Diabetes prevalence increases with age. Senior centers offer an opportunity to reach community-dwelling older adults to educate them about diabetes and its prevention. Objective. The objective of the study was to examine diabetes/pre-diabetes occurrence, risk factors, and awareness, and lifestyle behaviors; and compare lifestyle behaviors in three diabetes risk-related subgroups (diabetes, lower risk; higher risk) in older adults attending senior centers. Methods. A single occasion cross-sectional self-report survey was conducted at two Delaware senior centers. A total of 159 individuals participated in the survey. Results. Demographic characteristics were: 76.08 years old on average (SD = 7.89); 77.4% female; 1.9% Hispanic/Latino/Latinx; 84.2 White, and 13.3% Black/African American. Of this sample, 20.0% self-reported a diabetes diagnosis, 66.3% without known diabetes may have increased risk, and 29.8% were aware of their diabetes risk. Furthermore, more than half reported a lack of knowledge about pre-diabetes. For lifestyle behaviors, 73% reported being in the action/maintenance stages of change for physical activity, 53%-72% across areas of healthy eating, and 93% were nonsmokers. No significant differences were found between risk groups for these lifestyle areas. Conclusions/Policy Implications. These findings suggest potential gaps in older adults’ awareness of diabetes risk and opportunities for promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors. Senior centers offer a convenient opportunity to reach older adults, to offer tailored approaches to address gaps in their awareness of pre-diabetes and diabetes risk, and to link individuals with current senior center, state, and other programs to further support diabetes prevention in older adults.

Healthcare delivery is experiencing a digital inflection point. Despite widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and expanding diagnostic technologies, clinicians increasingly report administrative overload, fragmented information systems, and reduced time for direct patient care. Data volume has increased, but clarity has not. This commentary proposes a four-pillar framework for transforming healthcare data from a source of cognitive burden into a driver of clinical, operational, and financial value. The framework includes: (1) early detection of clinical deterioration through AI-enabled analytics; (2) proactive operational adjustments using predictive capacity modeling; (3) population-level predictive capability to prevent avoidable hospitalizations; and (4) operational efficiency through automation of documentation and coding workflows. Rather than replacing physicians, artificial intelligence systems should function as intelligent assistants that synthesize data, reduce clerical burden, and support clinical judgment. We also discuss how integration of multi-omics data may further enhance early detection and personalized care. Moving from data fragmentation to actionable insight is not solely a technology challenge. It is a workforce sustainability issue and a public health priority.

ObjectiveThis study examined the prevalence of food insecurity and its association with anxiety and depression among students at Delaware State University (DSU).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was administered to 117 students via classroom distribution, social media, campus events, and within the campus food pantry. Food insecurity was assessed using the USDA Six-Item Short Form, anxiety levels were determined using the GAD-7 survey tool, and depression scored with the PHQ-9 survey tool. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the population and the chi square test to analyze relationships between food security status and mental health outcomes.ResultsAmong respondents (n = 117), 97% were classified as food insecure (n = 113), and of those, 17% (n = 20) reported moderate-to-severe anxiety and 32% (n = 37) reporting moderate-to-severe depression. Only 37% (n = 43) of the students surveyed (n = 117) accessed mental health services within the past year and only 6% (n = 7) participated in food assistance programs. Although notable proportions of students experiencing food insecurity presented with elevated mental health symptoms, there was no statistically significant association between food security status and levels of depression or anxiety.ConclusionsThe lack of statistical significance does not rule out a meaningful relationship between food and psychological distress. Larger sample sizes, longitudinal studies, and the inclusion of impacting variables such as financial supports are warranted to get an accurate assessment of our current student needs. Developing targeted interventions addressing both nutrition and mental health are essential to improve student well-being at a critical “gateway” period—habits and health challenges that emerge in this life stage often influence lifelong health trajectories.

ObjectiveThe study examined participant experiences in a community-based Food is Medicine (FIM) program for pregnant women in Delaware, focusing on program structure, support services, health impacts, and perceived dignity and respect.MethodsUsing a qualitative design, 7 postpartum participants who completed the FIM pilot during pregnancy participated in semi-structured interviews that were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, generating five conceptual categories and 25 themes.ResultsParticipants described substantial benefits, including improved food security, healthier eating behaviors, and emotional well-being supported through Community Health Workers and Case Management. They valued the program’s respectful delivery, high food quality, convenient home delivery, and personalized dietary guidance. Reported challenges included limited program duration, restricted snack variety, and communication gaps related to goal-setting and resource navigation.ConclusionsFindings suggest that FIM programs tailored to pregnant women can have multidimensional effects that extend beyond nutrition to encompass economic stability, mental health, and access to social supports. The integration of Community Health Workers and participant-centered service delivery emerged as key strengths, underscoring the potential of FIM models to enhance perinatal health outcomes and equity.

Gender-affirming care (GAC) for youth is a medically necessary, evidence-based practice endorsed by major health organizations to support transgender and gender-diverse individuals. In Delaware, proposed legislation threatens to restrict access to GAC despite clear evidence that such care improves mental health outcomes and reduces suicide risk. This article outlines the components of GAC, examines the impact of legal and political threats, and argues for sustained protections to safeguard the health of Delaware’s youth and public health systems.

The recent surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the United States has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond civil rights, posing a significant but underrecognized threat to public mental health—particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals living with or at risk for HIV. This article explores how such legislation operates as a form of structural trauma, exacerbating minority stress, anticipatory grief, and psychological distress among clients in HIV care. Drawing on clinical experience, trauma-informed practice, and existing literature, it demonstrates how discriminatory policies compromise mental health, disrupt care engagement, and deepen medical mistrust. Through composite case vignettes and evidence-based analysis, the article highlights the role of the mental health clinician as both a therapeutic and systemic advocate. It concludes with urgent recommendations for culturally competent care, trauma-informed public health systems, and policy advocacy to resist harm and promote resilience among LGBTQ+ populations. Ultimately, the piece calls for a unified public health response that affirms identity, fosters healing, and safeguards the dignity and well-being of marginalized communities.

ObjectiveThis article details the results of focus groups with providers who work with LGBTQ+ youth experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness in Delaware.MethodsResearchers interviewed 16 service providers in four focus groups held between May 24, 2023 and June 5, 2023. Providers included housing support specialists, social workers, community health workers, school counselors, mental health care providers, and other community-service-based practitioners. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom, and the authors utilized inductive coding to identify emerging themes.ResultsThroughout Delaware, there are limited housing and public health supports in place for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Even when services are available, LGBTQ+ young people may have difficulty accessing them due to age restrictions, shelter segregation by sex or gender, or safety concerns. Providers working with this population face challenges including limited funding and staff, and a lack of specialized training. Changes at the local and state level—including increased funding, enhanced access to specialized training, and greater inclusivity on administrative forms—are important first steps to ensuring providers can adequately provide services to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness.ConclusionsLGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience homelessness than their cisgender and heterosexual peers and yet face greater barriers to housing services throughout Delaware. The unique needs of this population necessitate specialized services and programs to ensure all young people have access to basic needs such as housing.Policy ImplicationsThe provider perspectives in this paper offer a firsthand account of the challenges of serving this population and opportunities for improvement in policy creation and program administration.

I came out when I was 15 years-old; and not in some soft, quiet way.I came out in a blaze of adolescent chaos which left no room to turn back.It was the mid-90s, in rural Delaware, where being gay was something whispered about, laughed at, or outright denied.This act could have been dangerous and isolating -and I did it anyway.By stepping into my own power, I laid claim to my identity -immediately stripping others of the authority to define it for me.I began the slow transformation into the person I was meant to become; and, decades later, I am grateful for this experience.