On June 2, the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation proudly announced the Delaware Health Empowerment Coalition (DHEC) as the 2025 Reinventing Delaware Top Idea of the Year. Championed by Dr. Cydney Teal, DHEC is reimagining primary care with a holistic, multi-generational model rooted in trust, prevention, and equity.

Through a patient-centered, community-based approach, DHEC delivers integrated medical, behavioral, and social care, meeting individuals where they are and keeping them connected to consistent, high-quality support. Their work is already transforming outcomes across New Castle County, with plans to expand statewide.

A New Healthcare Model for Delaware

At a time when traditional healthcare models are increasingly unsustainable, DHEC is offering a compelling alternative: care that’s proactive, culturally competent, and relationship-driven. By staying focused on prevention and early intervention, the practice aims to help patients avoid costly emergency room visits and the complications associated with unmanaged chronic illnesses.

Since opening its doors, DHEC has welcomed over 1,200 patients, with measurable improvements in conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Their model is also designed to drive economic impact by reducing long-term costs, strengthening workforce productivity, and easing the burden on public systems.

DHEC’s approach is strengthened by strategic partnerships with organizations, including The Gift of Life, Unite Us, TeleHelp 24/7, Network Connect, Jewish Family Services of Delaware, the Medical Society of Delaware, Highmark, The Laffey-McHugh Foundation, and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. These collaborations enhance wraparound services and help address social determinants of health, improving holistic care delivery.

In recognition of their impact, DHEC has already received the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation Community Partner Award and a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Designation from the National Health Service Corps. They were also a finalist for the National Health Corps Foundation Equity and Opportunity Award.

Celebrating Success and Looking Forward: DHEC’s Reinventing Delaware Journey

DHEC first introduced their idea at the 2024 Reinventing Delaware Dinner, where they were selected to move forward in the scoping process—a focused, three-hour session designed to explore the concept in depth. Following that session, DHEC began a six-month idea development process in February, working with the Social Contract team to bring their idea to life.

Throughout the process, DHEC distinguished itself by demonstrating a compelling, well-developed strategy and a clear potential for lasting impact on Delaware’s healthcare landscape. The panel, which includes PDFF board members and key partners from Delaware’s business and civic sectors, recognized the strength of DHEC’s integrated care model, its focus on community trust, and its scalable vision. As a result, DHEC was named the 2025 Top Idea of the Year, receiving a $15,000 grant to fuel the next phase of implementation and growth.

Looking ahead, DHEC is scaling its impact. Plans are underway to open a Sussex County location, expand data infrastructure and population health analytics, and grow their team to include additional physicians, social workers, and outreach staff. 

The Journey Continues

With the 2025 Reinventing Delaware celebration behind us, we’re already looking ahead to the next chapter. Join us as we kick off the 2026 cycle at our exclusive Reinventing Delaware Dinner on November 18, 2025—an evening limited to just 100 guests.

Now through October 1, we invite bold thinkers and everyday problem-solvers alike to submit innovative ideas that have the potential to strengthen communities or improve lives across Delaware.

If you’ve been holding on to a transformative idea, now’s your chance to share it and earn a seat at the table where Delaware’s next big solutions are born. Submit online at https://www.petedupontfreedomfoundation.org/reinventing-delaware-2025-idea-submission-form/.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for Reinventing Delaware. Sponsorship support extends beyond the dinner, sustaining the robust idea development process and helping turn visionary concepts into thriving enterprises. Your sponsorship will be recognized all year long, culminating in the announcement of next year’s winner.

Please contact Lynn Roberts at [email protected] for more information.