, better outcomes will mean a higher quality of life.”

Unlike controlled clinical trials, real-world evidence studies use comparative effectiveness research and observational data such as claims information and patient and provider surveys. By examining data associated with the delivery of care, real-world analyses can assess treatment impact on hospital length of stay, readmissions, overall health status, cost of care and other key evidence-based outcomes.

Delaware will benefit from comparing its health care data to that of populations in other states maintained in the HealthCore data environment. Through its participation in the Real-World Evidence Collaboration, the state will be able to evaluate benefit design, health policies, practice patterns, and geographic and demographic variations in order to provide more accurate information when answering key health care questions and improve health care.

“Through real-world evidence research, we can gain a better, holistic view of what is happening clinically with Delaware’s Medicaid population,” Brian Sweet, Executive Director, Health Alliances, AstraZeneca said. “We look forward to helping Delaware improve the health of its vulnerable populations in the most cost effective manner.”

“Together, we can answer key health questions that could assist Delaware and others in making medical and drug policy decisions, developing education and intervention programs, and in communicating to members and healthcare providers about the findings to help them make more informed, evidence-based decisions,” HealthCore President Marcus Wilson said.

Wilson noted that AstraZeneca and HealthCore are seeking to further expand the collaboration with other public and private organizations in Delaware and other strategic geographies to accelerate efforts to integrate community health information and enhance community health.

About DMMA

The Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) is part of the Delaware Health and Social Services Agency (DHSS). DHSS 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.

About the AstraZeneca/HealthCore Real-World Evidence Collaboration

The Real-World Evidence Collaboration was created in early 2011 by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP and HealthCore, Inc., the health outcomes research subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. to  conduct real-world studies designed to determine how to most effectively and economically treat disease. Unlike controlled clinical trials, real-world evidence studies use observational data such as electronic medical records, claims information and patient surveys. By examining data associated with the delivery of care, real-world analyses can assess treatment impact on hospital length of stay, readmissions, overall health status, cost of care and other key evidence-based outcomes. AstraZeneca and HealthCore are seeking to expand the collaboration into a broader healthcare consortium with other public and private organizations in strategic geographies to accelerate efforts to integrate community health information and enhance community health.

DOVER – The Delaware Health Information Network (“DHIN”) announces full participation of all acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities in the state, along with the vast majority of Delaware providers, in the first statewide community health record.   This enhances a health care information exchange started in May 2007, when DHIN became the first operational statewide health information exchange in the country.

“With the addition of the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in 2011 and Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in 2012, we are proud to announce that all of Delaware’s acute care hospitals, all of Delaware’s 46 skilled nursing facilities, and 86 percent of our health care providers participate on the Delaware Health Information Network,” said Jan Lee, M.D., Executive Director of the DHIN.

DHIN offers “directed” exchange of health information that enables point-to-point electronic delivery of clinical results to an ordering provider, as well as a longitudinal community health record that aggregates data across time and care settings into one comprehensive, searchable database.  An emergency room has immediate access to patient health care information, saving precious minutes when care is most critical, nursing facilities can access discharge summaries, and all care providers get a full view of their patient’s health status.

“This ability to search for existing results has led to a dramatic reduction in the ordering of high cost labs and radiology studies.  The addition of Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and Nanticoke Memorial Hospital to those sending clinical data into the DHIN database means the community health record will more completely reflect all care provided in all settings,” said Dr. Lee.

“Making key clinical information available to providers that was once fractured across hospitals is no longer an obstacle for the citizens of Delaware,” announced Randy Gaboriault, Chair of the Delaware Health Information Network and CIO of Christiana Care Health System.  “With all hospitals and skilled nursing facilities connecting to the nation’s first statewide health information exchange, Delaware and the Delaware Health Information Network continue to be the First State, setting the standard for information and care integration.”

“A statewide health information exchange gives Delaware the ability to improve the quality of care while managing the cost of care,” said Governor Jack Markell.  “With this exchange, doctors across the state have information that enables them to make quicker and better medical judgments for people.  This is the fundamental technological foundation we need to build a system of focused and managed healthcare that keeps people healthy.   The use of technology in health care is vital to improved quality and reduced costs.”

“When I was Governor, the Delaware Health Information Network was just a concept.  After being elected Senator, government agencies engaged with an extraordinary partnership in the health care community to make DHIN the first of its kind in the nation,” said Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.). “Today, Delaware’s health information network achieved an important milestone with every hospital statewide ready to participate.  Furthering the efforts of the DHIN will enable us to improve health care and save money all at the same time. That’s what I call a win-win for Delaware.”

“Connecting Delaware’s nursing homes with the DHIN is a critical milestone and a key component to eliminating medication errors.  By enabling access to discharge summaries and other information, we can ensure seamless transitions of care for residents in these facilities,” said Rita Landgraf, Secretary of Delaware Health and Social Services.   “We want to ensure the right care, at the right time, at the right place, whether for those in our skilled nursing facilities, our Medicaid recipients or others in the state’s care, and we want to provide these positive outcomes in the most cost-effective manner possible. “

“At Nanticoke, we believe that electronic medical records and health information networks are core quality initiatives and truly enhance patient quality of care and patient safety.  We are extremely delighted to be a member of the Delaware Health Information Network,” said Steven A. Rose, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nanticoke Memorial Hospital.

The Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, as a HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management systems Society) Davies Award winner and Stage 7 designated hospital, has a long-standing commitment to using health technology to improve patient care and understands the effort required to successfully implement new technologies and the very real and positive impact they can have on quality and safety.

“At Nemours, we promise to do whatever it takes to help children grow up healthy and reach their full potential, and we work closely with partners around the state to achieve this promise.  Our work together further strengthens Delaware’s standing as a leader in the adoption of health information technology and a model to other states regarding the value that health information exchange brings to patients and health care systems,” said Gina Altieri, Nemours Vice President for Corporate Services.

Nanticoke and Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children are in the process of interfacing with the DHIN.   All skilled nursing facilities are enrolled in DHIN and training will be completed by the end of March.

“The Medical Society of Delaware has long supported the DHIN and recognizes the critical importance of health information exchange as a foundation to high quality and coordinated care, said Mark Meister, Executive Director of the Medical Society of Delaware.  “Ensuring that Delaware physicians have the critical information they need at their fingertips and enabling them to coordinate care across providers is a critical step toward supporting positive health outcomes and healthier Delawareans – a goal we are all working toward.”

Delaware’s Division of Public Health – For Immediate Release

Reporters’ contact: 302-744-4704

One Of The Most Destructive Pandemics In History Is Still A Fight In Progress

Despite progress, HIV/AIDS remains one of the most frightening yet preventable diseases of our time, killing over 25 million people worldwide from 1981 to 2007 and identifying itself as one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Delaware’s Division of Public Health (DPH) asks all Delawareans to unite in the fight against this disease and, as part of the world community, observe the 24^th annual World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.

“World AIDS Day marks an opportunity to educate Delawareans on preventing this devastating disease and the community resources available to help,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “With partners in our communities, we will continue to work every day to prevent more Delawareans from being infected with HIV/AIDS, and to treat those with the disease with the utmost care and compassion.”

Delaware has more than 3,600 people battling this disease—two-thirds who are African Americans. Long-term and steady efforts by DPH and its partners continue to educate, treat and prevent HIV/AIDS. However, new cases among young homosexual and bisexual men ages 15-29 are rising, from 15 cases in 2001 to 31 in 2010.

“Now more than ever it is important that people get tested if they are at risk of being infected,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director. “This is because people who test positive can be treated and treatment is prevention. The drugs that are available today often reduce the levels of virus in the blood to such low levels that they are unlikely to infect others.”

For those coping with HIV/AIDS, there is hope. New studies are encouraging, showing that proper treatment of HIV/AIDS can not only extend the healthy life of those with HIV, but can also greatly decrease the chances of transmission. If you have HIV and are not getting treatment, please call the Delaware HIV Consortium at 302-654-5471. There is no waiting list for treatment in Delaware! Go to www.hivtest.org to find a testing center near you and a counselor that can help you figure out which safer practices are best for you.

World Aids Day events scheduled statewide include:

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Governor Markell, Sen. Coons join DNREC Fish and Wildlife, partners to celebrate 100 years of fish and wildlife conservation in Delaware

Photos available for media use on Flickr

WILMINGTON (Nov. 21, 2011) – Governor Jack Markell and U.S. Senator Chris Coons today joined DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara, the staff of the Division of Fish and Wildlife and a host of conservation partners and supporters to officially celebrate the 100^th anniversary of fish and wildlife conservation in Delaware with a special ceremony at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington.

“Over the past century, fish and wildlife conservation has improved our quality of life, provided a wide range of recreational opportunities and contributed to our economy,” said Governor Markell. “Our state parks and other natural resources help draw thousands of visitors every year who support local jobs and businesses. Delaware has also become an ecotourism destination, with visitors from all over the world coming for the spring spectacle of spawning horseshoe crabs and the thousands of migratory shorebirds.”

Governor Markell also presented a tribute in honor of the past century’s conservation achievements, which began in October 1911, when one of his gubernatorial predecessors appointed the state’s first Board of Game and Fish Commissioners.

Among the accomplishments of the Commission and later, the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife cited today:

• Restoration of many species of fish and wildlife including deer, turkey, bald eagle, striped bass and summer flounder populations;
• Acquisition of thousands of acres of land and waterways for habitat conservation, management, restoration and public use;
• Habitat management and restoration on thousands of acres of private lands and waterways;
• Statewide quality outdoor recreation and access for resident and visiting anglers, hunters, nature enthusiasts and the general public;
• Environmentally compatible mosquito control;
• A modern and professional enforcement section that protects our resources and improves boating safety.

“For the past 100 years, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has protected a wealth of natural resources in our great state,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “Delaware’s natural resources support countless recreational activities that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, which helps support local businesses and our regional economy. I congratulate the Division of Fish and Wildlife for 100 years of building a true conservation success story.”

Delaware’s future conservation priorities will include restoring populations of bobwhite quail, shorebirds, weakfish, sturgeon, oysters and other species; managing large populations of deer and geese; controlling invasive species; conserving and expanding biological diversity and habitats; improving and increasing outdoor recreational opportunities; and preparing for the challenges of climate change and sea level rise.

“As we move ahead, the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife expects to continue its mission, using sound science to guide policies that protect and enhance our fish, wildlife and natural habitat,” said Fish and Wildlife Director David Saveikis. “We will continue to educate and engage the public on the benefits of conservation and outdoor recreation, and to promote understanding that healthy fish and wildlife populations and habitats – and the diverse recreational and commercial opportunities they provide – are a vital part of Delaware’s economy and identity.”

Looking forward, Secretary O’Mara spoke of building on partnerships and of incorporating the best of science and technology into developing new, innovative conservation approaches. As an exciting example, he offered a preview of the Delaware Bayshore Initiative, which was recently recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior as one of the country’s most promising ways to reconnect Americans to the natural world.

“For the past half century, strong partnerships among the conservation community, state government, and landowners have preserved the Delaware Bayshore as an ecological treasure. As a result of generations of effort, this area today is known to birders and biologists around the globe as a hotspot for migrating shorebirds and as a destination for low-impact hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching,” said Secretary O’Mara. “The Delaware Bayshore Initiative will build upon the past century of Fish and Wildlife conservation, honor the legacy of the Coastal Zone Act, and help strengthen local economies by focusing strategic investments on ecological restoration and low-impact recreation for the enjoyment of current and future generations.”

The celebration concluded with the ceremonial planting of a native Delaware sycamore tree – a tree known for its longevity, solidity and mature size – and the last of 100 special trees to be planted on the Peterson Refuge in honor of the anniversary. The site is an area recently cleared of invasive plant species beside the DuPont Environmental Education Center, one of several areas on the refuge that have been under restoration.

Owned by the Wilmington Riverfront Corp. and managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife in partnership with the Delaware Nature Society, the refuge was established in 1998. Located in the northernmost part of Delaware’s Coastal Zone, the refuge is named for Russell W. Peterson, widely known as the father of Delaware’s Coastal Zone Act and of DNREC, the agency he created in 1971 to join the state’s various environmentally-related commissions including the Board of Game and Fish under one banner and one mission: to conserve, protect and enhance Delaware’s precious natural resources and the quality of life for today’s residents and for the generations that will follow us.

In honor of the 100^th anniversary of fish and wildlife conservation in Delaware, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has planted trees, stocked trophy trout, printed special edition hunting and fishing guides and held hunting and fishing photo contests this year. A series of press releases on the history of the Division’s various sections have been issued, with the stories of Fisheries and Wildlife still to come. For more information about the anniversary, including the photo contests, or the Division’s programs, please visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw.

Return to Governor Markell’s page

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(LEWES) – Today, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation Shailen Bhatt and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara released a list of proposed statewide trails and pathways and signed a Memorandum of Agreement to develop and execute the Governor’s vision, “First State Trails and Pathways Plan.” Yesterday, the Governor announced his ideas for a proposed network of trails and pathways to expand non-motorized travel and recreational opportunities in Delaware.

Before biking advocates, elected officials and community leaders at the Delaware Bike Summit at the University of Delaware’s Virden Center in Lewes, the Cabinet Secretaries detailed a full list of nineteen (19) possible projects for public consideration in each of Delaware’s three counties.

New Castle County Proposed Projects

• Northern Delaware Greenway Trail – Upgrade trail surfaces in Alapocas Run State Park; complete gaps along Talley Road and from Brandywine Zoo to N. Market Street.
• Newark to Wilmington Pathway – Proposed to link the two cities.
• White Clay Creek State Park – Upgrade trail surfaces; complete link along Hopkins Bridge Road between the Pomeroy Trail and Creek Road Trail; and begin design/engineering of the Tri-Valley Trail that will link ultimately link the City Newark to Paper Mill County Park through White Clay Creek State Park.
• Auburn Heights Preserve – Complete shared use trails within the newly developing State Preserve to Hockessin.
• New Castle Industrial Track Trail – Complete the final trail segment with a bike/pedestrian bridge over the Christina River to the walkway at the Wilmington Riverfront.
• East Coast Greenway Trail – Frenchtown Road, US 13 to Ferry Cutoff, New Castle. Construct a patch on north side of Route 273, between Route 13 and Ferry Cutoff and additional segments.
• Lums Pond State Park – Upgrade and enhance existing trails; create a shared-use pathway along Buck Jersey Road (inside the park) from the Park entrance to Route 71.
• Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Trail – Construct a 9 mile trail from Delaware City to Lums Pond State Park.

Kent County Proposed Projects

• Dover to Clayton Rail Pathway – Connect the existing Scarborough Road shared-use pathway at Delaware Technical and Community College  in Dover with the town of Clayton along an existing rail right-of-way.
• Capital Bikeway – Extend the existing 0.7 mile bicycle/pedestrian pathway through Dover to the St. Jones River Trail. This project extends the existing 1.5 mile pathway that lies between Schutte Park and West Street.

• Isaac Branch Trail – Make improvements such as a installing a pedestrian bridge, widen sidewalks and upgrade traffic signals.
• St. Jones River Trail – Extend and complete connections. This work will be in partnership with Dover Air Force Base.
• Killens Pond State Park – Complete a trail gap along Killens Pond Road, linking the northern and southern Park sections.

Sussex County Proposed Projects

• Georgetown to Lewes to Cape Henlopen State Park – Construct a regional rail-to-trail project with an initial trail segment in Lewes.
• Junction and Breakwater Trail – Extend trail from Gills Neck Road toward Lewes and make trail upgrades along Gills Neck Road to Route 9.
• Cape Henlopen State Park – Extend the Gordons Pond Trail from the observation platform north to Herring Point.  This will link the northern and southern portions of Park.
• Assawoman Canal Trail – Design and construct approximately 1 mile of recreational trail along the Assawoman Canal in partnership with the towns of Ocean View, Bethany Beach and South Bethany Beach.
• Fred Hudson Road –Create a link between area business and fresh pond area of Delaware Seashore State Park
• Trap Pond State Parks – Complete the Loblolly Trail along Wootten Road filling a trail gap.

See maps of proposed trails and pathways in New Castle County, Kent County, Sussex County.

During his speech at the Bike Summit, DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt  added more specifics to the Governor’s announcement on Thursday and asked for input and participation from cycling advocates and other community leaders as the plan develops further.  Urging the state’s bicycling community to partner with his agency as well as DNREC in the effort, Bhatt said, “Starting today, let’s all get to work on the goal that Governor Markell has outlined. Let us agree that our legacy will be to make Delaware the most bike-friendly state in the country.”

Also during the Summit, DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara said, “Under Governor Markell’s leadership, Delaware has the potential to create a world class network of interconnected trails. By making strategic investments and adopting innovative public policies, we will connect our communities and make them truly bikeable and walkable.”

Bike Delaware Executive Director James Wilson noted that Governor Markell’s vision is also shared by Delaware’s legislators in both parties. “In May, the General Assembly unanimously declared that walking and bicycling are both cost-effective and healthy transportation options,” Wilson said. “Making those activities safer and more convenient will help families save money, improve public health, increase tourism, give a boost to economic development, reduce congestion, lower emissions, provide recreational opportunities and improve quality of life for Delawareans. What other transportation projects in Delaware have such an enormous and multifaceted return on public investment?”

Mark Chura, Executive Director of Delaware Greenways, noted that “today’s announcement by Governor Markell not only ties together and strengthens longstanding efforts to build a first class bicycle and pedestrian network throughout Delaware, but takes it to a whole new level.  Interconnecting our towns with their outlying suburbs and close to home recreational areas benefits us all and is a great investment in Delaware’s future.”  Chura went on to say, “We have some amazing places here in Delaware that, to most of us, are only accessible by car or not at all. The Governor’s initiative will change all that, while at the same time providing new options get out of doors and improve our health.”

The MOA signed today outlines the parameters by which the trails and pathways will be considered, including the creation of an inter-departmental team to develop and recommend a set of activities for Fiscal Year 2012 and the subsequent four fiscal years.   DelDOT and DNREC will consult with the Bicycle Council, the Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Council on Greenways and Trails with regard to the prioritization and propose a  list of projects to the Governor for consideration for funding.  Public workshops will be held with property owners, community groups and other affected stakeholders to seek input into the placement, cost and maintenance of the trail systems.   The proposed projects are supported by a $7 million appropriation from the FY 2012 Bond Bill , funding that will maximize the state’s ability to leverage federal and private dollars over time.

The Governor’s long term vision for bicycling, trails and pathways in Delaware includes:

• Build a world class interconnected pathway network
• Support creation of local jobs
• Link communities internally to support local sustainable economies, and externally to grow connections between neighborhoods, towns and cities
• Develop sustainable practices in the creation of the network, such as supporting native landscaping and natural habitats
• Support health communities by providing affordable, active transportation choices
• Re-establish Delaware in the Top Ten of Bicycle Friendly states  (we’re at #17 right now)
• And, develop strategies for the ongoing maintenance and upgrades of existing facilities

“My goal is to make Delaware walkable and bikeable, so more of us can enjoy the great Delaware outdoors,” said Governor Markell.  “We can create a network of bicycle and pedestrian trails by building on existing pathways and trails.  We create jobs and connect communities across the state and at the same time, expand recreational and transportation opportunities for Delawareans and visitors.”

For more details on the proposed trails, and for links to video of Sec. Bhatt’s speech, please visit www.deldot.gov

Visit www.destateparks.com/FirstStateTrails for a copy of the proposed “First State in Trails”  priority project list.

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The Delaware Bike Summit is an annual event designed to bring together bicycling advocates, community leaders and elected officials to hear from national speakers and to create strategies on how to make Delaware more bicycle friendly. Today’s event, held at the Virden Center in Lewes is the third summit. The event is organized by the Delaware Bicycle Council, and a committee made up of members from Wilmington Area Planning Council DelDOT, Bike Delaware, Dover/Kent Metropolitan Planning Organization, White Clay Bicycle Club and Sussex Cyclists.