DHSS Press Release |
Date: December 3, 1999 DHSS-79-1999 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Cynthia Collier, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
110 PEOPLE TESTIFY AT HEALTH FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING ON TOBACCO MONEY
Turn out successful at four public hearings, written comments can be sent until Dec. 10
NEW CASTLE - A total of 110 residents came to public hearings in Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown and Glasgow on Nov. 29 and 30 to give their suggestions for spending the estimated $775 million Delaware will receive as part of the national tobacco settlement.
Delaware Health & Social Services Secretary Gregg C. Sylvester, MD, chairs the 12-member Health Fund Advisory Committee. "We were very pleased by the good turnout at the public hearings, and we heard a lot of good suggestions. We will also be accepting written suggestions until December 10, and I urge anyone who wants to have some input to send us their ideas," Sylvester said.
Sylvester also said the first installment of the settlement funds, $ 9.7 million, is scheduled to arrive in Delaware on Tuesday, Dec. 14. Under Delaware Senate Bill 8, the money received as part of the national tobacco settlement must be spent on health-related purposes.
The next Health Fund Advisory Committee meeting will be held from noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 14 at Delaware Technical and Community College, Dover Campus, Conference Room 427.
Written suggestions should be sent by Dec. 10, 1999 to:
Health Fund Advisory Committee
Delaware Health & Social Services, Main Administration Building
1901 North DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
