Gov. Carney signed the Mental Health Parity Act on Aug. 30, taking a step toward eliminating health insurance coverage discrimination against people with mental illness or addiction. The legislation helps ensure access to behavioral health services by requiring insurance providers to submit proof of compliance with mental health parity laws.
Gov. Carney signed a bill that makes Delaware the first state to ban lead paint on bridges, water towers, playground equipment, highways, parking lots and utility towers and poles. Lead can cause neurological damage, behavioral changes and learning disabilities in children and experts warn that there is no safe level of exposure.
New research compares children with autism with their neurotypical siblings to investigate why some people have the condition. Analyzing the DNA of people with autism and their siblings helps researchers pinpoint genes that may be involved in autism. Studies are also examining sibling gut microbiomes to develop treatments for gastrointestinal problems that affect people with autism.
The News Journal offers up three profiles of Jamie Wolfe, each revealing why and how she was such an extraordinary advocate for people with disabilities. The story published yesterday includes remembrances from CDS Director Beth Mineo, CDS advisor Daniese McMullin-Powell and UD’s Rita Landgraf. Also embedded in the story are links to a video of Jamie from the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council and another News Journal story from 2006.
More than 30 military families with special needs have requested from the Department of Defense Inspector General an in-depth review and enhanced accountability measures, alleging that the department is failing to improve and oversee the historically poor medical care and education services it provides to them. The complaint comes after multiple federal reviews highlighting these deficiencies went essentially unheeded.
