Delaware’s Aging Crisis Sparks Action: State Leaders Launch Geriatric Workforce Initiative at Milford Symposium

MILFORD, Del. — June 18, 2025 — With Delaware aging faster than nearly any other state in the nation, urgency is building to address a looming crisis in senior care. That urgency took center stage yesterday at the first-ever Delaware Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) Symposium, held at the Milford Wellness Village—a pivotal collaboration between Delaware State University and Education Health & Research International (EHRI). 

The event gathered over 100 healthcare professionals and educators to launch what many are calling a “historic step” toward improving the way Delaware cares for its rapidly growing older population.

“Better care for our seniors is not only possible—it is imperative,” said Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay.  Over 28% of Delawareans are now over age 60, with more than 19,000 living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and 37% of residents over 65 living alone. By 2030, Delaware is projected to rank 9th in the nation for the highest proportion of adults 65 and older, added Dava Newnam, Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Delaware Health and Human Services.

The GWEP program, backed by a five-year, $5 million federal grant, aims to develop an interprofessional healthcare workforce trained in age-friendly and dementia-friendly care models. The initiative will integrate geriatric principles into primary care delivery, preparing providers to serve older adults in a way that prioritizes independence, dignity, and access.

“This program is the culmination of years of partnership-building with Delaware State University to create a Southern Delaware education hub,” said Rabbi Halberstam, Chief Strategy Officer for Education Health and Research International. “Together, we can train new professionals, strengthen the workforce, and support organizations providing direct care to thousands of aging Delawareans.”

Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Interim Provost at Delaware State University, introduced the university’s expanded role in providing direct training for health professionals, on-site staff, and students through programs housed at the Milford Wellness Village.

The symposium also introduced the “Delaware Grey Wave”—a movement to elevate awareness and preparedness for the state’s aging population. Experts stressed the importance of community-based models, enhanced policy, and care coordination that reaches seniors where they are.

As part of the initiative, DSU and Milford Wellness Village will serve as the foundation for Southern Delaware’s senior care transformation, bringing together educators, clinicians, and local advocates in one unified effort.

“These numbers are not abstract. These are our neighbors, our parents, our coworkers,” said Lt. Gov. Gay. “We must do better, and thanks to programs like GWEP, we now have the tools and partnerships to make that happen.”

For more information about the GWEP and upcoming training opportunities, visit MilfordWellnessVillage.com or contact Delaware State University’s health sciences department.