Press Releases

WILMINGTON, Del. — Today, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) joined Dr. Annie Norman, Delaware State Librarian, and community partners at the Wilmington Public Library to celebrate the expansion of the Statewide Telehealth Kiosk Program from its original three libraries in Sussex County to 13 libraries across Delaware. Now, teleservices are available at five libraries in Sussex County, one in Kent County, and seven in New Castle County. The teleservice kiosks help Delawareans access telehealth medicine, employment and housing assistance, and legal services.

Blunt Rochester secured $275,000 in Community Project Funding in 2022 to add eight additional telehealth kiosks in libraries throughout Delaware including in Wilmington, Newark, Elsmere, Woodlawn, Bear, Dover, Milford, Georgetown, Lewes, and Laurel.

“These teleservice kiosks, which I secured funding for through the Community Project Funding process, are now an integral part of delivering telemedicine, housing and job assistance, legal services, and more to Delawareans across the First State,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to have helped grow this program to meet community needs, especially in our rural and underserved communities, so that Delaware individuals and families can thrive.”

“The telehealth services are built upon the libraries’ social infrastructure for the benefit of Delawareans in communities throughout the state,” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian. “We commend Congresswoman Blunt Rochester for her tireless leadership to maximize the state’s investment in libraries.”

Delaware libraries are a common space for the most underserved in our communities including people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, veterans, immigrants, and seniors. The Statewide Telehealth Kiosk Program is designed to provide easy access, personalized assistance to those with various needs beyond virtual appointments. Dedicated specialists are available at specific times during the week to cater to patrons' requirements, covering areas like housing and food assistance, job and career guidance, aid with the Delaware ASSIST application, and connections to partner organizations, among many other services. Partnerships with health care providers have been instrumental in the program’s success. ChristianaCare provided nurses to help enroll patrons in health insurance and connect them with health care providers through the kiosks. There is also a collaboration with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the Delaware Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) to provide support to those seeking assistance with substance use disorders and mental health services, as well as social work needs. Delawareans can find more information on locations and appointments at delawarelibraries.org/getconnected.

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