HHS Region 3 · Delaware Division of Public Health — RHTP
Program Overview
Delaware’s Rural Health Transformation Program is in active implementation, launching initial RFPs and soliciting proposals to establish a network of mobile health units, fixed-site health hubs, and innovative rural access models in Sussex and Kent Counties. The program addresses rural healthcare disparities through 15 prioritized projects, including the state’s first four-year medical school, new school-based health centers, nutrition-integrated care, workforce development, expanded health information exchange, and telehealth. The current focus includes competitive funding, prevention and access strategies, and sustainability through partnerships and measurable results. Current structured plan tracks 11 key initiatives and 8 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Delaware — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (3)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Castle County | 577,961 | 10.1% | 6.7% |
| Sussex County | 255,626 | 10.9% | 7.5% |
| Kent County | 187,604 | 10.6% | 7.9% |
237,378 rural residents
AI source: DE - 2026 - state of delaware opens initial rfps to transform rural health care
AI auto-updated Jul 22, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
1 related document
DE - 2025 - Delaware RHTP Executive Budget Summary (Final-RHTP-Revised-Budget-1.30.26)
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
Delaware has issued multiple competitive RFPs for Rural Health Transformation Program support services, workforce development, and specific intervention programs such as Rural Library-Based Health Access. Applications are being solicited from local partners and vendors, with review and selection underway, but no awards finalized yet. These procurement actions confirm the state is actively implementing key elements of its federal RHTP award. State opportunities: 7 total (7 past/closed), $100.2M listed funding. State opportunities: 7 total (7 past/closed), $100.2M listed funding. Key opportunities: Delaware Medical School Partnership – Rural Health Transformation Program; School-Based Health Center Expansion Initiative – Kent and Sussex Counties; Career Pathway Programs for Clinical Support Roles (HSS-26-075). Strategy alignment: supports workforce, care access priorities.
Delaware’s RHTP is executing a generational plan to close rural health access and workforce gaps, center new medical education, and integrate Hope Center-style and community-based rural health hubs. Expansion of digital infrastructure—including health information exchange for both payers and providers—is a strategic priority, alongside mobile health, school and library-based access, and Food Is Medicine initiatives. Competitive investments prioritize measurable capacity and outcomes for Kent and Sussex Counties. Program oversight tracks progress across prevention, access, technology, and workforce development.
Model
An integrated rural health system anchored by Hope Centers, rural community health hubs and mobile units, a four-year medical school and workforce pipeline, expanded school and library-based access, comprehensive Food Is Medicine initiatives, enhanced telehealth and HIE connectivity for payers and providers, modernization of health IT, and rigorous program oversight and evaluation.
Key Initiatives
Timeline: Initial RFPs released February 2026; Hope Center needs assessments and site selection by Q2 2026; first Hope Center launch by September 2026; medical school steering committee and dean appointment by end of 2026; school-based health and clinical support pathway program contracts by Q3 2027; rural library access point rollout begins late 2026; community health hub and mobile unit expansion ongoing through 2030; program coordination and reporting monthly and quarterly per contract requirements.
Workforce Development: Building a pipeline of primary care physicians and health professionals dedicated to rural practice is a central priority, with plans anchored by Delaware's first four-year medical school. (Regions: Kent County, Sussex County)
Access to Care: Mobile units, school-based health centers, and telehealth initiatives target populations facing transportation barriers or living in remote areas, aiming for broad access and improved outcomes. (Regions: Kent County, Sussex County)
Chronic Disease Prevention and Management: Food Is Medicine infrastructure and community hubs will integrate nutrition interventions into care delivery to improve outcomes for residents managing chronic disease. (Regions: Kent County, Sussex County)
Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
Due Jun 22, 2026
6 related documents
DE - 2026 - Request For Proposals For Professional Services RHTP Support Services
Official RFP (HSS-26-078)
DE - 2026 - HSS26078 RHTPSS AppC
Vendor Forms (Appendix C)
DE - 2026 - Hss-26-078, RHTP Support Services Addendum #1: Questions & Answers
Addendum #1 (Q&A)
DE - 2024 - APPENDIX D Templates/Sample Agreements
Agreement Template (Appendix D)
DE - 2025 - APPENDIX E Sample Workplan Template
Workplan Template (Appendix E)
DE - 2025 - Appendix F Project Cost Template
Project Cost Template (Appendix F)
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (Office of the Secretary, Delaware Health Care Commission)
Due May 13, 2026
7 related documents
DE - 2027 - Career Pathway Programs for Clinical Support Roles (HSS-26-075)
Official RFP (HSS-26-075)
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health
Due Apr 17, 2026
8 related documents
DE - 2026 - OABCC Legislative Update from the 153rd General Assembly
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Treinta Y Tres Delaware Rueda Treinta Y Tres Delaware Rueda, an organization centering Cuban Social Dance, will use the grant to share the tradition of Rueda de Casino through instruction, inclusive programming, and community events. | $50K | Other | |
| 2026 | Terry Sammons Terry Sammons, specializing in Lenape Beadwork and Fish Skin Tanning, will use the grant to acquire more supplies for beadwork, create teaching opportunities, and preserve the culture of beadwork. | $15K | Other | |
| 2025 | Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Fund competitive procurement for FQHCs and organizations to deploy mobile health units in rural Sussex and Kent Counties, expanding preventive, chronic disease, behavioral, and specialty care access where local provider shortages persist. | $20.0M | Population Health | |
| 2025 | Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Funds Delaware Department of Health and Social Services for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Overdose Response to improve overdose interventions. | $300K | Population Health | |
| 2025 | Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Funds Delaware Department of Health and Social Services for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Mental Health and Behavioral Health to address opioid-related challenges. | $500K | Population Health | |
| 2025 | Delaware DHSS / Mobile Health Hubs Grantee Pool Competitive grants to FQHCs and qualified organizations to deploy at least 8 new mobile health units for preventive and chronic disease care, behavioral health, and specialty services to high-need rural communities across Sussex and Kent counties. | $20.0M | EMS Development | |
| 2025 | Delaware Division of Public Health Competitive procurement to establish four new School-Based Health Centers in rural Sussex and Kent Counties, providing preventive, behavioral, and chronic care to students and families, including minor facility renovations and staffing. | $10.0M | Population Health | |
| 2025 | Delaware Division of Public Health / School-Based Health Centers Initiative Funds four new elementary/middle SBHCs in rural Sussex and Kent counties, covering clinical build-out, staffing, and service expansion to increase rural access to physical, behavioral, and preventive health for youth. | $10.0M | Population Health | |
| 2025 | Rural Community Health Hubs (Mobile Health Units) Funding for deployment of a network of mobile health units throughout rural Sussex and Kent Counties to deliver preventive, chronic disease, behavioral health, and specialty care services directly to underserved residents. | $10.0M | Quality Improvement | |
| 2025 | School-Based Health Centers Expansion Initiative Funds to support the competitive procurement of four new school-based health centers in Sussex and Kent County elementary and middle schools, providing physical, behavioral, and preventive healthcare to students and families. | $10.0M | Population Health |
Delaware is expanding access to health information exchange platforms under RHTP, enabling providers and payers to collaborate more effectively. The initiative is intended to improve care coordination and benefit rural hospitals and Medicaid beneficiaries.
Core Initiatives
Delaware received a federal award of $157,394,963.86 through the Rural Health Transformation Program to advance major rural health improvements targeting underserved populations in Sussex and Kent Counties. Funds are temporarily restricted pending CMS approval of a revised budget; once lifted, Delaware will implement an ambitious transformation plan across policy, administration, and rural facility support. The cooperative agreement details reporting, compliance, and milestone requirements to sustain progress for up to five years. Key contacts: Ms. Katherine Hughes Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov; Mr. Steven Blessing steven.blessing@delaware.gov; Ms. Jennifer Herndon jennifer.herndon1@cms.hhs.gov; Katherine Sapra katherine.sapra@cms.hhs.gov Event schedule: - Federal Award Start Date - 12/29/2025 - ET - Budget Period 1 End Date - 10/30/2026 - ET - NCC Application Due (Budget Period 2) - 08/30/2026 - ET - GrantSolutions - Annual Progress Report #1 Due - 08/30/2026 - ET - GrantSolutions - Budget Period 1 Start - 2025-12-29 - Budget Period 1 End - 2026-10-30 - Budget Periods 2-5 Start - 2026-10-31 - Budget Periods 2-5 End - 2030-10-30
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
The document announces approximately $1.2 million awarded by HRSA to Delaware to enhance rural healthcare access, opioid response programs, and outreach. Four key sub-awards support behavioral health, overdose response, outreach services, and rural health office initiatives.
The State of Delaware has issued an open solicitation for the Rural Library-Based Health Access program, aiming to leverage libraries to improve health access in rural areas. Applications are due in April 2026, and contact details are provided for further information. Key contacts: Ricky Williamson ricky.williamson@delaware.gov Event schedule: - Solicitation Ad Date - 02/12/2026 - Deadline for Bid Responses - 04/17/2026 - 1:00 PM ET
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This document provides a standardized template to guide applicants in preparing a workplan for the Delaware Rural Health Transformation Program Support Services RFP. It outlines required elements such as objectives, monitoring approach, targets, and responsible parties to ensure structured responses. No award or budget information is included.
This document contains template and sample professional services agreement language for the Delaware Rural Health Transformation Program Support Services RFP. It outlines sample contract terms, payment, scope, intellectual property, and responsibilities, but does not select vendors or describe implementation progress.
This House Joint Resolution directs a state-led study on creating a healthcare apprenticeship degree program with paid clinical placements to tackle rural workforce shortages. The initiative aims to leverage and align with the Rural Health Transformation Program award and future competitive DHSS subawards. The study's report and recommendations are due to state leadership by May 1, 2027. Event schedule: - Report Due Date - 05/01/2027 - Governor's Office, Delaware General Assembly
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
The Delaware RHTP unites 15 integrated initiatives focused on access, workforce, technology modernization, and population health, directly serving 400,000 rural residents across Sussex and Kent Counties. Major investments include renovation of state-owned buildings for Hope Centers, workforce expansion, telehealth infrastructure, and community hub services. The total program cost is $786,970,081.95, with a 9.1% indirect rate to ensure statewide administrative and compliance oversight. Key contacts: Delaware Division of Libraries; Delaware Health Care Commission; Delaware Health Care Commission (DHCC) Program Manager Event schedule: - CMS Rural Health Transformation Summit - 03/18/2026 - ET - Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD - Initiative Period of Performance Start - 2025-12-29 - Initiative Period of Performance End - 2026-10-30 - Period of Performance Start - 2025-12-29 - America/New_York - Delaware - Period of Performance End - 2026-10-30 - America/New_York - Delaware - Rural Medical Residency Recruitment Program Period of Performance - 2025-12-29 - Eastern Time - Delaware - Rural Medical Residency Recruitment Program End Date - 2026-10-30 - Eastern Time - Delaware - Training Programs for Clinical Support Roles in Rural Areas Period of Performance - 2025-12-29 - Eastern Time - Delaware
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
House Bill 305 proposes a three-year diabetes wellness pilot program within the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, funded by the Federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The pilot aims to improve diabetes management by shifting from reactive sick care to proactive well care, leveraging technology and incentives. Outcomes will be tracked via data analysis to determine the pilot's effectiveness and inform potential renewal or expansion. Event schedule: - Introduced in House - 03/05/2026 - Assigned to Senate Health & Social Services - 06/16/2026
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Reference: Delaware Expands Payer and Provider HIE Access Under Rhtp Link: https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/delaware-expands-payer-and-provider-hie-access-under-rhtp
Key contacts: Rick Williamson Ricky.Williamson@delaware.gov; Katherine Hughes Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov Event schedule: - Notice to State of Delaware under the contract - Rick Williamson, Management Analyst III, Ricky.Williamson@delaware.gov - Monthly Usage Report due - monthly by 15th - Eastern Time - Submit electronically to Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov - Quarterly Subcontracting 2nd Tier Report due - quarterly by 15th after quarter end - Eastern Time - Submit electronically to osd@delaware.gov
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Key contacts: Kaitlyn Arthur kaitlyn.arthur@delaware.gov Event schedule: - Initial Contract Term End Date - 2027-09-30 - America/New_York - Maximum Possible Contract End Date (with extensions) - 2031-09-30 - America/New_York
Event Schedule
12/31/2027
Publish Compact Utilization Reports
↳ DE - 2025 - Delaware RHT Plan: Strategy, Initiatives, and Performance Objectives
09/30/2026
Draft Certificate of Need reform legislation
↳ DE - 2025 - Delaware RHT Plan: Strategy, Initiatives, and Performance Objectives
09/30/2026
Draft Scope of Practice expansion legislation
↳ DE - 2025 - Delaware RHT Plan: Strategy, Initiatives, and Performance Objectives
03/31/2027
Launch Outreach Campaign for Licensure Compacts
↳ DE - 2025 - Delaware RHT Plan: Strategy, Initiatives, and Performance Objectives
DE canonical state summary updated: progressSummary updated · transformationStrategy updated · strategicGoals updated (×3, Jun 17)
DE RHTP site updated — 3 new doc(s)
DE canonical state summary updated: progressSummary updated · transformationStrategy updated · strategicGoals updated (×2, Jun 16)
DE canonical state summary updated: progressSummary updated · transformationStrategy updated · strategicGoals updated (×6, Jun 11–Jun 13)
DE canonical state summary updated: progressSummary updated · transformationStrategy updated · strategicGoals updated (×4, Jun 9–Jun 10)
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed. Showing the 40 most recent of 109.
Raymond et al-Comparative Safety.pdf
020687s022lbl.pdf
DE - 2026 - HSS26075 CPPCLINSUPP AppC
XLSX
DE - 2026 - Hss-26-075 - Career Pathway Programs For Clinical Support Roles Addendum #1 – Public Q&a
Addendum #1 (Public Q&A)
DE - 2026 - HSS26075 CPPCLINSUPP AppC
Vendor Forms (Appendix C)
DE - 2026 - APPENDIX D Templates/Sample Agreements These Templates/Sample Agreements will be used to negotiate the final version of the Contract between Vendor and the State of Delaware. These are ONLY Samples and as Placeholders
Agreement Template (Appendix D)
DE - 2026 - HSS26075 CPPCLINSUPP AppE
Project Cost Template (Appendix E)
DE - 2026 - Appendix F Domain and Permissible Uses Template
Permissible Uses (Appendix F)
DE - 2026 - HSS26075 CPPCLINSUPP pba
Pre-bid Attendance
DE - 2026 - State of Delaware Rural Community Health Hubs Request for Proposal HSS HSS-26-062 For Division of Public Health
RFP - Professional Services
Sample Professional Services Agreement Template – State of Delaware
Appendix D
DE - 2026 - Sample Workplan Template
Appendix E
Appendix F Project Cost Template
Appendix F
RFP Attachments: Vendor Forms and Certifications for State of Delaware
Appendix C
HSS-26-062 - Rural Community Health Hubs: Pre-bid Meeting Attendance March 20, 2026
Price/Budget Response
DE - 2026 - Addendum #1 and Vendor Q&A for RFP HSS-26-062: Rural Community Health Hubs
Addendum 1
Governor Meyer announced two major healthcare bills: one expanding comprehensive hospital charity care statewide, and another prohibiting for-profit acquisitions of non-profit acute care hospitals through July 2028. The administration is also promoting multi-payer value-based care with Rural Health Transformation Program funds to bend the cost curve. These measures are designed to make care more affordable, accessible, and protective for all Delawareans. Event schedule: - Announcement Date - May 12, 2026 - Dover
Core Initiatives
This Notice of Award grants $157 million in federal funding to Delaware for rural health transformation under the Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. The initiative targets improved access and outcomes for rural Sussex and Kent Counties, affecting approximately 400,000 residents. Major focus is on contractual projects supporting the state's rural health system. Key contacts: Ms. Katherine Hughes Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov; Mr. Steven Blessing steven.blessing@delaware.gov Event schedule: - Federal Award Date - 02/04/2026 - Budget Period Start - 12/29/2025 - Budget Period End - 10/30/2026 - Period of Performance End - 10/30/2030
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
Delaware's RHTP tackles severe rural health disparities and workforce shortage by establishing new Hope Centers, deploying mobile health units, and expanding school-based health centers in Sussex and Kent Counties. The plan is backed by unified legislative and provider support, prioritizes technological innovation, value-based care, and robust data tracking, and includes concrete policy commitments to reform certificate of need, scope of practice, and telehealth reimbursement. Target outcomes include reductions in ED visits, expanded preventive care, increased rural provider access, and improved chronic disease management. Key contacts: Dr. Kara Odom Walker; Kate Brookins; William A. Bowser; Delaware DHSS Event schedule: - Executive Order for School Fitness Test - 12/31/2028 - Nutrition CME regulation amendments drafted - 03/31/2028 - Board approval for Nutrition CME - 09/30/2028 - Certificate of Need reform legislation brought to vote - 06/30/2027 - Scope of Practice legislation brought to vote - 06/30/2027 - Annual Licensure Compact Report publication - 12/31/2027 - Medical school enrollment begins (Fall) - 2028-09-01 - America/New_York - Delaware Medical School (to be determined) - Establish governance structure, stakeholder engagement plan, pilot site selection and baseline assessment - 2026-09-30
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
The Delaware Rural Health Transformation strategy unites 15 initiatives to expand access, strengthen the workforce, modernize technology, and improve population health in rural Sussex and Kent Counties. Over $786 million is budgeted, with direct investments in clinical infrastructure, technology, and new models like Rural Hope Centers. The plan features robust performance tracking, stakeholder partnerships, and an emphasis on sustainable capacity building. Key contacts: Katherine Hughes; Chelsea Kammermeier; Christopher Masten; Lakeesha Johns Event schedule: - CMS Rural Health Transformation Summit - March 18, 2026 - Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD - Period of Performance for Community Health Hubs - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Rural communities in Kent and Sussex Counties - Period of Performance for Program Marketing - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties - Period of Performance for Technical Assistance & Training - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties - Period of Performance for External Evaluation & Reporting - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties - Period of Performance for EMR System Implementation & Integration - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties - Period of Performance for School-Based Health Center Vendor - Rural Sussex and Kent elementary and middle schools - Period of Performance for Food is Medicine Infrastructure Initiative - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Contacts
Core Initiatives
DE - 2026 - Delaware Rural Health Facility Table
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DE - 2026 - HSS26078 RHTPSS AppC
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DE - 2026 - An official State of Delaware site.
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DE - 2024 - delaware
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DE - 2025 - Rural HealthTopics & StatesState GuidesDelaware Delaware Models and Innovations
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DE - 2026 - events
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DE - 2026 - organizations
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DE - 2026 - Delaware Expands Payer and Provider HIE Access Under Rhtp
State of Delaware Voter Registration Form
DE - 2026 - Delaware Dental HPSA Designations
Sample Professional Services Agreement Template – State of Delaware
State of Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Professional Services Agreement Template
State of Delaware Professional Services Agreement Template
DE - 2026 - comment letter
DE - 2026 - DNREC order
DE - 2026 - Rural Health Resources for States from the Rural Health Information Hub
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DE - 2026 - Rural Health Funding & Opportunities - Rural Health Information Hub
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DE - 2026 - Rural Health Resources by Topic and State - Rural Health Information Hub
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DE - 2026 - Rural Health Resources - Rural Health Information Hub
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DE - 2026 - DNREC Releases 2026-2030 Delaware Wetland Program Plan - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2041 - An official State of Delaware site.
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DE - 2026 - Department of Elections Announces Primary Election Party Change Deadline, Friday, May 29, 2026, 11:59 pm - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - Delaware Takes New Approach to Improve Breeding Success for Endangered Beach-Nesting Least Terns - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - Delaware Trauma System of Care Recognized for 30 Years of Saving Lives - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - Memorial Day Ceremonial Events - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - Spring Stopover Puts Delaware at Center of Annual Shorebird Migration Phenomenon - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - Drive Sober This Memorial Day Weekend: OHS, Law Enforcement Agencies Announce DUI Checkpoint - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - DNREC Expects to Complete Channel Marking Projects for Major Boating Waters Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - Historic School House Opens at Bellevue State Park - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - DNREC Communications Team Earns Multiple First-Place Awards from Delaware Press Association - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - DATE Arrests Townsend Woman on Drug Charges - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - New DOC publication provides a look inside rehabilitative programs that drive reentry success - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center to Offer Array of Summer Family-Oriented Fishing and Environmental Fun - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - Delaware FFA students get inside look at harness racing industry at Harrington Raceway - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - Required Reservations for Five Most Popular Drive-on Surf Fishing Beaches Begin May 23 - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - DSCYF Names Sarah Azevedo Director of Division of Family Services - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - joined a multistate amicus brief
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