[audio:http://www.wdde.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/25288-stockleyME.mp3|titles= Delaware Public Media's Sean Carlson interviews DHSS Sec. Rita Landgraf about new uses of Stockley Center.]
State Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf unveiled new uses for the Stockley Center in Georgetown during Monday's 2014 Outdoor Summit.
The 750-acre grounds of the state-operated facility for individuals with developmental disabilities will now feature opportunities for the community to walk, run or bike on miles of interlinking trails.
Secretary Landgraf says though some of the trails are now overgrown, the idea is to refurbish them for use by all Delawareans.
"We are looking at opening up those trails and making them fully accessible so people of all abilities can actually enjoy nature and enjoy those trails," said Landgraf.
Another major addition to Stockley will be telehealth services that will allow patients to communicate with medical specialists without traveling far. Officials say telemedicine is an ideal tool for health centers in rural communities.
Landgraf says corporate and other partners will help to finance the improvements.
"Some of our partners that are part of the financing community involve corporations, banks and foundations," said Landgraf. "They are developing plan with us, and I believe part of their commitment is to say ‘how can we support you fiscally?’"
Currently, the Stockley Center is home to a state-of-the-art 50-bed skilled nursing facility and housing residences for a total of about 65 individuals with developmental disabilities. It's equipped with an aquatic therapy facility, full-size gym, medical and dental offices, a computer training center, a chapel, and a daycare center. The Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc. and the southern office of the Division of Forensic Science are also housed at Stockley.