 A successful new mental health program and five others like it throughout Minnesota are at risk. On April 18, DHS Commissioner Tony Lourey, State Representative Robert Bierman and Representative Hodan Hassan visited one of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) to highlight the value of the model, which combines substance use disorder treatment, mental health care and a range of other services under one roof. More information about the visit to People Incorporated's Stark Mental Health Clinic and Governor Tim Walz's proposal to preserve and build upon the success of the CCBHC model is in a fact sheet and a news release.
Illegal drug use claimed the lives of hundreds of Minnesotans in 2017, a devastating toll that dominated headlines. Yet another 1,700 Minnesotans died that year – and every year – from alcohol-related causes, with little public attention. During National Alcohol Awareness Month in April, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) encouraged everyone to learn about the dangers of excessive drinking – and the help that is available for those who need it. Read more in a news release.
Minnesota consistently ranks as one of the top states for providing services and supports to older adults and people with disabilities, according to a national scorecard by AARP. Helping people live well at home is one of the key reasons. The Minnesota Department of Human Services is building on that track record by awarding $8.6 million in Live Well at Home grants to help older Minnesotans remain in their homes rather than move to nursing homes or other more expensive settings. Read more in a news release.
Links to some news articles about DHS during April:
 The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) is Minnesota’s only cash assistance program for families with children and pregnant women living in poverty, but MFIP benefits have not increased since 1986. During April, DHS shared social media posts about life in 1986 vs. 2019, including some 1986 yearbook photos of DHS leadership, to call attention to the 33-year streak with no funding increase and a legislative proposal to raise it in 2019. To see the whole campaign, check out #MFIP86. To see more posts like this and for timely updates on DHS news and events, follow DHS on Twitter and Facebook.
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 Visiting one of the 54 recipients of a Live Well at Home grant. Assistant Commissioner Dan Pollock, Housing Director Erin Sullivan Sutton and Aging Director Kari Benson talked to Patricia McCardle during a tour of Catholic Charities Higher Ground in St. Paul on April 2. Catholic Charities is a grantee of recently announced Live Well at Home grants. An RFP for a new round of Live Well at Home grants has been posted.
 Celebrating the end of chronic homelessness in Southwest Minnesota. On April 15, DHS Commissioner Tony Lourey celebrated with Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership Continuum of Care as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recognized Southwest Minnesota as the fourth community in the country to end chronic homelessness. SW MN CoC's success is proof that, by working together, we can make homelessness in Minnesota rare, brief and non-recurring. Congratulations to all of those who worked hard to make this happen!
The following fact sheets about DHS programs were updated in April:
Fact sheets summarizing human services proposals for the 2019 legislative session are also available on the DHS website. The fact sheets highlight human services proposals in Governor Tim Walz’s FY 2020-21 Budget Recommendations (PDF). Legislative reports and other background information can be found on the legislative information page on the DHS website.
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.
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