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What's New

News and updates on DHS efforts that support people with disabilities.

Age & Disabilities Odyssey set for June 17, 18 in Duluth

“Framework for the Future” is the theme of the 2013 Age & Disabilities Odyssey, which is being held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center June 17 and 18. Issues facing aging Minnesotans, people with disabilities and caregivers and services that support them will be explored at the conference. New features this year include pre-conference intensive sessions, most of which are free and open to the public. More information about the conference is online.

Report recommends changes to substance abuse treatment system 

Changing Minnesota’s substance use disorders treatment system from an acute, episodic model of treatment to a chronic disease model of health care would expand the continuum of care and improve integration with other services, including primary care. This change would also align the state’s model of care for substance abuse treatment with current research-informed practices endorsed by federal officials. Those are among key findings in a recent report to the Legislature from DHS. More information is in a story about the model of care report.

Problem gambling Web microsite launched

A new Minnesota problem gambling microsite, www.getgamblinghelp.com, was recently launched to offer resources to individuals experiencing life problems related to gambling and others who may have concerns related to an individual’s gambling behavior. The site points people to the toll-free problem gambling helpline, 1-800-333-HOPE , and also provides success stories from gamblers who have received treatment and other recovery resources. More information is in a story about the microsite.

Online training aimed at understanding hearing, vision loss

Online training is now available for people interested in learning about the unique challenges experienced by people who have combined hearing and vision loss. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division is now offering “DeafBlind101: An Introduction to Combined Hearing and Vision Loss” on the deaf and hard of hearing services page on the DHS website by clicking the deafblind button on the homepage.

Housing program aims to help Anoka-Metro RTC patients

The DHS Adult Mental Health Division, in partnership with Minnesota Housing, is implementing a new pilot program to serve people with a serious mental illness who are ready for discharge from Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center but lack options for housing. The Bridges Regional Treatment Center program is an extension of the Bridges rental assistance program DHS and Minnesota Housing have administered since 1991 for people with serious mental illness. More information is in a story about the housing program.

DHS employees recognized for work in addiction field

Two DHS employees recently received lifetime achievement awards from the Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery and Chemical Health (MARRCH). Cecil White Hat and Carol Falkowski were honored at the 43rd annual MARRCH Conference, held Oct. 29 at the RiverCentre in St. Paul. More information is in a story about the awards.

Staff share commitment to performance measurement

Top state leaders recently heard about efforts in the DHS Continuing Care Administration to measure progress toward such policy goals as helping seniors return to their homes after a nursing home stay and helping people with disabilities move to homes of their own. DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson introduced the team to her colleagues at Gov. Mark Dayton’s senior leadership meeting Oct. 9, calling Continuing Care’s work a model for the rest of the agency. More information is in a story about the performance measurements efforts.

Disability website unveils new work planning feature

Disability Benefits 101, a comprehensive benefits and work-planning website for people with disabilities, recently unveiled a new feature that offers professionals tools and resources to improve work outcomes for people with disabilities. More information is in a story about the new website feature. 

Plan to better align substance abuse prevention programs posted

A comprehensive five-year strategic plan to prevent substance abuse and related problems has been posted on the DHS website. The Minnesota Prevention Systems Alignment Plan (PDF) is a product of the State Prevention Enhancement planning grant received by DHS' Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration in 2011 called the State Prevention Enhancement Project. 
 

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