DHHS Highlights Newsletter: Volume 2 Issue 8

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Highlights

Friday, August 14, 2015 | Vol. 2, No. 8

DHHS’ Highlights is published by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for those interested in the latest information on health and human services issues. Please subscribe to or share the newsletter by clicking on the "Share" button.


Doug Weinberg Starts as Division of Children and Family Services Director

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Doug Weinberg started as the Division of Children and Family Services director on August 3.

Doug previously served as the Chief Financial Officer for the State of Indiana’s Medicaid program, the Indiana Department of Child Services, Lutheran Child and Family Services of IN/KY, Inc. and Children’s Home Society of Florida, Inc.

As director, Doug said he would “focus on ensuring that the division’s finances are in order, while improving the quality of services for the children and families of Nebraska.”

To reach Doug, call 402-471-1878.


Federal Court Oversight of BSDC Ends; Progress Continues

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The United States District Court for the District of Nebraska recently granted a motion to end federal court oversight of the Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC).

According to court documents jointly filed by DHHS and the U.S. Department of Justice: “This memorandum outlines a success story."

“I want to thank our DHHS team and everyone else who contributed to this success – those who are still with us and those who have shown dedicated service to BSDC in past years,” said DHHS CEO Courtney Phillips.


DHHS Reminds You to Update Your Child’s Vaccinations

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It’s back-to-school time and DHHS is encouraging parents and guardians to get their child’s vaccinations up to date before school starts.

Nebraska law requires children who are enrolling in kindergarten or first grade (depending on their school district’s entering grade), seventh grade and transfer students of any grade to have proof that they have received their age-appropriate immunizations.

For more information about back-to-school vaccinations, visit DHHS’ Immunization Program website.


DHHS Saves Nebraska School Districts and Child Care Programs Money

DHHS received funds from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service to pay for distribution costs for food programs for schools and child cares.

These funds will help Nebraska school districts and child care programs save more than $1.2 million in food transportation and warehousing costs this school year.

“These funds will take pressure off schools and child care programs who provide healthy school lunches to children,” said DHHS CEO Courtney Phillips. “We’re very glad our application was approved so these programs can reduce their costs.”


DHHS Employees Promote Public Health Programs at the State Games of America

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Staff with DHHS’ Office of Oral Health & Dentistry and Tobacco Free Nebraska recently promoted their programs at the State Games of America in Lincoln.

Oral Health partnered with WorkWell (a division of the Nebraska Safety Council) to promote its “Rethink Your Drink” campaign.

Tobacco Free Nebraska partnered with “No Limits” (a youth empowerment and advocacy group) to provide information on the health problems caused by smoking and smokeless tobacco.

Amanda Mortensen, a community health educator with DHHS’ Division of Public Health, at the Tobacco Free Nebraska booth at the State Games of America.