Häly Laasme-McQuilkin

Häly Laasme is the Energy Assistance Director at the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). She oversees the development, implementation, and management of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered in collaboration with the Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Häly focuses on solving multidimensional challenges of energy access in human security– addressing the root causes of insecurities in multifaceted hybrid systems by identifying dynamics between social determinants of health and energy access, mitigating the socio-economic and health inequalities by developing human-centered strategies to address the energy vulnerabilities, and determining the impacts of environmental challenges on path dependence, equity and justice. Currently she serves in the Governance Board of the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC), in the Executive Committee of the Energy Services Coalition (ESC) and in the Board of Directors of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA). She also mentors in the United States Energy Association (USEA) Female Leaders in Energy (FLIE) Initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR).  

The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) plays a major role in meeting the basic needs of Delaware families and individuals. This is recognized by the Department’s mission “to improve the quality of life for Delaware’s residents by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations” through its 11 Divisions. The Division of State Service Centers (DSSC), one of the 11 divisions, is an important entrée to the myriad of programs and services under the DHSS umbrella; those co-located across the State in 15 State Service Centers as well as via partnerships with external State and non-profit agencies.  It is the Division of State Service Centers mission “to provide convenient access to human services, assist vulnerable populations, support communities and promote volunteer and service opportunities.”