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Addressing opioids at the federal level
On Jan. 12, DHS Deputy Commissioner Chuck Johnson attended a roundtable with U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, NAMI Minnesota, the Minnesota Hospital Association, St. Gabriel's Health and others to talk about what can be done at the federal level to help Minnesota address the opioid crisis.
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Human services projects part of governor’s bonding proposal
Gov. Mark Dayton on Jan. 16 proposed a public works bill that would have invested $1.5 billion in critical infrastructure projects statewide, including investments in important human services projects. The proposal included $16.2 million in investments at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program’s St. Peter facility; $2.2 million to update the St. Peter Dietary Building, which serves the Minnesota Security Hospital and Sex Offender Program; $6.8 million for upgrades at the Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center; and $13.9 million to design and construct two residential treatment facilities for MSOP clients who are suited for less restrictive treatment. Read more in a January 2018 news release from the Governor’s Office.
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Governor Dayton releases new report on Minnesota's opioid crisis
Deputy DHS Commissioner Chuck Johnson joined Governor Mark Dayton and legislators at a Feb. 14 news conference announcing legislative proposals to address the opioid crisis.
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Mental health service helps Minnesota foster children
A mental health program that helps children with high needs to stay with their foster families and out of treatment facilities is now available in Minnesota. Intensive Mental Health Treatment in Foster Care is designed to meet the unique needs of each child. With services such as psychotherapy, crisis assistance and clinical care consultation, this model also provides services to all members of children’s families and their foster families, working closely with other providers and professionals who interact with the children. Read more about the program in a February 2018 news release.
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Energy efficiency upgrades pay off
The Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter got a one-time $161,500 rebate from the city’s public utility. Pictured (from left): Marcus Hendrickson, Minnesota Municipal Power Authority; Pete Moulton, St Peter Public Works Director; Carol Olson, Executive Director, Forensic Services; Tom Kolstad, Chief Operations Officer, Forensic Services; Todd Pratke, St Peter City Administrator; Scott Berg, Physical Plant Operations Director, St. Peter Regional Treatment Center; and David Lutterman, electrical supervisor, St. Peter Regional Treatment Center.
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Traffic card allows communication between people who are deaf, law enforcement
The Minnesota Department of Human Services released a tool to help improve communications between people who are deaf and law enforcement. The two-way communication card provides guidance to officers and can help facilitate the interaction. The card was designed with significant input from Minnesotans who are deaf and hard of hearing, who identified symbols that would be most helpful to them in communicating. More information and a link to the card is available in a March 2018 news release.
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DHS at the Deaf Awareness Day fair
DHS staff joined dozens of other vendors in providing information and resources to more than 2,000 people attending the annual Deaf Awareness Day fair on April 21 at White Bear Lake High School. Pictured are: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division Director Dan Millikin, DHHS employees Liz Brown and Beth Brostom.
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Suicide prevention text services expand statewide
Minnesotans across the state can now access suicide prevention and mental health crisis texting services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As of April 1, people who text MN to 741741 will be connected with a trained counselor who will help defuse the crisis and connect the texter to local resources. The service helps people contemplating suicide and facing mental health issues. Read more about the service in an April 2018 news release.
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Exhibit provides past and present-day look at mental illness
State of Mind | A History of Minnesota’s First State Hospital opened May 12 at the Treaty Site History Center in St. Peter. Former nurse Donna George admired a section of the exhibit that documents her 53 years at the St. Peter State Hospital.
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Grants promote community inclusion, employment, housing choices for people with disabilities
The Minnesota Department of Human Services awarded $946,878 as part of a disability services innovations grants program to support people with disabilities in the community. The small innovations grants program awards between $1,500 and $100,000 to individuals and organizations to work with Minnesotans with disabilities. More information, including a list of recipients, is available in a May 2018 news release.
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2018
DHS Deputy Commissioner Chuck Johnson helped kick off the Minnesota Elder Justice Center's annual conference on June 13, which Governor Mark Dayton proclaimed as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Minnesota.
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State psychiatric hospital makes critical turnaround
After two unannounced inspections by federal regulators, Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center returned to full compliance with federal rules for hospital operations and patient care. The state-operated psychiatric hospital in Anoka treats patients with complex mental illnesses and behavioral health conditions. The 110-bed facility serves the entire state. Learn more in a June 2018 news release.
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Construction work underway at Minnesota Security Hospital
Demolition and construction began for the $70.2 million Phase II expansion and renovation of the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter. The project includes major remodeling of 100,000 square feet of existing space and new construction of another 87,000 square feet. The first phase of construction, a $56.3 million project, was completed in January 2017. See video of the work on the DHS YouTube channel.
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New Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility to serve children with complex mental health conditions
A new Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility in Duluth is bringing a higher level of mental health care for children to Minnesota. The Northwood Children’s Services Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility is designed to meet the needs of children requiring inpatient psychiatric care. In the past, children requiring these intensive services have had to travel to other states for care. Now, Minnesota families will have more services available closer to home for children most in need. More information about this facility is available in a July 2018 news release.
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Commissioner Piper meets local artists who "work with their quirks"
Commissioner Emily Piper chats with artists Chris M. and Loni Joy W. during a visit to the Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts on Aug. 2 to highlight $2.6 million in innovation grants awarded to seven community organizations for their work to improve choices and outcomes for people with disabilities.
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Grants fund new efforts to support people with disabilities
The Minnesota Department of Human Services awarded $2.6 million to community organizations for efforts supporting the goals of competitive jobs, stable housing and community involvement for people with disabilities. The grants will help lead to better choices and outcomes for people with disabilities. Over the next two years, the grants will fund innovative ideas such as providing mentors for young people with disabilities interning at businesses, helping with rent deposits, moving costs and apartment set-up and supporting those with disabilities in the competitive workforce. Read more about the grants in an August 2018 news release.
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Assistant Commissioner Farago discusses 2-Generation partnership during Northside Achievement Zone visit
DHS Children and Family Services Assistant Commissioner Nikki Farago and Economic Assistance and Employment Supports Director Jovon Perry visited Northside Achievement Zone in Minneapolis to get feedback about the Minnesota 2-Generation Policy Network and discuss how the initiative can help North Minneapolis families.
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Training teaches safe use of drug that can reverse an opioid overdose
Naloxone is easy to get, easy to use, and can save lives. The Minnesota Department of Human Services hosted a training on how to safety use this drug, which can reverse an opioid overdose. As part of Recovery Month, the Department of Human Services offered training in St. Paul for individuals, family members, state staff, professionals such as first responders and anyone else interested in learning about the safe use of Naloxone. Participants received Naloxone, and representatives of a variety of programs were on hand to talk about resources in the community. More information is in a September 2018 news release.
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Commissioner honors Cougar Cub Child Care Center for excellence in human services
On Oct. 11, DHS Commissioner Emily Piper toured the Cedar Mountain Cougar Cub Child Care Center in Franklin and presented them with a 2018 Commissioner's Circle of Excellence Award. The center is a collaborative project between Cedar Mountain Schools and Franklin Industries that provides needed childcare in their community.
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Minnesota communities will share $33 million to provide needed mental health care to kids
The Minnesota Department of Human Services awarded 57 mental health providers a total of $33 million – $11 million per year for three years – to bring mental health services to over half of Minnesota schools. Minnesota’s School-Linked Mental Health program is a critical piece of the state’s mental health services for children. Programs help identify mental health needs early, make services available to more children in need, and improve outcomes for children and youth with a mental health diagnosis. More information and a full list of grantees is available in an October 2018 news release.
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DHS celebrates adoptive families at the 21st annual Celebrate Adoption: Circus of the Heart event
Department of Human Services employees Catrina Ankarlo and Michelle Frazier staff the department's booth at the annual Celebrate Adoption: Circus of the Heart event on Nov. 4.
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State officials announce $4.9 million in mental health grants to intermediate school districts
On Nov. 20, state officials visited North Education Center, New Hope, to announce $4.9 million in mental health grants to intermediate school districts. This funding helps specialized school districts provide mental health services to children, including those who have experienced trauma. More information and a full list of grantees is available in a November 2018 news release.
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Red Lake Nation's Oshkiimaajitahdah recognized for excellence in human services
DHS Office of Indian Policy Director Vern LaPlante and Oshkiimaajitahdah Director Jerry Loud pose with Oshkiimaajitahdah’s 2018 Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Award at a ceremony in Redby.
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Holidays offer chance to check on needs of loved ones who are aging, have disabilities
As people gather for the holidays, family and friends often get a fresh look at how well older adults or people with disabilities in their lives are doing. Minnesota has several resources to help families address issues that may be noticed. Read more in a December 2018 news release.
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