Delaware
AIDS Walk Delaware to step off Sept. 17
AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium will collectively current AIDS Stroll Delaware, an in-person occasion with walkers stepping off at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 17, at Grove Park in Rehoboth Seaside, in addition to at Brandywine Park in Wilmington. Test-in begins at 9 a.m.
This yr’s theme is Step Up, Step Out: Take away Stigma, Get rid of HIV, Enhance Lives. The stroll strives to advance HIV consciousness, scale back stigma, and endorse HIV-informed group well being for all Delawareans
To register, donate and gather donations, walkers and those that merely wish to fundraise with out attending in particular person could go to AIDSWalkDelaware.org. Strolling is free, and walkers assembly a $30 purpose will obtain a commemorative T-shirt. Anybody with a Fb account can encourage walkers with cheerful feedback on their fundraising pages.
The stroll is the state’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS fundraising and consciousness occasion; it has traditionally attracted greater than 600 individuals and volunteers. The funds raised assist present free HIV testing, case administration providers, HIV-specific psychological well being counseling, HIV training and prevention packages, and housing providers.
At present, there are 3,791 folks in Delaware dwelling with HIV, and about half of them are in case administration care. Delaware is within the prime third of states with the very best HIV an infection charges per capita.
In 2021, almost 40% of all newly identified HIV circumstances occurred amongst folks below age 30. Folks within the 30-39 age group make up 25%. In 2021, the Black/African American inhabitants was disproportionately impacted with virtually 54% of the brand new infections vs. Caucasiasn at 27% and Hispanics at simply over 14%.
To date in 2022, 54 new circumstances have been reported. The best-risk classes are MSM (males having intercourse with males) at 35% and heterosexual transmissions at 31%.
“Our case managers have confirmed that COVID-19 has created extra burdens for folks dwelling with HIV, folks whose immune programs will be particularly weak,” mentioned John Beckley, director of growth and advertising for AIDS Delaware. “Many are battling isolation, melancholy and nervousness. This yr, we stroll with these of us in our hearts.”
A 2021 Delaware survey of individuals dwelling with HIV uncovered that meals insecurity, lack of entry to transportation and unstable housing have added to their considerations. About 11% of individuals surveyed had moved in with others due to pandemic financial impacts, with different respondents navigating homelessness. Closed libraries restricted folks’s capability to entry the web for job searches and different providers.
About 7 % of individuals surveyed had reported receiving optimistic COVID-19 diagnoses. In all, 13 % of these surveyed reported lacking remedy doses, and 20 % reported lacking or delaying routine HIV testing in the course of the pandemic on account of transportation and communication challenges.
As of 2019, UNAIDS knowledge confirmed that the variety of folks worldwide dwelling with HIV was on the rise, however the variety of new annual HIV infections had fallen, as had these dying from the sickness. This was attributed primarily to pre-exposure prophylaxis, often known as PrEP, which might drastically scale back the chance of contracting the virus if one has entry to it.
For these causes, AIDS Stroll Delaware is extra vital than ever – for individuals who’ve been dwelling with compromised well being for a very long time, individuals who have simply realized they’re HIV-positive, individuals who love somebody who’s HIV-positive, and other people for whom the most effective and broadest prevention efforts are nonetheless out of attain.
Stroll funds additionally profit different HIV service organizations, together with CAMP Rehoboth, Ministry of Caring, Stunning Gate Outreach Heart, Latin American Group Heart and William J. Holloway Group Program
Walkers are inspired to go to the Information Neighborhood at their respective park earlier than and after strolling. Canines are welcome at each places. Walkers are requested to comply with CDC and state tips and security protocols in place on the time of the stroll. On the time of this launch, masks are voluntary.
AIDS Stroll Delaware 2022 is being held as a courtesy of Ivira Pharmacy, presenting sponsor. Thanks go to 2022 sponsors: AAA MidAtlantic, Alpha Phi Alpha, Astra Zeneca, Beebe Healthcare, ChristianaCare, Chubb, Corteva Agriscience, Delaware Pleasure, Janssen Prescribed drugs, McCrery & Harra Funeral Houses, Rehoboth Seaside Bears, Rigby’s, Schell Brothers, the Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, the Wawa Basis, ViiV Healthcare, We Work For Well being and Younger Conaway.
For extra info, go to AIDSWalkDelaware.org or contact John Beckley at jbeckley@aidsdelaware.org or 302-652-6776, Ext. 221.
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News | Date Posted: Sunday, June 30, 2024
DOVER, Del. — As the 152nd General Assembly comes to a close, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long on Sunday highlighted historic investments in early education, protections for reproductive justice, and actions that support a safe, healthy, and thriving Delaware.
“As second in command for the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of serving with Governor Carney and working with the Delaware General Assembly to deliver solutions for Delawareans. We’ve persevered in some of the most challenging times. Delaware reversed a $400 million budget deficit and passed the largest infrastructure investments in state history, created more than 30,000 new jobs since 2017, navigated a global pandemic, and expanded protections for our residents even as progress at every level of government was attacked,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long.
“While I know there is much more to do to ensure all residents thrive, I want to take a moment to reflect on our state’s accomplishments and thank my legislative colleagues for never backing down from a fight to do what’s right for Delaware. Since 2017, as President of the Senate I’ve been pleased to support a variety of General Assembly initiatives that have supported the quality of life all residents deserve.”
Key General Assembly Initiatives Include:
-
Addressing gun violence as a public health crisis by strengthening background checks, raising the age to purchase most firearms, and mandating safe storage of guns. Just this year, permit-to-purchase legislation became law to keep our communities safe.
-
Preserving our natural resources and preparing the First State for green technology and clean energy, including wind power.
-
Raising the minimum wage and implementing comprehensive paid family leave statewide.
-
Increasing economic opportunities and second chances through the adult expungement and clean slate laws so all residents can thrive.
On June 30, Governor Carney signed four robust budget bills for Fiscal Year 2025. The $6.1 billion operating budget includes $132 million for state employee and state retiree health costs, $17 million for continued mental health support in Delaware public schools, $10 million for Purchase of Care childcare financial assistance, and $10 million for Opportunity Funding for multilingual learners and low-income students. Opportunity Funding has reached $63 million since 2017, providing dedicated funding for our must vulnerable students in public schools.
Additionally, the $168 million supplemental budget bill consists of one-time expenditures and contingency funds like $56 million to the Other Post Employment Benefits Fund to cover the cost of future retiree healthcare needs.
“It is an honor to chair the Retiree Healthcare Benefits Advisory Subcommittee, where we have heard loud and clear from our state retirees and workers about their concerns regarding their health benefits and the processes to administer those benefits,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long.
“Our group laid out a clear roadmap to protect and preserve the best healthcare not only for our retirees but for current and future generations of state workers. I’m pleased to say that Delaware has made investments that keep our promises to state retirees – including no Medicare Advantage – and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability for our state.”
The $1.1 billion capital budget covers projects to enhance roadways, school construction, state parks, beach and dredging needs, and more. Governor Carney also signed a $98.4 million grants-in-aid bill.
Historic Investments in Education
“Education is the foundation for our families and children. I’m proud that this administration has invested in our students and professionals — raising starting teacher salaries to $60,000 during the next four years. Since 2017, we have we have more than doubled investments in both Purchase of Care and Early Childhood Assistance Program to ensure all Delaware families have opportunities for a high-quality education,” continued Lt. Governor Hall-Long, who chaired the Delaware Early Learning Advisory Committee and created the Basic Needs Closet program so students in high-needs schools will have the basic necessities to effectively participate in class.
“The workforce of tomorrow is in our classrooms today. With continued investment in early education, our children will have high-quality learning in the classroom and throughout life. The first 1,825 days of a child’s life is when 90% of the brain is developed, so we have a window of time to make a difference.”
Protecting Reproductive Justice
“Delaware has led on reproductive justice measures well before the Dobbs decision. When attacks on reproductive care came down across the country, Delaware was one of the few states that could stand strong. Here in the First State, reproductive health services and freedoms continue to be prioritized and protected so that regardless of income, race, or experience no one faces barriers to care. Healthcare is a right – and abortion is healthcare,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long, a career nurse who has held jobs as a childbirth educator and perinatal grief counselor.
Strengthening Behavioral Health and Wellness
Leaning on her experience as a public health nurse, Lt. Governor Hall-Long championed several efforts to address the behavioral health crisis that has gripped the state. Working together, the General Assembly and the lieutenant governor have:
-
Established the Behavioral Health Consortium, an advisory body of advocates, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders that addresses prevention, treatment and recovery for mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders, which she chairs.
-
Led the Pandemic Resurgence Advisory Committee and convened public and private leaders.
-
Created the first overdose system of care in the country.
-
Stood up an opioid impact fee structure and ensured insurance parity for mental health services.
“Too many Delawareans have an empty seat at their kitchen table. Whether it’s due to COVID, suicide, illness or overdose, we must continue to attack the root causes of these issues and fight for strong policies that will make meaningful improvements in the health and wellness of our residents,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long. “We’ve faced the first decline in overdose deaths in 10 years, but it is far from a celebration. With statistics showing a 147% increase in opioid use disorder for Black residents, we must continue to throw the kitchen sink at this issue and fight for equitable access to treatment, care, and healing free from stigma.”
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
News | Date Posted: Sunday, June 30, 2024
DOVER, Del. — As the 152nd General Assembly comes to a close, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long on Sunday highlighted historic investments in early education, protections for reproductive justice, and actions that support a safe, healthy, and thriving Delaware.
“As second in command for the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of serving with Governor Carney and working with the Delaware General Assembly to deliver solutions for Delawareans. We’ve persevered in some of the most challenging times. Delaware reversed a $400 million budget deficit and passed the largest infrastructure investments in state history, created more than 30,000 new jobs since 2017, navigated a global pandemic, and expanded protections for our residents even as progress at every level of government was attacked,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long.
“While I know there is much more to do to ensure all residents thrive, I want to take a moment to reflect on our state’s accomplishments and thank my legislative colleagues for never backing down from a fight to do what’s right for Delaware. Since 2017, as President of the Senate I’ve been pleased to support a variety of General Assembly initiatives that have supported the quality of life all residents deserve.”
Key General Assembly Initiatives Include:
-
Addressing gun violence as a public health crisis by strengthening background checks, raising the age to purchase most firearms, and mandating safe storage of guns. Just this year, permit-to-purchase legislation became law to keep our communities safe.
-
Preserving our natural resources and preparing the First State for green technology and clean energy, including wind power.
-
Raising the minimum wage and implementing comprehensive paid family leave statewide.
-
Increasing economic opportunities and second chances through the adult expungement and clean slate laws so all residents can thrive.
On June 30, Governor Carney signed four robust budget bills for Fiscal Year 2025. The $6.1 billion operating budget includes $132 million for state employee and state retiree health costs, $17 million for continued mental health support in Delaware public schools, $10 million for Purchase of Care childcare financial assistance, and $10 million for Opportunity Funding for multilingual learners and low-income students. Opportunity Funding has reached $63 million since 2017, providing dedicated funding for our must vulnerable students in public schools.
Additionally, the $168 million supplemental budget bill consists of one-time expenditures and contingency funds like $56 million to the Other Post Employment Benefits Fund to cover the cost of future retiree healthcare needs.
“It is an honor to chair the Retiree Healthcare Benefits Advisory Subcommittee, where we have heard loud and clear from our state retirees and workers about their concerns regarding their health benefits and the processes to administer those benefits,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long.
“Our group laid out a clear roadmap to protect and preserve the best healthcare not only for our retirees but for current and future generations of state workers. I’m pleased to say that Delaware has made investments that keep our promises to state retirees – including no Medicare Advantage – and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability for our state.”
The $1.1 billion capital budget covers projects to enhance roadways, school construction, state parks, beach and dredging needs, and more. Governor Carney also signed a $98.4 million grants-in-aid bill.
Historic Investments in Education
“Education is the foundation for our families and children. I’m proud that this administration has invested in our students and professionals — raising starting teacher salaries to $60,000 during the next four years. Since 2017, we have we have more than doubled investments in both Purchase of Care and Early Childhood Assistance Program to ensure all Delaware families have opportunities for a high-quality education,” continued Lt. Governor Hall-Long, who chaired the Delaware Early Learning Advisory Committee and created the Basic Needs Closet program so students in high-needs schools will have the basic necessities to effectively participate in class.
“The workforce of tomorrow is in our classrooms today. With continued investment in early education, our children will have high-quality learning in the classroom and throughout life. The first 1,825 days of a child’s life is when 90% of the brain is developed, so we have a window of time to make a difference.”
Protecting Reproductive Justice
“Delaware has led on reproductive justice measures well before the Dobbs decision. When attacks on reproductive care came down across the country, Delaware was one of the few states that could stand strong. Here in the First State, reproductive health services and freedoms continue to be prioritized and protected so that regardless of income, race, or experience no one faces barriers to care. Healthcare is a right – and abortion is healthcare,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long, a career nurse who has held jobs as a childbirth educator and perinatal grief counselor.
Strengthening Behavioral Health and Wellness
Leaning on her experience as a public health nurse, Lt. Governor Hall-Long championed several efforts to address the behavioral health crisis that has gripped the state. Working together, the General Assembly and the lieutenant governor have:
-
Established the Behavioral Health Consortium, an advisory body of advocates, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders that addresses prevention, treatment and recovery for mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders, which she chairs.
-
Led the Pandemic Resurgence Advisory Committee and convened public and private leaders.
-
Created the first overdose system of care in the country.
-
Stood up an opioid impact fee structure and ensured insurance parity for mental health services.
“Too many Delawareans have an empty seat at their kitchen table. Whether it’s due to COVID, suicide, illness or overdose, we must continue to attack the root causes of these issues and fight for strong policies that will make meaningful improvements in the health and wellness of our residents,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long. “We’ve faced the first decline in overdose deaths in 10 years, but it is far from a celebration. With statistics showing a 147% increase in opioid use disorder for Black residents, we must continue to throw the kitchen sink at this issue and fight for equitable access to treatment, care, and healing free from stigma.”
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
Delaware
Delaware lawmakers pass largest Grants-in-Aid bill in history, $98.5 million for nonprofits
Delaware lawmakers pass a $98.5 million Grants-in-Aid billfor fiscal year 2025, the largest allocation to nonprofits in the state’s history.
Joint Finance Committee (JFC) Vice Chair Kim Williams (D-Stanton) notes some of the largest investments are headed to first responders.
“The Joint Finance Committee committed $11.6 million to our fire companies in statewide fire and ambulance company support to ensure the maintenance and operations of trucks, ambulances [and] rescue boats – a 20% increase above last year,” she said on the House Floor.
The committee also allocated $6.4 million to provide one-time funding of $100,000 each to statewide fire companies and public service ambulances.
It also adds over $17 million for ongoing paramedic operations in all three counties and an additional one-time allocation of $1 million to each county to improve or enhance paramedic operations.
Senior center operations statewide receive $10.3 million, and $29 million heads towards various nonprofits throughout the state.
The bill heads to Gov. John Carney for approval.
The allocation supersedes his Grants-in-Aid recommendation by around $32 million after he proposed a 7.6% decrease in funding from last fiscal year.
Disclosure: Delaware Public Media will receive 250,000 from this Grant-in-Aid bill. DPM received $235,000 during the current fiscal year.
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Alicia Chu of Newark, Del. was named the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2024.
Here is a release from the Distinguished Young Women’s organization.
Mobile, Ala. – On Saturday, June 29, Alicia Chu of Newark, Del. was named the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2024 and presented with a cash scholarship of $40,000 at the conclusion of the 67 th Distinguished Young Women National Finals. Chu earned preliminary awards in the Self Expression and Talent categories totaling $42,000 in cash scholarships across the three-night program.
Following a selection process that began in her home state of Newark, Del., Chu began preparing for the 67 th annual scholarship program. National Finals were held at the Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, Ala. Thursday, June 27 was the first night of the preliminary program followed by the second night on Friday, June 28.
In addition to serving as the national representative of Distinguished Young Women for the next year, Chu will attend Harvard University and plans to pursue a career as a lawyer. Chu is a graduate of Archmere Academy. She is the daughter of Amy Chu. Other participants receiving top awards in the 2024 Distinguished Young Women National Finals include First Runner- Up Nariah Mullins of Knoxville, Tenn., Second Runner-Up Haynes Lewis of Greenville, NC., and Third Runner-Up Ellen Fei of Kentucky. $125,500 in total cash scholarships was awarded during the three-night program.
About Distinguished Young Women
Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Our mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, connecting with a nationwide network of women, developing their self-confidence, and participating in our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school. National sponsors include Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Mobile County, City of Mobile, Alabama Power Foundation, Gant Travel Management, Regions Financial Corporation, John Cauley Jeweler, Jostens, and Alabama Media Group.
Copyright 2024 WALA. All rights reserved.
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