News from DHS for December 2016

Minnesota Department of Human Services logo

News from DHS

December 2016

News from DHS archive

In this issue:


Commissioner’s Awards recognize human services leaders

Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper honored seven programs from across the state Dec. 12 for their outstanding contributions to human services clients. Recipients of the 2016 Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Awards were recognized at a ceremony at the Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building in St. Paul. More information is in a news release about the awards.


Grants to help women in treatment for substance use

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) awarded 12 grants totaling $4.25 million annually for three years to provide support and recovery services for pregnant and parenting women who have substance use disorders and their families. Women’s Recovery Services grants provide comprehensive, gender-specific, family-centered services for women and their families who are vulnerable and at high risk. The agencies that received the grants help women in their programs remain alcohol and drug free, obtain or retain employment, stay out of the criminal justice system, find and secure stable housing, access physical and mental health services for themselves and their children, and deliver babies who test negative for substances at birth. More information is in a news release about the grants


Resources available to help older relatives live safely in their homes

Family gatherings during the holiday season offer opportunities to check on how older relatives are doing and how they are planning for the future. “During the holiday season, family members can often get a fresh look at how well parents, grandparents and other older relatives are coping with their living situations,” said Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. “Resources are available so older adults can get the help they may need to remain healthy and safe at home.” More information is in a news release about the resources.


Valerie Cooke named director of Nursing Facility Rates and Policy Division

Valerie Cooke, a leader in the Nursing Facility Rates and Policy Division for 25 years, has been named director of the division effective Dec. 5. She replaces Bob Held, who retired Dec. 2. “Val has played a key leadership role on quality initiatives, pay-for-performance systems and program evaluations, both within DHS and as a nationally recognized expert on aligning quality measurement and performance improvement to payment models,” said Loren Colman, assistant commissioner for Continuing Care for Older Adults, who made the appointment. Cooke, who most recently has been manager for quality and research,  said she looks forward to focusing more on strategic thinking within the division as quality measurement becomes increasing linked to payments to nursing homes, both at the state and federal level.


Child Care Emergency Plan released for care, preparation of children in care

With more than 12,000 child care facilities across the state serving more than 230,000 children every day, the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Children and Family Services and Office of Inspector General, in partnership with other state, county and public partners, created the Child Care Emergency Plan (PDF) to assist families, child care providers, counties, and state agencies prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters, and ensure the health and safety of children in these situations. More information can be found on the department’s child care research page.


New DHS logo supports unified look for executive branch agencies

Minnesota Department of Human Services logo

The Minnesota Department of Human Services' new logo is part of a statewide redesign effort of all state agencies, boards and commissions to strengthen our shared identity as the state of Minnesota. DHS is among the first group of state agencies to change to the unified state logo design.


Fact sheets

A fact sheet about DHS programs was updated during December:


For accessible formats of this publication or assistance with additional equal access to human services, write to dhs.communications@state.mn.us, call 651-431-2911, or use your preferred relay service.

Commissioner's Awards winners

Commissioners Awards Arts Center of Saint Peter

Arts Center of Saint Peter

Commissioner's Awards Korean Service Center

Korean Service Center

Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center

Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center

Morrison County Accountable Community for Health

Morrison County Accountable Community for Health

School Linked Mental Health - Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Carlton County

School Linked Mental Health - Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Carlton County

The Food Group

The Food Group

White Earth MOMS Program

White Earth MOMS Program


In the news

Links to some news articles about DHS during late November and December: