News from DHS for May 2019

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NEWS FROM DHS

May 2019

News from DHS archive

In this issue:


Hospital CEOs show support for the provider tax

Governor Walz and Commissioner Lourey at a podium surrounded by business executives

Earlier this month, DHS Commissioner Tony Lourey joined Governor Tim Walz, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and over 20 Minnesota Hospital Association hospital CEOs and leaders from all across Minnesota in calling for the continuation of the 27-year old provider tax. In the end, the budget approved by the Legislature preserved the provider tax. “It can’t be overstated how critical this is to the stability of the Health Care Access Fund, which supports the provision of health care for 1.2 million Minnesotans, and is the funding source for future health care improvements,” Commissioner Lourey said. For more about how DHS programs and services fared in this year’s legislative session, look for a series of updated fact sheets to be posted on the DHS website in the days ahead.


Minnesota needs more foster parents to care for children in crisis

As the number of children in the state’s foster care system has grown – from 11,500 in 2013 to 16,500 in 2018 – there is a greater need than ever for foster parents to provide temporary, critical care to children in crisis. The good news is, many people who might not think they qualify to be foster parents are actually eligible. Read more in a news release.


In the news

Links to some news articles about DHS during May:


In social media

Five silhouettes of people with text: "1 in 5 Minnesotans get their health care through Medicaid and MinnesotaCare."

Some 1.2 million Minnesotans receive health care coverage through Medicaid and MinnesotaCare – that’s about 20 percent of our state’s population! Want to know more? Check out the new Medicaid and MinnesotaCare dashboards.

To see more posts like this and for timely updates on DHS news and events, follow DHS on Twitter and Facebook.

DHS in the community

Five women at a table at the Saints game with a banner that says "Welcome Foster Families"

Safe at home!
On May 13, DHS partnered with Twin Cities area counties and the St. Paul Saints to thank foster parents and celebrate the resilience of foster youth. In recognition of Foster Care Month this May, the Saints donated 1,000 tickets to foster families to enjoy a night at the ballpark as they took on the Sioux City Explorers in an exhibition game.


Assistant Commissioner Dan Pollack standing in front of a photo exhibit featuring photos of older people's hands

Breaking down stigmas. As part of Older Americans Month, DHS Live Well at Home grantee Centro Tyrone Guzman recently celebrated the culmination of its “Con los Ojos del Corazon” (“With the Eyes of the Heart”) project to break down stigmas related to dementia. DHS Assistant Commissioner for Continuing Care for Older Adults Dan Pollock attended the event at the Mill City Museum. An exhibit there featured photos of older adults and their families, as well as boxes and collages with photos and other items designed to bring happy memories. Find out more about the Live Well at Home grants: https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/grants-rfps/live-well/


Fact sheets updated in May

The following fact sheets about DHS programs were updated in May:


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.