January 2020

News from DHS archive

Opioid prescribing practices become safer for people served by public health care programs

Almost 16,000 providers serving patients in the Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare programs will receive individualized reports that compare their opioid prescribing practices to those of anonymous peers and recommended thresholds. Trends tracked by DHS are encouraging, with the number of prescriptions over recommended doses falling in the past several years. Read more in the department’s news release.

Updated autism web portal a better resource for information

There is a new look and a new navigational feel to the Minnesota Autism Resource Portal. The redesigned site will better equip communities, parents, self-advocates and professionals with information and tools about Autism Spectrum Disorder and its impact on family life, education and work in Minnesota. Read more in the department’s news release.

Submit nominations by Feb. 28 for Outstanding Refugee Awards

The positive contributions of people with refugee status to Minnesota are numerous, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services wants to celebrate them. The department is therefore inviting people to nominate individuals who came to the United States with refugee status for the 2020 Outstanding Refugee Awards. Nomination forms and award criteria can be found on the DHS website. Nominations are due by Friday,
Feb. 28. The department will honor award recipients in a ceremony this June.

DHS in the community

Commissioner Jodi Harpstead and Assistant Commissioner Dan Pollock (below) both spoke Jan. 7 at a forum focusing on the many challenges and opportunities surrounding how individuals and society pay for long-term care. The Forum on Long-Term Care Financing, co-sponsored by DHS, took place in the McNamara Alumni Center at the University of Minnesota.

Alex Bartolic's career was guided by a vision for full inclusion

Alex Bartolic, director of the Disability Services Division at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, retired Jan. 7. In this column that ran Jan. 10 in Access Press, she reflects on some of the changes she saw over the course of her career and on what it will take to create meaningful and sustainable changes that help people live their best life.

Fact sheets updated in January

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.

In the news

Links to some news articles about DHS during January:

• DHS announces new hires for top health care, equity posts
• New Electronic Monitoring Law To Protect Against Elder Abuse Now In Effect
• 'It's a big deal': Opioid prescriptions down in Medicaid and MinnesotaCare
• Clare Housing earns DHS award
• Report: Minnesota shows progress in keeping families together, reducing child removals
• Counterpoint: 'Chaotic Care' series doesn't tell whole story of services for the disabled
• Fewer Minnesota kids need foster care, but racial gaps remain

The Minnesota Department of Human Services hired pediatrician Dr. Nathan Chomilo (left) in December as medical director for Minnesota's public health care programs. Angela Davis (right) interviewed him Jan. 22 on Minnesota Public Radio. Listen to the conversation.

In social media

DHS's Jan. 15 Facebook post noted that January was Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education and Outreach Month in Minnesota as proclaimed by Governor Tim Walz. SNAP-Ed and outreach services promote healthy eating and active living - helping children succeed in school and helping older adults remain independent.

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