PUBLIC HEALTH RELEASES STATE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN TWO GOALS ESTABLISHED

DOVER (July 21, 2014) - Delaware has completed its first State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). The purpose of the plan is to establish a long-term, systematic effort to address the most important public health problems in Delaware. Approximately 45 agencies participated in the development of the plan, including health care organizations, businesses, community-based organizations, and government. The plan uses state data on health indicators such as obesity and cancer rates, demographics, and even social indicators such as homelessness. Also considered are perceptions of community assets and potential forces of change and opportunities for improvement. As a result of the community collaborative work, two goals were developed, which if addressed, would have a significant impact on the health of Delawareans:

• To assure an infrastructure necessary to increase the adoption of healthy eating and active living
• To improve access to mental health and substance abuse services and supports, including prevention, early intervention, and treatment for all Delawareans.

• Work groups will soon be convening around these two priorities and will use the following strategies to implement their vision:

• Maximize and develop resources
• Build support for change
• Optimize alignment and coordination of efforts
• Integrate health care throughout the lifetime
• Enhance the mental health workforce
• Improved early detection, screening, and early intervention and prevention
• Increase awareness of mental health issues

"What makes this noteworthy is that this is the community's plan," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH Division Director. "The many organizations that participated in this process and who care about the health of Delawareans collectively agree that these are the two most important health problems for us to address. It is now up to all of us to implement activities that will help us reach this goal."

The SHIP can be accessed at the following website: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/sha.html

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. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

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.