Nominations for the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards are being accepted by the State Office of Volunteerism through March 27. These awards recognize the important contributions made by Delaware’s youth volunteers to their communities. Award recipients will be announced in May.

Eligible Families Will Be Reimbursed for Cost of Meals That Would Have Been Available in Schools NEW CASTLE (March 2, 2022) – Delaware households with children affected by school closures or reduced in-person hours or attendance caused by COVID-19 will receive emergency food assistance benefits under the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. Eligible households […]

DOVER, DE (March 4, 2022) – With new positive cases and hospitalizations continuing to decline in Delaware, mask mandates for schools and state buildings were lifted earlier this week across the state, consistent with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC guidance is based on county or community levels of spread and the level […]

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), along with state and federal partners, will hold a virtual meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 regarding ethylene oxide (EtO) – with the meeting’s focus on public health and safety concerns over Croda, Inc.’s EtO production in the New Castle area.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) on Tuesday announced almost $17 million in financial support for Delawareans impacted by the COVID-19 emergency, as well as health care professionals at DHSS’ 24/7 facilities. The new support, which also will expand COVID vaccinations and testing, and […]

DOVER (March 18, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Sussex County residents, who live or spend time near the area of Bayard Avenue and Philadelphia Street in Rehoboth Beach, of a positive case of rabies in a fox. One individual, a non-Delaware resident, was potentially exposed to the fox in the residential neighborhood. The […]

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, […]

NEW CASTLE (April 7, 2022) – The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has launched a new website called CostAware 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 claims in Delaware. Hospital […]

DOVER, DE (April 14, 2022) – Spring break for most Delaware schools will occur the week of April 18.  The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Delaware Department of Education (DOE) are strongly encouraging families to test students for COVID-19 before their return to school following spring break using either over-the-counter (OTC) test kits […]

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.

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 […]

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 17, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports an overall decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalization since the previous monthly COVID-19 update released on May 21, 2022. While COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are experiencing a decreasing trend, DPH encourages Delawareans to rely on trusted prevention actions to stay one step ahead of COVID-19 during this event-filled weekend that […]

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 […]

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 […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday formally extended the Public Health Emergency order another 30 days to allow the State of Delaware and medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs, and issued the following statement:    “It’s important that we continue to stay one step ahead of COVID-19,” said Governor Carney. “Keep doing the things we […]

DOVER, DE (21 de Julio de 2022) – La División de Salud Pública de Delaware (DPH) anuncia el segundo y tercer caso del virus de viruela símica en el estado. Ambos casos se consideran probables a la espera de pruebas de confirmación por parte de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades […]

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium (DHMIC) are seeking applicants for Healthy Women, Healthy Babies (HWHB) Zones mini-grants to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in Delaware using community-based approaches.   It is anticipated that two new mini-grantees will be funded for the new grant cycle — each […]

DOVER, DE (Aug. 8, 2022) — The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention Program (PANO) is seeking mini-grant applications as part of the Advancing Healthy Lifestyles (AHL) initiative to improve community health and reduce chronic health conditions.   PANO expects to award five to eight mini-grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 in September.  All applications are due no later than August 17. The project period will run from October 2022 to May […]

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing additional locations where those who meet eligibility criteria can get the monkeypox (MPX) vaccine. On Monday, DPH expanded access to the vaccine to those living with HIV and those receiving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Friday formally extended the Public Health Emergency order another 30 days to allow the State of Delaware and medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs, and issued the following statement:    “It’s important that we continue to stay one step ahead of COVID-19,” said Governor Carney. “Keep doing the things we know […]

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 […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday formally extended the Public Health Emergency order another 30 days to allow the State of Delaware and medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs. Under Delaware law, Public Health Emergency declarations must be renewed every 30 days. Visit Governor Carney’s website to view the Public Health Emergency […]

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 […]

DOVER, DE (Sept 22, 2022) ­– 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 35, including 23 cases in New Castle County, three cases in Kent County, and nine cases in Sussex County. Delaware continues […]

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 (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 […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday formally extended the Public Health Emergency order another 30 days to allow the State of Delaware and medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs.   “It’s important that we keep doing the things we know that work,” said Governor Carney. “Stay home if you’re sick and get tested. Get vaccinated and […]

DOVER, DE (October 14, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports that the 7-day average of new positive COVID-19 cases has decreased for the third consecutive month. Deaths remain low, and hospitalization rates are holding steady. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels data tracker, which factors in data on hospitalizations […]

*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 […]

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 […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday formally extended the Public Health Emergency order another 30 days to allow the State of Delaware and medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs.   “As we enter the holiday season, it’s important that we keep doing the things we know that work,” said Governor Carney. “Stay home if you’re sick. Get vaccinated […]

In 2021, anonymous reports helped protect 2,184 vulnerable adults from potential abuse; new hotline makes reporting neglect, abuse and exploitation easy and confidential   NEWARK (Nov. 30, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) today announced the launch of the new Adult Protective Services (APS) hotline – 888-APS-4302. With one simple […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Delaware Governor John Carney, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) today announced that Delaware will receive $11,021,366 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen the First State’s public health workforce and infrastructure. Nationwide, the CDC is awarding $3.2 billion to […]

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 […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Friday formally extended the Public Health Emergency order another 30 days to allow the State of Delaware and medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs. “Let’s keep doing the things we know that work,” said Governor Carney. “Stay home if you’re sick. Get vaccinated and boosted when you’re eligible. And get your flu shot […]

DOVER, DE (Dec. 16, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today the state’s first suspected flu-related death for the 2022-2023 influenza season. The patient was a Kent County resident between the ages of 55 – 64 and is not reported as being vaccinated against the flu. Getting the annual flu vaccine is important for all people ages 6 months and older to prevent serious […]

DOVER, DE (Dec. 20, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing changes to COVID-19 testing access in Delaware. Based on operational needs, DPH’s valued partner Curative has decided not to renew its testing contract with the state when it ends in the next two weeks. As a result, Wednesday, Dec. 28 will […]

DOVER, DE (Jan. 3, 2023) – Through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS), Delaware was recently among 47 states to contribute data to the CDC’s Dec. 16, 2022, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, titled “Drug Overdose Deaths Among Persons Aged 10-19 Years – United States, July 2019-December 2021.” The Division of Public Health (DPH) utilizes SUDORS to track available trends and characteristics of […]

With more choice in plans than ever before, enhanced federal subsidies, and Delaware's reinsurance program keeping the cost of monthly premiums relatively steady, enrollment on Delaware's Health Insurance Marketplace for 2023 again set an all-time high, increasing 8% over the open enrollment total for 2022.

DOVER, DE (Jan. 30, 2023) –   The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has been notified of multiple positive cases of COVID-19 that could be related to several in-person events last week in and around Legislative Hall. Out of an abundance of caution, DPH is offering recommendations to those planning to attend Joint Finance Committee hearings beginning […]

Over the past three months (November and December 2022 and January 2023), preliminary data indicates that suspected overdose deaths in Delaware have increased. Suspected accidental overdose data is reported by the Division of Forensic Science (DFS) and is considered preliminary until all data is finalized. Since November, the average monthly increase of suspected overdose deaths is 18.4%. In January 2023, 53 people died from suspected overdoses in Delaware, which represents a 47% increase over […]

NEW CASTLE, Del. (March 21, 2023) – Nominations for the 2023 Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards are being accepted by the State Office of Volunteerism now through Wednesday, April 5, 2023. The awards recognize the tireless efforts of young Delaware volunteers aged 17 and younger. Award recipients will be honored at a ceremony June 21, […]

NEW CASTLE (April 3, 2023) – Delaware’s Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Board announced today the start of its 2023 Organ Donor Awareness Video Scholarship Contest, with a total of up to $5,000 in scholarships available to Delaware high school students. The board funds the video public service contest to raise awareness among young people […]

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) recently held its 24th Prescription Drug Take-Back Day event. Organized nationally by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is operated locally by DPH. The twice-a-year event (April and October) aims to reduce the risk of prescription medications being diverted for misuse and has resulted in 114,470 pounds of medication being collected in Delaware since 2010. […]

Due to a reduction in the Air Quality Index (AQI) CASH BOOTHS at the toll plazas OPENED at 4:45 pm today, June 8, 2023. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will continue to monitor the AQI forecast and determine the effects it may have, if any, on DMV operations for Friday, June 9, 2023. Residents […]