The Delaware Department of Education is pleased to partner with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and XQ Institute in support of Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020, a one-hour, commercial-free prime time graduation special to be broadcast Saturday. During the broadcast, viewers will be directed to XQ’s new Rethink Together online forum, which will feature specific content for each state, including a congratulatory message from Secretary of Education Susan Bunting and stories highlighting the resiliency and strength of students, teachers and schools amid the pandemic.

“The Class of 2020 will be remembered not for what it couldn’t have but for what it overcame. Your leadership, creativity and resilience will be remembered,” Bunting said. “You have adapted to new ways to learn remotely. As school buildings closed, you continued to learn from your kitchen tables or home desks. This has forced you to think differently, often work more independently and manage your time in new ways. All of these are skills that will serve you well in college, the military or your chosen career.”

The national telecast will air on Saturday, May 16 at 8 p.m. Eastern/Pacific/7 p.m. Central on more than 30 broadcast and cable networks and streaming services, as well as various social media platforms. Rodney Robinson, the 2019 National Teacher of the Year, joins a list of prominent leaders and entertainers in celebrating the Class of 2020. Led by XQ Institute, The LeBron James Family Foundation, and The Entertainment Industry Foundation, the special is being produced in partnership with a broad coalition of education, philanthropic, and corporate partners. In addition, corporate and philanthropic giving associated with #GraduateTogether will benefit DonorsChoose and America’s Food Fund to help meet student needs in some of our nation’s most underserved and under-resourced communities.

States’ involvement was coordinated through CCSSO.

Delaware is pleased to highlight Christina School District Christiana High School senior William Loat-Emory and John Muller, director of theatre and reading specialist at Caesar Rodney School District’s Caesar Rodney High School.

“CCSSO is proud to partner with the XQ Institute on the #GraduateTogether campaign. This event is a bright spot in such a challenging year, bringing together educators, parents, state leaders and other partners in celebrating all students and their accomplishments,” said CCSSO Executive Director Carissa Moffat Miller. “Through this partnership, we are thrilled to make it possible for every graduating senior to hear directly from their state education leaders and the 2019 National Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson before they take their next steps after high school.”

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

Secretary of Education Susan Bunting congratulates 91 public school students from the Class of 2020 for being named Secretary of Education Scholars.

While the annual banquet to honor the scholars was cancelled, the Delaware Department of Education has developed a website (https://www.doe.k12.de.us/scholars_2020) to recognize the students and share their outstanding achievements.

“I regret that the COVID-19 crisis prevented us from honoring these soon-to-be graduates in person as scheduled. They deserve recognition for their outstanding achievements and leadership in and out of the classroom,” Bunting said. “Their success is the result of their hard work and the support of their families and educators. Graduation is the start of a new chapter in their lives, and I can’t wait to see how they will continue to excel in college, military service and their chosen careers.”

The state has named Secretary of Education Scholars every year since 1984.

The number of scholars from each school is based on enrollment, and principals select the students based on both their academic records and community service. The website includes photographs, principal nomination statements and student narrative statements as submitted by the schools.

“I am inspired by these Delaware students who have excelled academically while also leading community and school organizations, playing sports, and working part-time jobs,” said Governor John Carney. “These are future leaders of our state. Congratulations on your success. Good luck as you move forward. Even if your journey takes you out of Delaware, I hope you’ll return to the First State to continue serving our community.”

Media contact:  Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us

NEW CASTLE (April 17, 2020) – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities will seek public comment on its proposed State Plan on Aging for the period of October 2020 through September 2024.

The state plan has been developed to meet requirements under Title III and Title VII of the Older Americans Act. The act provides funding for a variety of programs and services for older Delawareans and their caregivers, including supportive services, nutrition programs, disease prevention and health promotion initiatives, elder rights protection activities and caregiver support programs.

The state hearings, to be held virtually due to COVID-19 public gathering restrictions, will provide an opportunity for the public to offer comments and suggestions on the plan. The schedule is:

• April 20, 2020, 1-3 p.m.
  Virtual Meeting Information: https://zoom.us/j/570333700
  By phone: 1 (646) 876-9923.
  Meeting ID: 570333700#
  One tap mobile +16468769923,,570333700#

• April 22, 2020, 6-8 p.m.
  Virtual Meeting Information: https://zoom.us/j/551953654
  By phone: 1 (646) 876-9923.
  Meeting ID: 551953654#
  One tap mobile +16468769923,,551953654#

A copy of the draft plan may be obtained by following the links on the division’s website at: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsaapd/index.html

The nation’s older population continues to increase in number, and Delaware’s current and projected demographics align with this national trend. Today, nearly one in four Delawareans is age 60 or older. By the year 2040, Delawareans who are age 60 and older will make up one-third of the state’s population, or more than 313,835 people. That same year, state’s population of people age 85 and older is projected to have grown by 171.6% since 2015.

“Public input is essential to the development of Delaware’s State Plan on Aging, to ensure that our programs, supports and services reflect the growing and changing needs of Delaware’s older adult population,” said DHSS Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a practicing family physician. “We know that you want to age well; have access to information, supports and person-centered services that respond to your individual needs; and continue to thrive in your homes and communities. We are asking you to partner with us in shaping what that will look like over the next four years.”

The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities will use the strategies in the State Plan on Aging to address the growing and changing needs of older Delawareans and persons with disabilities.

The 2020-2024 State Plan on Aging focuses on initiatives such as:

• Developing and implementing best practices in person-centered case management and coordination of services and supports.
• Collaborating with community partners to identify barriers, improve access, and facilitate coordination of cognitive health resources and services for persons with cognitive health needs.
• Leading the effort to become a dementia-friendly state, ensuring that communities throughout Delaware are equipped to support persons living with dementia and their caregivers.
• Promoting the development, expansion, and capacity of comprehensive and coordinated programs that serve and support caregivers.
• Developing a collaborative approach with other agencies, inclusive of a multi-disciplinary team, to strengthen the abuse, neglect and exploitation response across the Delaware aging network.
• Improving delivery of participant-directed services, empowering participants to make choices about service delivery.

Comments and suggestions on the Draft State Plan on Aging will be accepted until the close of business on Friday, May 8:

• By survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DelawareStatePlanAgingPublicComments
• By mail: DSAAPD Planning Unit, Department of Health and Social Services, 1901 N. DuPont Highway, Main Administration Building, First Floor Annex, New Castle, DE 19720
• By email: DelawareADRC@delaware.gov
• By fax: 302-255-4445

Smyrna – Are you prepared for an emergency or disaster?  Disasters can strike suddenly, anytime and anywhere, and first responders may not be able to reach you right away.

If you were unable to attend the Community Preparedness Workshop in Georgetown, a second workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover (1121 Forrest Ave, Dover, DE 19904), from 8:30AM – 1:30PM.  The workshop is free and open to the public, but registration is required.  Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to talk with our preparedness partner exhibitors.  Coffee, tea, water, and light refreshments will be available in the morning before the workshop.  Delaware Citizen Corps, the Office of Preparedness, and the Modern Maturity Center (MMC) in Dover are partnering to hold this workshop.

What can you do to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors if an emergency or disaster happens?  The major goal of this workshop is to better equip seniors and people with disabilities with knowledge to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies at home and disasters in their communities.  In 2019 Delaware experienced winter storms, severe storms, power outages, flooding, tornadoes, as well as threats from hurricanes and coastal storms.  Anything can happen to anyone at any time.  Learning about what can happen and how to be prepared is increasingly important.

Speakers will include trainers from the Kent County Department of Public Safety, Office of Preparedness, Delaware Citizen Corps, as well as specialists from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI), and Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities/Adult Protective Services. The workshop will feature information and resources for how to make emergency and communications plans, make an emergency kit, and learn about fire safety.

Seating is limited. Registration for this free workshop is required and is online at Eventbrite at https://mmcpw.eventbrite.com. To request special needs accommodations for hearing or visual impairments or other needs, please contact Beth MacDonald by Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Beth.MacDonald@Delaware.gov.

Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/delawareemergencymanagementagency

Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Twitter, https://www.twitter.com/delawareema

Contact: Jeff Sands, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, 302-659-2211.

DOVER – An estimated 17,000 Delawareans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is only expected to increase over the next several years. This represents 11% of the state’s senior population. Though research is still evolving, growing evidence shows that people can reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s by making key lifestyle changes, including participating in regular physical and mental activity and maintaining good heart health.

As part of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) urges Delawareans to make lifestyle adjustments to help reduce their risk factors for Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that has robbed too many Delawareans of their loved ones,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Between 2015 and 2025, the number of persons age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease in Delaware is expected to increase by over 35 percent to 23,000 people. As our senior population in Delaware continues to grow, it is imperative that we address this illness. We are collaboratively working with our sister agency, the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities to further educate, train and provide supports for those living with Alzheimer’s or other age-related dementias.”

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease involving parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. It often begins with mild memory loss possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment, and can seriously affect a person’s ability to carry out activities of daily living. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia among older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). An estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease. It is the fifth-leading cause of death for adults age 65 years and older, and the sixth-leading cause of death for all adults. Risk factors include aging, diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), smoking cigarettes and a family history of dementia.

Most people live an average of eight years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other age-related dementias. However, some individuals can live with a form of dementia for as many as 20 years, placing increasingly intensive demands on, and negatively affecting the health of, caregivers, which can negatively impact their income and financial security.

“We are at a very crucial time for our aging population, and as the number continues to rise, our aging population will soon outnumber all other age brackets. Our division is continuing to research best practices to learn how we can continue to evolve the way we provide optimum care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other age-related dementias,” said Dava Newnam, director of the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD).

Two recent studies published earlier this year showed that actionable lifestyle changes could potentially counteract elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers showed that participants with high genetic risk and poor health habits were about three times more likely to develop dementia versus those with low genetic risk and favorable health habits. Favorable health habits, according to the study, included healthy diet, adequate exercise, limiting alcohol and not smoking.

While there is no known cure to Alzheimer’s or other age-related dementias, there are steps individuals can take to promote healthy aging and brain health:

• Get active and stay active. Becoming more physically active also reduces the chance of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Heart-healthy eating includes limiting the intake of sugar and saturated fats and making sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Manage cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. If you need help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, call the Delaware Quitline at 1-866-409-1858.

• Learn new things and challenge yourself mentally with puzzles and games.

• Connect with family, friends and communities.

• Protect your head: “Fall-proof” your home, use a helmet when participating in sports, and wear a seat belt to protect your head in the event of a car crash.

In addition, DPH recommends all Delawareans follow the 5-2-1 Almost None concept: eating at least five servings of fruit or vegetables a day, watching no more than two hours of recreational screen time daily, getting one or more hours of physical activity each day, and drinking almost no sugar-sweetened drinks. For additional resources and tips to achieve a healthier, balanced life, visit https://www.healthydelaware.org.

DSAPPD looks at ways it can approach care holistically in addition to medicinal therapies. Earlier this year, the division, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association of Delaware Valley, the University of Delaware and Delaware State University, launched the Delaware Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (DECARD), www.decard.org. This website is a virtual hub of information to provide additional supports for individuals who are recently diagnosed, caregivers, or medical professionals. The site is expected to evolve as more is learned about Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related dementias.

“The wellness of the caregiver or caregivers is just as important as the person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other age-related dementias,” said Newnam. “A Stanford University study found that 40% of caregivers who care for a person with Alzheimer’s or other age-related dementias will pass away before the person diagnosed. In Delaware, we have Caregiver Resource Centers located all throughout the state. These sites can provide additional resources and supports, such as the Savvy Caregiver Program for the caregiver and the family unit. The work we do is not just for the person diagnosed, but also for the caregiver.”

To find aging and disability services in Delaware, contact the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-800-223-9074 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit http://delawareadrc.com/. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and services in Delaware, visit https://alz.org/delval, https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsaapd/alzheimers_toolkit.html, or www.decard.org.

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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.

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.