News from DHS for October 2020

Minnesota Department of Human Services sent this bulletin at 11/02/2020 07:47 AM CST
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NEWS FROM DHS

Octobber 2020

News from DHS archive

In this issue:

More funds to support health and safety in child care

three young children playing in a playroom

Child care providers across Minnesota are in line for more state support to help them keep operating through the end of the year. Applicants may be eligible for COVID-19 Public Health Support Funds for Child Care from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The non-competitive grants totaling $53 million will help family child care providers and child care centers cover the costs of safeguarding the health and safety of children and staff for three months.

Read more in the department's news release.

Virtual events celebrate adoption in November

More than 700 children in Minnesota’s foster care system need permanent families. Those children and the more than 1,200 adopted from state guardianship last year will be the focus of three weeks of virtual events during November, Adoption Month.

Read more in the department's news release.

In social media

Commissioner Harpstead speaks at a podium at St. David's Center for child and family development

Posted Oct. 9 on the DHS Facebook page: Commissioner Jodi Harpstead participated in a news conference announcing $3 million to support mental health services for children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and families across Minnesota,” Commissioner Harpstead said. “These funds will provide additional resources for the renowned school-linked mental health program and the providers who are helping children and families cope with the isolation and stress brought on by distance learning and increased isolation they are experiencing.”

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

Fact sheets

The following fact sheets were updated recently:
newspaper beside a coffee cup

In the news

Lauren Hunter

Hunter receives 2020 Women in Business Award. If Minnesota’s largest state agency — the Minnesota Department of Human Services — is looking more diverse these days, it’s thanks in part to Lauren Hunter, who serves as director of diversity recruitment and retention. Hunter was recognized in the Oct. 6 edition of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
Dan Pollock

Minn. nursing homes in rural areas see staff shortages worsen with COVID-19.  
Facilities caring for older adults are struggling with low staffing levels, as COVID-19 makes an ongoing problem even worse. Nursing home operators say they’re scrambling to make sure they have enough nurses and others to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. An Oct. 26 MPR story featuring an interview with Assistant Commissioner Dan Pollock of Continuing Care for Older Adults describes how the state is helping facilities meet staffing needs.

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

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