DOVER, DE (March 18, 2022) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on COVID-19 statistics in Delaware, as of Thursday, March 17, 2022:   COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations: Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 258,513 7-day average of new positive cases: 63.1, a decrease of 16.9 average new positive cases from […]

State agencies will begin accepting applications to loan or grant money for drinking water and wastewater system improvements around the state, with capacity for historic levels of investment in water infrastructure from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the state Clean Water Trust, created in 2021.

DOVER (March 31, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Sussex County residents, who live or spend time near the areas of Burbage and Jones roads, and Burbage Road and Route 374 in Frankford, of a positive case of rabies in a fox. The fox did not have any known contact with humans, […]

 DOVER (April 12, 2022) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the first flu-related death of the 2021-2022 flu season. The individual was a 54-year-old Kent County female infected with influenza A who died in early April. She had underlying health conditions and was not vaccinated. As of April 2, 2022, the most recent […]

DOVER, DE (April 14, 2022) – Today, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the launch of the COVID-19 Test-to-Treat program in Delaware as part of a federal initiative aimed at providing convenient testing and treatment options combined in one location. Test-to-treat locations are designed to be a “one-stop shop” for individuals seeking diagnosis and […]

DOVER, DE (April 22, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on case and vaccination data since the last COVID-19 update released on March 25, 2022.  While Delaware is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, both remain significantly lower than during the winter surge. Deaths are also low […]

Delaware will hold its 22nd National DEA Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 30, 2022. Delawareans can discard their expired or unused medications at locations statewide between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. There will also be Sharps disposals for needle disposal at select locations, and overdose response education with free Narcan available at select locations.

Dover (May 4, 2022) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing May as Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month and May 19 as Hepatitis Testing Day. There are several different viruses that can cause hepatitis. The most common type of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Both hepatitis A and hepatitis B […]

DOVER (May 4, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) announced today that the Columbus Organization will continue to operate as the Division’s Targeted Case Management Provider, providing case management support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families across the State. Targeted Case Management through the Columbus Organization provides […]

NEW CASTLE (May 4, 2022) – The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has launched a state-sponsored Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program (HCPLRP). Under the new loan repayment program, eligible clinicians may receive up to $50,000 per year in loan repayment for a maximum of four years of employment in Delaware. Governor John […]

At the announcement Thursday morning at Rose Hill Community Center near New Castle (from left): Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County CEO Kevin L. Lewis, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) Chief Administrator Cynthia Mercer, DSAAPD Director Melissa Smith, state Representative Franklin Cooke, state Senator Darius Brown, DSAAPD Deputy […]

DOVER, DE (June 1, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the launch of Delaware WIC’s new educational website. The website includes information on nutrition, breastfeeding, and WIC’s programming for families, covering all stages of pregnancy, postpartum, infancy and children up to five years of age. It currently includes a link to […]

As temperatures soar into the high 80s this week and humidity rises, the Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds Delawareans how to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps.

Delawareans struggling with substance use disorder can call DHSS’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s 24/7 Delaware Hope Line – a single point of contact where callers can connect to a variety of resources and information, including support from clinicians and peer specialists plus crisis assistance.

DOVER, DE (June 18, 2022) – Parents of children ages 6 months through 5 years old, will be able to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 starting the week of June 20, 2022, according to the Division of Public Health (DPH). Vaccines for this youngest age group received final sign off for Emergency Use Authorization, from the Food […]

NEW CASTLE (June 22, 2022) – Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik today announced five leadership changes for the agency involving the Office of the Secretary and the Division of Public Health. The changes: Dava Newnam, who has served as Associate Deputy Cabinet Secretary and Chief Operating Officer for DHSS, has […]

DOVER (June 29, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Kent County residents who live or spend time near the area of Smyrna Landing Road in Smyrna that a positive case of rabies in a stray cat has been reported. Two individuals were potentially exposed to the stray cat in the residential neighborhood. The […]

“The Delaware Division of Public Health has prepared to respond to MPX cases,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “As we work to confirm our first case in the state, we encourage Delawareans to be aware of being in close intimate contact with individuals who have rashes or flu-like symptoms. We will continue to monitor this situation closely.”

NEW CASTLE (Julio 12, 2022) – El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales (DHSS) anunció hoy que ha seleccionado tres compañias para operar su Programa de Atención Administrada de Medicaid. La División de Medicaid y Asistencia Médica (DMMA) del DHSS continuará su asociación de MCO con Highmark Health Options Blue Cross Blue Shield, que empezó […]

NEW CASTLE (July 12, 2022) – The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced today that it has selected three companies to operate its Medicaid Managed Care Program. DHSS’ Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) will continue its MCO partnership with Highmark Health Options Blue Cross Blue Shield, which began in 2015, and […]

***WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGE BELOW. MAY TRIGGER.***       DOVER, DE (Aug. 5) – The Office of Animal Welfare’s (OAW) Delaware Animal Services (DAS) is seeking the public’s help with providing any information that may lead to identifying the person responsible for abandoning a dog that was found clinging to life earlier this week. The […]

DOVER, Del. – State Auditor Kathy McGuiness announced today the upcoming release of fifteen examinations of Delaware’s Long-Term Care Facilities. “Today my office is releasing the ‘Examination of The Moorings at Lewes Nursing Home Long-Term Healthcare Facility’, but there will be many more in the coming weeks as part of this office’s regular review of […]

DOVER, Delaware – Today, Delaware State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness released the following statement in response to the Memorandum Opinion and Order from the court confirming the Auditor’s Office’s power to conduct performance audits: Judge Karsnitz released his decision in our court case with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) regarding our requests […]

   DOVER, DE (Aug. 19, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports that the 7-day average of new positive COVID-19 cases has declined since the previous monthly update in July. However, COVID-19 is still circulating in the community, and at higher levels in some counties. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels data tracker, which was last […]

DOVER, DE (Aug 31, 2022) ­– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing that it has been re-accredited by the national Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).  The Board formally issued Delaware’s continued accreditation status on Aug. 18. In maintaining its accreditation status for another five years, DPH has demonstrated that it meets PHAB’s […]

DOVER, DE (August 30, 2022) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) is releasing a 2020 State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) fact sheet on all drug overdose deaths that occurred in Delaware. This snapshot contains fatality data abstracted from the state’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) collaborative. DPH collects and analyzes unintentional drug overdose […]

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is sharing upcoming opportunities for individuals to get vaccinated against the monkeypox virus (MPX). The current case count for MPX in the state is 33, including 22 cases in New Castle County, two cases in Kent County, and nine cases in Sussex County. Delaware continues to offer vaccinations to people […]

DOVER, DE (September 16, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is pleased to share declines in hospitalizations, test positivity rates and the 7-day average of new positive COVID-19 cases continued for the second month in a row.  Deaths also remain low. However, COVID-19 is still circulating in the community, and at higher levels […]

Goal is to Connect At-Risk Community Members to Substance Use Disorder Services WILMINGTON (Sept. 19, 2022) – As a way to directly connect community members struggling with opioid use disorder and other behavioral health issues to treatment, recovery and prevention services, the Community Well-Being Initiative (CWBI), which began in 2021 in high-risk areas of New […]

NEW CASTLE (Sept. 27, 2022) – Nominations for the 2022 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards, which honor exemplary service and the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals, age 18 or older, and organizations who are making a difference across Delaware communities, are now open. “Volunteers all across our state are doing incredible things on […]

DOVER, DE (Sept. 29, 2022) – October 2 marks the official start of the 2022-2023 influenza (flu) season. The flu vaccine plays a pivotal role in helping to avoid significant flu-related illnesses, including hospitalization and death. The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) believes it is vital for Delawareans to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting […]

DOVER, DE (Oct. 6, 2022) ­– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has created new resources and a new webinar specifically for pharmacists as part of its ongoing work to reduce substance use disorder.  DPH has worked with partners in the medical community to develop Delaware-specific, evidence-based education materials, aiming to reduce the risk of […]

DOVER, DE (Oct. 10, 2022) – Delaware’s cancer mortality, or death, rate has further declined, according to the latest cancer data from the Division of Public Health (DPH).  Between 2005 and 2019, mortality rates for cancer at all locations throughout the body, known as all-site cancer, decreased an average of 1.7% per year in both Delaware and […]

DOVER, DE (Oct. 11, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing two new laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza, one each in New Castle and Sussex counties for the 2022-2023 flu season. The cases involve an unvaccinated 43-year-old Sussex County woman, and an unvaccinated child under 5 years – old in New Castle County, both with influenza strain A. The new […]

DOVER (Oct. 21, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services is announcing today that it is mailing letters to service recipients and legal guardians who were impacted by a recent data breach incident and is providing information to the public regarding the incident. On August 23, 2022, staff within the Division of Developmental […]

*Editor/Reporter note: We originally stated that five DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back locations would be offering Overdose Response Training and Narcan distribution to the public; there are only two – Milford and Middletown. We also erroneously stated that there are 23 locations currently participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back event; there are 22.    […]

The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI) in Smyrna is asking members of the community to sponsor a resident for the holidays. Since many residents have little family involvement or support, the nursing home relies on the generosity of community members including neighbors, local businesses, community organizations, and volunteers to help fulfill resident wishes at the holidays through the Adopt-A-Resident Program.

DOVER, DE (OCT. 27, 2022) – As part of the Delaware State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will conduct a series of community health assessments. The health assessments will help improve understanding of the health concerns and needs of Delaware communities and to improve the future health in Delaware. DPH […]

DOVER, DE (OCT. 28, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is concerned about increases in respiratory viruses in the state, particularly influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). For the week of Oct. 16, 2022, through Oct. 22, 2022, there were 44 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu, compared to 19 cases the week […]

DDDS Aims to Expand Opportunities and Access for Individuals with Disabilities to Join the Workforce DOVER (Oct. 31, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) announced today efforts to expand services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to seek and secure employment. “October is National Disability Employment Awareness […]

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 3, 2022) – The Delaware Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Board has honored the winners of its 2021-2022 Organ Donor Awareness Video PSA Scholarship Contest. The board funds the video public service contest, open to all Delaware high school students, as a way to increase awareness among young people about becoming designated […]

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 4, 2022) – The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, in collaboration with the Lt. Governor’s Office and the Delaware Art Museum, is seeking personal stories and photos from Delaware families who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses. The submissions will be used to create an emotional and educational exhibition […]

The greenhouse is operated by Bright Spot Urban Farm, a program operated by West End Neighborhood House in Wilmington. The Department of Health and Social Services has an agreement with West End to operate the greenhouse and gardens on the Herman Holloway Campus. Proceeds from the sale of the nearly 3,000 poinsettias grown this season will help support youth programs at West End.

DOVER, DE (Nov. 9, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the launch of the My Healthy Community (MHC) influenza (flu) dashboard, which shares weekly as well as seasonal data on positive cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and for the first time, vaccinations in the state. The dashboard is intended to provide an accurate […]

Ten individuals and six groups will be honored with the 2022 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards during a ceremony to be held Dec. 1 at the Executive Banquet & Conference Center in Newark. The award recipients will be recognized for exceptional contributions and outstanding dedication to service and volunteerism in Delaware.

NEWARK (Nov. 14, 2022) – The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) is using the findings from a report based on caregiver focus groups held late last year across the state to enhance its current supports and develop a new approach to caregiver services. This includes the formation of the […]

DOVER, DE (Nov. 17, 2022) — The Maternal Child Health Bureau of the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), Delaware 2-1-1 and other state and community organizations proudly recognized Help Me Grow Delaware during an event celebrating Help Me Grow’s 10th anniversary on Nov. 9 at the Route 9 Library & Innovation Center in New […]

DOVER, DE (Nov. 18, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports that the statewide 7-day average of new positive COVID-19 cases has decreased for the fourth consecutive month. Hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19 have remained low over the same time period. Average new positive cases are lowest in Kent County, with Sussex County only slightly higher. However, […]

Health Officials Fear Opioid Epidemic Has Not Plateaued   NEW CASTLE (Dec. 8, 2022) – In a heartbreaking sign that the opioid epidemic has not plateaued in Delaware, deaths from suspected overdoses in November set a new monthly high total, according to death investigation reports from the Division of Forensic Science. In November 2022, 43 […]

DOVER, DE (Dec. 15, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing several key updates related to COVID-19 data and vaccines.  According to the most recent data on the state’s My Healthy Community data dashboard, the statewide 7-day average of new positive COVID-19  cases has increased slightly following Thanksgiving and other gatherings over the past month. Hospitalizations have also increased. As holiday travel […]