DHW Voice
Latest Post
Southern Idaho family opens their doors and hearts to teen in need
When a teenage boy had nowhere else to turn, he turned to his friends, hoping one of their families might take him in. One family did, opening their home and hearts to provide him with a safe place to land during one of the most difficult times of his life.This is a story about the power of a foster family’s love and the difference it made in a young man’s life. (Follow this link to watch a version of this story on Youtube.)Christine, a busy working mother in southern Idaho, had
Older Posts
Older Posts
The Division of Behavioral Health at DHW recently published an annual report on behalf of the Idaho Behavioral Health Planning Council, a 21-member governor-appointed council with the mission of advocating for those with behavioral health issues. Called State of Mind, the report
In a world filled with complex information, the ability to communicate effectively is invaluable. Writing in plain language is a skill that ensures your message is clear, concise, and easily understood by a diverse audience.
This is why Goal 4 of DHW’s Strategic
The Department of Health and Welfare publishes an array of resources to support lawmakers as they evaluate programs across DHW’s eight divisions. Many of these are also valuable resources for Idahoans who want to understand how their taxpayer dollars are being spent
Recent reports of carbon monoxide poisoning are a reminder that Idahoans get sick and die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning every year.
During 2022 and 2023, Idaho emergency departments averaged 12 to 14 visits each month for accidental carbon monoxide
During my short time as interim director at DHW, I’ve been impressed with the dedication, passion, and professionalism displayed by hundreds of the agency’s staff.
From caring for foster children to helping coordinate emergency responses, DHW’s work touches the
If you’re a manager or owner of an organization that offers behavioral health services in Idaho, you could help the Department of Health and Welfare better understand gaps and needs of Idahoans in the service of others.
The department’s Division of Behavioral
Three Youth Crisis Centers opened in Idaho in 2023 to serve communities in Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and Boise. A fourth, the Western Idaho Youth Support Center, opened yesterday, Jan. 29, in Nampa.All four centers provide a calm environment for youth aged 12-17 to de-escalate.
Senior leaders at the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) have a tradition of starting meetings with three good things that have taken place in the previous week or two. Practicing gratitude has been shown to benefit personal wellbeing, and I believe it also benefits us as a
Every day, people across the country and here in Idaho need blood to treat a variety of life-threatening conditions. Donating blood is always important because blood has a short shelf life, and there is constantly a need.
This January, National Blood Donor Month,
Radon gas is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that may be silently present in many homes across Idaho. The Environmental Health Program in the Division of Public Health at DHW helps has programs to help distinguish radon facts from radon fictions and to help ensure the well
The Idaho Legislature convened on Monday, Jan. 8, marking the start of this year’s session. It’s an exciting time in Idaho as lawmakers from around the state travel to Boise to set policy and establish a budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
In the coming weeks, the