Bringing Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services employees closer together

Winner of the National Public Health Information Coalition's Gold AwardVolume 8, Issue 3 March 2008

Highlights . . .

From the CEO ..................................page 3

Children's Behavioral Health ..........page 4

Way to Go! ........................................page 5

"Footsteps for Families" .................page 6

Front Liner Tom Christopherson ....page 7

Governor's Wellness Awards ..........page 8

Voc Rehab Interns ...........................page 9

April Observances ........................page 10

"In Their Own Words" ....................page 11

Adoption Day Posters ...................page 12

Every Woman Matters Program earns national recognition. See details inside. Photo: Bill Wiley

Connections • March 2008 2 11

make the connection . . .DHHS External Web site: http://www.dhhs.ne.gov DHHS Intranet (Internal): http://www2.dhhs.ne.gov

DHHS System Advocate: 1-800-254-4202, (402) 471-6035 in Lincoln, or via e-mail at diana.duran@dhhs.ne.gov

Connections is published monthly for employees of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services by Communications and Legislative Services (CLS).

Governor: Dave Heineman DHHSChiefExecutiveOfficer: Christine Peterson BehavioralHealthDivisionDirector: Scot Adams, Ph.D. ChildrenandFamilyServicesDivisionDirector: Todd Landry DevelopmentalDisabilitiesDivisionDirector: John Wyvill MedicaidandLong-TermCareDivisionDirector: Vivianne Chaumont PublicHealthDivisionDirector/ChiefMedicalOfficer: Dr. Joann Schaefer Veterans'HomesDivisionDirector: John Hilgert CLSAdministrator: Kathie Osterman Editor: Jerry Crisp GraphicsandLayout,SupportServices: Maisun Allahiq Judy Barker

Readers are invited to submit news, photos & story ideas to the editor via:Phone:(402)471-3995Fax:(402)471-3996Email: jerry.crisp@dhhs.ne.gov

Interagency mail: NebraskaStateOfficeBldg.3rdFloorU.S. mail:P.O.Box95026,301CentennialMallSouth,Lincoln,Nebraska68509-5026Connections canbemadeavailableinanalternativeformatforthosewithdisabilities.Requestswillbefilledwithin15workingdays.PriorconsenthasbeenobtainedforthispublicationtoidentifyandpublishphotosofallindividualsreceivingDHHSservices.

EOE/AA/ADA

DHHS in the News Update. . .A small sample of news releases recently issued by Communications & Legislative Services about DHHS programs. A full text of all releases is available under "Newsroom" on the DHHS Web site listed below.

About the cover

EveryWomanMatters(EWM)wasoneoffiveprogramsrecognizednationallyforoutstandingsuccessandsupportoftheNationalBreastandCervicalCancerEarlyDetectionprogram.Sixty-sevenprogramsnationwidesubmittedoverviewsoftheirachievements.AnexcerptfromourEWMabstractreads:Through integration, collaboration and sharing of resources, the EWM program delivers the most comprehensive public health care available, targeting women 40 to 60 years of age who are uninsured or underinsured. The program assists women in obtaining preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for breast and cervical cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and colorectal cancer, providing education and opportunities for lifestyle behavior changes.StandingfromlefttorightareEWMteammembersJennie Oliver, JoAnn Schlect, Cathy Dillon, Shelley Locke, Jianping Xue, Victoria Schwab, Pam Findleyand Andrea Wenke;Seatedfromlefttoright,Michelle Heffelfinger, Margarita Allen,OfficeofWomen’sandMen’sHealthAdministratorKathy Ward,EWMProgramManagerMelissa Leypoldt, Norma McClintock and Mary Lentini.yPhoto: Bill Wiley

Flu! Radon! New direction for behavioral health! Justafewofthe52mediareleases(somestatewide,somelocalized)aboutDHHSprogramsissuedinJanuary2008.HereareafewheadlinesofnewsreleasesDHHSsenttomediainFebruary2008:

* Extra $4.6 Million Available for Energy Assistance February21* Substance Abuse a Problem in Nebraska, Report Finds February19* You’ve Earned Those Tax Credits, Now Claim Them! February5

YoucancheckrecentreleasesbygoingtotheDHHSWebsiteatwww.dhhs.ne.govclickingonthe"Newsroom"linkandthenon"NewsReleases."Youcanalsolistento"soundbites"issuedwithreleasesbygoingtowww.dhhs.ne.gov/audio/.HaveastoryideayouthinkDHHSshouldbesharingwithmedia?ContactCommunications&LegislativeServicesat(402)471-9108!

Connections • March 2008 3

Christine Peterson (right) with Administrative Assistant Bonnie Engel Photo: Bill Wiley

From theCEO

By Christine Peterson Chief Executive Officer Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Everyoneusesapersonalyardsticktomeasurethedistancetoachievinggoals,whetherit’ssavingforanewcar,masteringanewlanguageormakingprogressontheroadtohealthyhabits.Performanceevaluationscanbeseenasyardsticks.Theycanhelpusknowifweareachievingthegoalsofdisplayinggoodjobskills,completingassignedduties,andhavinggoodinterpersonalrelationshipsatwork.Onegoalofourrecentreorganizationistobemoreaccountabletothepublicandthoseweserve.Performanceevaluationscanhelpusaccomplishthis.Wewillbeginusingthesevaluablejobmeasurementtoolsforallemployeesthisspring.Performancereviewsgivesupervisorsandemployeesachancetointeractandgettoknowoneanotherbetter.Theymaketimeforfeedbackandachancetotalkaboutgrowthandadvancementopportunities.Theygivesupervisorsanadditionalopportunitytorecognizeallthegoodworkbeingdone.Justasimportant,employeeswillknowtheirsupervisor’sexpectationsandwhethertheyaremeetingthem.EachDHHSemployeewillbegivenaperformanceevaluationatleastonceperyearandatleastoncebeforecompletinganinitial,transferorpromotionalprobationperiod.Myexpectationisthateverypermanentemployeewillbegivena

performancereviewbyJuly1,2008.Thisgivesseveralmonthsforsupervisorstolistessentialduties,developexpectationsandcompletetheprocess.Aswemoveforward,annualperformanceevaluationswillbecompletedbytheendofthemonthinwhichtheemployeehasaserviceanniversarydate,whichmeansthatsomewillbeevaluatedtwicein2008.The24-hourfacilitiesandseveralotherjobclassificationsalreadyuseperformanceevaluations.Theirformsmayneedtobemodifiedabittomakesuretheyfitthenewformat.Thisnewevaluationprocesswillinvolvealotofpeople.AnyonewhomanagesasupervisormustmakesurethatthesupervisorevaluatesallofhisorherstaffbyJuly1.Thecompletedevaluationwillbereviewedandsignedbythenextlevelsupervisor,thensignedbythesupervisorandtheemployee.Employeesandsupervisorswillkeepcopiesandtheoriginalformwillgointheemployee’spersonnelfile.Therewillalsobeprocessesinplacetoprotectemployeeswhileencouragingbetterperformance.Forinstance,ifanemployeefallsinthe“NeedsImprovement”category,aplantoaddressthosedeficienciesmustbedevelopedwithin30daysandare-evaluationcompletedwithin60days.

AguideontheDHHSperformanceevaluationprocessandcopiesofthenewformswillsoonbeavailableatwww2.dhhs.ne.gov/PerformanceEvaluation.Performanceevaluationswillhelpmakesupervisorexpectationsmoreexplicit,helpemployeesgainaclearerunderstandingofhowwelltheyaredoingtheirwork,andreassureothersthatwearetrulyaccountable.Evaluationswilldothisbynotonlysayingbutshowingthatwereallydohelppeoplelivebetterlives.

Connections • March 2008 4 9

By Jeanne Atkinson

"CreatingChangeandProvidingHope”istheDepartment’splanforfunda-mentallychangingbehavioralhealthservicesforchildrenandadolescents.ThisplanformentalhealthandsubstanceabuseserviceswasdevelopedasrequiredbyLB542,whichpassedin2007.“Wewanttokeepkidsathomeswheneverit’ssafeandappropriate,”says Scot Adams,DirectoroftheDivisionofBehavioralHealth.“We’regoingtobeemphasizingin-homeandcommunity-basedserviceswherechildrenandadolescentscanbehealthy,safeandintheirownhomeswheneverpossible.”Thisnewdirectionfitsperfectlywithintegratingchildren’sbehavioralhealthservicesintotheDivisionofBehavioralHealth,oneoftheGovernor’stop10prioritiesforDHHS.LastSeptember,anewChildren’sBehavioralHealthSectionwascreatedintheDivision.

TheDivisionsofBehavioralHealthandChildrenandFamilyServicesworkedtogethertowritetheLB542plan,whichfocusesonchildrenandfamiliesalreadybeingservedbyDHHS.Childrenandadolescentswhoarestatewardsmayhavemultipleneedsthatspanbehavioralhealth,childwelfare,juvenilejustice,andeducationsystems.Rightnow,about70%ofNebraska’s7,000statewardsareinout-of-homecare.“Wewanttototallyflipthataround.ByJanuary2011,wewant70%ofourstatewardstobesafelylivingwiththeirownfamilies,”saysTodd Landry,DirectoroftheDivisionofChildrenandFamilyServices.“Wecanmakethishappenbyworkingwithourpartnerstocreateabalancedarrayofcommunity-basedservices.”KeyelementsoftheDHHSplaninclude:

•Havingabalancedarrayofaccessibleservices;

•Usingevidence-basedapproaches;

•Exploringnewfacilitiesandservicestoaddressthemostchallengingjuvenileoffenders;and

•Developingcommonlanguageandgoals.

TheplanrecommendationsincludecollaboratingwiththeDHHSOfficeofRuralHealthtoaddresstheshortageofbehavioralhealthprofessionalsincertainruralareas.Telehealthdoesagoodjobwithaccesstophysicalhealthprofessionals,andnowthatwillbeincreasedtoincludebehavioralhealthprofessionals.DHHShasalsohadpreliminarydiscussionswiththeCityofHastingsaboutbuildinganewfacilitytoprovideLevel5highlysecureservicesandchemicaldependencytreatmentservicesforadolescents.ThefullDHHSLB542planforchildrenandadolescentbehavioralhealthcanbefoundathttp://www.dhhs.ne.gov/beh/mh/LB542.pdf.y

Wellness Words: Personal Preparedness!

While many work behind the scenes to help citizens of Nebraska and our nation be better prepared for emergencies, here's something you can do to better prepare yourself!

Buildanemergencysupplykit,oftenfromitemsalreadyfoundinyourhomethatyouuseeveryday,likefood,waterandclothing.Additemsyou’dneedforemergencies,likeaflashlight,firstaidkit,andaradioandbatteriestokeepupdatedaboutwhat’sgoingon.Also,besuretoincludeanymedicationsyoutakeregularly!Ifassemblinganentireemergencykitseemsoverwhelming,divideitintosmallersteps.ColumbusCommunityHospitalhasanonlinebrochurewithaweeklylistofthingstodotoprepareakit.Goto:http://www.columbushosp.org/healthInfo.asp,andclickontheCCHDisasterPreparednessBrochure.Anemergencysupplykitisuniquetoeverypersonorfamily,socustomizeittomeetpersonalneeds(petsupplies,maps,personaldocuments,etc.).Formoreinformation,visittheDHHSemergencypreparednessWebsiteatwww.dhhs.ne.gov/emergency_preparedness,theDepartmentofHomelandSecurity’sWebsiteatwww.ready.gov,orcontactPublicInformationOfficerDianna Seiffertat(402)471-1695ordianna.seiffert@dhhs.ne.gov.y

Create change, providing hope in Behavioral Health Services

Connections • March 2008 5

Public Health worker helps kids live better lives

Jeff Hoffman,EarlyHearingDetection&Intervention(EHDI)ProgramManagerwithintheDivisionofPublicHealth,ishavingnationalimpact.Moreimportantly,hisworkishelpingchildrentolivebetterlives.Jeff’smajorcontributionhasbeendevelopingNebraska’sprogramthathelpsnewbornsandyoungchildrenwithhearinglossgetidentifiedearlyandintointerventionservices.“Jeffisanawesomeemployeewithrealvision,”saysJulie Miller,Jeff’ssupervisor.“Hehastakenourstate’sNewbornHearingScreeningProgramtothenextlevelandhelpedmakeitoneofthebestinthenation.”Asaresultofhisefforts,theAmericanSpeech-Language-HearingFoundationgaveJeffits2007LouisM.DiCarloAwardforOutstandingRecentClinicalAchievement.Hewaschosenfromamongthosenominatedbystatechaptersacrossthecountry.ThatFoundationalsoinvitedJefftoserveonitsnationaltaskforcetodevelopguidelinesforEarlyHearingDetection&Interventionprogramsacrossthecounty.WhiletremendousprogresshasbeenmadeinscreeningnewbornsintheU.S.forhearingloss,agapexistsindocumentationtoshowthatneededfollow-upevaluationsorserviceswerereceived.

Membersofthetaskforceofexpertstacklingthisproblemtookpartinface-to-facemeetingsinRockville,Maryland,lastmonth.Theywillcontinuetocommunicatethroughteleconferencesandothermeanstodeveloppracticestandardsthatreducethislackofdocumentation.“JustanotherexampleoftheoutstandingexpertiseandleadershipJeffbringstoEHDI,”saysJulieMiller.ThankstoJeffandtheotherexpertsacrossthenation,countlesschildrenidentifiedwithhearinglossesthroughnewbornscreeningwillreceivedocumentedfollow-upevaluationsandservicestheyneedtolivebetterlives.y

Jeff Hoffman Photo Jerry Crisp

Way to Go! Statewide or national recognitions, awards, honors

Customer Service Tip

Evenwhenunabletoaccommodatecustomersinthewaytheymightprefer,sayitinawaythatletsthemknowwhy.Takingtimetobrieflyexplainwhycertainpoliciesareinplacehelpsthemacceptthosepoliciesbetterthanifsimplytold“that’sthewayitis.”Understandingreasonsbehindtherulesputseverythingintoperspective.y

March is Nebraska Brain Injury Awareness MonthEachyear,1.4millionAmericanssustainabraininjury.Majorcausesaremotorvehicle-trafficcrashes,falls,andassaults.Blastsarealeadingcauseforactivemilitarypersonnelinwarzones.Othercausesofbraininjuryincludetumors,strokes,infectionsandShakenBabySyndrome.InNebraska,morethan3,000braininjuriesoccureachyear.Long-termconsequencesincludedifficultyconcentrating,organizing,andlearningnewinformation;lossofenduranceandreducedcoordination;anddepressionanddifficultymanaginganger.Formoreinformationonbraininjury,gotowww.braininjury.ne.govorcalltoll-free800-742-7594.y

6 Connections • March 2008

“Footsteps for Families” benefit both customers and employees

By Jerry Crisp

T ami HilfikerbelievesinenhancingservicesandmotivatingthesixChildProtectiveServicesstaffandtwoCaseAidesshesupervisesintheNorthernServiceArea.ManagedfromtheO’Neilloffice,Tami’sareacoverseightcounties.

Herlateststrategyforfurtheringthosegoalsis“FootstepsforFamilies”—paperfootprintsaffixedonapostertoindicatewhenaProtection&Safety(P&S)WorkerorCaseAideservesacustomersuccessfully.

Thesetokenscanbeearnedforsuchthingsascompleting“priorityone”intakeassessmentsontime,completingallcustomercontacts,keepingcontactnarrativescurrent,helpingachildreturnhomeorfacilitatingguardianshiporadoption.Footprintscanalsobeaddedforkeepingallintakeassessmentscurrent,completingallcourtfilingsweekly,andtakingontasksaboveandbeyondthecallofduty.

WhiletheposterisonlydisplayedintheO’Neilloffice,Tamitakesittomonthlystaffmeetingsandsendsoute-mailupdatessothatprogress

Tammy Henery, Protection & Safety Worker in the DHHS Center office, stands by a poster of paper footprints that celebrate her success in serving families. Photo: Tami Hilfiker

canbeshared.Theposterallowsemployeestoearnrecognition,andTamigivesprizeslikegiftcertificatestothosewhoearnedthelargestnumbersoffootprints.

ChildProtectiveServicesWorkerTammy Henerywasthetopfootprintwinnerwith35individualfootprintsearned.CaseAideTeresa LeMunyancameinsecondplacewith29footprints,andP&SWorkerSally Davisplacedthirdwith25footprints.Whenthefirstprojectwascompleted,Tamidugintoherownpockettotakeherstaffouttolunch.

Onestaffmembersaidthatknowingtheireffortsarenoticed

March (and every other month) is “Brain Awareness Month”!

New research shows that there is a lot we can do to keep the “universe between our ears” healthy as we age. Here are some tips:* Nourish your noggin!Eatabrain-healthy,well-balanceddiethighinomega-3fattyacids(foundinfish),protein,

anti-oxidants,vitaminB,andfruitsandvegetables,andlowintransfats.* Use it or lose it!Staymentallyactive.Learnanewskill,completecrosswordpuzzles,learntodance;allofthese

challengeswillhelpmaintainyourbrain.* Work out for your wits! Exerciseincreasescirculationandbloodflowtothebrain.* Stay social!Interactionwithfriendsandfamilyhelpskeepourmindsactiveandhealthy.* Rest for restoration!Lackofsleepcannegativelyaffectyourbrainhealth.* Unwind for your mind!Stresscandestroybraincells.Findwaystoeliminatestressfromyourlife.Above all else,guard your gray matter!Wearyourseatbelttoprotectyourheadfromtraumaticbraininjury.y

helpsmakeachallengingjoblessstressful.

“Employeesdon’tdotheirworktogetrecognized,butweallliketoknowthatourcontributionsarebothvaluableandvalued,”saysTami.“Iwantpeoplewhodotheirworkwelltoknowthattheyareappreciated.”

Footprintsmightbeonlypiecesofpaperpastedonaposter,buttheyrepresentstridestowardthegoalofenhancedservicesthatmeetcustomerneedsbyhelpingthemlivebetterlives.Inthisway,Tami’s“FootstepsforFamilies”clearlyseemstobemakinglargestridesintherightdirection.y

Connections • March 2008 4 7

By Jerry Crisp

WeallwantthewaterourfamiliesdrinktobecleanandfreeofcontaminantslikeE.coli,abacteriathatcancausediarrhea,fever,infectionandevendeath.Tom Christopherson,WaterWellStandardsProgramManagerwithintheDivisionofPublicHealth,helpsensurethat.

WhentheLincoln/LancasterCountyHealthDepartment(LLCHD)sampledadomesticwaterwelllastJune,LLCHDfounditcontaminatedwithE.coli.Thewellwasthesourceofdrinkingwaterforafamilyoffourthatincludeda3-week-oldinfant,whowasillwithanintestinalproblem.

Afterwarningthefamilynottodrinktheirwellwater,LLCHDcontactedTomfortechnicalassistanceinidentifyingthesourceofcontamination.Thenearest“down-holevideocamera,”awinch-drivenunitmountedonthebackofastatepickuptruck,wasinNorfolk,andTomhaditonsitewithin24hours.

Theprobeshowedadefectinwellconstruction,whichalicensedwell-drillerrepairedimmediately.Thewellwasthenchlorinatedandre-sampledbeforethefamilycoulduseitagain.

LLCHDDirectorBruce DartwroteDr. Joann Schaefer,DirectorofthePublicHealthDivisionandthestate’sChiefMedicalOfficer,saying,“IwouldliketoacknowledgeandthankMr.Christophersonforhisresponsivenessandexpertiseinthequickresolutionofthisproblem.Withoutadoubt,thequickcollaborativeinterventionofbothdepartments(LLCHDandDHHS),andespeciallytheexpertiseandknowledgeofMr.Christopherson,preventedthissituationfromendingintragedy.”

“TherewardIgetfromdoingthisjob,”Tomsays,“ismakingapositivedifferenceinthelivesofothers.”

AmongotherdutieswithinTom’sprogramisdevelopingandconductingexaminationsforthosewhoholdalicenseorcertificatethatallowsthem

There are thousands of stories to be told about DHHS employees who deliver direct customer services that help people live better lives. This is only one of them.

Front Linerstodosuchthingsasconstructwells,installpumps,andremediategroundwatercontamination.Asaresult,nearly900peoplearecredentialedeachyear.Tom’sprogramalsoconductsinspectionsforcompliancewithstandards.

“ThreefieldrepresentativesandI,allofwhomareformerwaterwellcontractors,totalabout100yearsofcombinedexperience,”Tomexplains.“Witheachrepresponsibleforabout35counties,thatmeanslotsofgroundtocover.”

AschairmanoftheNationalRegulatorsInterestGroup,Tomworkswithotherstatesaswell.Eachyear,healsodoesasmanyas10presentationsnationwidedesignedtoeducateothersaboutwaterstandards.

“Asmysupervisor, Jack Daniel,toldmewhenItookmypresentposition,Educate, Educate, and then Regulate if necessary,”Tomsays.“Ilivebythosewords.”

EducationisamajorpartofwhatTomandhiscolleaguesdo,becausethey’reeducatingayoungindustry.Before1988,Tomsays,waterwellsoutsideofOmahaandLincolnweremostlyunregulated.

Tomwillneverforgethisfirst-everpresentationfortheNebraskaGroundwaterAssociation,withthen-GovernorBen Nelsoninthefrontrow.AsTomsteppedtothepodium,anassistantdroppedthecarouselofslidesandhastilypickedthemup.Whenthefirstslidecameup,itshowedanupside-downmapofNebraska,withsimilarsnafustofollow.

“IknewthatIhadtorelyonmyselfmorethanthetechnologyofthattimetomakethatpresentationsuccessful,”Tomrecalls.“WhenIfinished,GovernorNelsontoldmethatwasoneofthebestexampleshe’dseenofsomeonethinkingontheirfeet.”

Anabilitytothinkonone’sfeetisonewaytomakepresentationssuccessful.Buteducation,moderntechnologyandclosecollaborationwithothersarekeystoensuringwaterqualityandavertingpossibletragedies.That’swhyTomChristophersonreliesonthemdaily.y

Tom Christopherson (above) uses a "downhole camera" like this (below) to probe a water well at a Lincoln site. Photo: Dale Chandler

Connections • March 2008 8 9

By Bill Wiley

Governor Dave Heinemanrecentlyintroducedanewinitiativeaimedatencouragingbusinessestodevelopworksitewellnessprograms.TheGovernor’sAwardofExcellencewillrecognizebusinessesthathave“plantedaseedforwellness.”

“Organizationsthathelpemployeesleadhealthierlivesseerealbenefitsintheformofincreasedproductivityandgreateremployeesatisfaction,”GovernorHeinemansaid.“TheExcellenceinWellnessAwardwillhelpidentifysuccessfulprogramsthatcanserveasmodelsforothers.Byputtinganemphasisonworksitewellness,individualemployeescantakestepstobecomehealthierwhilealsohelpingemployersmanagehealthcarecosts.”

TheGovernor’sAwardofExcellenceinWellnessisdividedintotwocategories.TheSower’sAwardisintendedtorecognizeorganizationsthathavedevelopedqualitywellnessprograms.TheGrower’sAwardwillhonorbusinessesandorganizationsthatdemonstratesignificantimprovementinemployeehealthbehaviors.

“NebraskaranksNumer10thisyearinahealthsurveyconductedbytheUnitedHealthFoundation,”saidDr. Joann Schaefer,NebraskaChiefMedicalOfficer.“Onaverage,Nebraskamenandwomenliveapproximately30yearslongerthanacenturyago.Iencourageeveryonetodevelopawellnessprogramattheirworksite,andcreateaculturethatfostersgoodmentalandphysicalhealth.”

NebraskawasoneofseveralstatestoreceivefundingfromtheNationalGovernorsAssociationinrecentyearstobeginastateemployeewellnessprogram.Thoseparticipatinginthe2007wellness

challengelostnearly1,650poundscombined.ThestateusedaprogramdevelopedbytheNebraska

SportsCouncil.TheN-LightenNebraskachallengeisopentoanybusinessororganizationinthestate.Nebraskaworkplacescanjoinstategovernmentinanewchallengefor2008thatbeganinFebruaryandrunsthroughMay1.

Moreinformationisavailableonlineatwww.N-Lighten Nebraska.com.y

Dr. Joann Schaefer offers Gov. Heineman an apple as token of the new emphasis on workplace wellness. Photo: Bill Wiley

Good Things Are Happening!Eighty-four Nebraska communities will have more secure water systems, thanks to grants from DHHS totaling $344,800.

These funds will be spent for security fencing, alarms, lighting, reinforced doors and locks, generators, chlorinators and other equipment.“Generators purchased with this funding mean that during natural disasters, water systems will

have power to maintain their supplies and provide water to consumers,” said Dr. Joann Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Division of Public Health.

Another example of how the Division of Public Health partners with communities to make our water systems safer and more secure!

Governor unveils workplace wellness recognitions

Connections • March 2008 4 9

By Jeanne Atkinson

Talkaboutawin-win!TheLincolnLocalDHHSofficegetsreliableemployeesatnocostfromavirtuallyuntappedlaborsource.Peoplewhoneedtofreshenjobskills,changecareersorgetjobexperienceinanewareagetgreaton-the-jobtrainingfortheirresume.Evenbetter,thecollaborationbetweenDHHSandVocationalRehabilitation(VR)intheDepartmentofEducationcouldbereplicatedallacrossthestate,accordingtoDarla Atkinson,VRServiceSpecialist.“AllyouhavetodoiscontactanEmploymentSpecialistinoneofour11fieldofficestoseeifthisarrangementcanworkinyouroffice,”saidAtkinson.“About75%ofthetimethejobbeingfilledistemporary,butsometimesourclientsevolveintoapermanentjobwithanorganization.”ClientsearnpaychecksfromtheNebraskaDepartmentofEducationduringtheirVocRehabtraining.LincolnLocalintheSoutheastServiceAreahastwogreatexamplesofVocRehabclientswhoparticipatedinon-the-jobtraining,increasedtheirskills,andbecamecompetitiveapplicantsforfull-time,permanentjobs.“IworkcloselywithVocationalRehabilitationstafftoidentifystrengthsandskillsofclientstopreparethemforfutureemployment,”saidEike Marthaler,DHHSResourceDeveloper.“Thiscollaborationhasproventoprovidepositiveoutcomesforallthoseinvolved.”Christopher WipfhasadegreefromHamiltonCollegebuthad

neverheldafull-timejob.Becauseofhiseducation,MarthalerworkedwithDuol RutatVocRehabtomovebeyondthestandardon-the-jobtrainingplanforChris.Afterthefirsteightweeks,ChriswasprovidingcompletesupportfortheIncomeMaintenanceFosterCarePaymentteamandlearningskillsthatmadehimacompetitivejobapplicant.ChriswasmovedintoanothertrainingprogramthatmadehimeligibletoapplyforseveralpositionsrangingfromIntakeClerktoSocialWorker.VocRehabclientAnna Brazerturnedon-the-jobtrainingintoafull-time,permanentjobwithDHHS.Annahad25yearsexperienceinbakingandkitchenhelpbutneededtochangehercareerdirection.ShewasplacedwithDHHStolearnofficeskillsandwasahardworkerwhowasapprovedtoattendthesametrainingprovidedtoDHHSsupportstaffandSocialWorkers.Sheexcelledduringthetrainingperiod,andinFebruarywashiredasaProtectionandSafetyCaseAideintheLincolnDHHSoffice.

“Gettingthishands-ontrainingandrealizingIcoulddotheworkistotallyamiracle,”saidBrazer.“Mel RamseyhasgoneaboveandbeyondtohelpmeandcommunicatewhatIneedtoknowtodothejob.”RamseyisaSocialServicesSupervisorintheDHHSSoutheastServiceArea.“ThiscollaborationworksbecauseVocRehabclientsaregivenrealworkandtrainingopportunitiesthatresultinmarketableskills,”saidRamsey.“Becauseapplicantsformoststatejobsarescoredbasedonknowledgeandexperience,goingthroughon-the-jobtrainingprovidesanunderstandingofjobrequirementsthatmakeVocRehabclientscompetitivejobapplicants.”StaffatVocRehabcanalsosupplyergonomicchairs,computerstands,aTDDforsomeonewho’sdeaforother,assistivetechnologythathelptheirclientssucceedintheworkplace.Formoreinformationgotowww.vocrehab.state.ne.us.y

(Front row) Christopher Wipf and Anna Blazer; (Back row l-r) David Hauswald, Eike Marthaler, Darla Atkinson and Mel Ramsey Photo: Deb Malousek

Voc Rehab clients a great resource for DHHS offices

10 Connections • March 2008

Public Health Month

This year’s focus in Nebraska for Public Health Month is wellness. An active life, eating the right foods and not smoking can add years to your life and life to your years, according to Dr. Joann Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer. “As we get older, we can get better,” she says. “Advancing age doesn’t have to mean a decline in energy and activity. Staying active, even in small ways, can help keep us young.” Taking the stairs, parking the car further away and walking to your destination, doing vigorous housework and yard work, taking the dog for a walk—these are things that can contribute to your activity level. Eating fruits and vegetables is important, too, Dr. Schaefer says. “They add fiber and vitamins to your diet and can help protect you against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.” If you smoke, quitting can be the most important thing you can do for your health. Tobacco use is related to numerous kinds of cancer and can take years off your life. “There are smoking cessation products that can help you quit, and there is the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-784-8669) for support,” she says. Public health includes all of us and helps each of us to stay younger and live longer!y

Child Abuse Prevention Month

Child Abuse Prevention Month focuses on recognizing abuse

and neglect, and on reminding the public to report it to law enforcement or to the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-652-1999. Calls to the abuse/neglect hotline increased from 24,111 in 2004 to 28,358 in 2006, partly because of increased awareness. Warning signs of neglect or abuse can include clothing that is dirty or not suitable to the weather, bruises, cuts, broken bones, burns, injuries explained away as accidents, or sexual acting out. Remember, you have the power to protect a child!y

Minority Health

Did you know that infant mortality rates are twice as high for African Americans as for white Americans? Or that the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes is higher for African Americans and Hispanics than for whites across all age groups? National Minority Health Month gives us an opportunity to address racial and ethnic health disparities, one of Dr. Joann Schaefer’s top priorities for the Division of Public Health. National Minority Health Month goals include: • encouraging cultural competency training and health education among health care providers; and • providing leadership in the monitoring and reporting of the health status of all vulnerable populations. For more information, talk with the DHHS’ Office of Minority Health and Health Equity staff members, who work to equalize health outcomes and eliminate health disparities in Nebraska.y

Alcohol Awareness Month

Did you know that alcohol is the #1 drug of choice for children and adolescents? The seriousness of this problem is seen in the numbers: Children who drink alcohol before the age of 15 are five times more likely than those who start after age 21 to have alcohol problems as adults. Here are three things parents need to know about alcohol use by young people:• Drinking in childhood is a

serious problem. • Warning signs can help parents

spot a problem. • Parents can take action and

make a difference in their child’s health and well-being, now and in the future.

For more information, go to http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/seasonal/aprilalcohol/.y

Infant Immunization Week (April 19-26)

“Vaccination is one of the most important ways that parents can protect their children’s health,” says Dr. Joann Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer. Vaccines are one of history’s most successful and cost-effective public health tools for preventing serious disease and death. Diseases that were once commonplace like polio, measles, diphtheria and rubella, are now rare. Such success can mean that some parents take for granted the importance of childhood immunizations. In Nebraska, 75% of two-year-olds are age-appropriately immunized. That means that 25% don’t have all the vaccinations they need. Infant Immunization Week is a reminder to parents that their children’s lives may depend on getting vaccinated.y

April Observances

Connections • March 2008 11

Letters to HHSS employees who are helping people live better lives

In their own words . . .In their own words . . .

While Connections receives more letters from satisfied customers than we can ever publish, please send letters via any method listed in our editorial box on page 2, and we’ll print as many as space allows.

A February 7 blog on www.nebraska.net titled “Nebraska Health and Human Services” offered this:

I never really noticed it before, but my parents are actually getting pretty old. I spent some time talking to them over a meal about how my job hunt was going (which could be summarized in three words: ‘not very well’), when I looked at them. I really LOOKED at them. And I realized that there were more wrinkles on them than I thought, just a bit more difficulty in moving around for them. At that point I realized that I was never so grateful for the Nebraska Health and Human Services (also known as the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services - DHHS) as I was at that moment. I’m pretty sure that without them and the kinds of service they offer to citizens of this state, I would have freaked out in a second. DHHS, for those of you who don’t know...has one of the best programs for senior or aging citizens of the state. I didn’t think about it much before, since I only used to contact DHHS to get copies of my birth certificate, but looking at it now, I’m relieved to know that my parents will be taken care of in the future, just in case I really screw up. A Nebraska citizen

DearDHHS Omaha office:

IwanttowriteyoualetteraboutAngela Mitchell(SocialServiceWorker,DHHSOmahaIntake

CenterSouth)andthedifferenceshemadeinmylife.

Afewyearsago,Idecidedtocontinuemyeducation.Ienrolledasafull-timestudenttoreceive

mynursinglicense.Goingtoschoolfull-timemadeitdifficulttomakeendsmeet,butIknewIwas

makingagoodchoiceforthekidsandmyself.Iwantedtobeabletoprovideagoodfutureforthem

andshowthemthatitisnevertoolateinlifetofollowyourdreams.

Beingasinglemomwithtwochildren,itwasafinancialstruggle.Therewastuition,books,

labfeesandmanyotherbills,inadditiontoeverydaythingslikefood,rentandutilities.Iappliedfor

energyassistanceandAngelawasmycaseworker.Shewaswonderful!

Angelawasalwayswillingtohelpmyfamilyandme.ShewasalwaysavailablewhenIcalled

andwalkedmethroughthewholeprocess.Shewentaboveandbeyond,andIjustwanttosaythanks.

Toomanytimespeoplearequicktocomplainbutseldomremembertopraisepeoplewhohavehelped

themalongtheway.

Angelaisawonderfulassettoyou,andIhopeyoupassthismessagealongtoher.Her

thoughtfulnessandwillingnesstohelpreallymadeadifferenceinmylife.

A

n Omaha service recipient

DearLynn Cooper(Protection&SafetyWorker,DHHSKearneyoffice):

I’msogratefulforeverythingyouhavedone.Youtreatedmewithsomuchrespect.Iwillneverforgetyou.Youtrulysavedmylife!

A Kearney service recipient

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLINCOLN NEPERMIT 212

P.O. Box 95026Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-5026

25-78-00

CLS-PB-1 (99726)

DHHS

Nebraska Department of Healthand Human Services

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services mission: Helping people live better lives.

Jordan Miller(atleftbelow),13,ofAxtell,Nebraska,wonapizzapartyforher7th-gradeclassforsubmittingthewinningentryinaDHHS-sponsoredpostercontest(farright).Theaimofthecompetitionwastourgepeopletoconsideradoptingachildandwasopentoelementarystudentsthrough7thgradein21countiesoftheCentralServiceArea(CSA).StateSenatorsJoel Johnson

andRay Aguilarchosethewinningposter.OnhandtocongratulatethewinnerwasMarylyn Christenson,ResourceDevelopmentSupervisorintheDHHSPineStreetGrandIslandoffice.“Weputthesepostersupallovertheplaceandalreadyhadsomephonecallsfrominterestedpeople,”shesaid.“Thispizzapartyisourwayofsayingthankyoutothewinnerandalloftheotherstudentswhoparticipated.”“Thisisthefirstyearofthepostercompetition,”saysYolanda Nuncio,CSAAdministrator,“butwehopetodoitagainnextyear.”Photo courtesy of Kearney Hub

Winner named in Adoption Day poster contest