Delaware
Health disparities persist for Black mothers in Delaware despite improved health care access
Other factors play a role, too. Things like the “environmental factor, the social determinants of health factors, communities where people live,” she added.
The social determinants of health impact both Black maternal health rates and the general public. For instance, a recent study found social conditions influencing health outcomes for residents in Wilmington and Dover, where poverty rates are 24% and 20%, respectively.
Economic instability and neighborhood environments pose challenges to healthy habits for mothers and those who are pregnant, especially given the prevalence of food deserts in these regions. Health outcomes in areas like Wilmington and other parts of Delaware are closely linked to fresh food availability.
Mpasi emphasized that while Wilmington, the state’s largest city, requires support, attention must also be given to other areas in the southern part of Delaware. She highlighted troubling trends in Kent County, where Black infant mortality has risen by about 80%, Hispanic infant mortality has risen by 16% and white infant mortality has decreased by 43%.
Many women of color, like Mpasi, face challenges in accessing the care they need, particularly when they feel unheard and misunderstood regarding their symptoms and body experiences.
Professionals may perceive their needs differently based on race, adding to these barriers.
“I’ve had that experience myself, trying to seek care and not being heard in terms of listening to my symptoms, and it wasn’t until I mentioned that I was a physician that I saw the care being altered,” she said. “That’s why, again, we can fix some social determinants of health, but that’s where the training part comes in. We have to train our health professionals, our communities.”
Erica Allen is working to address these disparities in her unique way. The mother of four is a licensed practical nurse who serves as the executive director of the Do Care Doulas Foundation. She also had an experience of not being heard by health professionals, which later led to a traumatic event.
During her recent pregnancy, Allen realized that her blood pressure was not normal. Despite seeking treatment, she said she was neglected by her health care providers, which led to the development of pre-eclampsia.
“I noticed that my blood pressure was trending on the higher side, I spoke up… I was told everything was okay. Weeks passed [and] they actually had scheduled me for 38 weeks to be induced,” she said. “I didn’t even make it to 38 weeks, by that time I ended up having pre-eclampsia, which I was alluding to and going to the hospital to let them know, ‘Hey, like, this is where it’s headed,’ and I was not heard.”
After being induced due to pre-eclampsia, Allen had a traumatic delivery experience and hemorrhage. Inspired by her own story and the experiences of many others, she decided to open her own organization to help mothers like her find doulas who can advocate for them before, during and after birth.
Delaware
*Update – Victim Identified* State Police Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Crash Near Middletown – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware
Delaware State Police have identified 61-year-old Ronald Clift of New Castle, Delaware, as the man who died in the fatal motorcycle crash near Middletown on April 28, 2024.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Sergeant J. Jefferson by calling (302) 365-8484. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.
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Delaware
Governor Carney Announces Delaware’s General Obligation Bonds Again Earn Triple-A Ratings and Attract Excellent Pricing – State of Delaware News
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Tuesday announced that the State of Delaware has once again received the highest possible AAA/Aaa ratings from the nation’s top rating services.
The State of Delaware received competitive bids on Tuesday for its upcoming sale of $359 million of General Obligation Bonds. The State’s bonds carry the highest possible ratings assigned by the nation’s major rating services – Fitch, Moody’s, KBRA and S&P Global Ratings – contributing to excellent results for the State and Delaware’s taxpayers.
“Delawareans deserve a state government that responsibly manages taxpayer dollars,” said Governor John Carney. “I was proud to work with then-Governor Tom Carper in the 1990s when Delaware first achieved a triple-A rating from the major bond rating agencies. Over the last quarter century — through good times and bad — our General Assembly and Governors worked hard to sustain our commitment to economic growth and responsible financial stewardship. I’m confident this will remain a top priority for Delaware’s leaders.”
Ratings are assigned based on criteria that include the State’s financial performance and management, overall debt load, and approach to long-term issues ranging from financial obligations to economic development trends. The highest ratings, Aaa/AAA, are granted to states that are best managed and prepared to meet debt obligations during periods of recession or fiscal stress. The higher a state’s credit rating, the lower its cost to repay bonds.
“Bond buyers continue to show a strong appetite for investing in Delaware. Despite a significantly higher interest rate environment today than just a couple years ago, today’s bids were very competitive,” said Secretary of Finance Rick Geisenberger. “The State’s total interest costs on its new bonds is 3.51%. That’s an increase of about 40 basis points versus last year’s bonds, consistent with Federal Reserve Policy moves over the last year. State taxpayers also realized $6.1 million in savings by refinancing $77 million of existing debt.”
All three rating reports related to the upcoming sale noted the importance of the State’s responsible budget practices and debt management practices. Fitch stressed the “proactive management and institutionalized protections designed to ensure surplus operations.” S&P’s report commented, “the State limits tax-supported debt…and adheres to clearly defined affordability parameters and rapid amortization.” Moody’s focused their comments on “strong limits on appropriations … while allocating surplus funds to non-recurring projects.” All agencies continue to regard the ratings as “stable” underpinned by the state’s strong reserves and continued economic growth.
“Delaware’s financial condition has never been stronger,” said Treasurer Colleen Davis. “The Delaware Treasury in collaboration with the Cash Management Policy Board continues to monitor strong liquidity and reserves. This lowers the State’s borrowing costs and increases interest income available for critical investments in schools, public safety, and our quality of life.”
Proceeds of the sale will fund a portion of the State’s capital program as well as refund previous bonds to realize debt service savings. Closing on the sale and receipt of bond proceeds is scheduled for May 15, 2024.
Rating reports can be found at the Delaware Department of Finance’s website.
Related Topics: general obligation bonds, triple-A rating
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.
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Tuesday announced that the State of Delaware has once again received the highest possible AAA/Aaa ratings from the nation’s top rating services.
The State of Delaware received competitive bids on Tuesday for its upcoming sale of $359 million of General Obligation Bonds. The State’s bonds carry the highest possible ratings assigned by the nation’s major rating services – Fitch, Moody’s, KBRA and S&P Global Ratings – contributing to excellent results for the State and Delaware’s taxpayers.
“Delawareans deserve a state government that responsibly manages taxpayer dollars,” said Governor John Carney. “I was proud to work with then-Governor Tom Carper in the 1990s when Delaware first achieved a triple-A rating from the major bond rating agencies. Over the last quarter century — through good times and bad — our General Assembly and Governors worked hard to sustain our commitment to economic growth and responsible financial stewardship. I’m confident this will remain a top priority for Delaware’s leaders.”
Ratings are assigned based on criteria that include the State’s financial performance and management, overall debt load, and approach to long-term issues ranging from financial obligations to economic development trends. The highest ratings, Aaa/AAA, are granted to states that are best managed and prepared to meet debt obligations during periods of recession or fiscal stress. The higher a state’s credit rating, the lower its cost to repay bonds.
“Bond buyers continue to show a strong appetite for investing in Delaware. Despite a significantly higher interest rate environment today than just a couple years ago, today’s bids were very competitive,” said Secretary of Finance Rick Geisenberger. “The State’s total interest costs on its new bonds is 3.51%. That’s an increase of about 40 basis points versus last year’s bonds, consistent with Federal Reserve Policy moves over the last year. State taxpayers also realized $6.1 million in savings by refinancing $77 million of existing debt.”
All three rating reports related to the upcoming sale noted the importance of the State’s responsible budget practices and debt management practices. Fitch stressed the “proactive management and institutionalized protections designed to ensure surplus operations.” S&P’s report commented, “the State limits tax-supported debt…and adheres to clearly defined affordability parameters and rapid amortization.” Moody’s focused their comments on “strong limits on appropriations … while allocating surplus funds to non-recurring projects.” All agencies continue to regard the ratings as “stable” underpinned by the state’s strong reserves and continued economic growth.
“Delaware’s financial condition has never been stronger,” said Treasurer Colleen Davis. “The Delaware Treasury in collaboration with the Cash Management Policy Board continues to monitor strong liquidity and reserves. This lowers the State’s borrowing costs and increases interest income available for critical investments in schools, public safety, and our quality of life.”
Proceeds of the sale will fund a portion of the State’s capital program as well as refund previous bonds to realize debt service savings. Closing on the sale and receipt of bond proceeds is scheduled for May 15, 2024.
Rating reports can be found at the Delaware Department of Finance’s website.
Related Topics: general obligation bonds, triple-A rating
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.
Rahway NJ: Burglaries and car thefts on the rise in Rahway, police say
The Rahway Police Department reports a significant uptick in residential break-ins linked to a growing trend of high-end vehicle theft groups operating within the state. Seen here is an alleged attempted vehicle theft incident.
ALEXANDRIA – The best chance Bernards High School’s baseball team had of breaking through on Delaware Valley ace lefty Ryan Auten Tuesday afternoon was in the first inning.
The Mountaineers loaded the bases with one out on two singles and walk. But the 6-foot-5 sophomore struck out two to end the threat. He eventually got in his rhythm and did what’s come to be expected of him – he dominated.
The Terriers had a four-run fourth inning sparked by senior Brady Riordan’s three-run homer and went on to win 5-0.
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Auten allowed only those two first inning hits, struck out 12 and walked two in his 5 2/3 inning, 91-pitch effort. Dan Shapiro went the last 1 1/3 innings.
“I struggled in the beginning with walks, but then focused up, threw strikes, got my pitches in and did my thing,” said Auten.
Del Val took a big step in taking the Skyland Conference Valley Division title. The Terriers (8-3-1) are 5-1-1 in the division with one game left with Phillipsburg. Bernards (6-6-1) is 4-2 with games against Phillipsburg and Gill St. Bernard’s left.
Auten was coming off an 111-pitch, 6 1/3 inning effort against Gill St. Bernards last Thursday so coach Marty White was sure not to push the youngster.
“He’s fantastic, and I think he might be the best pitcher in the conference,” said White. “When he comes out and hits his spots, I mean he just starts going and blowing past batters.
“He’s legit, he’s gonna be a D1 player somewhere, We weren’t going to run him past 90 (pitches) today. He had a 4 1/2 day rest and we felt comfortable with that.”
Auten pitched five innings with 10 strikeouts and five walks against Bernards April 11 in a 4-2 win. Shapiro got the win in relief.
Bernards senior ace Evan Hoeckle, who took the loss in that game despite 6 1/3 strong innings, went six innings in the rematch, He allowed seven hits with six strikeouts, a walk and a hit by pitch.
“We didn’t put the ball in play enough,” said Bernards coach Jeff Falzarano. “We took too many fastballs down the gut, and you have to hit fastballs. You can’t let him get into a positive count. We have to play better defense, and we can’t strike out 14 times.”
Sophomore Cooper Fransen had two hits, a run scored and stolen base for Del Val. Junior catcher Matt Falzarano – coach Falzarano’s son – had two hits and a walk.
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