DHSS Press Release

Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Pager 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Date: July 23, 2012
DHSS-72-2012

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT:	Signing of (HS1) for Delaware House Bill 311, which significantly reforms the way emergency mental-health screenings will be done in the state and will help to avoid unnecessary involuntary mental health detentions. The bill provides for mental health screenings at the scene by people trained in mental health care, and the transportation of individuals, if needed, to the least restrictive care setting possible. House Joint Resolution 17 provides for a review of Delaware's civil mental health laws.
WHO:	Gov. Jack Markell Rita Landgraf, Secretary, Department of Health and Social Services Lewis Schiliro, Secretary, Department of Safety & Homeland Security Rep. Michael Barbieri, primary sponsor of HB 311 Sen. Margaret Rose Henry, Senate sponsor of HB 311 Rep. Earl Jaques, sponsor of HJR 17 Robert Bernstein, Court Monitor for the U.S. Department of Justice settlement with the State of Delaware Kevin Ann Huckshorn, Director of the state Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Allen Conover, Executive Director, Rick VanStory Resource Center Bryce Hewlett, Executive Director, Delaware Consumer Recovery Coalition
WHEN:	8:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2012
WHERE:	Rick VanStory Resource Center 801 West St., Wilmington Second-floor lounge The Rick VanStory Resource Center is a peer support center that promotes recovery and quality of life for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness, and is a gathering place for individuals.

PARKING: Parking is available on the street and at an employee lot nearby. Center staff will direct you to the lot.

VISUALS: Gov. Markell will sign HB 311 in the Rick VanStory Resource Center's second-floor lounge in the company of legislators, advocates, medical professionals and consumers.

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.

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