March 2023

News from DHS archive

Autism event to highlight women’s voices, community action and empowerment

Women diagnosed with autism as young adults will talk about their experiences at an upcoming event. Girls are about four times less likely than boys to receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The MN Autism Resource Symposium will explore theories about why. The event will feature a panel of autistic women. “Partners in Progress” is the theme of the second annual virtual MN Autism Resource Symposium on Wednesday, April 12. The all-day event will cover subjects related to helping families and people with autism find solutions and resources to improve their lives. “Emphasizing partnership is an excellent focus for this event,” said Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “We have to do everything we can to connect people to the right supports at the right time. As autistic people and their parents and loved ones know, we have many resources available in our communities.” Highlights of the symposium will include: Opening speech by state Rep. Kim Hicks, DFL-Rochester, who has a child with autism and is an expert and advocate Keynote panel on the experience of autistic women Updated autism prevalence data from the Minnesota Autism Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network Panel on lived experiences with MnCHOICES assessments and support plans To register, visit this link: MN Autism Resource Symposium registration.

Registration open for first webinar in 2023 Odyssey series

Registration is open for the first webinar in the 2023 Minnesota Age & Disabilities Odyssey series. Explore the harms of white supremacy culture at the “Breaking the Cycle of White Supremacy in Aging & Disability Services” webinar from 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 18. 

Guest presenter Donte Curtis will explore how white supremacy culture harms people and the work they do. The workshop will allow participants to share new ideas and talk about what is possible when people do the work to form new views about equity, justice and liberation.

Register for the free webinar by 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11.

Odyssey events, offered by DHS and the Minnesota Board on Aging, are designed for those interested in long-term services and supports. People who may want to attend include advocates, consumers, policymakers, providers and representatives from Area Agencies on Aging, counties, Tribes, managed care organizations and state government.

In social media: Problem gambling

Problem gambling can be a destructive force impacting relationships, mental health and financial stability.

During this Problem Gambling Awareness Month, help spread the word about the dangers of problem gambling, and the pathways to recovery for people who are struggling.

Find resources and a link to state-approved gambling disorder treatment providers at getgamblinghelp.com. 
#ProblemGamblingAwarenessMonth

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>> Follow our DHS Careers Facebook page for announcements of hiring events, job postings, internships and more.

Accessible formats

For accessible formats of this publication, write to dhs.communications@state.mn.us, or call 651-431-2000 or use your preferred relay service.

Reminder: SNAP benefits return to normal in April

After almost three years, temporary emergency benefits that helped Minnesotans with low incomes buy food during the COVID-19 pandemic are ending.

While the pandemic has waned, food security continues to be a problem for many Minnesotans. Governor Tim Walz signed into law this month $5 million in emergency funding to food shelves.

People struggling with food insecurity can find links to additional resources on the department's website.

Interim health care leader named

Julie Marquardt is serving as interim assistant commissioner for health care and interim state Medicaid director while a search is conducted to fill the role following the departure of Cynthia MacDonald, who retired in early March.  

Marquardt has served in this role in the past and her history in the department makes her familiar with virtually every aspect of the Health Care Administration.

In the news

Your (or a loved one’s) healthcare coverage may be on the line: Over the next 15 months one in four Minnesotans will have to submit paperwork to renew their Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare coverage. Minnesota Medicaid Medical Director Dr. Nathan Chomilo lays out what to expect and things you can do to prepare in an article in Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Minnesota human services budget proposal calls for ‘transformational’ investments to reduce opioid disparities: The ongoing opioid epidemic has hit some groups of Minnesotans harder than others. DHS Assistant Commissioner Eric Grumdahl believes that gathering input from members of those groups is key to creating systemic change with real impact. Learn more in a MinnPost Q&A with Grumdahl.

In historic shift, Minnesota pushes to abolish subminimum wages for people with disabilities: A legislatively mandated DHS task force recently put out recommendations on ending the practice of paying subminimum wage, and a bill introduced this month would do so by August 2025. "Fundamentally, this is a civil rights issue," said DHS Assistant Commissioner Natasha Merz. Learn more in a Star Tribune article.

Updated fact sheets

Minnesota Supplemental Aid (PDF)

Housing Support (PDF) 

Licensing human services providers protects health, safety and rights of children and vulnerable adults (PDF)

Long Term Homeless Supportive Services Fund (PDF)