Time is Running Out! Registration Deadline is October 28th

Register for MSD's 233rd Annual Meeting! Events taking place are as follows:

• Tuesday, November 1, 2022, 6 p.m. - Annual Meeting of the Council, Virtual. 

• Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 6 p.m. - Annual Meeting of MSD Holding Company Board (Holding Company Board members only), Virtual

• Thursday, November 3, 2022, 6 p.m. - Education Program, "Tragedy, Trust, Truth: Mending Our Society," Virtual. This activity has been approved for 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^TM

• Saturday, November 5, 2022, 8 a.m. Registration - MSD's 5th Annual "Superhero for Hope” 5K Run/Walk, Rockford Park, Wilmington.

• Saturday, November 5, 2022, 6 p.m. - Inaugural Reception, Smyrna Opera House. Registration fee: $50 per person.

To learn more and to register, please visit the MSD 2022 Annual Meeting Information web page or use your cell phone camera to scan the QR code below. Download the Program Booklet.

For questions, contact Mary LaJudice, Senior Director of Corporate Services, at Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org or call (302) 224-5183.

A Simple Call to Serve Led to His Dream of Becoming a Doctor

The Tilton Award, recognizing medical achievement in the state of Delaware, is named after James Tilton, MD, a revolutionary war surgeon, first Army Surgeon General of the U.S., and founder and first President of the Medical Society of Delaware. One has to set unparalleled stewardship for the profession to be considered for this prestigious award. This year, the Medical Society of Delaware and the Tilton Society of Delaware welcomed Richard W. Henderson, MD into the select group of individuals who have been bestowed with this award. Dr. Henderson described his reaction of learning that he was chosen as this year's recipient as being one of complete amazement and bordering on shock. Congratulations, Dr. Henderson! You are well-deserving of this award! Click to read Dr. Henderson's acceptance remarks.

Focused Planning for MSD's Overall Strategic Planning Initiatives

MSD's Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) formally launched in 2021 and has hit the ground running under the leadership of Chair, Cedric T. Barnes, DO. As part of the Committee's desire to focus its energies, the group arranged for a strategic planning retreat, held this past Saturday morning, October 22nd at the Eden Hill Medical Center in Dover. Members of the Committee joined for honest discussion about enhancing MSD's DEI initiative. Results emanating from the retreat will be incorporated into the Society's overall strategic planning initiatives. American Medical Association Health Equity Policy Director, William B. Jordan, MD, MPH, served as facilitator for the activity. Pictured is Dr. Jordan.

Respiratory Viruses on the Increase

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is concerned about the possible impact of a ‘tripledemic’ of respiratory viruses caused by the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. This week’s flu report to be released on Friday, will show an increase of 71 cases for week 42 of the season (compared to a statewide total of 25 cases for the first two weeks). Additionally, new to the influenza surveillance report this year (found at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/influenzawkly.html), is the added data on RSV, which is increasing as well. RSV cases have jumped to 261, an increase of nearly 100 over the previous weeks' totals. DPH is aware of the impact that hospitals are experiencing and are continuing to monitor the situation. DPH is working to increase public awareness of these respiratory viruses, encouraging vaccinations against flu and COVID-19, reminding the public of mitigation strategies such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick.

Impersonates Automated Invoice Notices from MEDITECH and Allscripts

A new health care-focused phishing campaign is taking place currently that impersonates automated invoice notices from MEDITECH and Allscripts. This attack started last week with thousands of emails being distributed to health care organizations. The campaign involves distributing these falsified emails that appear to be from MEDITECH and Allscripts, and directs targets to proactively contact the group’s (fake) call center. Click for screenshots of these emails. Please communicate to your teams to stay alert and look for suspicious signs within emails, especially those claiming to be from MEDITECH or Allscripts. This may just be the start to using more robust EHRs (ex. Cerner, EPIC). Thanks to the Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Health Informatics Department for sharing this information.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Every October, in recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the federal government and its partners work to educate stakeholders on cybersecurity awareness and how best to protect the privacy and security of confidential data. Within the health care industry, the HIPAA Security Rule applies to covered entities and their business associates (“regulated entities”) and electronic protected health information (ePHI). Because ePHI identifies individuals and includes information relating to an individual’s health, treatment, or payment information, it is a valuable target for cyber-criminals. Cybersecurity incidents and data breaches continue to increase across all industries. A 2022 cybersecurity firm report noted a 69% increase in cyber-attacks targeting the health care sector. The number of data breaches occurring in the health care sector also continue to rise. Seventy-four percent (74%) of the breaches reported to OCR in 2021 involved hacking/IT incidents. In the health care sector, hacking is now the greatest threat to the privacy and security of PHI. A timely response to a cybersecurity incident is one of the best ways to prevent, mitigate, and recover from cyberattacks. The HIPAA Security Rule requires regulated entities to implement policies and procedures to address security incidents. This means regulated entities need to have a plan in place and documented for responding to security incidents (suspected or known). Having a plan established and documented is essential to being able to detect security incidents quickly in order to respond to and recover from security incidents effectively. Read more.

Trauma Specialists of Delaware Providing Traumatic Stress Treatment

The American Rescue Plan has provided grant funding for health care workers impacted by stress related to the pandemic. Trauma Specialists of Delaware, a mental health practice located in Lewes, will be offering in person or virtual group Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). EMDR is empirically based modality supported by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and American Psychiatric Association to treat traumatic stress. If you are interested in participating, please contact  Shea Wise at  shea@traumaspecialistsofde.com or Katie@traumaspecialistsofde.com.

Comment Period Open Now Through November 4th

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking input on accessing health care and related challenges, understanding physician experiences, advancing health equity, and assessing the impact of waivers and flexibilities provided in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, through the "Make Your Voice Heard" Request for Information. CMS encourages comments from all interested stakeholders, including patients and their families, physicians, clinicians, consumer advocates, and health care professional associations. CMS is seeking to better understand individual and community-level burdens, health-related social needs, and opportunities for improvement that can reduce disparities and promote efficiency and innovation across our programs. CMS is requesting information related to strategies that address drivers of health inequities, including opportunities to address social determinants of health and challenges underserved communities face in accessing comprehensive, quality care. The public comment period is open now through November 4th. To provide your input, please visit: www.cms.gov/request-information-make-your-voice-heard.

Two Lots Recalled Due to Detection of N-Nitroso Quinapril Impurity

Aurobindo Pharma USA is recalling two (2) lots of Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets, USP 20mg /12.5mg due to presence of Nitrosamine Drug Substance Related Impurity (NDSRI), N-Nitroso-Quinapril above the proposed interim limit. Nitrosamines are common in water and foods, including cured and grilled meats, dairy products and vegetables. Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines. These impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time. To date, Aurobindo Pharma USA has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall. Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets, USP are fixed-combination tablet that combines an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, quinapril hydrochloride, and a thiazide diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide. This product is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Patients are asked to contact their physician about whether to continue taking their medication, whether to consider an alternative treatment, and reporting any problems experienced that may be related to taking this drug product. Physicians are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. You can complete and submit the report online or call (800) 332-1088 to request a reporting form and return to the address on the form or submit by fax to (800) FDA-0178. Read the recall and details of lot numbers.

USPSTF: Evidence Lacking to Assess Screening in Asymptomatic People

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has released a draft recommendation stating there is not enough evidence to advocate for or against skin cancer screening in asymptomatic adults and adolescents. This recommendation currently aligns with the USPSTF’s 2016 recommendation on skin cancer screening in adults and does not apply to patients with a family history of skin cancer or to those showing symptoms. Based on findings from a 17-study systematic review, USPSTF concludes there is currently insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of visual skin examination to screen adolescents and adults for skin cancer (I statement).

Deadline Extended Until November 15th

The Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance has announced that Medicaid Open Enrollment has been extended until November 15th. Clients have until November 15th to make changes to their health plan for 2023. If any member has questions about Open Enrollment or their Managed Care Organization, they can call the Health Benefit Manager at (800) 996-9969 for assistance. 

Governor Signs Proclamation

On Monday, October 24, Governor Carney joined Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, and members of the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition to sign a proclamation recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

NIMHD-Funded Study on Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods

Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in the United States. A recently published National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)-funded study found that men who consumed large amounts of ultra-processed foods had an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer. The findings highlight the relationship between diet and population health outcomes. The study was published by The BMJ. 

Initiative Partners Police Officers with Social Service Providers

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Chief of Police Robert J. Tracy announced the launch of a new initiative to address unmet social service and public health needs in Wilmington neighborhoods. Beginning Thursday, October 27th and on future Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m., Wilmington police officers will partner with social service providers for a series of Wilmington Community Outreach Walks, which will take place at a different City location each week. During each walk, staff from the Community Partner Support Unit Impact Team based at the Winder Laird Porter State Service Center will distribute information and connect residents with resources offered by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. They will be joined by the Porter Center Public Health Clinic, which will offer additional resources and support. Officers will also be accompanied by members of the Delaware Community Response Teams, which are managed by the Delaware Office of Health Crisis Response, who work to provide information and resources – including Narcan – to help reduce opioid addiction and overdose deaths in Delaware. The weekly walk locations will be determined by Wilmington Police sector captains and will cover blocks in their respective areas where there has been an observed need for social services and public health support. As this initiative continues, organizers will work jointly to identify additional locations where interactions would benefit more members of the public. The first Wilmington Community Outreach Walk takes place today Thursday, October 27, in the area of West 7th Street and North Washington Street. Each week, the location of the next walk will be shared by the Wilmington Police Department on Facebook (@Wilmington Police), Twitter (@WPDPIO) and Instagram (@WPDPIO).

Advancing Healthy Lifestyles Initiative

The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention Program (PANO) awarded mini grants to eight community partners as part of the Advancing Healthy Lifestyles (AHL) Initiative. Using a health equity lens, the AHL Initiative aims to improve community health and reduce chronic conditions through policy, systems, and environmental approaches. The grants support projects that provide outreach and education and opportunities for physical activity, access to healthy food, and maintaining a healthy weight. For example, the 4-H Cooperative Extension will promote physical activity in schools, the community, and the workplace, including Walk with Ease, Walk Across Delaware, Walking through the Holidays, and “plogging.” The Boys and Girls Club of Delaware will enhance educational opportunities on a mini farm, facilitate food education/nutrition programs, and enhance their partnerships with local partners. The City of Newark’s grant supports the establishment of a second community garden to foster community and a healthy lifestyle. The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s grant supports a free and public 12- week health education program for individuals at risk for chronic disease, including breast cancer, to increase physical activity and nutritional knowledge. Other awardees are Delaware Greenways of Northern Delaware, the Inner City Cultural League of Dover, the Worship Christian Center of Camden/Dover, and YMCA of Delaware. For more information, watch the 28-minute webinar: https://www.healthydelaware.org/CommunityPartners/Advancing-Healthy-Lifestyles#mini-grantinitiative-webinar or contact Shebra K. Hall, MPA, PANO Program Administrator, at 302-744-1011 or shebra.hall@delaware.gov.

Application Deadline Extended to November 4

In September, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, PhD, RN, announced the creation of the Prevention and Recovery Support Services Fund to reduce overdose deaths across Delaware by addressing barriers to sustained recovery such as transportation, housing and workforce capacity. The deadline for applications has been extended. Organizations, including service providers and community organizations, may submit funding applications up until Friday, November 4, 2022, at 5 p.m. The application can be accessed at https://ltgov.delaware.gov/recovery-management-support-services-fund/. Funding may be used to eliminate the barriers Delawareans are experiencing, or at-risk for developing substance use disorder when accessing support services. As the rise in drug overdose deaths has disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities and people living in rural areas, projects addressing service needs in impacted communities will be prioritized. 

Original Medicare Plan and Rates Will Remain Through 2023

As reported in last week's eNews and Views, a temporary block was placed on the state's plan to transition state government retirees' health insurance from original Medicare to a privately-managed Medicare Advantage plan by the Delaware Superior Court. Enrollment was to start this week. The Delaware Supreme Court judge issuing a stay of the implementation of the Medicare Advantage Plan ordered the state to take steps to ensure the retirees' current health care remains in full force and effect while the stay is in effect. In action taken earlier this week citing the Delaware Code Emergency Powers Act, the State Employment Benefit Committee will allow state retiree health plans to continue as they are through 2023, with rates remaining the same as they were for 2022. There is no longer a need for the General Assembly to meet and consider legislation, as was planned for holding a special session on Wednesday of this week. Town Square Live, quoting Claire DeMatteis, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, reported that, keeping the current retiree health plan will cost the state $6.8 million to $7.5 million a month more than using the Highmark Medicare Advantage program. After the litigation is ended regarding the lawsuit filed by Retirees Investing in Social Equity (RISE) Delaware, the Benefits Committee will consider options for calendar year 2024 to include renegotiation of the Highmark BCBS Delaware Medicare Advantage PPO plan contract and rebidding the State Medicare health plan. State Representative John Kowalko has crafted a bill that will allow retirees to choose between the state's current special Medicare plan or switch to the Medicare Advantage Plan.

How You Can Help Families Avoid the Health Risks of Climate Change

My Green Doctor this month is offering MSD primary care members free waiting room brochures on how families can avoid the health risks of climate change. This is part of a four-week, IRB-approved study that asks offices to give patients brochures at check-in and for the patients to answer a five-minute confidential survey at home. All materials are provided in English and Spanish. The nurses and doctors are not involved. If interested, email Dr. Todd Sack as soon as possible to enroll in the study (mygreendr@gmail.com). 

2023: Physician Medical Licensure Renewal Year

Delaware law requires that, in order for medical professionals to renew their license, they must attest that they have completed training on:

• how to recognize child sexual and physical abuse, exploitation and domestic violence
• your reporting obligations under the Medical Practice Act and Regulatory Provisions Concerning Public Health

The 2023 Mandatory Reporting Training for Medical Professionals will be available on January 1, 2023, and features videos from professionals within the child welfare field that walk participants through how to detect and respond to child abuse and neglect.

Licensed physicians must take the 2023 Mandatory Reporting training even if they recently completed mandatory reporting training. This training must be completed before every medical license renewal. Physicians are required to attest to completing the training on their renewal application. Failure to do so will delay the renewal of the medical license.  

This training is provided by the Office of the Child Advocate. To complete the training on or after January 1, 2023, go to https://stateofdelaware.csod.com/default.aspx?c=courts-oca to create an account. If you already have an account, just click the “login in” icon and sign in User ID and Password. Once training is completed, medical professionals can then reapply for licensure through the Division of Professional Regulation's website at https://delpros.delaware.gov/OH_HomePage.

Help Your Patients Be Responsible Citizens

Delaware will hold its 23rd National Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 29th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Delawareans can discard their expired or unused medications at locations statewide. There will also be overdose response training with free Narcan available at select locations. Organized nationally by the DEA, Prescription Drug Take Back Day is operated locally by the Division of Public Health (DPH), aimed at reducing the risk of prescription medications being diverted for misuse and has resulted in nearly 100,000 pounds of medication being collected since 2010. Properly discarding unused medications through this event is an important ongoing activity in the effort to address the nationwide opioid epidemic. In addition to the sites participating in the activities, there are permanent medicine drop-off locations available year-round. In addition to medicine drop-off sites, DPH and community partners also distribute Deterra bags (medication deactivation bags) to use at home. For a list of permanent collection sites and how to obtain a free disposal bag, visit www.helpisherede.com/understanding-addiction/safe-drug-storage-and-disposal. There are 22 locations participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back event currently. You can find the list of locations here: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday. To further enhance overdose prevention and education efforts, two of the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back locations (Middletown and Milford police departments) will also be offering overdose response training and Narcan distribution to the public. It is recommended that anyone who has an opioid prescription or has friends and/or family who use opioid prescriptions or illicit drugs receive this training and the overdose reversal medication, Narcan. For other community trainings and where you can get free Narcan go to: https://www.helpisherede.com/overdose-prevention. For more details about the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, visit https://helpisheredrugtakebackday.gatsbyjs.io/drug-take-back-day. 

Zain Ul Abdin, MBBS

Zain Ul Abdin, MBBS recently was a guest on the Pakistani State News Channel (PTV) and FM radio show. He discussed the flood situation in Pakistan and how he is contributing to the Medical Society of Delaware. Thank you for spreading the news about MSD!

Thanks to the Work of Students a Shue-Medill Middle School

On Wednesday, Governor Carney signed House Bill 390 at Shue-Medill Middle School, designating the Dryptosauridae as the Official State Dinosaur. Students at Shue-Medill Middle School helped draft this legislation and were in attendance as their bill was signed into law. The dryptosauridae family, which was related to the Tyrannosaurus rex, consisted of birdlike predators during the Cretaceous period. Bones of the species were among the two dinosaur fossils that have been found in Delaware, with the other being from the Hadrosaurus foulkii, which became the state dinosaur of New Jersey. The fossil, found in the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, was identified as dryptosauridae remains after an initial misidentification several decades ago.

Bayhealth

Bayhealth recently accepted a donation of NASCAR-themed teddy bears as part of The NASCAR Foundation’s sixth annual “Speedy Bear Brigade” donation. This year’s program included nearly 70 healthcare facilities in the United States and Mexico. The teddy bears are meant to provide comfort to children in emergency and pediatric departments. The Bayhealth Kent Campus team also enjoyed a visit from Dover Motor Speedway’s Ford Mustang Shelby GT-500 community pace car.

Beebe Healthcare

Beebe Healthcare announced it has submitted an application to the Delaware Health Resources Board to build a hybrid freestanding adult and pediatric emergency department near Millsboro. The hybrid emergency department is planned to be housed in Beebe’s forthcoming ambulatory care facility just north of Millsboro, on the corner of Dupont Boulevard and Hardscrabble Road. The proposed facility will be unique in that it will be a combination of adult and pediatric emergency services, walk-in care services, and additional medical offices. This facility will bring 24/7 pediatric emergency services to Sussex County through a combination of on-campus and virtual care. Beebe’s plan is to staff this facility with pediatric emergency medicine trained physicians, which would make it the only such location in Sussex County. 

Beebe Healthcare announced Paul Sierzenski, MD, MSHQS, CPE, FACEP, as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for the healthcare system. Dr. Sierzenski has been a physician and executive for more than 20 years with wide-ranging leadership roles at many prestigious institutions. Most recently, he was Chief Medical Officer of the Acute Services Division of BayCare in Clearwater, Florida. He oversaw medical services and quality and safety measures for BayCare’s 15 hospitals. He held a similar role for many years prior at Renown Health in Reno, Nevada. However, Dr. Sierzenksi started his healthcare career right here in Delaware. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at ChristianaCare in Newark, after receiving his medical degree at Temple University School of Medicine. He practiced and held many roles in Delaware for many years with Doctors for Emergency Services in the northern part of the state and was Chief Quality & Safety Officer in Acute Services for ChristianaCare before departing for Nevada.

Beebe Healthcare CEO, Dr. David A. Tam, has been tapped as the keynote speaker for the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce 186th Annual Dinner, taking place on Monday, January 9, 2023.

Beebe Healthcare’s Center for Weight Loss Surgery is making its mark as a regional leader in the delivery of comprehensive bariatric services, with quality and excellence in clinical practice recognized as key program attributes. The weight loss surgery team has earned quality designations from three premier health insurance carriers: Blue Cross Blue Shield Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery, Optum Health Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery, and Aetna Institute of Quality for Bariatric Surgery.

ChristianaCare

ChristianaCare announced that it has achieved the 2023 America’s 100 Best Hospitals Award™ for five service lines by Healthgrades. ChristianaCare also was named by Healthgrades as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Care. In February Healthgrades recognized ChristianaCare as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for the second consecutive year (2021-2022). ChristianaCare’s Christiana Hospital and Wilmington Hospital were recognized by Healthgrades for “outstanding clinical outcomes” in: cardiac care, coronary intervention, joint replacement, spine surgery, and gastrointestinal surgery. These distinctions place ChristianaCare in the top 5% of nearly 4,500 hospitals assessed nationwide for cardiac care, coronary intervention, joint replacement, gastrointestinal surgery and surgical care; and in the top 10% for spine surgery.

The ChristianaCare West Grove campus has received a $2.5-million American Rescue Fund Plan Act (ARPA) grant from the Chester County Government for capital improvement projects related to information technology, medical equipment and facility renovation. ChristianaCare finalized the purchase of its West Grove campus (formerly Jennersville Hospital) from Tower Health in June 2022. The hospital has been closed since Dec. 31, 2021. ChristianaCare is reimagining health care at the West Grove campus and is taking a phased approach to the opening of services. The first phase will be to re-establish emergency services. Subsequent phases are still under consideration. Due to required facility upgrades and plan development, it is unlikely that any services will open within the next 12 months.

Kishore Gaddam, MD - Pediatrics, Rainbow Pediatrics

Muhammad W. Liaqat, MD - Nephrology, Nephrology Associates, PA

Jill Mackey, MD - Family Medicine, Delaware Medical Group, LLC

Joseph W. Raziano, MD - Emergency Medicine, Therapeutic Infusions

MSD's Membership Department is pleased to announce the newest members of the Medical Society of Delaware. Welcome to the third oldest medical society in the country! If you know someone interested in joining MSD, please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any questions. You could be eligible for a referral discount!

Catherine O. DeLuca, MD - Family Medicine, Atracare

Jerry Gluckman, MD -Internal Medicine, Family Practice Associates, PA

Bipasha Mitra, MD - Family Medicine, Stoney Batter Family Medicine Assoc.

Jane Williams Moore, MD - Family Medicine, Family Practice Associates, PA

Julie H. Prosseda, MD - Family Medicine, Stoney Batter Family Medicine

Jason A. Rolls, MD - Transplant Surgery, ChristianaCare Transplant Program

Scott J. Schaeffer, MD - Family Medicine, Stoney Batter Family Medicine

MSD members are afforded a seven-day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding applicants for membership. Please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any comments on the current pending members(s) listed above.

• DPH Delaware Weekly Influenza Surveillance Reports by week.
• CDC https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm
• WHO https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/surveillance-and-monitoring/influenzaupdates/current-influenza-update

• DPH Public Health Alerts: de.gov/publichealthalerts
• DPH Hotline - (866) 408-1899 (Monday -Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or DPHCall@delaware.gov
• Reporting suspected monkeypox rash in Delaware: Contact DPH Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (OIDE), at 302-744-4990 (business hours) or 1-888-295-5156 (after hours).
• Delaware health care facilities that require specimen collection kits can order through OEMS@delaware.gov using a SHOC Request form.
• DPH website: de.gov/monkeypox
• DPH Social Channels: Facebook (@DEPublicHealth), Instagram (@depublichealth), DHSS Twitter (@Delaware_DHSS)
• FDA Monkeypox Response Website
• CDC Monkeypox Website
• CDC Case Definitions for 2022 Monkeypox Response
• CDC Considerations for Monkeypox Vaccination for the recommended use of vaccine in the U.S.
• CDC Monkeypox Treatment Information for Healthcare Professionals
• Specimen collection: Follow Lab Advisory: CDC Updates Specimen Collection Guidelines for Monkeypox Virus 

Information as of 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 27th

• DPH Public Health Alerts: de.gov/publichealthalerts
• DPH COVID-19 Booster Information: de.gov/boosters
• Federal website for information on navigating COVID: COVID.gov
• CDC COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Calculator
• COVID-19 Treatment Options
• Medical Provider Guidance for Administering Therapeutics
• COVID-19 Therapeutics Locator
• For testing flyers (available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole): https://covidmaterialsde.com/resources/community-organizer
• For all testing site referral locations, visit: de.gov/gettested
• For vaccination site referral locations, visit: de.gov/getmyvaccine
• Pfizer/Moderna pediatric vaccine information: de.gov/youthvaccine
• FDA At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests provides a list of all FDA-authorized at-home over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests
• Know the COVID-19 Community Level where you live
• DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Check Page to help separate fact from fiction.
• Subscribe to the COVID-19 Update podcast - on Apple Podcasts or Simplecast.