Bethany Hall-Long was sworn in as Delaware’s 26th Lt. Governor on January 17th, 2017.
Born and raised on her family’s farm in Sussex County with her two older brothers, Bethany graduated from Indian River High School, where she met her future husband, Dana. After graduation, she went on to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a nurse at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
Upon graduation, she and her husband, Dana, moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where she pursued her MSN in community health nursing, while Dana was stationed there as a member of the United States Navy. During Dana’s last tour at the Pentagon, Bethany completed her PhD in health policy and nursing administration from George Mason University, and served as a fellow for the U.S. Senate as well as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Their love of Delaware, and desire to be close to their families caused Bethany and Dana to move back and make their home in Middletown with their son, Brock.
Bethany has been a member of the UD Nursing Faculty now for nearly twenty years. She also holds a distinguished record at the University of Delaware (UD). She was the first nursing faculty at UD to receive the University-wide excellence in teaching award and is currently a Professor of Nursing and Joint Faculty in Urban Affairs. Her research and community service record with at-risk groups such as pregnant teens, diabetics, homeless and the mentally ill, makes her a nationally recognized health scientist.
From 2002-2017, Bethany served as a member of Delaware’s legislature, first as a Representative and then as a Senator. She served as the chair of the Health and Social Services committee where her efforts were aimed at ensuring a stronger, healthier Delaware by combating addiction, focusing on a stronger mental health system, fighting cancer, and health inequities in our state. She also served as a member of the capital budget Bond Committee where Bethany focused on building Delaware’s infrastructure, modernizing our schools, repairing our highways, and protecting our environment and open space.
Upon taking office, Governor Carney tapped Bethany to lead Delaware’s efforts to combat the opioid and heroin epidemic as Chair of the newly created Behavioral Health Consortium. With a goal of improving behavioral health services in Delaware, Bethany has convened stakeholders from across the state to help identify the gaps and challenges, and provide solutions that will create a behavioral health system that works for everyone.
As a nurse, Bethany understands the connection between physical and emotional wellness, in addition to health and learning. In an effort to improve health outcomes for all Delawareans, her office launched a statewide program, the Lt. Governor’s Challenge 2.0 in 2018. This program is designed to recognize the work and accomplishments of the many dedicated groups that are leading the way in helping others live stronger and healthier.
Bethany has always been, and will continue to be a strong voice for all of Delaware.