Government & Civics Archives - Page 12 of 77 - Milford LIVE! - Local Delaware News, Kent and Sussex Counties

The open burning ban is in effect until September 30. (Photo by Liudmila Chernetska/iStock Getty Images)

Delaware’s annual open burning ban begins May 1 to protect air quality

Jarek Rutz May 1, 2025Headlines, State Government

Delaware’s annual open burning ban goes into effect today, May 1, and will remain in place through September 30, as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve air quality during the high-risk ozone season. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) reminds residents and visitors that most forms of outdoor burning are prohibited during this time. …

Sussex County Land Trust Named 2025 Dogfish Dash Beneficiary

Danielle Valletti April 29, 2025Headlines, Lifestyle & Arts, State Government

The Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) has been selected as the nonprofit beneficiary of the 2025 Dogfish Dash, scheduled for Sunday, September 28, 2025. Hosted at Dogfish Head’s Milton Brewery, the annual 3.81-mile race draws nearly 2,000 participants and remains one of the region’s most anticipated community events. READ MORE: Delawareans: participate in nation’s largest one-day food drive May 10 …

This year's theme of the construction safety initiative is "Respect the zone, so we all get home."

‘Respect the zone so we all get home’, DelDOT urges for construction safety

Jarek Rutz April 24, 2025Headlines, State Government

State officials gathered at the East Camden Bypass this week to highlight the importance of driver safety during National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual campaign aimed at reducing crashes and fatalities in highway work zones. Secretary of Transportation Shanté Hastings, joined by Representative Lyndon Yearick, Delaware State Police Lieutenants India Sturgis and Mark Dawson, and DelDOT workers, emphasized the …

Gov. Meyer Launches Statewide Collaborative to Cut Homelessness in Half

Danielle Valletti April 19, 2025Headlines, State Government

In a move to address the growing homelessness crisis across the First State, Governor Matt Meyer signed Executive Order #8 on Thursday, establishing the Delaware Interagency Collaborative to End Homelessness. The announcement was made at the New Castle County HOPE Center, an innovative shelter and support hub Governor Meyer helped open in 2021 during his time as County Executive. The …

REAL ID REGULATIONS WILL START TO BE ENFORCED MAY 7. (PHOTO COURTESY OF DELAWARE DMV)

DMV urges residents to check REAL ID compliance ahead of May 7 deadline

Jarek Rutz April 15, 2025Headlines, State Government

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles is reminding residents to ensure their driver’s license or identification card is REAL ID compliant ahead of a federal enforcement deadline set for May 7. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed the deadline will not be extended. After that date, only REAL ID-compliant identification or other federally accepted forms, like a U.S. …

Several school districts have recently evaluated their cell phone policies. (Photo by dolgachov/iStock Getty Images)

Delaware lawmaker push for stricter school cell phone policies

Jarek Rutz April 10, 2025Headlines, State Government

In an effort to curb classroom disruptions and address rising concerns over student behavior and mental health, Delaware lawmakers are advancing new legislation that would require all public schools and charter schools in the state to adopt stricter policies on student cell phone use. Sen. Eric Buckson, R-South Dover, introduced Senate Bill 106 on Tuesday, a bipartisan measure aimed at …

Gov. Matt Meyer will give his first State of the State address Thursday at 2:30 p.m. in Dover.

TODAY: Gov. Meyer to give State of the State address at 2:30 p.m.

Jarek Rutz April 10, 2025Headlines, State Government

The annual State of the State is back Thursday, in which first-year Governor Matt Meyer will address the Delaware public. The Democrat governor will deliver his speech during a joint session of the state’s legislature in Dover. A State of the State address is a speech given by a governor of a U.S. state, usually once a year, to outline the …

The task force's report outlines nine key objectives to creating sustained affordable housing options in Delaware. (Photo by mohd izzuan/iStock Getty Images)

Delaware Task Force unveils final report on increasing affordable housing production

Jarek Rutz April 8, 2025Headlines, State Government

The Affordable Housing Production Task Force released its final report Monday, providing a comprehensive set of nine key objectives aimed at addressing the state’s growing housing crisis. The report, which follows months of deliberations and reviews of 71 specific recommendations, lays out actionable steps to increase the availability of affordable housing across Delaware. Formed in August 2024 under House Bill …

The new bar exam will take effect in early 2028. (Photo by Natee Meepian/Adobe Stock)

Delaware to implement NextGen Bar Exam starting February 2028

Jarek Rutz April 8, 2025Headlines, State Government

A new test for aspiring attorneys in Delaware will be introduced in a few years. Delaware will begin using the NextGen bar exam in February 2028, following approval from the Delaware Supreme Court. New bar exam The new exam, developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), will replace the current Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) and the Multistate Performance …

The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement issued a cease-and-desist to VGW Luckyland, Inc., an online gambling platform. (Photo by Bet_Noire/iStock Getty Images)

Del. issues cease-and-desist to VGW Luckyland for illegal online gambling

Jarek Rutz April 7, 2025Headlines, State Government

Delaware authorities have issued a cease-and-desist order to VGW Luckyland, Inc., a subsidiary of Australian-based VGW Holdings Ltd., following an investigation revealing the company’s involvement in illegal online gaming operations. The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) discovered that VGW Luckyland had misrepresented its services as a promotional sweepstakes, while enabling players to purchase virtual coins to play casino-style games. …

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Medical journal points to Milford Wellness Village as model for rural health care
Peer-reviewed article says the Milford campus is improving access, supporting seniors and demonstrating the potential to reduce health care costs By George D. Rotsch, Editor of Milford LIVE MILFORD — A new article in the peer-reviewed Delaware Journal of Public Health identifies Milford Wellness Village as a promising model for delivering coordinated health care and social services in rural communities. The article concludes that the Milford campus is helping older adults manage chronic illnesses, remain independent and gain access to services that are often difficult to find in Kent and Sussex counties. Published by the Delaware Academy of Medicine and Public Health, the journal describes Milford Wellness Village as an integrated campus that brings together more than 30 health care and social-service providers at the former Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital property. The journal uses a formal peer-review process in which qualified experts evaluate submissions for scientific, policy and analytical value, including the strength of their conclusions and interpretation of evidence. That review gives the article greater credibility than a traditional promotional report, although its conclusions remain those of the authors. The article, “Milford Wellness Village — Foundation of Value-Based Care in Rural Delaware,” was written by health policy consultants Jeanne De Sa and Andrew Spicer. It argues that the village’s combination of medical care, senior services, rehabilitation, care coordination and social support could provide a blueprint for other rural communities. “By transforming this space into a co-located, multi-organizational ecosystem,” the authors wrote, Milford Wellness Village provides a broad continuum of care in one location. The 22-acre campus includes a 256,000-square-foot former hospital building that has been redeveloped rather than demolished or converted to an unrelated commercial use. The journal said the approach preserved a familiar, centrally located health care facility while avoiding some of the time and expense associated with building a new campus. Addressing rural health care gaps The article says older residents in southern Delaware face a series of interconnected challenges, including provider shortages, transportation difficulties, social isolation and fragmented medical care. Those barriers can contribute to unnecessary emergency-room visits, interrupted treatment and the premature placement of seniors in nursing facilities, according to the authors. Milford Wellness Village was designed to address those problems by placing providers and support organizations near one another and creating systems through which they can coordinate care. Services on the campus range from primary and preventive care to physical therapy, behavioral health, chronic-disease management, senior care and skilled nursing. Providers and programs identified by the journal include Village Primary Care, La Red Health Center, Aquacare Physical Therapy, Easterseals Delaware, PACE Your LIFE and Polaris Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center. PACE Your LIFE provides coordinated medical, nutritional, rehabilitative and social services for older adults who need a nursing-home level of care but prefer to continue living in the community. Polaris operates a 100-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility designed in part to help patients recover after hospitalization and return safely to independent living. Evidence of improved outcomes The journal points to the WeCare program as one of the strongest examples of the village’s potential impact. Administered by Education Health and Research International, WeCare uses nurses and care coordinators to assist at-risk seniors across southern Delaware. Its services include chronic-disease education, diabetes management, fall prevention and medication support. According to the article, a three-year independent evaluation by the University of Delaware found that WeCare participants reported improvements in quality of life and maintained or improved their ability to perform activities associated with daily living. A related analysis conducted with the Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance and the Delaware Health Information Network found measurable savings in health care use among participants when compared with a similar group of older adults who were not enrolled, the journal reported. The authors said those findings suggest coordinated community care can reduce the risk of expensive hospitalization or institutional care while allowing more older adults to remain at home. Moving toward value-based care The article describes Milford Wellness Village as an example of “value-based care,” a system in which providers are rewarded for improved health outcomes and efficient care rather than simply for performing a larger number of services. Under that approach, services such as patient navigation, disease management, nutrition assistance and transportation support can be treated as part of health care because they may prevent more costly medical problems later. The journal argues that the village’s structure is particularly well suited to that model because providers can coordinate treatment, monitor outcomes and address both medical conditions and the social circumstances that affect a patient’s health. The article says the campus could help reduce spending by Medicare and Medicaid if coordinated care results in fewer hospital admissions, emergency visits and unnecessary nursing-home placements. Training the rural workforce The journal also highlights Milford Wellness Village’s role in addressing southern Delaware’s health care workforce shortage. Milford Wellness Village and Education Health and Research International are working with Delaware State University on training and clinical programs focused on the needs of older adults. The article says the federal Health Resources and Services Administration awarded a $5 million grant to Delaware State University and its lead partner, EHRI, to expand evidence-based chronic-disease programs for older adults with complex medical needs. The authors conclude that the village offers “a highly reproducible blueprint” for geriatric and rural health care by combining clinical treatment, social services, workforce training and the reuse of an existing community asset. TO-GO BOX Milford Wellness Village What it is: A 22-acre health care and social-services campus developed at the former Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital property. What the journal says: A peer-reviewed article in the Delaware Journal of Public Health identifies the village as a promising model for coordinated rural health care, particularly for older adults and people managing chronic illnesses. Services available: Primary care, rehabilitation, behavioral health, chronic-disease management, senior services, skilled nursing, care coordination and social support. Key finding: The article cites research indicating that participants in the WeCare program experienced improved quality of life and maintained or […]
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Milford Wellness Village helps parents manage care, time and family life
From primary care and pediatrics to childcare, therapy, transportation and pharmacy services, the Milford campus can help families save time, reduce stress and receive more coordinated care. By George Rotsch, Editor of Milford LIVE MILFORD, DE: For a Milford mother juggling work, school schedules, medical appointments and the everyday demands of raising young children, health care can quickly become a maze of separate offices, long drives and missed time. Milford Wellness Village is designed to make that easier. The campus brings together a wide range of health, childcare and family-support services in one location, giving parents a place where they can address many of their family’s needs without traveling from office to office across town — or across the county. For families with young children, that can mean more than convenience. It can save time, reduce stress, help parents keep up with appointments and allow families to spend more of their limited free time together. A parent could visit the campus for primary care, pediatric care, pharmacy support, therapy, childcare, physical therapy or help navigating a child’s developmental or medical needs. For a mother managing care for more than one child — or caring for a child with a chronic condition, disability or behavioral-health need — having so many services in one place can make follow-through more realistic. Primary care, pediatrics and pharmacy in one place Among the key services available at Milford Wellness Village are primary care options for parents and children. Village Primary Care offers full-service primary care for adults and families including preventive care, chronic care, and acute visits. For children and adolescents, La Red Health Center offers pediatric and adolescent care, along with women’s health, oral health, behavioral health and chronic disease screening. That combination can be especially helpful for families that need care for both a parent and a child. The campus also includes Genoa Healthcare Pharmacy, an on-site pharmacy that provides personalized medication support. For parents, that can reduce the extra stop that often comes after a doctor’s appointment. Childcare and specialized support for children The village also includes services that go beyond the traditional doctor’s office. Bright Path Kids offers affordable, high-quality childcare with small group sizes, low ratios and flexible scheduling — an important resource for working parents. Nurses ’n Kids provides specialized care for infants and children with acute or chronic medical needs, developmental delays or nutritional challenges. The program is one of only a few of its kind in Delaware and can be a major source of support for families whose children need more than standard childcare. Families of children with disabilities or developmental needs can also find support through Easterseals, the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism and the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative. Easterseals provides children’s therapies, respite services, caregiver support, and case management. The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism offers training and support for families of children with autism. The Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative helps families access assistive devices for children with developmental or physical needs. Support for the whole family The village’s model also recognizes that parents need support, too. Essential Voyage provides therapy for women and children dealing with issues such as PTSD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder and depression. Serenity Consulting offers counseling for individuals, couples, children and families. Those services can be especially important for parents managing stress, family transitions, behavioral-health challenges or the emotional toll of caring for a child with complex needs. Aquacare Physical Therapy also serves families through orthopedic care, pelvic therapy and a wellness gym — services that may be useful for mothers recovering after childbirth or parents dealing with pain, mobility issues or injury. For families without reliable transportation, AEC Medical Transport provides non-emergency medical transportation to help patients get to appointments. And for parents moving between appointments, childcare pickup or therapy sessions, the Village Café offers on-campus breakfast and lunch options. Less driving, more family time For a busy parent, the value of Milford Wellness Village may be measured in hours saved and stress avoided. Instead of scheduling appointments at multiple locations, arranging transportation across town, filling prescriptions somewhere else and trying to coordinate childcare separately, families can find many of those services on one campus. That can make it easier to keep children on track with care, help parents stay current with their own health needs and reduce the burden that often falls on families trying to manage everything alone. For Milford families, the village is more than a collection of providers. It is a practical support system — one that can help parents care for their children, care for themselves and still have time left to live life together as a family. Family-focused services and partners at Milford Wellness Village Primary care Village Primary Care Pediatrics and child-focused care La Red Health Center Nurses ’n Kids Pharmacy Genoa Healthcare Pharmacy Childcare Bright Path Kids Therapy and behavioral health Essential Voyage Serenity Consulting Family and caregiver support Easterseals Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative Physical therapy and wellness Aquacare Physical Therapy Transportation AEC Medical Transport Food and convenience Village Café
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Delaware healthcare professionals to gather in Dover for geriatric care symposium
Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University and Education Health & Research International at Milford Wellness Village are collaborating to bring healthcare professionals together to explore geriatric and age-friendly care. DOVER — As Delaware’s population continues to age, healthcare professionals from across the state will gather on June 5 at Delaware State University for a symposium focused on one critical question: How can healthcare systems, providers, and community partners work together to improve care for Delaware’s aging population? The Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program Symposium, presented by the Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University and Education Health & Research International at Milford Wellness Village, will take place from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center on the university’s Dover campus. The event is designed to help nurses, physicians, caregivers, social workers, and other healthcare professionals better understand the unique and changing needs of seniors as they age. Organizers say the symposium will focus on translating evidence-based practices, education, and current geriatric care practices into practical knowledge that can improve care for older adults throughout Delaware. Addressing Delaware’s aging population The symposium comes as Delaware continues to experience significant growth in its senior population, increasing demand for healthcare workers trained in geriatric care. The event is part of Delaware’s broader Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, a federally funded initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is helping to strengthen Delaware’s ability to care for older adults through workforce training, caregiver support, and community partnerships. At the center of that effort are Karen L. Panunto, EdD, MSN, RN, Principal Investigator for the Delaware GWEP and Tracy Harpe, DNP, RN, Co-Principal Investigator for the program. Panunto oversees the more than $5 million federal grant supporting the program and directs partnerships among Delaware State University, Education and Health Research International at Milford Wellness Village, and aging services organizations across the state. Her work focuses on strengthening geriatric education, expanding dementia-capable care, supporting family caregivers, and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the needs of an aging population. Building a stronger geriatric workforce The symposium reflects the broader mission of the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, which seeks to improve care for older adults by educating current and future healthcare professionals. Through collaboration between the Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University and Education Health & Research International at Milford Wellness Village, the program supports education and training in gerontology, chronic disease management, dementia care, and community-based healthcare. Because Delaware State University is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), organizers say the program also emphasizes reducing health disparities, expanding access to care, and serving underserved communities across Kent and Sussex counties. The agenda focuses on practical senior-care challenges. This year’s symposium theme is “Advancing Age-Friendly Care Across the Continuum: Strengthening Geriatric Care Systems in Delaware through Education, Practice, and Community Partnerships.” The day begins with a Welcome and Opening Remarks featuring: Dr. Gwendolyn Scott-Jones, Dean of Graduate, Adult & Extended Studies | Wesley College Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University Rabbi Halberstam, Chief Strategy Officer for Education Health & Research International Dr. Karen L. Panunto, Associate Professor/MSN Program Director, & Principal Investigator for Delaware Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program at Delaware State University Morning sessions will address several key challenges facing seniors and their healthcare providers: Pharmacology and Geriatric Patient: Avoiding Harm from Medication Lois Chappel, DNP, APC, will discuss how aging affects how the body processes medications and explore strategies to reduce medication-related harm among seniors. Advanced Care Planning in Skilled Nursing Facilities Christie Whitlock, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, will present advanced care planning in skilled nursing facilities, helping providers and families better prepare for future healthcare decisions. Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model Clinton Middleton, MSN, APRN, FNP-D, will introduce the GUIDE Model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience), which focuses on improving care for individuals living with dementia while providing support for family caregivers. Comprehensive Primary Care: Across the Lifespan Following lunch, Louis Silverstein, MD, will discuss how healthcare providers can deliver coordinated care that addresses the changing physical, emotional, and social needs of adults as they age. Strengthening Geriatric Care Systems in Delaware The symposium concludes with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gwendolyn Scott-Jones that explores ways healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations can work together to improve services for older adults. Why the symposium matters Organizers say the topics reflect many of the most important issues affecting seniors today, including healthy aging, medication management, dementia care, caregiver support, mental health, and maintaining independence. The goal is not only to educate healthcare professionals but also to strengthen the network of organizations and providers working to improve the quality of life for older Delawareans. As Delaware’s senior population continues to grow, leaders at Delaware State University, Education Health & Research International, and the Delaware Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program hope the symposium will strengthen Delaware’s healthcare workforce with knowledge, skills, and collaborative partnerships needed to support healthy aging for years to come. If You Go What: Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Symposium Theme: Advancing Age-Friendly Care Across the Continuum: Strengthening Geriatric Care Systems in Delaware through Education, Practice, and Community Partnerships When: Friday, June 5, 2026 Time: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center, Parlor A, Delaware State University, 1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover Presented by: Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University, Education Health Research International at Milford Wellness Village, and the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program Who Should Attend: Physicians, nurses, CNAs, social workers, case managers, community health workers, senior-care professionals, students, and caregivers Registration: go.desu.edu/GWEP2026 Cost: Free Purpose: To share education on evidence-based age-friendly care practices that support senior health, wellness, and caregiving with Delaware’s healthcare workforce and community partners.
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