News from DHS for September 2015

Minnesota Department of Human Services
News from DHS

September 2015

News from DHS archive

A monthly update from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov/dhs)


Annual health plan selection is open

If you are a Minnesota Health Care Programs member who gets health care through a health plan, you have the chance to choose a new health plan for the next year if more than one is available in your area. The annual health-plan selection is Sept. 1 through Dec. 11. See the annual health-plan selection page for more information.


Listening sessions across state focus on treatment, prevention

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is hosting a series of listening sessions across the state to hear from individuals, families and service providers about substance abuse treatment and prevention. “Your Opinion Matters! Substance Use Disorder Community Forums” will be held in eight locations across Minnesota, with the goal of understanding the successes and challenges of our current system of preventing and treating substance use disorder. More information is in a news release about the listening sessions.


Sept. 26 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson encourages Minnesotans to mark National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, Sept. 26, by finding and getting rid of their unused, unwanted prescription medicine as a way to stop drug abuse before it starts. Abuse of prescription medicine has contributed to a dangerous spike in heroin and other opiate abuse. “Got Drugs? — National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day,” aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. More information is in a news release about National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.


TXT4Life program expands reach with $1M boost in funding

Help is now a text message away anytime for Minnesotans experiencing crisis or contemplating suicide. TXT4Life is expanding hours and outreach thanks to a $1 million boost from the state, and is on track to respond to more than 10,000 text messages this year. As of Sept. 1, Minnesotans who text “Life” to 61222 receive crisis counseling and connections to local resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week from trained counselors at non-profit Canvas Health, which operates TXT4Life. More information is in a news release about TXT4Life.


Daniel Anderson named DHS health systems chief executive officer

A new leader will oversee the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) health system for mental health and chemical dependency treatment programs Commissioner Lucinda Jesson announced today. Daniel Anderson, a former president and chief operating officer for Fairview Community Health Systems, was named DHS health systems chief executive officer. Anderson’s role will include strategic direction and oversight of 20 mental health and chemical dependency treatment programs across the state, including the Minnesota Security Hospital and Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center. More than 3,350 people each year receive services from these programs. More information is in a news release about Anderson’s appointment.


Fall prevention awareness event kicks off first day of fall

Members of the public joined public officials and members of the Minnesota Falls Prevention Coalition on the first day of fall, Wednesday, Sept. 23, for the “Take a Stand to Prevent Falls” event at the National Guard Armory, 600 Cedar St., St. Paul. The event was intended to unite professionals, older adults, caregivers and family members to play a part in raising awareness and preventing falls among older adults or anyone who experiences movement or balance issues. More information is in a news release about the event.


18th annual celebration honors adoptive families

Hundreds of adopted children and their new families, as well as those interested in adoption will launch Adoption Month in November at the 18th annual Celebrate Adoption: Circus of the Heart. This event recognizes children who have been adopted from the foster care system in the past year and encourages families to consider making a lifelong impact on children’s lives through adoption. The public is invited to attend and gather information about adoption. State, county, nonprofit and private agency adoption experts will staff tables and answer questions. Families will enjoy circus-themed activities, face painting, pony rides, music, games, crafts, clowns, and free prize drawings as part of the event on Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Prom Event Center, 484 Inwood Ave, Oakdale, from 1 to 4 p.m. The Minnesota Department of Human Services, MN ADOPT, counties, private and nonprofit adoption agencies sponsor the event. More information about adoption is on the DHS website.


Jean Wood receives national aging, disability award

Jean Wood was presented with the first-ever Executive Director’s Award from the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities at its annual conference in September. Wood, executive director of the Minnesota Board on Aging and director of the Aging and Adult Services Division, Minnesota Department of Human Services, was recognized for outstanding leadership nationally and her commitment to NASUAD, first as a staff member and then as a long-standing member of its board of directors. Her leadership is credited for helping the association evolve from one that served only state aging agencies to one that now includes state agencies on disabilities and aging. More information is in a news release about Wood’s award.


Website recognized for synthetic drug education

Educating teachers, parents, and youth about the dangers of synthetic drugs is the goal of an innovative prevention effort, KnowtheDangers.com. The website and related social media campaign were recently awarded first place in the Best Cause Awareness category in PR Daily’s 2015 Digital PR and Social Media Awards. For the past year KnowtheDangers.com has offered information about drugs many parents and professionals who work with young people have never have heard of — drugs that are all too common across Minnesota. More information is in a news release about the website’s award.


Day care provider charged with improperly billing state

The Ramsey County Attorney's Office on Friday charged Said Jire Kalinle with one count of Theft by Swindle and one count of Identity Theft in connection with the overbilling of Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in excess of $11,000. Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is administered by counties with oversight by the Department of Human Services and provides working parents who meet certain income eligibility requirements with affordable child care. CCAP payments are paid directly to child care providers who are required to accurately report a child’s attendance. More information is in a news release about the charges.


Fraud threat: SNAP hotline intercepted

Members of the public are reporting receiving unsolicited calls from what appears to be the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) toll-free information hotline number: 1-800-221-5689. The unsolicited callers are requesting personal information offering assistance for filling out a SNAP application or other non-SNAP related services such as home security systems. More information is in a news story about the fraud threat.


Fact sheets added, updated during September

Fact sheets about DHS programs were added or updated during September:


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