Groups gather to discuss workforce shortage

A wide array of some 200 stakeholders explored solutions to increase the number of paid helpers for older adults and people with disabilities Tuesday, July 26, at the Direct Care/Support Workforce Summit. The invitational event brought together workers, people who receive services, service providers and representatives of  labor, health care, higher education and state and local units of government to address a shortage in the direct care and direct support workforce. More information is in a news release about the workforce summit. The department is conducting an online survey of workers and people who receive services to gather additional information through Aug. 27. More information about the survey is on the Public participation page.

Savings from Minn. Medicaid reform top $150 million

A nationally watched reform initiative in Minnesota’s Medicaid program resulted in savings of more than $150 million over its first three years, as providers across the state developed and implemented innovative approaches to improving health care for low-income people. The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Integrated Health Partnerships (IHP) demonstration is driving improvements in the quality of care. It offers providers flexibility as they adapt to value-based payment arrangements, which are becoming more prevalent nationally. More information is in a news release about the IHPs.

$250,000 grant will help families get nutritious food

Low-income families and individuals will have more access to nutritious food through a new $250,000 grant awarded recently by the Minnesota Department of Human Services to Second Harvest Heartland, one of the nation’s largest food banks. The grant will help fund Second Harvest’s Food Security project for people who need hunger relief. Among the services provided will be sizeable boxes of healthy food each month for people with diabetes and pre-diabetes. More information is in a news release about the grant.

More meetings set on new disability services rule

Additional meetings have been scheduled by the Minnesota Department of Human Services to get input from people with disabilities on a new federal rule for home and community-based services. The new sites are in Brooklyn Park, Bemidji and Moorhead. The Home and Community-Based Services Rule says people receiving publicly paid long-term services and supports should have certain opportunities, including being involved in the community, living and working in integrated settings and coming and going where and when they want. More information is in a news release about the meetings.

Board partners with ECHO to expand offerings to non-English speaking older adults, families

Non-English speaking Minnesotans now have a new resource to find the critical assistance they may need. A video titled “What is Senior LinkAge Line?” has been created in Hmong, Somali, Spanish and Russian in addition to English to inform Minnesota’s older non-English speaking residents and their families about the service. More information is in a news release about the videos.

DHS seeks parents to serve on Child Support Task Force

Parents’ input is critical to the work of Minnesota’s newly formed Child Support Task Force. The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking parents, with past or present child support cases, to serve as members on the task force. Established by the 2016 Legislature, the task force is responsible for making recommendations to the department on maintaining and improving child support guidelines and objectively discussing complex economic data and policy issues at monthly meetings in the Twin Cities area. More information is in a news release about the task force.

Tomorrow’s Leaders Today conference set for Duluth

More than 100 adolescents who are or were in foster care will gather for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today conference July 27 to 29 at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The annual gathering provides teens with leadership skills and encourages them to fight for the changes they want to see in their lives. The conference will feature speeches, workshops, comedy performances, and many more activities. More information is in a news release about the conference.

People with hearing loss can try new, helpful equipment

New devices that help people who are deaf and hard of hearing in their daily lives are now available to be tested at offices of the Minnesota Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division. DHS does not sell the technology but can demonstrate it and allow individuals to test it on-site by appointment. In some circumstances, demonstrations of some technology can also be offered to groups off-site. More information is in a news release about the equipment.

Marshall Smith will oversee state-operated health systems

Marshall Smith has been named health systems chief executive officer in direct care and treatment at the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Smith will oversee state-operated facilities and programs that provide mental health treatment to some of the most vulnerable people in Minnesota.  He will be responsible for leadership aimed at improving patient care and outcomes, enhancing and strengthening quality and compliance, and overseeing medical services. More information is in a news release about Smith.

Commissioner's Awards seeking nominations

Nominations are being accepted for the annual Commissioner's Circle of Excellence Awards, which recognize excellence among human services providers, counties, tribes, advocacy groups and other organizations that work in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services to help people meet their basic needs so they can live in dignity and achieve their highest potential. Nominations are being accepted through 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31. More information is in a news story about the nominations.

Videos help SNAP Employment and Training participants

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, has produced two orientation videos for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training participants. The videos, produced in English and Spanish, introduce viewers to what SNAP Employment and Training does to help Minnesotans transition from public assistance to self-sufficiency by preparing for and obtaining gainful employment. A Somali language video is currently in production and will be published later in 2016. More information can be found on the department’s SNAP Employment and Training Program webpage.

Fact sheets updated during July

Fact sheets about DHS programs were updated during July:

• General Assistance (PDF) (July 2016)
• Homelessness in Minnesota: A continuum of services responding to needs (PDF) (July 2016)
• Minnesota Citizen Review Panels: Reaching out to protect children (PDF) (July 2016)
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid (PDF) (July 2016)

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