December 2023

News from DHS archive

Grants help aging Minnesotans stay in their homes

Over $9.5 million in new state grants will help aging Minnesotans stay in their homes longer through services such as caregiver support, housekeeping, retrofitting to prevent falls and other assistance.

Live Well at Home grants will go to 45 organizations to support aging Minnesotans. Research shows that people are happier and have better health outcomes when they can live in their homes longer, rather than moving into institutionalized care like nursing homes.

Projects funded in the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ latest round of grants include:

• Updating multiple assisted living units in Crookston to provide better accessibility and safety features for memory care residents.
• Reducing the racial gap in homeownership by preserving homeownership and generational wealth among older adults in Indigenous communities and communities of color.
• Expanding caregiver services in five west metro counties, including underserved Scott and Carver counties, with additional support in Hennepin, Sherburne and Wright counties.

“These grants are critical to the well-being of aging Minnesotans and the organizations that support them,” said Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “Not only do most people prefer to stay in their homes as long as possible, but the services funded by the grants are also cost-effective and deliver better health outcomes.”

See a full list of grantees and projects in a department news release.

Seeking new members for Citizen Review Panels

We're always looking for more community members to help improve Minnesota’s child welfare system. You can make a difference by serving on a Citizen Review Panel.

In partnership with Tribes, counties and the department, panel members examine child welfare policies, practices and procedures to recommend positive system change.

We especially need members in Ramsey and Hennepin counties.

For more information and how to apply:

• Visit the Citizen Review Panel webpage, or
• Email us at dhs.csp.safety@state.mn.us

In social media: Protect your benefits

New ASL videos on Facebook

We've started a Facebook playlist of videos in American Sign Language. The first two videos are on health care renewals. Check them out at facebook.com/watch/100068941578741/671243581568140

>> Follow DHS on X/Twitter and Facebook for timely updates on DHS news and events.

>> 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.

Telehealth town hall set for Jan. 10

A new study examines the experiences of Minnesotans receiving telehealth – particularly those with Medical Assistance who get mental health, addiction recovery and specialty medical care through video or phone.

The preliminary results are promising. For instance, many of those surveyed said they would not have received mental health treatment if telehealth were not an option.

On Wednesday, Jan. 10, we're partnering with Wilder Research on a statewide virtual meeting that includes telehealth experts to discuss the report’s finding with community and providers.

Register in advance and see a copy of the preliminary report at bit.ly/488BdAz.

In the news

DHS warns Minnesotans of rise in EBT fraud, urges protective actions: State officials are warning Minnesotans of a rise in fraud that’s impacting people who receive financial help to meet their basic needs. DHS says the increase in Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) fraud is a nationwide issue. It’s important for EBT card users to regularly check their transaction history, and it’s also helpful to freeze their card when it’s not being used, block online or out-of-state transactions and change the PIN frequently, especially right before benefits are issued. More info is in a KSTP news story.

Increased funds support Minnesota youth experiencing homelessness: While data trends show that cold-related deaths increased from 2002 to 2019, the state has increased funding for several initiatives to assist Minnesota youth who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness. Learn more in a State of Reform news article.