DHW Voice
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From DHW Director Dave Jeppesen: Transforming behavioral healthcare to get Idahoans the care they need, when they need it
For the rest of 2023 I plan to use my weekly blog to reflect upon some of the Department of Health and Welfare’s (DHW’s) accomplishments during my five-year tenure as director.
To be sure, these accomplishments are not my own, but have been planned, deliberated, an
d carried out by many DHW employees—often in collaboration with valuable community partners.
This week, I’m focusing on the incredible work being done to expand and connect Idaho’s behavioral health system.
One of
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For the rest of 2023 I plan to use my weekly blog to reflect upon some of the Department of Health and Welfare’s (DHW’s) accomplishments during my five-year tenure as director.
To be sure, these accomplishments are not my own, but have been planned, deliberated, an
The Division of Behavioral Health at the Department of Health and Welfare recently refreshed its media campaign to reach Idahoans facing substance use disorders. The Lose Focus campaign uses evocative, out-of-focus images and reflections in mirrors, and aims to stir emotions
Research shows that taking a few minutes to recognize and express gratitude each day does wonders to improve mood and mindset.
Our minds are wired to watch out for risks and to identify potential problems. This likely comes from our ancient ancestors for whom
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and an opportunity to reflect on ways we can support those with an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, and measures we can take to reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer’s ourselves.
Many people we’ve spoken
Anyone who’s heard me talk very long about my work at the Department of Health and Welfare has also heard me say it’s the best and most challenging job I’ve ever had. It’s also been the greatest honor of my career.
My decision to retire at the end of December has
In the past five years I’ve signed 1,596 adoption papers for children being adopted from foster care into new families.
Signing adoptions is part of my job as director at DHW and one of the most moving and emotionally wrenching thing I do at work. I read each and
Fit and Fall Proof is a program in our Public Health Division that improves the lives of Idahoans. This program works for seniors in our communities to help prevent injuries and the subsequent loss of independence. Class participants learn simple exercises to increase strength,
The Department of Health and Welfare marked a significant milestone this month as it implemented a cutting-edge new background check system. The new system’s primary objective is to drastically reduce processing times for background checks, ensuring a smoother and faster
The vision of the Department of Health and Welfare’s Get Healthy Idaho plan is healthy people living and thriving in safe, healthy, and resilient communities. Differences in communities and neighborhoods can impact how long and how well people live. Get Healthy Idaho is a
Halloween is an exciting holiday for children and adults alike, and we’d like to remind parents and caregivers to take some simple precautions to make sure that everyone has a safe and happy Halloween. Here are a few tips:
Glow sticks can be dangerous
Glow
This Thursday, Oct. 19, marks the Great Idaho ShakeOut. As part of the worldwide Great Shakeout, it’s a day dedicated to reflecting on and preparing for the possibility of a significant earthquake. At 10:19 a.m. local time, people throughout Idaho will participate in the