News from DHS for September 2020

Minnesota Department of Human Services sent this bulletin at 09/30/2020 08:30 AM CDT
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NEWS FROM DHS

September 2020

News from DHS archive

In this issue:

Minnesota honors 10 refugees for making life better

Oballa Oballa

Ten people who came to Minnesota as refugees received awards this month for making a difference in their communities. Oballa Oballa of Austin, Minnesota (pictured), received the 2020 Young Leader Award. The fourth annual Outstanding Refugee Awards from the Minnesota Department of Human Services also recognized refugees for civic engagement, entrepreneurship and significant efforts during their first two years in the state.  

Read more in the department's news release.

Governor Walz proclaims September Recovery Month

In recognition of National Recovery Month, Governor Tim Walz proclaimed September 2020 Recovery Month in the state of Minnesota. The theme for this year’s Recovery Month is “Join the voices of recovery: Together we are stronger.” This month Minnesota recognizes that not only is it possible to recover, but that recovery is common. 

Read more in the department's news release.

In social media

flowers, the DHS logo and the words "THANK YOU! Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week"

Posted Sept. 14 on the DHS Facebook page: Happy Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week! Thank you to all the DSPs making it possible for Minnesotans to live independently. We know the pandemic has made this a challenging time and you keep showing up day after day. You are AWESOME! #DSPRW2020

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

Fact sheet

The following fact sheet was updated in September:

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In the news

Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa

Refugees make Minnesota a better place to live. When I arrived in the United States as an immigrant from Zimbabwe, I was 18 years old, excited and enthusiastic about living in this country. I came on a full scholarship to Bennett College in North Carolina to earn undergraduate degrees in accounting and business management, and then to the University of North Carolina to earn a master’s degree in business.
From day one, I felt welcomed here. Read more in this Community Voices column by Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa, assistant commissioner of the Community Supports Administration. It was published Monday, Sept. 28, in MinnPost.
Matt Anderson

Hoy en día, es peligroso salir a la calle sin cobertura de salud. Puede haber ayuda disponible.
This column by Matt Anderson, assistant commissioner of the Health Care Administration, explains how uninsured Minnesotans can get access to public health care coverage, including free testing for COVID-19. It was translated into Spanish for the September editions of Latino American Today and Matraca News.

Here are links to some additional news articles about DHS during September: