Sen. Carper Announces $1 million to Improve Behavioral Health Care Delivery at TidalHealth Nanticoke

SEAFORD, Del. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) joined representatives from TidalHealth Nanticoke to announce a $1 million Congressionally Directed Spending grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop a dedicated, private and safe behavioral health treatment area within the hospital’s Emergency Department. The funding was secured by Senator Carper and U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del) as a part of the Congressionally Directed Spending grant process for FY2023.

The increase in mental health needs of the Seaford community continues to grow and this treatment area will help the hospital reach the most vulnerable during their highest time need. The addition of behavioral health services and beds in the Emergency Department will also allow for better care, assessment and treatment prior to accessing the next level of service they need.

“Improving mental health care delivery has been a priority of mine for some time, which is why I’m proud to announce we are providing $1 million to TidalHealth Nanticoke to improve behavior health care delivery in its Emergency Department,” said Sen. Carper. “TidalHealth has proven this model works in other areas, so it makes sense to replicate this in Seaford, where vulnerable patients can get better care right where they are.”

“Continued investment in mental and behavioral health care, especially in our rural communities, is critically important,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “As a member of the House Health Subcommittee, I am so proud to have secured these federal dollars for TidalHealth Nanticoke, so the facility can expand its critical behavioral health services – offering Delawareans in need a road to recovery, treatment, and prevention.”

“We are always striving for equity in healthcare. Everyone must have the very same opportunity to get well and stay well. Regardless of the physical or emotional struggles they are experiencing, the care we provide should not be complex or challenging. It must always be supportive, respectful and compassionate, which this dedicated treatment space will allow,” said TidalHealth Nanticoke President Penny Short, MSM, BSN, RN. “We thank Senator Carper and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester for sharing in and supporting our vision.”

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