Mo HealthNet Monthly-May Edition

Happy May!

May (“May Day”) is known for flowers, and also for the hard work the workforce does every day (“Labor Day”). Thank you!

I want to provide a thorough update on DSS’ SAFESmart initiative. But first, I want to talk a minute about cybersecurity. I know the Ninjio videos are kind of silly, but I appreciate that at least they are entertaining instead of dry!  The topics are really pretty ugly (think about if they happened to you) so it’s better to present them in a way that’s funny and not gloom and doom. We’re pretty fortunate at work, if we click on something we shouldn’t or try to download something we shouldn’t, the state’s security team and security systems are going to catch it and protect us.  But be sure to be safe at home, too. There’s a reason that parents, teachers, and law enforcement are always playing “catch up”. That’s because there’s always some new scheme on the horizon and not everyone who is really smart and clever uses their talents for good. And some of the old schemes never seem to go away. I have really good security on my computer at home, but that doesn’t stop me from getting emails here and there from Norton telling me my computers at risk or my subscription hasn’t been paid. Well, I don’t have Norton, so you know that’s a phishing email.  But when you get those, you have to be comfortable to delete them!  If you get worried that maybe you got signed up for Norton by mistake, you might be tempted to respond, contact them, or click on something. When I get that weird email from Amazon telling me there’s a problem with my account? Well, yes, I buy too much stuff on Amazon, so I definitely have a relationship with them. But you have to delete that email, too! If you’re not sure, delete the email, look up the company independently, contact them, and ask them if they sent you an email. Or just Google it – you’ll probably find out information about the scam right there. And be sure to keep an eye on parents and grandparents- older adults are often targeted. Everyone wants to win a prize, or fix a problem, that’s human nature, but the scammers can be really good at what they do, and we need to keep our guard up!

Hope everyone enjoys the springtime!

                                                          -Jessie

A BIG congratulations to Danica Bialczyk for being nominated as MHD’s Employee of the 2^nd Quarter!

In the words of Danica’s nominator, “I am nominating Danica for Employee of the 2^nd Quarter because Danica has been an integral part of the Quality Oversight Unit particularly over the past year. She has been actively involved with a number of changes to the Managed Care Program, as well as an excellent team member assisting as a mentor while we've on boarded three new staff members who joined our team last April. Danica is always willing to take on additional tasks, produces quality work and contributes to the cohesiveness of our team by displaying professionalism, positivity and open communication.

Danica has displayed leadership skills with her willingness to prepare and present Encounter Data Work Group information on behalf of the division in public forums. She's recently taken on a role to coordinate communications with our contacts at Quest as we work on process development for our Enterprise upgrade. Danica works hard to build relationships internally/externally including staff at the health plans. She cares about how she represents the agency, herself, her team, leadership and positively impacts morale.

Team members in the Quality Oversight Unit (and MHD overall) trust Danica and know she's a valuable resource willing to assist with any day-to-day operational activity or provide historical knowledge. Danica’s thoughtful leadership serves as an example for all of us.”

Danica is truly a ‘Best-in-Class’ employee.

Congratulations Danica for being named Employee of the 2^nd Quarter!

Todd

MO HealthNet staff enjoying a fun card game and a snack on Team Building Day!

PowerPoint Karaoke

A small group of MO HealthNet employees gathered for PowerPoint Karaoke to work on their public speaking skills and presenting to an audience in a safe and fun environment. Helpful public speaking and presenting tips were shared in the training as well. This opportunity will be offered again!

Admin has updated the 'Who To Go To' list along with the 'MHD Unit Contacts' to the 'MHD Teams Directory'. This document can be found on the intranet site under the Communications tab or the Team Member Resources in the MHD Resource Library. If you see any errors or corrections, please let Madelyn in Admin know. 

The Administration Unit celebrated the Administrative Professionals Day on April 26th. Thank you for all you do here at MHD!

"Bring Your Kid to Work Day"

April 27th was "Bring Your Kid to Work Day" and these kiddos were busy here at MHD! MHD held an Ice Cream Social for the kiddos and the Pharmacy Unit hosted a fun game called "Candy or Medicine?" along with other fun pharmacy related handouts and activities. Carmen Burton's daughter made the cutest little sign with candy outside her mom's cube-stop by for a little treat from Alice!

Jake Owens is the new Auditor for the Institutional Reimbursement Unit for nursing facilities. He came to MHD from Molitor Financial Group as a Mortgage Loan Organizer. Jake has his BA in Business Management from Concordia University Chicago. He is from North Platte, NE, but currently lives in Russellville with his wife, Katie, his service dog, Marshal Dillon, another dog Wable, and two cats, Ms. Kitty and Tiger Lilly. Outside of work Jake enjoys hunting, fishing, beekeeping, skiing, and camping. A little-known fact about Jake is that he carried the Olympic Torch for Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Welcome to MHD, Jake!

Julie Phillips' team had a Team Building activity where they went to Unique Creations and painted pottery. The photo above shows the final results of their creations. From left to right - Karen Tappel, Jayna Knipp, Julie Phillips, Sarah Becker, Karen Pendleton, and Brandon Pemberton. "We had lots of fun and enjoyed seeing each other’s creative sides!" Looks like fun, how creative!

Kim Nott celebrated her birthday on April 14th, and her family surprised her with this Colorful Rooster that she has wanted for a long time! So cute! 

Waverley Pierson and her family went on vacation to Gulf Shores, AL and had a blast! The photo of Waverley and her husband, Tyler is at the Fort Morgan battle site. The photo of their son, Rowen, he is catching crabs at the beach-living his best life! Looks like fun, hope you enjoyed your vacation!

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

• Strengths: Patient, reliable, responsible, practical
• Weaknesses: Stubborn, possessive, greedy
• In the workplace: People born under this sun sign are often known as “the rock of the workplace”. They value their security and stability and are known for being dependable and reliable in the workplace. You can typically count on a Taurus to be unfazed by potential emotional turmoil that may easily cloud other’s vision.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

• Strengths: Curious, adaptable, versatile, intellectual
• Weaknesses: Inconsistent, indecisive, superficial
• In the workplace: Geminis have been known to be “the most delightful to work with”. This sun sign is ruled by Mercury, so they value communication. The symbol of Gemini is the “twins”, which can make them seem “superficial” at times as they may act different in different surroundings. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this sign is very adaptable to its surroundings and can vibe with anyone.

  ---

Submitted by Madelyn Craig, "Low carb friendly! So yummy, we even ate the leftovers."  

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb. cubed chicken breasts
• 1/4 C. + 2 tbsp. bacon
• 1 C. shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 4 oz. sour cream
• 4 oz. mayo
• 1/2-1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• Parsley