LT. GOVERNOR GAY APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF HOUSE BILL 169(S)

DOVER— Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay, Chair of the Behavioral Health Consortium (BHC), thanks the Delaware General Assembly, Department of Health and Social Services, and Department of Justice for their partnership on House Bill 169 (S) — legislation that ensures critical funding from the Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission (POSDC) reaches affected communities as quickly as possible and adds to the membership of the BHC to include expertise on maternal mental health, caregiving, and veterans affairs.

“I’m grateful to all our partners who worked with us to develop legislation that promotes good governance, effectiveness, and transparency. With the passage of HB 169 (S), both the BHC and the POSDC will have a greater impact, operating more efficiently for the communities we serve. As Chair of the BHC, I look forward to continued collaboration with the POSDC in our shared commitment to foster a healthier Delaware,” said Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay.

Since its inception the BHC has been responsible for approving the granting recommendations made by the POSDC, and additional step that HB 169(S), sponsored by Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown and Senator Ray Seigfried, removes. This bill streamlines the process, putting the final decision-making into the hands of the subject matter experts of the POSDC, and its staff.

“I’m proud to serve as Senate sponsor for House Bill 169 (S), an important piece of legislation that modernizes the lifesaving work of the Behavioral Health Consortium,” said Sen. Ray Seigfried, BHC member. “For years, the BHC has led the way on mental health and substance use prevention in Delaware, and I’m confident that these updates will help them continue to deliver tangible results for Delawareans in need of support.”

The bill also institutes term limits increasing participation and the opportunity for new voices to join these important conversations.

“The changes HB 169(S) makes to the POSDC are the result of a thoughtful evaluation of its role, structure, function, and its relationship with the BHC. With these modifications, our commission will be better positioned to support the purpose and mission of supporting prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services in our communities,” said Rep. Kendra Johnson, POSDC member.

The passage of this bill also amends POSDC leadership to have one Chairperson, with members given the authority to select a Vice Chair. Like most public bodies across Delaware, one Chairperson remains best governing practice and coincides with similar public entities nationwide tasked with distributing opioid settlement funds.

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