Delaware Healthcare Association

03/13/2026

Real-time hospital modeling shows the financial and workforce impact of Senate Bill 1 may soar to $413 million in annual cuts and 4,000 jobs risked - a deeply concerning trajectory for the state.

We need healthcare solutions that will close the gaps, not close hospital doors. It's time to collaborate on real solutions for affordability that don’t risk an entire sector’s workforce and service output. We cannot risk cuts across the full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient services.

DHA is concerned that SB 1 will undermine our progress and:

⚠️ Risk healthcare jobs – 4,000 hospital and healthcare workers are on the line.
⚠️ Replace experts in decision-making on hospital rates and value-based care.
⚠️ Cut healthcare services – $413 million annually statewide – for Delaware hospitals, their patients, and communities.
⚠️ Reduce primary care access. As the largest employer of primary care physicians, targeting hospital resources undermines the primary care networks Delawareans rely upon.

Learn more about the impact of SB 1 and take action today: https://deha.org/advocacy/act-now/

03/07/2026

It is exciting to see Delaware on the cutting edge of holistic, patient-first care. Access to behavioral healthcare is essential and it’s so important to have the ability to make real-time, streamlined decisions. Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)'s DTRN360 initiative is an innovative tool that gives providers real-time information to close gaps and break down barriers to support coordinated, individualized, and timely care.

A patient’s care journey can touch the emergency department, outpatient care, and crisis
support - this system helps providers connect the dots so that their patients will be on the path to the best possible care, right when they need it. Thank you to our member Dover Behavioral Health System for your advocacy at the DTRN360 announcement! With efforts such as these, we can build a better health system that works for all of Delaware.

Delaware’s Dept. of Health and Social Services updates their behavioral health coordination efforts.

03/06/2026

Senate Bill 1 takes Delaware backward. It would cut hospital services, healthcare jobs, and reduce access to primary care at a time when our state needs more health care, not less.

Collaborative, expert-led approaches have helped make Delaware the top-ranked state in the country for hospital quality. Senate Bill 1 revives notions already rejected in HB 350 and takes us backward. The legislation would:

⚠️ Risk 1,500 healthcare jobs. During a national provider shortage, recruitment and retention should be key.
⚠️ Replace experts with bureaucrats in making decisions on hospital rates and value-based care.
⚠️ Cut at least $165 million in health care resources for Delaware hospitals, their patients and communities.
⚠️ Reduce primary care access. As the largest employer of primary care physicians, targeting hospitals undermines the primary care networks Delawareans rely upon.

Learn more about the impact and our call for collaborative solutions: https://deha.org/sb-1-threatens-delawares-no-1-national-quality-ranking-access-to-care/

03/06/2026

Our frontlines are your lifelines. With Delaware home to the 5th-oldest population and the 6th-fastest-growing population in the nation, a strong healthcare workforce is essential. The New York Times spotlights this need and the impact of our aging population on demand for care.

We know that strong hospital systems support healthier communities - our hospitals support more than 30,000 jobs and our workers are the backbone of Delaware’s healthcare system. We must invest in expanding the health workforce to meet the demands of our growing and aging population while also retaining the dedicated professionals currently caring for Delawareans throughout the First State.

An aging population is drawing workers to medical and social care, creating reliable jobs and revealing weakness for the rest of the economy.

03/03/2026

Happy Social Work Month to Team MeadowWood Behavioral Health Hospital and all of DHA members!

03/02/2026

Today, DHA advocated for investments to strengthen Delaware's healthcare workforce and ensure access to high-quality, affordable care for all during the Joint Finance Committee's hearing on the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services FY27 budget.

Access to quality and affordable care means ensuring everyone in our state can get the care they need, when and where they need it - and that requires more healthcare workers. Delaware is the fifth-oldest and sixth-fastest-growing state in the nation. These factors will continue to increase demands on the state’s healthcare infrastructure. At the same time, Delaware faces a healthcare workforce shortage. The First State’s hospitals are doing everything possible to recruit and retain physicians, nurses, and other frontline providers but collaboration with the state is essential to support our population’s evolving care needs and the workforce of tomorrow. Here are the ways we can work together to make the First State First in Health:

➡️ Support for Undergraduate and Graduate Medical Education (GME) Programs. In the past five years, Delaware hospitals' GME programs have brought 300 more physicians to stay and practice in Delaware communities after their training, 200 of which are primary care physicians.
➡️ Support incentives for clinical preceptors for hands-on training of the healthcare workforce.
➡️ Support for community health worker investments to help advance health outcomes by increasing access to culturally and linguistically competent and appropriate services that meet people where they are.

It was great to be with so many advocates including our colleagues on the First State Health Leaders Alliance - Delaware Health Care Facilities Association, LeadingAge NJ & DE, Ability Network of Delaware, Delaware Association for Home & Community Care

03/02/2026

During the Joint Finance Committee hearings, higher education investments in the healthcare workforce were a hot topic. Addressing the need for healthcare workers in our state is an all-hands-on-deck effort. We're glad to be at the table with partners from across the state to ensure our workforce meets the needs of our growing and aging population.

Hospitals spend millions of dollars each year to recruit and employ health professionals, including primary care and behavioral health providers, as well as build new facilities in high-need areas. Additionally, hospital investments in graduate medical education programs brought 200 new doctors to do their residency in Delaware in 2025 alone. Let's build on this progress, together.

Learn more: https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/06/delaware-colleges-seek-budget-funding-health-care-workforce-support/88527235007/

02/27/2026

Every walker who takes a step and every dollar donated brings us closer to more life-saving moments. That was the message of Wilmington Heart Walk Chair Dustin McFarland, CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Middletown, at this morning's recognition event for supporters of the 2025 Wilmington Heart Walk and kick-off for the 2026 event. The year-round campaign raises funds and awareness to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke while equipping individuals with education, knowledge, and resources to act in the face of an emergency. Congratulations to the many organizations who have been engaged in this effort, including Encompass, ChristianaCare and Nemours, and the brave individuals who shared their stories of hope and healing!

Learn more at American Heart Association - Delaware

02/25/2026

The healthcare workforce is a significant economic driver. Delaware hospitals provide more than 30,000 jobs alone! In this national piece from WBUR 90.9 FM, experts noted how healthcare jobs have continued to grow but we still need more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. Additionally, they noted how our aging population impacts the workforce needs and healthcare expenses as well. There's a lot of work to do, but we know collaborative solutions will make the First State a leader in this arena. We're looking forward to leaning in.

Learn more: https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2026/02/12/january-jobs-economy

02/23/2026

A strong health workforce is critical to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare in Delaware. The launch of the Delaware Collaborative Clinical Campus — a new partnership between ChristianaCare, Bayhealth, and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - will expand hands-on medical education opportunities in central and southern Delaware. Starting this July, third-year PCOM medical students will complete clinical rotations in Kent and Sussex counties!

Studies show that physicians tend to practice in the communities where they train, so we are thrilled to see this innovative partnership fostering community connections and investments in healthcare for the First State!

Learn more:
https://www.wdel.com/news/new-partnership-seeks-to-train-more-future-doctors-in-delaware/article_53db1da2-74bf-46c6-bc6d-a06b59ab3fef.html #/questions

More medical students from Philadelphia will be trained in Delaware facilities starting this summer.

02/21/2026

Innovation and cutting-edge technology are key to driving efficiency and positive outcomes in healthcare. We're glad Delaware lawmakers are at the forefront of this and engaging in conversations around artificial intelligence. HB 191, sponsored by House Speaker Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown clarifies that nonhuman entities may not hold a professional healthcare license or represent themselves as healthcare providers in Delaware.

This bill balances consumer protection with innovation by addressing misrepresentation of nonhuman entities while still allowing artificial intelligence to be used as a supportive tool by licensed healthcare professionals. Thank you to the Delaware Nurses Association for leading advocacy on this effort and First State Health Leaders Alliance colleagues for their support!

Learn more in Delaware Public Media: https://www.delawarepublic.org/science-health-tech/2026-01-27/delaware-healthcare-groups-support-bill-that-says-ai-is-not-a-doctor-or-nurse

02/20/2026

Congratulations to TidalHealth Nanticoke on the groundbreaking of its new childcare center in Seaford! Opening near the end of this year, this center is a commitment to TidalHealth employees and their families. This not only eases stress and provides peace of mind, it provides high-quality nurturing care. Supporting our healthcare workforce, recruiting and retaining talent and providing work-life balance is essential to strengthening healthcare access in our state.

Learn more: https://www.tidalhealth.org/news/tidalhealth-breaks-ground-tidalhealth-kids-seaford