Paradise Grill honored for providing addiction training and resources
The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health presented its Restaurant Accolade Program Gold Award to Paradise Grill on Monday at its restaurant in Long Neck.
By putting into place policies and procedures to support staff who struggle with substance use, training staff to recognize and respond to an overdose, and providing local resources to those who may need them, Paradise Grill is the second restaurant group to achieve the Gold level award.
The Restaurant Accolade Program was established in 2021 by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services in response to data showing the high risk of overdose in the food service industry. In 2024, Delaware lost 338 people to accidental drug overdose – about 10% of those deaths were individuals working in the food service industry.
“We congratulate Paradise Grill on being the second group to reach our Gold status,” said Frances Marti, DSAMH deputy director. “The Restaurant Accolade Program is successful because of partners like Paradise Grill who recognize the importance of training and providing resources to their staff. We would also like to thank Dawn Sheehan from Hope on Deck, DSAMH’s community partner, who helped facilitate training with Paradise Grill. Through aligning with our community partners, we can further the impact of the Restaurant Accolade Program.”
A total of 273 Delaware restaurants have participated in the Restaurant Accolade Program, with 1,937 Narcan kits distributed to staff. Bronze level awardees have been trained to recognize and respond to an overdose, while Silver level awardees have identified staff members who are willing to link staff to local treatment and harm reduction resources in Delaware.
For restaurant management to schedule training or learn more, email Anne.Carr@delaware.gov.
To be connected to treatment and recovery options for individuals who are struggling with addiction in Delaware, call the DHSS 24/7 Crisis Hotline in Sussex County at 1-800-345-6785 and go to HelpIsHereDE.com.
For free 24/7 counseling, coaching, and support, as well as links to mental health, addiction, and crisis services call the Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE.
