Delaware Division of Public Health Announces New Director

DOVER, Del. (Nov, 12, 2026) - The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is pleased to announce that Dr. Harrison Hines assumed the role of Director of Public Health and Delaware State Health Officer on October 12, 2026. As leader of the largest division within the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Dr. Hines oversees nearly 1,000 employees and statewide efforts to prevent disease, respond to public health threats, and promote the health of more than one million Delaware residents.

In this role, Dr. Hines directs the programs, services, and activities that improve the health of communities across Delaware including improving the health of mothers and babies, preventing the spread of communicable diseases, ensuring safe food and drinking water, and advocating to reduce health disparities for at-risk populations.

"Dr. Hines brings an exceptional combination of clinical experience, national health policy expertise, and proven leadership to Delaware," said Surgeon General Dr. Neil Hockstein. "We have a tremendous opportunity to better align our statewide health priorities with the work of the Division of Public Health, strengthening our ability to serve Delawareans and improve health outcomes across our communities. I look forward to working closely with him to turn that opportunity into meaningful progress."

Before joining DPH, Dr. Hines served on the White House Domestic Policy Council, where he led a team that developed the nation's first U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health. The playbook outlined ways to address factors such as housing, food, and transportation that can affect people's health. He also held several executive roles at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where he worked to improve health care and services for veterans. In addition to these leadership positions, Dr. Hines has continued his clinical practice as a neurologist treating patients with diseases ranging from strokes to dementia.

"Our focus as public health professionals goes beyond disease prevention. My goal is to help individuals and communities flourish," said Dr. Hines. "As I begin serving Delawareans living across the state, I want to hear from the people who know their communities best, learn, and find where we can do better."

Dr. Hines is a neurologist who earned his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine and completed his neurology residency at the University of California, San Francisco. He also holds a master's degree in theological studies from Duke Divinity School and bachelor's degrees in religion and chemistry from Duke University.

Prior to Dr. Hines' assumption of the role of Director and following the departure of former Director Steven Blessing, Dr. Tesha Quail served the Division as Interim Director for over three months. Dr. Hines and the staff of DPH are grateful to Dr. Quail for her steadfast service on behalf of the Division and the people of Delaware. Dr. Quail now returns to her position as Deputy Director and Chief Health Equity Officer at DPH.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.