Dover – Commissioner Robert Coupe today announced the launch of the official Department of Correction Twitter and Facebook pages. These resources have been developed to enhance communication with Delawareans by providing the public with real-time news and information, including time-sensitive notices about offenders and Department facilities, and updates on expanding resources offered to victims, offenders’ families, and others. The sites will also be regularly updated with postings and photos that reflect the wide range of community outreach efforts by Department of Correction staff and community service work performed by offenders.

“Our Twitter and Facebook pages are important resources that we have established to share news and information with all Delawareans,” Commissioner Coupe said. “These social media sites allow the public to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the many ways we meet our mission to guard public safety and reduce recidivism. They also provide us with another outlet to share offenders’ stories of progress and their commitment to live productive and law-abiding lives.”

Coupe urged Delawareans to stay informed by “friending” the Department on Facebook and “liking” the Department on Twitter. Members of the public can visit the Department of Correction’s social media sites by visiting Twitter.com/DECorrection or Facebook.com/DECorrection.

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Wilmington – Applauding the public’s generosity during a month-long book drive in February, today Governor Jack Markell presented a portion of 3,000 books donated to the Terry Children’s Center (TCC). Joined by Secretary Jennifer Ranji of the Delaware Children’s Department and TCC staff, Governor Markell indicated that the large stacks of books displayed behind him represented only a fraction of the donated reading materials being presented. The book drive, entitled “Enjoy Reading? Share the Love,” was publicized primarily through social media including Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube.

“I am constantly inspired by the goodwill and supportive nature of Delawareans,” said Governor Markell. “We’re finding more frequently, that the power of social media can be harnessed for the collective good of society. In this case, it will enhance the quality of life and academic enrichment for the children served here at the Terry Children’s Center.”
Operated by the Delaware Children’s Department, the TCC provides services to children ages 6 – 12, who may be experiencing one or more of a variety of mental health challenges. Bothresidential and day treatment services are available. The donated books will further help support the children’s treatment efforts.

“We’re grateful to the Governor and his staff for spearheading this effort and for the overwhelming response by the public,” said Secretary Ranji. “These books will provide increased opportunities for children to have focused, one-on-one interaction with not only staff, but also their parents as they read these new selections to them.”
Also joining the Governor and Department staff for the event were representatives from the Delaware Division of Libraries and AmeriCorps, both of which were recognized for the significant role they played in the book drive. Eight State Library sites across Delaware served as collection sites for the books, including:Wilmington, Hockessin, Kirkwood, Newark, Appoqunimink, Dover, Bridgeville, and Millsboro Public Libraries.

“The state’s libraries played an important part in this effort, which had a simple mission but will have long-lasting positive impact on our young people at the Terry Center,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock, who oversees the Division of Libraries. “Our libraries play so many important roles in our communities, and they continue to make Delaware a great place to live and grow.”

AmeriCorps members were instrumental in coordinating pick up of the books from each of the sites throughout the campaign and delivering them to the Children’s Department so that staff could screen them for age and subject matter appropriateness. The heart of AmeriCorps mission is service to others.

“The Share the Love Book Drive was a great way for Delaware’s AmeriCorps members to help meet another community need and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children,” said Charles A. Harris, Social Services Administrator and Delaware AmeriCorps Program Director at DHSS. “For our members, it was an opportunity to join in and learn as the state engaged the public and various partners in serving others.”

The Children’s Department provides services to children who have been abused, neglected, are dependent, have mental health or substance problems, have been adjudicated delinquent by the Courts, as well as prevention services targeted toward all youth. For more information, please visit www.kids.delaware.gov.

Trade mission to India will also include business visits with manufacturers and health sciences companies

Wilmington – Governor Jack Markell announced today that he will lead a trade mission to India from Wednesday, February 6, through Saturday, February 16, 2013 .  Invited by the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), India’s premier IT industry association, to speak at its annual Leadership Forum in Mumbai on February 13^th, Governor Markell will address over 1500 participants from nearly 25 countries, followed by one-on-one meetings with several CEOs and company chairpersons.  The Forum, which will focus on the theme of partnerships and global growth, is among the most prestigious international IT conferences for the growing IT sector in India.

As part of his trip, the State of Delaware is working with the Confederation of Indian Industry, a leading industry association across India, and the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises, the top biotechnology industry association, to schedule meetings in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai with manufacturers and health sciences companies.

“Indian companies continue to expand their operations in the United States, and we want them to know Delaware has an outstanding IT workforce.  We are leading the country in developing cyber security personnel and have much to offer a prospective company,” said Governor Markell.  “We want international business managers looking to locate or expand their businesses to consider locating in Delaware.”

The Governor will be promoting Delaware’s high-caliber workforce, convenient location, and reasonable cost of living as he meets with several business leaders and their company representatives at the conference.

According to a report published by NASSCOM in 2012, Indian IT companies directly employ 107,000 people in the U.S., up from 58,000 in 2006.  These jobs indirectly support many others through local suppliers, re-spending and tax payments.  Several Indian companies have announced plans to expand employment for U.S. workers over the next few years.

Similar to his previous trips, the Governor will utilize social media to stay in communication with Delawareans. He will participate in a Google+ hangout with students from Delcastle Technical High School, who are working on a project to learn about international social media and trade with India.  The class will communicate with people in Delaware and India over the next several weeks to encourage engagement via Twitter and Facebook. During the Google+ Hangout, they will brief the Governor on their research results.

“Delaware has a world-class IT workforce and an exceptionally strong social media community,” said Governor Markell.  “Social media is a way for our students and our broader community to raise Delaware’s profile in India.  I applaud their efforts to help us communicate beyond our borders.”

Governor Markell will be accompanied by Secretary of Transportation Shailen Bhatt and Felicia Pullam, Deputy Director for International Trade.  Secretary Bhatt previously traveled to India in 2010 representing the Federal Highway Administration to meet with government and business officials interested in furthering cooperation on transportation issues.  Also, University of Delaware President Dr. Patrick Harker will join the trade mission in Mumbai.   The University of Delaware enjoys a strong reputation in India for its chemical engineering department.

NEW CASTLE (Dec. 28, 2012) – Small steps toward good health can lead to big rewards. Building healthy habits often starts with small ideas about the changes you want to accomplish, a commitment to make those changes and, sometimes, a social connection to keep you going. To help promote a healthier Delaware, the Department of Health and Social Services, in connection with the Governor’s Office and the YMCA of Delaware, will kick off a social media campaign on Jan. 1 called “31 Days to a Healthier You.”

Gov. Jack Markell, DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf, Delaware Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay and YMCA President/CEO Michael Graves will mark the campaign with a press event at 10 a.m. Jan. 2 at the Downtown Central YMCA in Wilmington.

Each day using Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, flickr, Instagram or YouTube, “31 Days to a Healthier You” will offer fitness/activity ideas, nutritional information and healthy recipes, advice on how to quit smoking, tips on health screenings and more. The campaign will share links to information, photos, how-to videos and contact information, all using the hashtag #healthDE. The goal is to provide quick and easy-to-implement small steps that are both practical and will make a real difference in people’s lives.

“What a great way to start the New Year,” Gov. Markell said. “Every year around Jan. 1, we collectively think about healthier habits we can embrace. This campaign offers Delawareans the opportunity to start 2013 with good advice for making small lifestyle changes that will lead to lasting differences in their lives. Plus, it encourages all of us to support one another. We hope you share this campaign with your family, your co-workers or your fellow students.”

Across the state, Delaware is starting to see improvement in some key health indicators. The prevalence of cigarette smoking among Delaware’s adults is among the lowest levels since the Division of Public Health began collecting data in 1982. And in the past 10 years, the rate of cardiovascular deaths dropped from 331.4 to 258.1 deaths per 100,000 population. Many challenges remain. While the obesity rates for children and adults appear to be leveling off, too many people remain at an unhealthy weight. Other indicators continue to rise. The state’s diabetes rate and the number of people who say they lead sedentary lives are still increasing. Small steps can make a big difference. For example, people at increased risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the disease’s onset by losing 5 percent to 7 percent of their body weight through increased physical activity and a reduced-fat and lower-calorie diet.

“Making small lifestyle changes can bring big rewards when it comes to your health,” Secretary Landgraf said. “Whatever the change you are embracing – making healthier food choices, being more physically active, quitting smoking or getting regular medical screenings – this campaign will give you ideas and connections. Because the campaign involves social media, we need the public’s interaction, too. As part of that connectedness, we’ll ask you to share photos that illustrate your small health changes or offer inspiration to others.”

On Facebook and Instagram, Delawareans will be encouraged to share their photos that answer this question: What does ‘Healthy’ look like?” 

“Public Health is urging people to remember ‘5-2-1 Almost None,’ which means eating at least five servings of fruit or vegetables a day, watching no more than two hours of recreational screen time daily, being physically active for at least one hour a day and drinking almost no sugar-sweetened drinks,” said Dr. Rattay, director of DHSS’ Division of Public Health. “For example, drinking one less 12-ounce can of regular soda a day could save 15 pounds in a year. Pick the 5-2-1-Almost None goal you want to aim for and make a plan to take small steps to reach it.”

For the YMCA of Delaware, helping individuals build healthy lifestyle habits is a big part of its mission.

“The core of the YMCA of Delaware is healthy living, youth development and social responsibility, said Michael P. Graves, President of the YMCA of Delaware. “We know from experience that the beginning of the New Year is a time when people feel most optimistic and hopeful about changing behaviors and taking steps towards healthier living. The Y has programs and classes in place to help people reach their goals. We work at it 365 days a year so we are thrilled to be part of Delaware’s 31 Days to a Healthier You social media campaign.”

To join in or to follow 31 Days to a Healthier You, look for the hashtag #healthDE and go to:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DelawareDHSS

or www.facebook.com/DEPublicHealth

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Delaware_DHSS

YouTube: www.youtube.com/DelDHSS

Flickr: www.flickr.com/deldhss

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/dhss

Instagram: www.instagram.com/deldhss

YMCA of Delaware: www.ymcade.org

Delaware.gov: www.delaware.gov

Photos are on the Governor’s Flickr page.

Week-long economic development and goodwill visits documented via real-time technology

(Wilmington, DE)  As part of his week-long economic development and goodwill trip to Japan and Korea, and in lieu of his regularly scheduled weekly message, Governor Markell participated in two Google+ Hangout events while overseas. On Tuesday, December 11, he participated in a hangout from Japan with Japanese language students at Appoquinimink High School and members of the media. The Governor discussed the purpose of his international trip and the exchange with Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai, which acknowledged 15 years of sister state relations between Delaware and Miyagi.

“The way we do business has fundamentally changed with the increasing use of these technologies,” said Governor Markell. “The more familiar our young people are with these tools and the more they are given the opportunity to use them in the classroom, the greater their chance of success will be when they go to compete for jobs in a global economy.”

Later that week, on Friday, December 14, he and Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee participated in a hangout from Korea with University of Delaware staff, members of Delaware’s agriculture community and media at the University of Delaware’s Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown, DE. The Governor discussed his visit with Harim Group, the leading agribusiness in Korea, which bought Delaware-owned Allen Family Food in 2011. He also discussed a visit he had with leaders and members of the Korean Chamber of Commerce.

“We are part of a global market,” said Governor Markell. “In order to make sure Delaware companies have as many opportunities as possible to export and expand their products, we must continually work to strengthen relationships with others around the world.”

“Nearly one-third of the world population lives within the band that includes Korea, Japan, China and Indonesia,” said Secretary Kee. “As we, in Delaware, continue to explore new ways to service that population with our exports, it is important we take advantage of opportunities to conduct business and communicate with our global customers.”

Beyond business development and goodwill opportunities for Delaware, this trip also offered a chance to try new technology. In addition to the Google+ hangout sessions, the Governor officially launched his Instagram account on this trip, posting photos of various scenes; and he used a Google Map to document his whereabouts with photos, videos and pinpointed information.