Health Archives - Page 13 of 38 - Milford LIVE! - Local Delaware News, Kent and Sussex Counties

Bayhealth Honors 35 Graduates of Inpatient Nurse Residency Program

Danielle Valletti April 16, 2025Headlines, Health

Bayhealth honored the newest generation of nursing professionals as 35 individuals graduated from its esteemed Inpatient Nurse Residency Program earlier this month. The year-long program, accredited with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Practice Transition Accreditation Program, provides critical support and mentorship to nurses as they shift from the classroom into the high-stakes environment of acute care. The graduation …

The air quality has improved over the past decade, but there is still room to improve, the report shows. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)

Delaware reports steady progress in air quality despite wildfire setbacks

Jarek Rutz April 16, 2025Headlines, Health

Delaware continues to make gains in improving air quality, according to the 2023 Annual Air Quality Report released by the state’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). The report, based on data from the DNREC Division of Air Quality’s statewide monitoring network, shows most pollutants remained below federal limits — though ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remain …

The deadline to submit for the organ donor awareness contest is Wednesday, April 30. (Photo by CatLane/iStock Getty Images)

Delaware launches scholarship contest to promote organ and tissue donation

Jarek Rutz April 11, 2025Headlines, Health

Delaware high school students have a chance to win scholarships while raising awareness about a life-saving cause. The Delaware Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Board has announced the launch of its 2025 Organ Donor Awareness Video Scholarship Contest, with up to $5,000 in total scholarships available. The annual contest invites students in grades 9 through 12 to create a one- …

Running 4 Miracles: Delaware Marathon Honors Premature Babies

Danielle Valletti April 10, 2025Culture, Headlines, Health

This Sunday, April 13, Delaware will be the tenth stop on a deeply personal and powerful journey: Running 4 Miracles, a nationwide marathon project created by Jason Conway to honor premature babies and raise money for local children’s hospitals. The Delaware leg will support Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington. While the state does not have a Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) …

The Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, involving DRBA Police, takes place April 26. (Photo from New Africa/Adobe Stock)

DRBA Police to join national Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Jarek Rutz April 9, 2025Headlines, Health

The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Police Department will once again participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) 28th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 26. The event aims to reduce the risks associated with unused and expired prescription medications by providing a secure and convenient way for the public to dispose of potentially dangerous drugs. …

The website comes during a time of several months of drought conditions and warnings in the state. (Photo by JJ Gouin/Adobe Stock)

Delaware launches new website to track drought conditions, water supply

Jarek Rutz April 8, 2025Headlines, Health

As Delaware continues to face ongoing drought conditions, the Delaware Climate Office has unveiled a new website designed to keep residents informed about the state’s water supply. This initiative, which has been in development since late last year, comes as the state has remained under a drought watch since October 2024. The site, developed by the University of Delaware’s Center …

Beth B. Miller, left, and Melissa Hovatter, are the two new board members for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition.

Del. Breast Cancer Coalition reshapes with 2 new board members

Jarek Rutz April 1, 2025Headlines, Health

The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC) has announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Beth B. Miller, an attorney from New Castle County, and Melissa Hovatter, a Maryland resident and advocate for breast cancer awareness. These individuals bring valuable experience and unique perspectives that will strengthen the organization’s efforts to support those affected by breast …

The settlement has ties to generic drugs purchased within a decade-long period from 2009 to 2019. (Photo from Myriam Zilles/Unsplash)

Del. joins $39.1M price inflation settlement with drug co.; consumers urged to check payout eligibility

Jarek Rutz March 28, 2025Headlines, Health

Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings is encouraging consumers who may have purchased certain generic drugs to check their eligibility for compensation as Delaware joins a multistate effort in seeking preliminary approval for a $39.1 million settlement with the generic drug manufacturer Apotex. The settlement, which is part of a broader legal action involving all 50 states and territories, addresses allegations …

The YMCA's new program comes at a time where 36% of the state is affected by hypertension. (Photo by Photo Sesaon/Adobe Stock)

YMCA unveils blood pressure self-monitoring program to fight hypertension

Jarek Rutz March 19, 2025Headlines, Health

Nearly 4 in 10 Delawareans struggle with hypertension, and the YMCA is taking action to address this statistic. In an effort to combat Delaware’s growing hypertension crisis, the YMCA of Delaware has launched a new Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring (BPSM) program aimed at empowering individuals to take control of their heart health. Initially available at the Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA with virtual …

Barb Dommel Leadership 800x800 2 e1742337177478

Wilmington Hospital Care Technician honored with ChristianaCare ROSE award

Claudia Estrada March 18, 2025Headlines, Health

WILMINGTON- Barbara Dommel, a patient care technician at Wilmington Hospital’s Joint Replacement Center, has been recognized for her dedication and compassion with the ChristianaCare ROSE Award. The ROSE Award recipients are chosen through an anonymous selection process by the Professional Nurse Council at ChristianaCare. The award recognizes a range of non-nursing caregiving roles, including patient care technicians, medical assistants, surgical …

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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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Milford Wellness Village to anchor $1.25M federal grant expanding chronic-disease self-management for caregivers and adults with disabilities
EHRI, based at the Milford campus, is pleased to announce enrollment opportunities in May! MILFORD, Del. — A $1.25 million federal grant awarded several months ago is positioning the Milford Wellness Village as a central hub for expanded mental health education services across Delaware, with Education Health & Research International leading the effort. EHRI, which is headquartered at the Wellness Village, received the funding through the Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The organization is responsible for designing and implementing the program, while the Milford campus will serve as the operational base and coordination center. EHRI has announced the first no-charge, once-a-week, six-part course. to help individuals living with ongoing medical conditions, worry, and/or life stressors. “The project directly addresses combined health factors that lower quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities, such as increased healthcare costs and a strain on caregivers and health systems,” said Rabbi Halberstam, EHRI’s chief strategy officer. How the pieces fit together The initiative brings together three key elements: The federal grant provides funding and a program framework focused on prevention and independent living EHRI acts as the lead organization, responsible for program development, coordination, and delivery Milford Wellness Village serves as the physical hub where services, partners, and outreach efforts are connected This structure reflects a broader shift in healthcare toward community-based models that integrate medical, behavioral health, and social services in one location. Focus on mental health and chronic conditions The program will prioritize individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and stress tied to caregiving, grief, financial hardship, or new diagnoses. Rather than providing direct clinical treatment, the initiative emphasizes education and self-management, including: Workshops on stress, grief, and anxiety Tools for managing chronic illness alongside mental health challenges Support resources for caregivers Connections to local healthcare and social services Officials say the goal is to help participants stabilize earlier, reducing the need for emergency care or long-term institutional support. Enrollment Now Open With programming now underway, EHRI officials are pleased to announce enrollment opportunities. Join in a no-cost Workshop, once a week for 6 weeks. Workshops are nationally recognized as making a real difference for individuals living with ongoing medical conditions, worry, and/or life stressors. Bring a loved one or friend and each will learn some new ideas for feeling better and reclaiming control. Tuesdays, May 19 to June 23- 5:30-8 pm Thursdays, May 19 to June 23- 9-1130am Thursdays, June 4-July 9- 5:30-8 pm To register; call, email or go online. Statewide reach through local partners While anchored in Milford, the program is designed to extend across Delaware through a network of partner organizations, including: Mental Health Association in Delaware Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore Jewish Family Services La Red Health Center WeCare Services PACE Your Life Beebe Healthcare Modern Maturity Center These partners will help deliver programming in community settings, expanding access to populations that may not engage with traditional healthcare systems. A growing model for community-based care The initiative comes as Delaware faces increasing demand for mental health services and caregiver support, particularly among its aging population. By linking federal funding, a lead nonprofit organization, and a centralized health campus, the program positions Milford as a model for integrated, community-based care—focused on prevention, education, and long-term independence. If you have any questions, contact Mona Boyer, Milford Wellness Village Education Coordinator Telephone: 302-300-5563 Email: mboyer@milfordwellnessvillage.com ONLINE: https://form.jotform.com/260816298177165
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Milford Wellness Village expands primary care access with addition of new nurse practitioner
This is the latest step in the Wellness Village’s ongoing expansion to address regional healthcare shortages and improve access to preventive, relationship-based primary care in the Milford community. MILFORD, Del. — Primary care services at the Milford Wellness Village continue to grow as Village Primary Care announces the addition of nurse practitioner Juanquetta D. Howell, MSN, FNP-C, expanding access for families and seniors across the Milford area. Health leaders say the move reflects the Wellness Village’s broader mission to strengthen community-based care and address an ongoing shortage of primary-care providers in Sussex County and across Delaware. Howell is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with more than eight years of clinical experience serving patients in southern Delaware. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a family practice specialization and previously worked as a registered nurse before transitioning to primary care. Her clinical background includes chronic disease management, diabetes and asthma care, treatment of anxiety disorders, and support for patients with complex conditions such as end-stage renal disease. Prior to joining Village Primary Care, Howell practiced with I & O Diabetes Consultants in Millsboro and maintained professional affiliations with Bayhealth Kent Campus, Bayhealth Sussex Campus, and Beebe Medical Center. She is licensed in Delaware as a family nurse practitioner, accepts Medicare and participates in collaborative care teams designed to improve continuity for seniors and families managing ongoing health needs. Colleagues describe Howell’s care style as relationship-driven and compassionate, emphasizing listening, shared decision-making and personalized treatment plans—an approach that aligns with Village Primary Care’s patient-centered model inside the Milford Wellness Village. Her arrival is expected to increase appointment availability while preserving the practice’s relationship-based approach, which emphasizes longer visits, continuity with the same provider and coordinated care for patients managing ongoing health conditions. Village Primary Care is led by executive director and family nurse practitioner Kaitlin Fielder, APRN-FNP-C, who designed the practice around extended first visits, preventive screenings and close collaboration with other health services located throughout the Wellness Village campus. The integrated setting allows patients to access rehabilitation, skilled nursing, social services and other supports in one location, improving coordination and reducing transportation barriers. Local demand for primary care remains high. Recent analyses show Delaware faces one of the nation’s most significant shortfalls in primary-care access, with Sussex County needing dozens of additional providers to meet current population needs. Growth in southern Delaware, combined with clinician retirements and workforce shortages, has contributed to longer wait times and increased reliance on urgent care and emergency departments. “Expanding primary care at the Milford Wellness Village is part of our long-term commitment to meeting people where they are and ensuring Milford families can access consistent, coordinated care close to home,” said Lon Kieffer, executive director of the Milford Wellness Village. Village Primary Care currently operates from a temporary suite at 21 W. Clarke Ave. while a permanent, expanded space within the Wellness Village campus is under construction. Leaders say the larger facility will further increase patient capacity and strengthen the campus’s role as an integrated hub for health, wellness and supportive services in central and southern Delaware. “The continued growth of services across the Wellness Village reflects our focus on building a comprehensive, community-centered system of care designed to serve residents at every stage of life,” Kieffer said. The addition of Howell marks the latest step in the Wellness Village’s ongoing expansion as leaders work to address regional healthcare shortages and improve access to preventive, relationship-based primary care in the Milford community.
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Milford Wellness Village to Host Free Lunch & Learn on Advance Care Planning
The Lunch & Learn program is designed for busy schedules, allowing participants to grab a boxed lunch, learn the essentials of advance care planning, and return to work with practical takeaways. MILFORD, Del. — The Milford Wellness Village is hosting families and caregivers for a practical introduction to Advanced Care Planning so that future medical decisions are made before a crisis occurs. The session will be held on Thursday, Jan. 29, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Conference Center Main Board Room at the Milford Wellness Village. The educational presentation will take place during the first 30 minutes, followed by an informal discussion. Lunch will be provided at no cost. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required. Kieffer said the Lunch & Learn reflects the Wellness Village’s commitment to helping families and caregivers prepare before difficult situations arise. “Advance care planning is one of the most important conversations families can have, but it’s often delayed until a crisis,” Kieffer said. “Our goal is to give people clear, practical information in a setting that feels approachable, supportive, and respectful of their time.” Kieffer added the program is designed for busy schedules, allowing participants to grab a boxed lunch, learn the essentials of advance care planning, and return to work with practical takeaways. Advance care planning helps individuals document their healthcare wishes and identify a trusted person to make medical decisions if they become unable to speak for themselves. Delaware encourages all adults age 18 and older to complete an Advance Healthcare Directive. Without advance planning, caregivers and family members are often left making critical decisions during medical emergencies, frequently under intense pressure and with limited information. Clear plans can reduce confusion, prevent family conflict, and ensure care aligns with a person’s values and preferences. The Lunch & Learn format is especially geared toward family caregivers, working adults supporting aging parents, and professionals who regularly interact with older adults or individuals managing chronic illness. Advance registration is required, as space is limited.Seats can be reserved online at:https://form.jotform.com/253554029214150 Those with questions are encouraged to contact the Milford Wellness Village directly. Call Mona Boyer, Director Campus Operations & Workforce Partnerships, Milford Wellness Village Mobile:302-300-5563.
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