New Report: Delaware’s Primary Care, Dental, and Mental Health Crisis Exposed!
In a shocking revelation, a recent report from Delaware’s Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy indicates that the state is falling drastically short in meeting the health care needs of its residents, addressing less than 20% of essential services like dental, primary care, and mental health.
The findings, unveiled in the Delaware Women Status Report, are a wake-up call. With Delaware only managing to fulfill 5% of dental care needs, 12% of mental health needs, and a mere 16% of primary care, it’s time for us to take a stand for better health outcomes!
Melanie Ross Levin, the former director of OWAA, emphasizes the urgency of this situation. “We can’t just have good policies; we need access to good care,” she passionately stated, drawing attention to the alarming decrease in available healthcare providers across Delaware.
The situation is particularly dire in southern Delaware. Lindsay Albanese, an urgent care medical director and co-founder of Atracare, noted, “We’ve seen an influx of patients at urgent care seeking basic primary care services.” This staggering trend shows how desperate many have become, turning to urgent care for routine needs like blood pressure checks and dental issues due to overwhelming wait lists at traditional providers.
William Albanese, Atracare’s CEO, highlights a critical gap: “Urgent cares provide episodic care, but they can’t offer the comprehensive services and follow-up that primary care should.” This lack of preventive care is a recipe for disaster, as it means Delawareans are often left to fend for themselves until a health crisis strikes.
“Delaware is uniquely positioned to implement swift change,” William stressed. “If elected officials prioritize healthcare reform, we can truly make a difference.”
Ross Levin adds that many residents delay seeking care because they lack a primary healthcare provider. “They often resort to urgent care only when their health is in jeopardy,” she explained. “It’s crucial to adopt a proactive approach to healthcare before a crisis hits.”
Lindsay Albanese pointed out another pressing issue: recruiting qualified primary care physicians. “In Sussex County, where our urgent cares are located, this is a growing concern. The cost of living has surged, making it financially challenging for new doctors to choose our state over others,” she lamented.
William Albanese passionately believes that every Delawarean deserves access to fundamental and preventive healthcare. “Patients without a primary care doctor face significantly higher risks of serious health issues,” he warned.
It’s time for Delaware to rally together! We need to support our primary care physicians and expand the healthcare workforce. Together, we can ensure that every resident has access to the quality healthcare they deserve.
