In 2021, 353 Idaho residents died from a drug overdose.

From 2010 to 2022, more than 2,900 Idahoans have died from an overdose.

Those numbers are distressing to me because they mean so many Idaho families are missing a loved one today, because of an overdose.

A person develops tolerance in response to various levels of drugs, depending on how much they use. An overdose happens when the strength of the drug exceeds a person’s ability to tolerate it.

Because of fentanyl’s strength, small amounts of it can result in overdoses and deaths. This leaves people who have low tolerance levels, such as recreational drug users, at risk for overdose.

Idaho has been seeing an increase in fentanyl-related overdoses and overdose deaths. With the increased presence of illicitly manufactured fentanyl in drugs sold illegally (also called street drugs), anyone who uses street drugs is at risk for an overdose. Unknown amounts of fentanyl can be found in pills, powders, and liquids that are sold illegally.

Overdose deaths are avoidable. There are things we all can do to prevent those tragic deaths. Talk to your loved ones about their substance use, and guide them toward resources to help.

Another way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get doses of naloxone. Naloxone is a medication that reverses an opioid overdose. It is available in two forms — as a nasal spray and as an injection. Naloxone nasal spray is known by the brand names Narcan and Kloxxado. All are available through pharmacies and community organizations. Find naloxone near you at FindIdahoTesting.org

Visit the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s website and search for “drug overdose prevention” for resources and additional help.

To observe International Overdose Awareness Day, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will host an event at 10 a.m. MT Aug. 31 at the Idaho Capitol Building steps, featuring speakers from state agencies as well as community members affected by overdose. Speakers will share their experiences about the overdose epidemic in Idaho and the spectrum of substance use, community resources, and personal experiences with overdose. We hope you can join us.

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend! 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

Idaho is publishing COVID-19 data from samples collected at participating wastewater treatment facilities around the state. The Wastewater testing tab on the state’s COVID-19 case, laboratory, and hospital data dashboard.  Click “Wastewater Testing” at the  dashboard to see a clickable map, that lists participating locations, and clearly-illustrated trends.

People infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 often shed the virus in their feces, even if they don’t have symptoms. The virus is detectable in wastewater, which allows wastewater surveillance to serve as another way to monitor how COVID-19 is spreading in a community.

In Idaho, wastewater surveillance is becoming an important tool for monitoring COVID-19. Samples are collected by participating wastewater treatment facilities two or three times per week and sent to one of five testing laboratories at Idaho-based universities and the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories. Testing done at the laboratories determines the concentration of the virus that causes COVID-19 in the wastewater samples.

Viral concentration data is uploaded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Wastewater Surveillance System, where it’s aggregated and analyzed with data from similar programs across the U.S. The Idaho data is then pulled from the CDC’s central database and published on the state’s dashboard.

Wastewater system trends are estimated by analyzing recent concentrations obtained for individual wastewater facilities. If a statistically significant trend is identified for a given site, the treatment site is noted as an increase or decrease. If no significant trend can be identified levels of virus in samples from that treatment site are considered to be stable.

Challenges remain as this new program expands in the state. Participation in wastewater monitoring is voluntary for all contributing treatment facilities, and occasionally sampling may be missed or delayed at either the sampling or testing locations. This is especially true when staffing is strained as can happen when COVID-19 cases are rapidly increasing.

New sites are regularly being added to the network. Trends from new test sites are expected to swing wildly at first but then stabilize over time as additional data are added.

There are hundreds of wastewater treatment facilities in Idaho. Capacity is not yet large enough to sample and test wastewater from all facilities, so sites have been prioritized based on the size of the population served, the location of the facility, and the facility’s ability to collect and submit samples using standardized techniques.  Currently, we have contributing facilities from each region in Idaho, which will help us continue to monitor how COVID-19 is spreading.

Dr. Christopher Ball is the laboratory bureau chief for the Division of Public Health, Bureau of Laboratories, where he serves as the laboratory director and clinical consultant. Dr. Ball is certified in molecular diagnostics by the American Board of Bioanalysis and serves as co-chair of the Governor’s Coronavirus Testing Task Force. Since February 2020, he has been focusing on providing testing, developing guidance, and expanding testing capacity to support Idaho’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Follow the Department of Health and Welfare on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and information you can trust.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new, streamlined guidance last week to help people better understand their risk for getting COVID-19, how to protect themselves and others, what actions to take if exposed to COVID-19, and what actions to take if they are sick or test positive for the virus.

COVID-19 continues to circulate in Idaho and around the globe, but with so many tools available to reduce COVID-19 severity, there is much less risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death compared to earlier in the pandemic.

The best, most consistent protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and death continues to be obtained with use of vaccination and boosters. As children head back into the classroom, please make sure they are up to date on all their recommended vaccinations, including those for COVID-19.

If you are exposed to COVID-19 the guidance now is:

• You should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days after the day you were exposed and get tested five days after the day you were exposed.

If you have COVID-19, the guidance now is:

• Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others.
  • You should also isolate if you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, but do not yet have test results.
    • If your results are positive, follow CDC’s full isolation recommendations.
• Stay home for at least five days after your positive test and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first five days. Wear a high-quality mask when you must be around others at home and in public for 10 days after your positive test.
  • If after 5 days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are improving, or you never had symptoms, you may end isolation. Wear a high-quality mask for 10 days after your positive test result.
  • Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 for 10 days after your positive test.
• If you had moderate illness (if you experienced shortness of breath or had difficulty breathing) or severe illness (you were hospitalized) due to COVID-19 or you have a weakened immune system, you need to isolate for the full 10 days after your positive test result.
  • In addition to isolating for 10 days after a positive test, if you had severe illness or have a weakened immune system, consult your doctor before ending isolation. If you are unsure if your symptoms are moderate or severe or if you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider for further guidance.
• If your COVID-19 symptoms worsen after you have ended isolation, restart your isolation the day your symptoms become worse. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about your symptoms or when to end isolation.
• Physical distance is just one component of how to protect yourself and others. It is important to consider the risk in a specific setting, including local COVID-19 Community Levels and the important role of ventilation.

Elke Shaw-Tulloch is the administrator of the Division of Public Health, and the state’s public health officer. She has worked for the department since 1996 and was promoted to division administrator in 2012. Since February 2020, she has focused most of her time on responding to the coronavirus pandemic. 

COVID-19 resources:

• Idaho’s Coronavirus website
• CDC COVID-19 website
• Masks are available for Idahoans: KN95 masks (one pack of 10 per household) are available for free at various locations around the state. Call the Idaho CareLine by dialing 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588 or your local public health district to find a location near you. https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/community-health/public-health-districts
• Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are available from the federal government at covidtests.gov. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free, at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. Orders will usually ship in seven-12 days.
• Find COVID-19 and flu vaccines/boosters near you: Use vaccines.gov to find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment. 

Follow the Department of Health and Welfare on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and information you can trust.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquitoes were detected in Ada, Payette, and Elmore counties this month, and public health officials are urging Idahoans to protect themselves from biting mosquitoes when they’re outdoors.

Every year the risk for acquiring WNV goes up later in the summer as Culex mosquito populations increase. Culex tarsalis and Culex pipiens are the most likely mosquito species to carry and transmit WNV in Idaho, and we fully expect to find additional WNV-positive mosquitoes in additional counties this summer. That means the risk of acquiring the infection from mosquitoes will remain elevated until a killing frost eliminates the risk sometime this fall.

Last year, 14 Idaho counties reported WNV-positive people, mosquitoes, horses, and/or birds. WNV infections were reported in 16 people, 15 horses, and two birds. WNV contributed to 2 human deaths last year.

WNV is not spread from person-to-person through casual contact and is usually contracted from the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of infection can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Infection can result in severe illness, especially in people 50 years and older. If you feel ill, talk to your healthcare provider about testing for WNV.

It is important for people to protect themselves from mosquitoes, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. In addition, everyone should:

• Cover up exposed skin when outdoors and apply DEET or other EPA-approved insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing. Carefully follow instructions on the product label, especially for children.
• Insect-proof your home by repairing or replacing screens. 
• Reduce standing water around homes and properties. Check and drain toys, trays, and pots that are outdoors and can hold water.
• Change bird baths, static decorative ponds, and animal water tanks weekly to reduce suitable mosquito habitat.

WNV does not usually affect domestic animals but can cause severe illness in horses and some species of birds. Although there is no vaccine for people, there are several vaccines for horses, which should be vaccinated annually.

For more information, please visit http://westnile.idaho.gov.

Kinship care is when relatives or important adults in the lives of children take on the responsibility of parenting when the child’s parents are not able to take care of them. We are celebrating Idaho’s kinship families in September during National Kinship Care Month and every month.

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 4 percent of all children across the nation – more than 2.6 million children – are in kinship care. In 2020 in Idaho, 10,819 grandparents were caring for their grandchildren younger than 18 years old. This does not count for the thousands of children living with relatives informally. 

Most kinship caregivers are not receiving resources and supports they are eligible for. Many are unaware that such help even exists. The challenges in these families can feel huge, but the stories they tell touch my heart.

DHW will be hosting Idaho Kinship Family Day to celebrate families caring for relative children and family friends who have agreed to care for children who aren’t their relatives from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 10 in Meridian, Idaho Falls, and Coeur d’Alene. I invite you to join us for the celebration. Please RSVP at Idaho Kinship Family Day Celebration.

My Family. My Story. entries are due Aug. 21

DHW also organizes the annual My Family. My Story. art and expression series, which is a chance for children and caregivers in kinship families to talk about their families in their own words and with art that often includes drawings, paintings, and even sewing projects. The series includes our community partners who work alongside kinship families as they navigate the challenges of kinship care. 

Entries over the years have included everything from drawings from young children expressing what they love about their families, to stories and artwork reflecting personal growth, family dynamics, and their feelings of safety and stability. 

All participants are entered into a drawing for cash and prizes. All entries must be received or postmarked by Aug. 21. Please visit My Family. My Story. art and expression series for more information.

Please call 2-1-1 from an Idaho area code or visit 211.idaho.gov for more resources and supports, Idaho Kinship Family Day, and My Family. My Story.

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend! 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

The monkeypox outbreak has now been declared a global and national public health emergency. Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, which is in the same virus family as the virus that causes smallpox.

Even though Idaho has reported fewer than 10 cases, the Department of Health and Welfare is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response (ASPR), and Idaho’s local public health districts to educate Idahoans about the disease, monitor and prevent monkeypox cases, and provide vaccine and treatment.

What should you do to protect yourself?                           

Take the following steps to prevent getting monkeypox:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
• Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating, touching your face, and after you use the bathroom.
• If you think you are at high risk of getting monkeypox, talk to your doctor or contact the local public health district about possible vaccination against monkeypox infection.

How is monkeypox spread?

A person with monkeypox can spread it to others from when symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks.

Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, skin-to-skin contact, including:

• Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
• Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
• Contact with respiratory secretions.

This direct contact can happen during intimate contact, including:

• Oral, anal, and vaginal sex, or touching the genitals or anus of a person with monkeypox.
• Hugging, massage, and kissing.
• Prolonged face-to-face contact.
• Touching fabrics and objects during sex that were used by a person with monkeypox and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, fetish gear, and sex toys.

A fetus can be infected through the placenta.

It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

Scientists are still researching:

• If the virus can be spread when someone has no symptoms.
• How often monkeypox is spread through droplets in the air, or when a person with monkeypox symptoms might be more likely to spread the virus through droplets in the air.
• Whether monkeypox can be spread through semen, vaginal fluids, urine, or feces.

Who is most at risk?

People more likely to get monkeypox include:

• People who have been exposed to a person with monkeypox, such as people living in the same household as a person with the disease
• People who had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks in an area with known monkeypox
• People who have jobs that could expose them to the virus that causes monkeypox, such as laboratory workers who handle or test samples for monkeypox and certain healthcare or public health workers

What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

Monkeypox symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash one to four days later.

The most common symptom is a rash or sores that can look like pimples or blisters. These may be all over the body or just in certain parts, such as the face, hands, or feet, as well as on or inside the mouth, genitals, or anus.

The rash and sores can be very itchy and painful, and sores in the anus or urethra can make it hard to go to the bathroom. Some people also have flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and tiredness.

People may experience all or only a few symptoms. Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash. Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.

What should you do if you think you might have been exposed or even might be infected with monkeypox?

If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should talk to your healthcare provider about testing, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox. If you do not have a provider, contact your local public health district. There are no mass testing sites for monkeypox. Testing must be ordered by a healthcare provider.  

What is the treatment for monkeypox infection?

Antivirals are available for people with monkeypox. There are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus infections. Because monkeypox and smallpox viruses are similar, antiviral drugs developed to protect against smallpox may be used to treat monkeypox disease.

If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should talk to your healthcare provider about testing and possible treatment, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox.

Are vaccines available in Idaho?

Yes. Vaccines have been provided to every local public health district in the state.

Idaho currently has enough vaccine to vaccinate close contacts of people with monkeypox, and in some cases can provide doses to people at high risk of exposure. If the vaccine is received soon enough after exposure, it may prevent symptoms. Idaho is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national vaccine strategy, which recommends vaccine for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who might be more likely to get monkeypox.

Do vaccines for chickenpox or shingles prevent monkeypox?

No. Although the name “chickenpox” suggests that the disease is related to monkeypox and smallpox, that is not the case. Varicella, the virus that causes chickenpox,  is in the herpes virus family, and is not related to the family of Orthopox viruses that cause smallpox and monkeypox.

Dr. Christine Hahn is Idaho’s state epidemiologist and the Division of Public Health’s medical director. She is board certified in infectious disease and works in an Idaho tuberculosis clinic twice monthly. She also serves on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Follow the Department of Health and Welfare on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and information you can trust.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

National Immunization Awareness Month is observed every August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages, and it’s a good time to check the records of everyone in your family. Being up to date on recommended immunizations is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family against serious or deadly vaccine-preventable diseases.

What vaccines do people need, and when?

Check with your doctor or visit www.immunizeidaho.com for recommended immunizations for all age groups, including adults. High immunization rates across communities protect the health of those who are most vulnerable to serious complications related to vaccine-preventable diseases, including infants and young children, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions. High immunization rates also prevent or slow the spread of communicable diseases and can even eradicate diseases.

What types of immunizations do adults need?

Adults should get the flu vaccine every year. Adults should also stay current on their COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

The Tdap vaccine is given one time as an adult to protect against whooping cough, also called pertussis, and tetanus and diphtheria. Women should get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy to protect their babies until they are old enough to start getting vaccines.

A Td booster is recommended every 10 years to renew protection against tetanus and diphtheria.

Adults aged 50 years and over are recommended to get the shingles vaccine. Other adult vaccines, such as pneumococcal vaccine, are recommended based on age, occupation, previous vaccinations, and health status.

What are the immunization requirements for students?

There are specific requirements for children attending Idaho schools to be vaccinated against diseases that spread more easily in group settings.

Contagious diseases like whooping cough and measles can spread not only at school, but also at home where there may be babies who are too young to be vaccinated. Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for babies. You can talk to your doctor about the vaccines your child needs for school attendance and read more about the school immunization requirements at www.immunizeidahoschools.com.

COVID-19 vaccines are available for children 6 months old and older.

Are there immunization requirements for college students?

College students should be up to date on their immunizations, including the flu, MMR, Tdap, meningococcal disease, and HPV vaccinations. The MMR vaccine is important because it protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

The HPV vaccine can prevent certain types of cancer and is recommended for boys and girls starting at ages 11-12, but young adults can get the vaccine until they are 26. The meningococcal vaccine is very important for young adults, especially those who will live in residence halls or participate in sports programs to protect against meningitis. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are recommended for college-age students.

How can I get a copy of my immunization record?

Idahoans can download the Docket® app to get a copy of the vaccines recorded in Idaho’s Immunization Reminder Information System (IRIS). For more information about how to use the Docket® app, visit https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/immunizationrecords. Use of the Docket® app is voluntary. Other ways to get immunization records are to request a copy from your health care provider or by submitting a request to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare using this link: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/news-notices/public-records-requests.

Resources:

• Idaho Immunization Program: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/children-families/about-immunizations
• Find your Idaho Public Health District for back-to-school immunizations: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/community-health/public-health-districts
• Vaccine and immunization resources from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html

I am excited to share that the Idaho Health Report Card is now available on the Get Healthy Idaho website.

The report card covers 10 major health indicators and their impacts on Idahoans. It shows the rate or percentage of the population affected, the trend (increasing, unchanged, or decreasing), the target and whether we have met the target, and a grade for how we compare to other states. As you hover your cursor on a computer or laptop over various parts of the report card, more context is provided. 

The health indicators being monitored are:

• Heart disease deaths
• Cancer deaths
• Unintentional injury deaths
• Suicide deaths
• Drug overdose deaths
• Obesity prevalence
• Diabetes prevalence
• Infant deaths
• Pre-term births
• Childhood immunization (this indicator is still under development)

All the published targets are “unmet.” I hope that inspires our stakeholders to take notice of this new tool. By publishing these indicators, we hope the Health Report Card drives conversations across the state about working together to gain improvements in these areas for Idahoans.

We also hope the Idaho Health Report Card helps to advance a unified approach in assessing the health of Idahoans, to identify the areas of greatest concern, and to drive action at DHW and among partners invested in supporting Idahoans to live their healthiest lives possible. 

You can read more about some of the things we’re doing to move some of these indicators to “met” in our Strategic Plan. Goal 3 in the plan is to help Idahoans become as healthy and self-sufficient as possible and addresses some of the foundational things that influence the indicators in the report card--called social determinants of health. 

See the Idaho Health Report Card: https://www.gethealthy.dhw.idaho.gov/idaho-health-report-card. Data for the indicators will be added to the report card as they become available.

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend! 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

Idaho recently passed a grim, sad pandemic milestone. More than 5,000 Idaho residents have now died from COVID-19 related factors.

Let’s take a look at the demographics for those 5,017 deaths, which amounts to 274.6 deaths for every 100,000 Idahoans.

More men have died from COVID-19 related factors than women. Dads, brothers, husbands, uncles, and grandfathers make up 58.3 percent of all the COVID-19 related deaths, while moms, sisters, wives, aunts, and grandmothers make up 41.7 percent.

More than half of the Idahoans who have died were younger than 80, including two younger than 18; 21 who were in the 18-29 age group; 64 in the 30-39 age group; and 186 in the 40-49 age group.

Most Idahoans who died from COVID-19 related factors were white, at almost 95 percent of the COVID-19 related deaths in Idaho.

Smaller, more rural counties are hit hardest by COVID-19 related deaths. Lewis County has the highest rate of COVID-19 related deaths, at 781.7 deaths for every 100,000 people.

We seem to have hit a plateau in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases in Idaho. But there’s still a lot of disease in the state. While most people have only mild symptoms, the disease can be deadly for many. It is still important to limit your chances of getting COVID-19  by following the recommended precautions, not just for yourself, but the people around you.

We know what works to limit the spread of the disease:

• Get vaccinated and boosted. This is still the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from getting very sick or even dying.
• Wear a mask in crowded places.
• Stay home and get tested if you feel sick.
• Stay six feet apart in public.
• Stay informed.

Elke Shaw-Tulloch is the administrator of the Division of Public Health, and the state’s public health officer. She has worked for the department since 1996 and was promoted to division administrator in 2012. Since February 2020, she has focused most of her time on responding to the coronavirus pandemic. 

COVID-19 resources:

• Idaho’s Coronavirus website
• CDC COVID-19 website
• Masks are available for Idahoans: KN95 masks (one pack of 10 per household) are available for free at various locations around the state. Call the Idaho CareLine by dialing 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588 or your local public health district to find a location near you. https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/community-health/public-health-districts
• Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are available from the federal government at covidtests.gov. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free, at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
• Find COVID-19 and flu vaccines/boosters near you: Use vaccines.gov to find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment. 

Follow the Department of Health and Welfare on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and information you can trust.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

I am very pleased to announce the completion of our new five-year Strategic Plan.

We will continue working toward the same four goals we pledged in our previous Strategic Plan because those goals are still relevant:

• Goal 1: Ensure affordable, available healthcare that works
• Goal 2: Protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults
• Goal 3: Help Idahoans become as healthy and self-sufficient as possible
• Goal 4: Strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the Department of Health and Welfare

The plan guides the work done every day by dedicated staff throughout the department. We are focusing on the big ideas we will be turning into reality over the next five years. Our plan helps the department organize and continue transformative, long-term work as we also face day-to-day demands and challenges.

This year, we continued our efforts to write in plain language as part of our ongoing effort to communicate clearly with the public about how we serve Idahoans. This Strategic Plan also features important advances in two key areas: work to prevent adverse outcomes, and strategic work to overcome the current shortage of healthcare workers.

Strategic objectives involving work by several divisions to help people be physically and mentally healthier

• Conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play (known by some as the social determinants of health) contribute to preventable differences in disease, injury, violence, and opportunities to be healthy for different groups of people in Idaho.
  • Strategic Objective 3.2: Address health disparities in Idaho communities by implementing three strategies that focus on the social determinants of health by June 30, 2025.
  • This objective involves work by teams in the divisions of Public Health, Medicaid, and Welfare.
• Trauma experienced during childhood severely increases the likelihood of poor physical and mental health throughout life.
  • Strategic Objective 3.3: Prevent or reduce the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences across the lifespan of Idahoans by creating a coordinated DHW program delivery framework by June 30, 2025.
  • This objective involves work by teams in the divisions of Public Health, Medicaid, Family and Community Services, Behavioral Health, and Welfare.

Strategic objectives to address the healthcare workforce shortage

• Idahoans in some areas of the state may not have access to needed healthcare services because of healthcare workforce shortages and limited access.
  • Strategic Objective 1.1: Develop and implement four cross-divisional initiatives to help reduce healthcare workforce shortages by Dec. 31, 2024.
  • This objective involves work by teams in the divisions of Public Health, Behavioral Health, and Medicaid.
• Economic pressure is making it tough to hire and retain employees, which can negatively impact services to customers.
  • Strategic Objective 3.4 (New for the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan): Reduce the department’s employee voluntary turnover rate from 21.7 percent to 14 percent by June 30, 2026.

You can read more about each of these objectives, as well as the updates to the other strategic objectives, in the plan on the DHW website. Also, throughout the year, I will regularly post updates in this blog to keep you informed about the progress we are making toward our mission of strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans.

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend! 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.