PHOTO RELEASE: Coons, Blunt Rochester, McBride Celebrate Federal Investments to Expand Rural Healthcare Access in Sussex County

GEORGETOWN, Del. - Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester and U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (all D-Del.) traveled across Sussex County to celebrate more than $5 million in federal investments to expand access to affordable healthcare through La Red Health Center in Georgetown and Seaford and Beebe Healthcare's Long Neck Health Center in Millsboro.

The events were part of the delegation's "Delaware Delivers: Federal Investment at Work" tour highlighting how federal dollars are being put to work to expand access to affordable care and meet the needs of Delaware communities. Photos from the events can be found here.

"Anyone who lives downstate will tell you there simply aren't enough doctors in Sussex," said Senator Chris Coons. "It makes it harder for people to get the care they need, leaving communities here sicker, ER wait times longer, and health care more expensive for everybody. That's why we've taken action in Washington to get millions of dollars to add more doctors and clinics to Sussex County - because you deserve care no matter where you live."

"Every Delawarean should have access to quality affordable health care, regardless of their zip code or background," said Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester. "We will continue to work to close health care gaps and lower rising health care costs, so no Delawarean has to choose between putting food on their table and getting the care they deserve."

"Sussex County is experiencing significant growth, so it's imperative that our healthcare system keeps pace," said Rep. Sarah McBride. "The federal investments we're highlighting today will help us do just that - by expanding critical services, from primary care to substance use disorder treatment, for residents across Sussex County. I'm proud to have worked alongside Senators Coons and Blunt Rochester to bring these resources home and invest in the health of our neighbors. Every Delawarean deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare, no matter their ZIP code or circumstances. Because when more people can get the care they need, when they need it, we lower healthcare costs for everyone."

The congressional delegation first toured the La Red Health Center in Georgetown to celebrate the more than $3.7 million in federal funding to strengthen its facilities and services across Sussex County. The investments include $2 million for facility enhancements at La Red's Georgetown campus, including maximizing administrative space, improving energy efficiency, making structural repairs, and enhancing safety; $720,000 for infrastructure improvements at its Seaford location, including replacing the HVAC system and repaving the parking lot to improve accessibility; and $1 million to strengthen La Red's Rural Re-Entry Program, which connects formerly incarcerated people with healthcare, treatment, housing, and workforce support.

"This funding is critical for La Red and our patients," said Rachel Hersh, President & CEO of La Red Health Center. "Every year, 15,000 people in Sussex County count on us for their healthcare needs. This funding will allow us to make necessary improvements to our Georgetown and Seaford facilities that will extend the lives of those buildings. It will also allow us to enhance our care for our patients by adding staff to our rural re-entry program."

The delegation then traveled to Beebe Healthcare's Long Neck Health Center in Millsboro to celebrate $1.75 million in federal funding to relocate and expand Beebe's Coordinated Care Center. The investment will help renovate the Long Neck facility to expand access to primary care, care coordination, and chronic disease management in a rapidly growing area of Sussex County.

Beebe launched the Coordinated Care Center in Lewes in August 2024 to help bridge the gap between hospital care and critical follow-up care for patients who do not have a primary care provider. Patients can leave the hospital with a follow-up appointment already scheduled, helping connect them with continued care and reduce the risk of readmission. The expanded Center will allow Beebe to serve more patients discharged from its emergency departments or inpatient care without a primary care provider.

"At Beebe Healthcare, we know that access to care is about more than having healthcare options available," said David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare. "The Coordinated Care Center helps bridge the gap between a hospital stay and long-term health, connecting patients to primary care, care coordination, chronic disease management, and other support services that help them stay well. By reducing avoidable hospital readmissions and helping patients access timely follow-up care, the center can help reduce unnecessary emergency department utilization while connecting patients to the right care at the right time. This investment will allow us to expand that proven model, bringing care closer to home while advancing our commitment to value-based care focused on prevention, wellness, and better health outcomes. We are grateful to Delaware's Congressional Delegation for their partnership in helping improve the health of our community."

Sussex County is growing rapidly, but access to healthcare has not kept pace. These federal investments will help La Red and Beebe expand capacity and services to meet growing demand and connect more Sussex County residents with quality care close to home.

The funding was secured through the federal appropriations process in the House and Senate.

Photos from the events can be found here.