Delaware State Senate Democratic Caucus

Wishing you peace, love, and happiness this Hanukkah and always.

On December 7, 1787, Delaware made history becoming the first state to ratify the United States Constitution. Since then, we have repeatedly shown that a small state can do big things!

Tomorrow marks the anniversary of those who lost their lives or were injured during the infamous attack of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Let us take a moment to reflect and honor their legacy.

On World AIDS Day, we stand in solidarity with the global community to end the HIV-related stigma, honor those who have passed, and commit to working towards the day where HIV no longer is a threat to public health.

Delaware’s nonprofit community goes above and beyond to serve the needs of our neighbors. Please consider supporting your favorite organizations today.

Small businesses are the backbone of Delaware’s community and economy. Today, show your appreciation by supporting a small business today!

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!

No one should ever go hungry on Thanksgiving, especially in a state of neighbors like ours.

Thankfully, DART First State and the Food Bank of Delaware make it easy to help out those in need through the annual Stuff the Bus food drive.

Non-perishable food donations are now being accepted at all DMV offices throughout the First State, with additional donation sites planned in Dover, Stanton, Wilmington and Newark in the coming days.

Click here for a full list of donation sites and suggested items that you can donate to help make sure everyone has something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving: https://bit.ly/3SqggMF

Families struggling to stay warm as the temperatures drop this week may be eligible for some help from the state’s weatherization assistance program.

Managed by the Delaware DNREC, this program helps lower income families make their homes more energy efficient, starting with a free energy audit. Additional services provided by the program include air sealing, caulking, weather stripping, broken glass replacement, floor insulation, duct sealing and insulation for hot water heaters and water pipes.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, families who participate in the federally funded weatherization assistance program save $372 on average per year.

Click here to determine whether you qualify: https://bit.ly/3SFU6pZ

Do you have expired or unused medications?

Police stations around Delaware will be collecting unused prescription medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 28, as part of National DEA Prescription Drug Take-Back Day A full list of participating sites can be found here: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday

Used needles can be disposed of at police departments in Wilmington, Middletown, Milton and Laurel, while Wilmington, New Castle, Middletown, Dover, Milford and Laurel police departments also will be providing Narcan to the public and providing overdose response training.

Remember, you don’t have to wait for Drug Take-Back Day to get rid of your medications. Permanent drop-off locations are available all year. Click here for a full list of permanent sites near you: https://bit.ly/3MfhC8Y

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has launched the new and improved HelpIsHereDE.com, the state’s comprehensive resource for those seeking help for substance use disorder or mental illness, along with their family members, community organizations, and health care providers.

HelpIsHereDE.com will now be easier to use, and offers a comprehensive set of resources for those in need of support for substance use disorder or mental illness. These resources will include lists of treatment providers and facilities, with information on where to find an open bed nearby. There is also free and easy access to Narcan®, a lifesaving over-the-counter drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, along with training on how to use it.

This website is available in English and Spanish and will ultimately help Delawareans and their loved ones dealing with the impact of substance use disorder and mental illness.

Medicare Open Enrollment will run from Sunday, October 15 to Thursday, December 7 this year, meaning consumers can join, switch or drop a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or Medicare Advantage plan during that time.

Please beware of scam artists and other bad actors who may try to confuse you about Open Enrollment for their personal financial gain.

If you have questions about Open Enrollment, the Delaware Department of Insurance’s Medicare Assistance Bureau is here to help. This state agency offers free, confidential, unbiased one-on-one assistance to help you determine if making a coverage change is the right choice. They helped more than 5,000 Medicare beneficiaries save a combined $1.5 million last year – and they can help you.

Call (302) 674-7364 today to set up a counseling session and find the 2024 Medicare plan that meets your needs and your budget.

You also can click here for more information about the program: https://bit.ly/48CBcWk

An hour of your time could help to save lives.

The Blood Bank of Delmarva recently declared a blood emergency following a summer of low donor turnout, particularly among youth and first-time donors.

While the region’s inventory for all blood types is well below the optimal 5-7-day supply, types O+, O-, B- and platelets are desperately needed.

Donating blood is safe and only takes about an hour.

Please schedule an appointment today and ask a friend or family member to join you.

For more information or to sign up for an appointment, visit: http://www.delmarvablood.org/ or call 1-888-825-6638.

The Senate had an exciting day today as they reconvened for a Special Session to confirm six gubernatorial nominees and one reappointment put forward by Governor John Carney. The Senate comes together every year for this one-day session in the fall. It is always nice to see your colleagues during the off season, even if it is only for a few hours.