DE DPH Director Steven Blessing Announces Retirement

May 18, 2026/Mari Lou

Image courtesy DPH

Delaware Division of Public Health Director Steven Blessing has announced his retirement effective July 1 of this year. Blessing was the first non-physician DPH Director in state history and led the organization through many changes during his tenure. He leaves a legacy of initiatives that have – and will continue to have – a positive impact on the lives of all Delawareans. Blessing will leave DPH in a prime position to meet the challenges of an ever-changing public health environment.

Additional information from DPH:

Following his service as an officer in the United States Army, Blessing joined DPH in 1994 as the Executive Assistant to the Division Director. During that time, he was instrumental in the development and subsequent oversight of the Statewide Trauma System. This year, the Trauma System of Care celebrates its 30th anniversary while recognizing Blessing and the other founders and highlighting the countless lives saved because of this program.
 
For the next three decades, Blessing made his mark throughout DPH in multiple roles.  In 1997, he helped lead the dissolution of the State Board of Health and the modernization of DPH Code before moving into the role of Paramedic Administrator.  In that position, Blessing helped develop and advance the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Improvement Act of 1999, which modernized the state’s EMS system. He was elevated to the position of State EMS Director in 2002 and led the efforts to make Delaware the first state to implement statewide electronic EMS reporting – a milestone achievement. This leadership was recognized by his peers across the country as Blessing was selected to serve as the President of the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) from 2008-2010.
 
Blessing’s commitment to emergency services and public health led to his selection as the state EMS and Preparedness Director in 2010.  It was in that important role that he coordinated and led DPH response efforts for numerous adverse events, most notably Hurricanes Sandy and Irene. One of the greatest challenges came as Blessing directed the State Health Operations Center (SHOC) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
In 2022, he was appointed to Deputy Division Director before moving on to serve as DPH Division Director in 2023.  Blessing’s tenure came during a time of significant change to the public health landscape both nationally and in Delaware. His greatest impact will be the way he guided DPH through those consequential changes and structured the division to best serve the people of Delaware in challenging times. Major initiatives undertaken during his time as Director include:
  • Restructuring the division to meet the challenges of the post-COVID world. 
  • Consolidation and streamlining of programs to meet challenges of reduced federal funding. 
  • Streamlining of internal contracting and purchasing processes to improve efficiency and program performance. 
  • Integration of DPH client-facing programs to improve access and equity for DPH clients. 
  • Rebranding of DPH clinical assets coupled with improved use of mobile units and introduction of telemedicine to take DPH services to clients where they are. 
  • Expansion and enhancement of Environmental Health to meet the challenges of contaminants such as per- and  polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lead.   
  • Creation of the Bureau of Environmental Health Equity to focus on needs in underserved communities 
  • Advancements in electronic licensing, permitting, and payment systems.   
  • Expansion of DPH electronic surveillance capabilities and the consolidation of numerous electronic databases.
  • Refurbishment and expansion of the DPH Lab facility and an attached office building, enhancing its capabilities and capacity.   
  • Advancement and improvement of DPH Communications, increasing public outreach, as well as information sharing and transparency.   
  • Complete revision of most internal DPH policies and all DPH public regulations.

Blessing’s retirement will not be the end of his professional impact as he is slated to engage in private business ventures and pursue meaningful opportunities outside of state government. Blessing also plans to spend more time with his wife and children, travel, and enjoy some of his favorite hobbies like boating and his love for Philadelphia sports.

 

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