Mo HealthNet Monthly

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October, 2022 |  Vol. 8   No. 4


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Deputy Director's Corner

Happy October!

 A little news on job postings: Save this if you ever have positions on your team that you need to fill. You can add this statement to your job postings if you think it will help attract a more diverse group of applicants. This has been approved by Dawn and also Courtney Hall, the department’s recruiting coordinator: “If you’re excited about this role and our mission to empower Missourians to live safe, healthy and productive lives but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply so that we can review your qualifications.”

We will be holding an All-MHD webinar sometime soon. If you’ll remember, back when we were implementing Medicaid expansion, we had a couple All-MHD webinars on that, so everyone could be in the loop, even if they weren’t actively involved. Well, we are embarking on an exciting new adventure, now. We are going to take a holistic approach to maternal and infant health, with groups working on certain topics, whether it’s research or cost analysis, to talking to stakeholders, to making policy recommendations and implementing changes.  Please join on when we send the invite and also let Ashley Wilson know if you’d like to be involved!

On September 26, teams presented their ideas at the Show Me Challenge Finals.  Keep your fingers crossed for Justin Clutter and his team and their “Investing in State Workers” project.

If you want to get your flu shot without having to go out of your way, the MCHCP Strive for Wellness Health Center will be on site at Howerton Tuesday, October 11th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  You got an email on 9/19 at 9:14 a.m. from the FSD Director’s Office with forms you can fill out ahead of time.

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I hope everyone enjoys the fun events MHD Connections has lined up for October!

What is a clinical trial done in October called? 

 

A trick or treatment.


Data Governance Corner

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This month, I am excited to announce we are rolling out a learning management system (LMS) for the BIS-EDW trainings. The LMS will be housed in the Jira Service Management (JSM) tool that is already used for requesting reports. The LMS will have online, on-demand trainings that are self-paced and can be taken any time. The initial trainings offered in the LMS are Jira Service Management Report Request Tracking and Report Requests – Transforming Data into Knowledge. Everyone who is already provisioned for the BIS-EDW JSM tool will have access to this new project in JSM titled MO EDW Learning Management System.  

More information regarding how to access these LMS trainings and new dates for our live Cognos trainings will be updated on the MHD intranet in the coming days. If you have any questions regarding training for the BIS-EDW or suggestions for new trainings you’d like to see, please reach out to Zana Stephenson (zana.stephenson@dss.mo.gov) or Anne McEowen (anne.mceowen@ibm.com).


MHD Happenings

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In case you missed it, the Presentations and Executive Summaries from the Class 8 Leadership Academy have been posted here. Capstone topics are selected by the Governor’s Cabinet and given to Leadership Academy participants to research and present their best and brightest ideas. It’s exciting to see so many capstone projects focused on different aspects of improving the employee experience and ways to better recruit and retain staff. Everything from annual leave exchanges, employee resources groups, and mentorships were proposed. Take some time and review these great proposals. Keep in mind, these are proposals and there are a magnitude of things that must occur for a capstone project to be selected by the Governor for implementation (e.g. statute and regulation changes, budget approval, resources, etc.). However, all five of the Class 8 capstones received rave reviews from Cabinet Members and the Governor, which is really exciting.

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A SMHK program coordinator was in contact with a child’s foster mom to complete a health risk assessment. The foster mom told the coordinator that she didn’t think care management was right for them. After some discussion, the foster mom thought having someone checking with her quarterly would be valuable and helpful to her, since she had never parented before. The call concluded with the coordinator feeling like she was able to help, and the foster mom said she felt very supported and expressed her appreciation to the plan.


Welcome to MHD!

Lucas Knipp

Lucas Knipp started at MHD in the MMIS Unit as an Information Services Project Manager on September 1st, 2022. Lucas joined us from Office of Administration, ITSD. He graduated from University of Central Missouri with a BSBA in Computer Information Systems. Lucas enjoys attending his kids sporting events, going to the gym, swimming, yoga, watching Chiefs football, travelling, and art. Welcome to MHD, Lucas!


Waverley Pierson started at MHD in the EBDSU Unit as a Lead Administrative Support Assistant on Monday, October 3rd. Waverley is from Tipton, where she currently lives with her husband Tyler, their son, Rowen, and their two dogs, Audi and Axle. Waverley and Tyler just got married on September 17th and her son turned three on October 1st. Welcome to MHD, Waverley!

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Promotions

  • Lindsey Knipp promoted to the Third Party Liability Senior Specialist position on September 26th. Congrats, Lindsey!

In the Spotlight

We have had so many changes and new faces at MHD the past couple years that we decided to bring back our "Employee Spotlight-Who's Who at MHD" section. If you haven't completed the questionnaire yet, please do so and return to Madelyn Craig

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                                   Meet Marissa Crump.

“My husband and I are classic car restorers/collectors. We have three sons, three dogs, eight cats, three fish, and six chickens.” Marissa has worked in the Administration Unit at MHD for three and a half years, supporting several members of Senior Management and many miscellaneous tasks. “My work group is my favorite thing about working at MHD. Everyone is friendly, accepting, and self-sufficient; my team is like a well-oiled machine. My biggest accomplishment at MHD so far would be turning the paper State Plan into a searchable electronic file. Modernizing the State Plan has made it easier for others to find what they need compared to the old paper versions.” Prior to working at MHD she worked at the Department of Revenue and Hospice Compasses. While working at MHD Marissa has picked up leadership skills, and aspires to be as great of a leader as her supervisor, Leann Hager. “Our leadership is completely transparent with “happenings” and they know most, if not all MHD employees.”

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Meet Desiree Vitale.

Desiree has two daughters, two cats, a dog, and terrible hand-eye coordination. Desiree works in the Division of Legal Services, but assists Finance/Reimbursement Units the most. Desiree has been with MHD for four years, but prior to that worked at the Secretary of State and the Department of Revenue. “Mo HealthNet is a great program that helps many people- I enjoy constantly learning, and MHD allows that. My team is small, but mighty; it is me, Lisa Hogg, David Ward, and Lisa Veltrop. We serve a supportive role in our everyday work, but the biggest accomplishment that I supported was implementing Expansion.” Since joining MHD Desiree has taken advantage of any Public Assistance Benefit conference available and LinkedIn Learning when she has time. Desiree enjoys all of the benefits that the state has to offer. “At MHD we have good leadership and a lot of knowledgeable people. Our leadership team is always willing to listen and talk through concerns or issues. I have gained a lot of maturity while at MHD, which helps my professional demeanor as a whole. When I am a grown up, I want to be like Tony Brite and Nate Percy someday. Their knowledge is impressive and they are easier co-workers to work with—lots of patience.”

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Meet Madelyn Craig.

I was born and raised in the lovely small town of Tipton and now I live here in Jefferson City with my husband, Michael and our 8 month old daughter, Emery. I love finding a good bargain, playing and reffing volleyball, and watching reality TV.” Madelyn started at MHD in the Administration Unit in January 2019 as a Senior Office Support Assistant at the front desk and promoted to an Executive Assistant in May. “I work in the Administration Unit and support MHD’s Chief Financial Officer, Tony Brite, write and design the MO HealthNet Monthly, and help keep MHD running smoothly. My favorite thing about MHD is our work environment and my team, we are constantly brainstorming ideas to help keep MHD Best in Class. My biggest inspiration within MHD is my supervisor, Leann Hager. Being a young woman in the workplace isn’t always easy, but Leann has been a great leader and without knowing it has helped me grow professionally, and is a great example of a strong woman in the workplace.” While working at MHD Madelyn has taken advantage of several LinkedIn Learnings and trainings, professional headshots, and the Discount Hub for State of Missouri team members. “Spending time with family is a huge deal to me, so one of my favorite benefits the State offers would be the state holidays and how much leave time we are able to accumulate. There aren’t many workplaces that offer leave time like the State does.”


Out of Office Happenings

Marguerite-Goose Creek Reservoir sunset

Marguerite Heine submitted the photo to the left that she took over Labor Day weekend. It was taken in her son's neighborhood at Goose Creek Reservoir in Hanahan, SC. 

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Delayna and her husband, Kenton, are expecting their first baby in 2023. On Sunday, October 2nd they found out they will be welcoming a sweet baby girl. A big congratulations to The Stover's!  


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  • October 10, World Mental Health Day: This day is observed to raise awareness about mental health and to dismantle the social stigma surrounding it. 
  • October 11, National Coming Out Day (LGBTQIAA+): This annual observance celebrates the LGBT community.
  • October 11, National Indigenous Peoples’ Day: This day honors, celebrates and pays tribute to the contributions of Indigenous peoples in the US.
  • October 16, Bosses’ Day: This day is celebrated by employees to thank their bosses for their support.
  • October 24, Diwali (Hindu): Diwali is a festival of lights and usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika. 
  • October 31, Halloween: This day originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month: This month highlights the importance of breast cancer awareness and research.
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Traits of a Good Manager

• Transparency and good communication

• Empathy

• The ability to delegate well

• Honesty and trust

                                                                                       • Technical skills


Training and Field Trip Opportunities

  • October 5-IRU (Institutional Reimbursement Unit) at 1:30 in CR 202
  • October 20-Clinical/Program & Policy at 10:00 a.m. in CR 202
  • October 27-MMAC 101 Tour from 2:00-4:00 (Contact Ashley if interested.) 
  • Trainings: Follow this link to view upcoming trainings

DMH/Jordan Valley Tour

MHD team members took the opportunity to check out the Jordan Valley Community Health Center in Springfield, MO. Jordan Valley's Mission is to improve the community's health through access and relationships; their Vision is to partner to provide essential leadership in healthcare for the underserved. Jordan Valley also offers a variety of services for adults and children including Health Care Services, Housing Needs, Medication Assistance, Employment Placement, Legal Assistance, and Food Insecurity.

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10/4 Jayme Abbott

 

10/9 Jenny Lockart

 

10/23 Leann Hager

10/4 Amy Kelsey

10/11 Julie Cooley

10/24 Tami Jo Wilson

10/6 Gail Luecke

10/11 Mary Philbert

10/25 Rachel Gladow

10/6 Sarah Becker

10/13 Karen Pendleton

10/28 Erik Gernander

10/8 Marissa Crump

10/15 Kimberly Standiford

10/28 Renee Riley

10/9 Nate Percy

10/17 Tabytha Whisler

10/30 Lori Wilson

10/9 Debbie Dillard

10/22 Terri Brondel

10/31 Pam Burris

 

10/31 Beth Mitchell

 

 


MHD Connections

MHD Connection team members include: Lori Parrish, Christina Jenks, Christie Masterson, Brittany Goetz, Melissa Massman, William Morgan, Heather Voegeli, Lauren Slover, and Pam Burris. Please feel free to share ideas or suggestions with an MHD Connection member. 


 Upcoming Events for October

10/5 Fully Loadit Food Truck

10/19 Fall Festival 

10/24-10/31 Spook-Tacular Spirit Week

11/2 Sid’s Snacks Food Truck

Boo Gram Sales

Keep an eye out for flyer's with more information!


Halloween's Past at Howerton

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Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

Submitted by Madelyn Craig

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning 
  • 10 ounce can of Rotel
  • 4 ounce can mild diced green chiles 
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup salsa con queso
  • taco shells, hard or soft

Directions

Lightly spray slow-cooker with non-stick cooking spray.

Place chicken in single layer and sprinkle chicken with taco seasoning

In a medium size bowl add Rotel, green chiles and chicken broth and mix well. Pour evenly over chicken.

Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours.


If you would like to submit a recipe send an email to Madelyn Craig. Keep those recipes coming and enjoy these delicious treats!!