NEW CASTLE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced today enhancements to the CostAware website, designed to help Delawareans understand how their health care dollars are spent by comparing the variation of average costs for different episodes of care and medical services based on actual medical and pharmacy claims in Delaware. […]

Amidst a shortage of prescription stimulants, concerns have been raised about the potential increase in illicit drug use. With many individuals relying on prescription stimulants to manage conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the shortage has left many struggling to access the medication they need. This has led some individuals to turn to illicit drugs […]

NEW CASTLE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), in a coordinated effort with fellow government agencies, community partners, and Delaware residents, today announced the launch of the new, redesigned, and revamped HelpIsHereDE.com, available in English and Spanish. Designed after months of listening sessions and focus groups, the new HelpIsHereDE.com is the state’s comprehensive […]

SMYRNA (October 16, 2023) – The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI) in Smyrna is asking members of the community to sponsor a resident for the holidays. DHCI is a licensed Skilled Nursing Facility, operated by the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, dedicated to comprehensive nursing home services […]

Delaware will hold its 25th National DEA Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Delawareans can discard their expired or unused medications at locations statewide between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Sharps disposals for needle disposal will be available at select locations, as well as overdose response education with free Narcan available at […]

NEW CASTLE – Delawareans seeking coverage for 2024 will find more choice in insurers and plans than ever before on the Health Insurance Marketplace in the 11th year of open enrollment. The marketplace’s open enrollment period started today, Nov. 1, and ends Jan. 15, 2024. Consumers can renew existing coverage or sign up for a […]

To recognize the interconnectedness between the health of people, animals and the environment we share, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) celebrates One Health Day on November 3, 2023. Today, we are awakening to the fact that without open discussions and mutual understanding, we are unable to solve issues such as climate change, pandemics […]

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has partnered with hospitals and imaging facilities across Delaware to present National Lung Cancer Screening Day (NLCSD) as a statewide event. On Saturday, November 11, representatives from the Bureau of Cancer Prevention and Control within the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will be on-site at several imaging facilities. Delaware is the […]

Delaware’s Birth to Three Program is proud to announce a dynamic and engaging virtual event, “Explore Delaware’s Birth to Three Journey with Special Guest Ms. Rachel,” scheduled for December 6, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EST) via Zoom. This one-hour live event is divided into two captivating segments, designed to educate, inspire and […]

NEW CASTLE – The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of State Service Centers (DSSC) and State Office of Volunteerism (SOV) is excited to announce that nominations for the prestigious Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards and the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards (Adult Awards) are open. Nominations for both awards will be accepted by the […]

DOVER, Del. (Jan. 8, 2024) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is reporting a potential measles exposure in a Delaware health care facility. On January 5, 2024, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health identified a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated individual. While infectious, the individual sought care at a healthcare facility […]

 The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is reporting a potential measles exposure at the Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington on December 29, 2023. An extensive contact tracing investigation identified between 20-30 people exposed to the individual who was not symptomatic but was infectious at the time of their visit to the facility. 

NEW CASTLE (January 22, 2024) – Today, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and leaders from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) along with partner community agencies led a community response briefing to provide the latest information regarding the state’s efforts to support individuals facing homelessness and housing instability related to substance use disorder. […]

Animal welfare officers rescued 76 animals from a mobile home in Felton after being found living in cramped, unsanitary conditions. The Office of Animal Welfare (OAW)’s Delaware Animal Services (DAS) received a call from Delaware State Police about a potential animal cruelty case. Animal welfare officers arrived at the home to investigate, discovering 66 small breed dogs, 9 cats and 1 bird living in inhumane conditions.

NEW CASTLE – Governor John Carney will present the 2024 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards to 17 individuals, six groups, seven emerging youth leaders, and one corporation during an April 4 ceremony to recognize their exceptional volunteer service. The ceremony, to be held at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, will celebrate significant contributions to communities […]

NEW CASTLE (March 19, 2024) – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and Governor John Carney announced additional investments in child care for the upcoming year. Building on the Governor’s Recommended Budget, which proposes expanding eligibility for Purchase of Care to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and creating over 200 additional […]

On April 9, 150 Delaware Cancer Consortium (DCC) members gathered for their 2024 retreat for presentations by prominent local and national speakers, including four cancer survivors who shared their diagnosis, care, and experience living with cancer. The theme was Vision. Purpose. Action. Coming Together to Eliminate Cancer Disparities, aligning with DCC’s goal to implement culturally inclusive initiatives […]

NEW CASTLE (April 22, 2024) – Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and leaders from the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), along with partner community agencies, led a community response briefing on Monday to provide the latest outcome data and other information regarding the State’s efforts to support individuals struggling with substance use disorder in […]

New Castle, DE – The Delaware Department of Correction announced today that Kimberly Hughey, Deputy Warden of Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution (BWCI), has been promoted to BWCI Warden effective December 18.  Hughey steps up to fill the vacancy created when BWCI Warden Brian Emig was recently promoted to Warden of Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in […]

New Castle, DE – The Delaware Department of Correction announced today that John Brennan, Security Superintendent of James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC), has been promoted to Deputy Warden of Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution (BWCI), effective February 27.  Brennan fills the vacancy created when then-BWCI Deputy Warden Kimberly Hughey was promoted to BWCI Warden in December 2022. “Deputy Warden Brennan is a […]

WILMINGTON, DE –  Governor John Carney on Thursday announced that Commissioner Monroe Hudson will step down later this month from his current role as the head of the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) after more than thirty five years of service in law enforcement and corrections. Terra Taylor, Deputy Commissioner of the DOC, will serve as Acting […]

NEW CASTLE (May 15, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) has launched a phone line dedicated to helping Delawareans cope with stress and address behavioral health needs during the coronavirus pandemic. The Delaware Hope Line – 1 (833) 9-HOPEDE or (833) 946-7333 – is open 24 hours a day, […]

STATE OF DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY P.O. BOX 818 DOVER, DELAWARE 19903-0818 NEWS RELEASE Date: July 9, 2020 Contact: DSHS Wendy Hudson – (302) 382-7978 DSP MCpl. Melissa Jaffe – (302) 382-2136 DSP LT. COL. MELISSA A. ZEBLEY NAMED SUPERINTENDENT OF DELAWARE STATE POLICE Today Governor John Carney joined Kimberly Chandler, Acting […]

Smryna – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the entire State of Delaware.  A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm-force winds, sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, are expected within the next 36 hours. Tropical storms are not just a threat […]

Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is pleased to announce that the Delaware Resilience Fund’s application process, authorized by Governor John C. Carney under Executive Order #44, is now accepting applications.  The Delaware Resilience Fund was created to assist families and communities devastated by tornadoes and other severe weather that occurred August […]

Delaware Office of Highway Safety Promotes National Child Passenger Safety Week from September 20 – 26, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Cynthia Cavett, Marketing Specialist & Public Information Officer Delaware Office of Highway Safety Cynthia.Cavett@delaware.gov 302-744-2743 DOVER, Del. (September 21, 2020) – Child Passenger Safety Week is a nationwide campaign that spreads critical awareness and […]

Smyrna, DE – As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, we must be reminded of the hazards winter brings. Every year, winter weather conditions such as snow and freezing temperatures cause deaths, injuries, illnesses, and property damage in Delaware. Last year’s mild winter is not an indicator of what’s to come this year, so the time is now to brush up on some winter weather terminologies and start […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday shared the following news from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Health and Human Services (HHS), Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and Dover International  Speedway (DIS) have partnered to open a […]

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS), Delaware State Police (DSP), Federal Highway Administration (FHA), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after coordinating with stakeholders, advocacy groups and the public recently unveiled the Delaware 2021-2025 Strategic […]

DELAWARE OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY LAUNCHES “BE ALERT AND ARRIVE ALIVE” CAMPAIGN DURING NATIONAL DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH Integrated campaign strategy leverages the reach and influence of Delaware businesses, community partners, and law enforcement to maximize distracted driving awareness  DOVER, Del. (April 8, 2021) — The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is leveraging the […]

Delaware- In 2014 the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) initiated the “Drive to Save Lives” campaign to reduce deaths on U.S. highways. The campaign targeted distracted and impaired driving, speeding, the use of seatbelts and the unsafe driving behaviors of operators of large trucks and buses. A combination of education and awareness, partnering with […]

[DOVER, DE] May 19, 2021 — During this year’s national Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign, which will take place May 24 through June 6, 2021, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (DOHS) will be teaming up with law enforcement nationwide for a Border to Border (B2B) kickoff event taking place on Monday, May […]

The OHS SoberLift program, presented in partnership with Lyft®, will be activated in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, and Ocean View nightly from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. beginning Thursday, July 1 and continuing through Monday, July 5, ending at 2:00 a.m.

Media Contact: Veronica Marshall Traffic Safety Outreach Coordinator Veronica.Marshall@Delaware.Gov Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children – let’s change that OHS Promotes National Child Passenger Safety Week September 19 – 25, 2021 [DOVER, Del.] September 15, 2021 — Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children, according to the latest National […]

Smyrna, DE – On September 17, 2021, Governor John Carney requested a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Delaware in response to the severe flooding that occurred as the remnants of Hurricane Ida passed through the region on September 1 to September 7, 2021.  The request included FEMA’s Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation […]

  DOVER, DE — The Delaware Office of Highway Safety’s (OHS) “Walk Smart, Arrive Alive” campaign runs from January 16-30, 2022 statewide — expanding its reach and impact on some of the most at-risk pedestrian populations in the state. This communications campaign aims to discourage risky pedestrian activities and encourage the adoption of safer walking […]

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for all of Delaware and a Gale Warning is in effect for coastal areas and the Delaware Bay.  Plan ahead now and be prepared.

SMYRNA, DE: February 28th to March 4th is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Delaware.  Severe Weather Week Proclamation 2022.  From significant flooding to tornadoes and snowstorms, the past several years have seen active weather events across Delaware and throughout the region.  Knowing about the weather hazards and how to prepare can make a life-saving difference.   […]

From left to right: Jana Tidwell from AAA Mid-Atlantic, Delaware State Police Sergeant Heather Pepper, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Daria Benson and family (DelDOT), Tom Neubauer (Kiewit), Jason Sacco (DelDOT), Sarah Powell and family (DelDOT), Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski at NWZAW event in Wilmington The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) encourages everyone to take […]

Governor John Carney has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month and the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), in support of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety’s (OHS) Motorcycle Safety campaign, urges both motorists and motorcyclists to create a safer ride through education and awareness. Motorcyclists of all skill levels, both novice and advanced can […]

Governor John Carney has proclaimed May 9 through 13 Delaware Flood Awareness Week to inform residents about flood risk, likelihood of flooding from extreme weather events brought on by climate change, the importance of having a flood insurance policy, and flood remediation for property damage or loss.

An estimated 43,000 people were killed on U.S. roads last year, the highest number in 16 years according to data released this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 10.5% jump over 2020 numbers was the largest percentage increase since NHTSA began its fatality accounting in 1975. The 139 fatalities on Delaware […]

Division of Forensic Science Annual Report Finds Fentanyl Still Involved in More Than 80% of Deaths; Cocaine Link on the Rise NEW CASTLE (May 24, 2022) – In what health officials fear is another consequence of the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Delaware’s overdose deaths increased more than 15% in 2021 to a record […]

DOVER, DE — In June 2022, Gov. Carney signed into law the Delaware Large-Capacity Magazine Prohibition Act of 2022 making the possession of high-capacity magazines illegal in the State. In addition, the law authorizes the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) to conduct a limited buyback program during which Delaware residents are eligible to […]

Governor Carney has declared September as Preparedness Month and urges everyone to “make a plan, build a kit, stay informed” to be prepared for emergencies. More than 35 organizations will be at “Family Emergency Preparedness Day” in Camden’s Brecknock Park on Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event highlights public safety and readiness planning in a fun, family environment with activities, food, games, and demonstrations. Also this month, the PrepareDE.org website has relaunched with a new, mobile-friendly design featuring bright colors, easy-to-navigate sections, and a wealth of resources and fact sheets to help families get ready for almost any emergency.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and its Comprehensive School Safety Program will invest almost $1 million to enhance school security statewide by providing accurate and uniform maps for all of Delaware’s 19 public school districts and charter schools to enable law enforcement and first responders to react swiftly during emergencies in unfamiliar environments.

In June 2022, Gov. Carney signed into law the Delaware Large Capacity Magazine Prohibition Act of 2022 making the possession of high capacity magazines illegal in the State. In addition, the law authorizes the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) to conduct a limited buyback program. Delaware residents are eligible to receive fair market […]

Use extra caution on the roads during the deer mating season is the warning to Delaware drivers from DNREC, OHS, and DSP.

The annual Safe Family Holiday campaign seeks to prevent the holidays from “getting ugly” by helping Delawareans avoid dangerous driver, passenger, and pedestrian behaviors. DOVER, Del. (Nov. 17, 2022) — Starting on Nov. 18, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) will begin its annual holiday safety campaign, designed to reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths […]

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Delaware now has 139 traffic fatalities, reaching last year’s total of 139, the highest number since 2006. “Thousands of Delawareans will take to the roads in the coming days and weeks to visit friends and family near and far and no matter your destination, we remind drivers to put their […]