A head injury that causes damage to the brain is known as a traumatic brain injury. Repeated or severe traumatic brain injuries may increase the risk of dementia.

March marks Brain Injury Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Program at the Department of Health and Welfare is focusing on how keeping our brains safe can also lower the risk of dementia.

Every nine seconds, someone in the United Sates sustains a brain injury, which may include a trauma, concussion, or non-traumatic injury from factors such as lack of oxygen, exposure to toxins, or pressure from a tumor.

Although studies cannot tell whether head injuries were the direct cause of dementia, research indicates a strong correlation, and there are everyday actions we can all take to protect our brains. Wearing helmets during high-hazard activities, playing it safe in sports, and avoiding activities that can hurt our heads can all make a difference.

A healthy lifestyle can also help steer away from dementia. Staying active, eating well, managing stress, and keeping your mind engaged can all play a part in keeping your brain healthy and sharp.

And practicing kind and open communication can go a long way. Remember to look out for each other and encourage discussion about brain health openly, without shame.

The bottom line is that Brain Injury Awareness Month is an opportunity to remind ourselves and our loved ones about the simple steps we can take to keep our brains in good shape.

By doing so, we're not just avoiding injuries; we're also fighting against the chances of dementia later on. Together, we can make a difference to keep our minds healthy and resilient.

Tiffany Robb is health program manager for the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Program in the Division of Public Health at DHW. A self-described compassionate extrovert, she’s had a diverse career that’s included personal training, business ownership and management, teaching, research, and project management. Tiffany finds working on brain health, Alzheimer’s, and dementia an honor and a tribute to family members who have been impacted by dementia.

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

In July of last year Idaho signed a new Idaho Behavioral Health Plan (IBHP) contract with Magellan Healthcare, Inc, a managed care provider that will provide coverage for the majority of the behavioral health services system of care in Idaho. Changes to services are scheduled to begin in July 2024.

Earlier this week I joined officials from DHW and Magellan for an open house to commemorate this milestone, which aims to improve the behavioral health delivery system to promote recovery and resiliency for Idahoans. 

The new IBHP contract will be a single plan administering medically necessary Medicaid and non-Medicaid covered behavioral health services on behalf of DHW’s divisions of Medicaid and Behavioral Health, and making the same provider network available to the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections.

Under the contract, Magellan will cover behavioral health services for Idahoans with Medicaid and for some without Medicaid. A number of services historically provided through the Division of Behavioral Health will transition to being Medicaid covered services and rendered by providers in Magellan’s provider network. 

What this means for you:

If you have Medicaid and access behavioral health services, you’ll continue to access outpatient behavioral health services through Optum Idaho and any inpatient and residential services through the Idaho Medicaid program directly until Magellan Healthcare becomes the new contractor in July 2024.  At that time your service coverage will be transitioned to Magellan.

If you have Medicaid and want to access behavioral health services, you can access services through the current plan and Idaho Medicaid until the new plan begins. 

If you have access to behavioral health services through the Division of Behavioral Health, you’ll continue to access behavioral health services through your current providers until Magellan Healthcare becomes the new contractor in July 2024. At that time, you’ll need to receive services from an IBHP network provider. Your current provider will give you more information about when this change will take place. 

If you use services at a statewide crisis center or community resource center, there will be no change in accessing crisis or community resource centers when the new IBHP begins. Regional crisis centers will continue to be available to all Idahoans regardless of ability to pay.

Additional resources:

• For more information about the new IBHP access our website at https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/newIBHP or Magellan’s website at www.MagellanofIdaho.com
• For eligibility questions, please contact the Division of Self-Reliance at 877-456-1233.
• For general referrals, please contact the Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1.
• For questions about the future IBHP or other questions, please email IBHP@dhw.idaho.gov to connect with the IBHP governance bureau.

DHW is here to serve you. Have a great 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.

Groundwater Awareness Week takes place March 10-16 each year. This annual observance was first established 25 years ago and highlights responsible development, use, and management of groundwater. 

The United States uses 82.3 billion gallons per day of fresh groundwater for public and private entities. It’s used for irrigation, livestock, manufacturing, mining, and thermoelectric power, according to the US. Geological Survey.

In Idaho approximately 95% of the state’s drinking water comes from ground water sources, with the remaining water coming from surface water in our lakes and rivers. About one-third of Idahoans get their drinking water from private wells. 

However, private wells are not regulated by any public agency in Idaho, so it’s the well owner’s responsibility to ensure they are drinking healthy water. Testing your well at least once a year for contaminants and routine inspections ensures your best chance at having healthy drinking water for your family. 

There are over 42,00 known residential wells in Idaho. Protecting the water that supplies these wells is an important priority, and it is everyone’s responsibility. Most of the time groundwater is safe, but sometimes it can become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides. 

In addition, there are many natural germs and harmful chemicals from the environment, such as arsenic, nitrate, and radon. You can’t taste or smell many contaminants, so testing is the only way to know water is safe.
Groundwater wells also provide jobs for geologists, hydrogeologists, and engineers in Idaho, and that helps grow our robust agricultural economy.  

National Groundwater Awareness Week is a great time to learn where your drinking water comes from and how to protect it. Please visit the Department of Health and Welfare’s Environmental Health drinking water webpage or contact the department at 800-445-8647 for more information on how you can protect your groundwater, including testing and maintenance.

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

Idahoans who have survived cancer or work with cancer patients have a unique opportunity to help improve the care of future cancer patients in the state.

The Idaho Comprehensive Cancer Control Program in the Department of Health and Welfare is conducting a survey to identify gaps and needs within the state and to bring together partners to address identified needs. There are surveys for both cancer survivors and cancer healthcare providers.

According to Health Program Manager Becky Creighton, the program’s goal is to recruit participation from as many cancer survivors and providers as possible.

“People are living longer after a cancer diagnosis due to advances in early detection and treatment,” Creighton said. “That means the number of cancer survivors is expected to increase at a faster rate than the number of people getting cancer. We hope to assess the impact of cancer and cancer treatment on people’s physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. The needs assessment will provide information for the department, so it can support Idahoans to live full, healthy, and active lives throughout their cancer journeys.”

Each year, approximately 10,000 Idahoans are diagnosed with cancer, and there are more than 3,000 cancer deaths. In terms of survivorship, there are at least 50,000 people living in Idaho who have had a cancer diagnosis in the past 10 years.

Nearly 60% of Idahoans with a cancer diagnosis will still be alive five years after their diagnosis. Although Idaho has made progress in cancer care, the state remains at or near the bottom of rankings for many cancer screenings, and high on some rankings such as those for skin cancer mortality.

“We encourage every Idahoan to join our call to action to reduce the cancer burden in our state, Creighton said. “This involves cooperative input and concerted action to reduce cancer risk, find cancers earlier, improve and increase access to quality cancer care, and improve the health and well-being of cancer survivors.”

• Cancer care providers: Those who work with cancer survivors include patient navigators, providers, nurses, nonprofit services and more. If you work with cancer survivors, please follow this link to take the survey.
• Cancer survivors: Patients who have received any type of cancer diagnosis in the last six years can take the survey by following this link.

The survey is open through March 31.

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

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are teaming up to host free educational sessions about the dangers of lead and how to reduce and prevent exposure.

There’s no known safe level of lead in the human body, and children are especially at risk because their bodies absorb more lead than adults. Educating yourself about lead is important because lead can be found in homes, air, soil, and water—all places where children live, learn, and play.

Lead exposure can cause negative health effects in both children and adults. Among children, lower IQ, slowed or stunted growth, and hearing problems are just some of the long-lasting health effects that can be caused by lead.

The good news is that there are many things you can do to reduce and prevent potential lead exposure.

The sessions will help those who attend understand what lead is, how people can be exposed to it, why people should be concerned about lead, how people can reduce potential exposure to lead, and where more information about lead can be found.

Registration for the following events is required:

• March 19, Pocatello City Hall, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Register
• March 19, Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls Activity Center, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Register
• March 20, Twin Falls, College of Southern Idaho, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Register
• March 21, Boise, Riverside Hotel, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Register
• March 22, Boise, Boise Center on the Grove, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Register

Train-the-Trainer lead awareness curriculum in Boise

The Train-the-Trainer lead awareness curriculum is for people who’d like to teach others about lead. The training will be March 21 from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Riverside Hotel in Boise. Registration is required to attend.

Participants will learn how to use and modify the Lead Awareness Curriculum to teach others in their communities about lead, lead exposure, and actions to reduce and prevent childhood lead exposure.  

The curriculum is a robust set of educational tools that provide practical, on-the-ground, community-based resources to reduce childhood lead exposure in communities. Those who attend will receive a digital certificate of participation after completing the training. Prior knowledge of lead or lead exposure is not required.  

Training will include:

• The potential sources of lead exposure and the impacts and effects lead can have on humans, wildlife, the environment, and cultural practices.
• Recommended cleaning techniques to reduce lead exposure in homes.
• How personal hygiene and nutrition can impact potential lead exposure. 
• Why hiring a certified lead professional is important for safe home renovations and cleanup.

To register for any of the trainings or for additional information, please visit the EPA’s Community Lead Awareness Sessions website or DHW’s Environmental Health Lead Webpage.

Kelly Berg is an Environmental Health Program Specialist for the Department of Health and Welfare.

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

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 details successes and challenges facing behavioral health in Idaho. 

Behavioral Health issues touch the lives of Idahoans in a variety of ways, and the report details the crucial partnerships among the Idaho Office of Drug Policy, Department of Juvenile Corrections, Idaho Department of Correction, and three DHW divisions: Family and Community Services, Medicaid, and Behavioral Health.

The report details a number of ongoing and unique behavioral health challenges for Idaho going into the coming fiscal year: 

Statewide access to treatment providers for mental health and substance use disorders continues to struggle to meet needs of individuals.

• Behavioral health services for children needs to continue to improve, including prevention and early intervention efforts.
• Stable housing and accessible transportation is challenging to find for those with mental health and substance use disorder needs.
• Increased availability of substance use disorder prevention and education initiatives is essential.
• Peer and caregiver supports such as education, training, and emotional support help promote ongoing recovery.
• Anti-stigma education and behavioral health awareness events and training should be  held in all regions to help encourage people of all ages with behavioral health needs to seek the care they need.
• Crisis Intervention Training for law enforcement officers, first responders, educators, and the general public can help de-escalate crises and provide connections. 
• Veterans’ mental health services must expand to address the needs of those who have served and struggle with behavioral health issues. 

We look forward to continued partnerships with the Governor, Legislature, and other state agencies as we continue to work toward a sustainable model for recovery and improve Idaho’s continuum of care.

The report is available here: https://publicdocuments.dhw.idaho.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=28343&dbid=0&repo=PUBLIC-DOCUMENTS

The Division of Behavioral Health recently launched a podcast, and the inaugural installment focuses on the Governor’s Report. You can listen to the podcast on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/nvK9nFWNP5I

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

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 Plan includes a task to “Expand the use of plain language throughout DHW to be audience-specific and to improve the customer experience.” And this work ”…will be a collaborative effort between the divisions preparing written communications and the Office of Communications.

Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications the first time they read or hear it. As a state agency, it’s critical for us to make sure people trust and understand what we tell them so they can make well-informed decisions about their lives.

DHW is committed to using plain language to improve communications with Idahoans. The Strategic Plan task will use a Microsoft Word readability tool to gauge our progress on moving communications toward plain language standards throughout the year. This article explores some general principles of effective writing and provides examples you can try out right now.

Use Clear and Concise Sentences: Plain language emphasizes simplicity. Instead of using complex sentences, opt for shorter and direct ones. Example:

     Complex: "It is imperative that we take into consideration the various factors that contribute to the overall success of our project."

     Plain: "We need to consider factors for our project's success."

Avoid Jargon and Technical Terms: Jargon can alienate readers who are not familiar with specific terms. Use plain language to make your content accessible. Example:

     Technical: "Utilize the interface to configure the settings."

     Plain: "Use the menu to adjust the settings."

Use Active Voice: Active voice adds clarity and immediacy to your writing. Compare:

     Passive: "The report was written by the team."

     Active: "The team wrote the report."

Break Down Complex Ideas: When discussing complex ideas, break them down into simpler parts. Example:

     Complex: "The algorithm utilizes a neural network to process data and make predictions."

     Plain: "The system uses a smart network to analyze data and make predictions."

Engage the Reader: Involve your audience by using inclusive language and addressing them directly. For instance:

     Detached: "Customers are advised to follow the guidelines."

     Engaging: "Follow these guidelines to make the most of your experience."

Provide Examples: Concrete examples make abstract concepts more understandable. Example:

     Abstract: "Promote teamwork for better collaboration."

     Concrete: "Encourage everyone to share ideas and work together as a team."

Use Visuals and Formatting: Visual aids, bullet points, and headings break up text and enhance comprehension. Example:

     Text-only: Long paragraphs explaining steps.

     Visuals: Bulleted steps with an accompanying diagram.

Writing in plain language is an essential skill for effective communication. By embracing clarity, simplicity, and inclusivity, we can better reach our DHW audience and ensure that our message resonates with Idahoans from various backgrounds and levels of expertise. DHW is striving to practice these principles, so that our writing is a powerful tool that reaches the people who use our services.

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 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.

Some tools that lawmakers have frequently requested are now compiled on the DHW website under the Resources for Lawmakers tab, which can be found under About DHW.

Here’s an overview of materials available:

2023-2024 issue of Facts, Figures, & Trends

Facts, Figures & Trends is a comprehensive reference about DHW. It provides an in-depth look at DHW—who’s served, services provided, and how services are paid for. It also provides information about the department’s budget: how much it gets, how much is spent, and who and what it’s spent on.

For each of the department’s eight divisions, the book covers funds approved by the Legislature for the current state fiscal year, as well as highlights and work done in the previous state fiscal year.

It’s a valuable tool for anyone who wants to have a better understanding of the work DHW does. 

The digital version linked in the Resources for Lawmakers page is also available here: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/about-dhw/facts-figures-and-trends.

2024 Idaho Medicaid Overview

New this year, the 2024 Idaho Medicaid Overview is a reference guide about Medicaid in Idaho and is intended to help Idaho state lawmakers and other Idaho citizens quickly understand the division’s programs, proposed budget, and people the program serves. 

The handbook is broken into sections to help readers quickly access information:

• Intro to Idaho Medicaid
• Medicaid programs and utilization
• Medicaid budget
• Medicaid Management Information System

Federal funding inventory archive

The federal funding inventory archive is new this winter and includes a report titled Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Grants. The report and lists all federal grants awarded to DHW that may fund payments or work done in State Fiscal Year 2024. 

Additional resources

Additional resources compiled in Resources for Lawmakers include an archive of DHW’s monthly Legislative Updates, the DHW Strategic Plan, the DHW Annual Report, and an overview of the Division of Medicaid’s SFY 2023 budget. 

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

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 exposure. In 2023 there were three accidental carbon monoxide-involved deaths not due to fire in Idaho. 

Carbon monoxide (abbreviated as “CO”) is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel, such as in fumes from vehicles, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, clothes dryers, water heaters, and furnaces. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in many different situations. These include when people: 

• Use propane heaters, charcoal grills, or camp stoves inside
• Run a generator, pressure washer or other gasoline-powered engine too close to the house
• Turn on a vehicle inside a garage, even if the garage door is open
• Use a gasoline-powered tool in a partially enclosed space
• When a gas home appliance, such as water heater or furnace, is not functioning properly

Carbon monoxide has no odor or color. The only way to know you have a problem is when you get sick, or your carbon monoxide detector goes off.

The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of carbon monoxide it can make you pass out or kill you. People who are sleeping or drunk can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before they have symptoms.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning 

• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
• Install and regularly test carbon monoxide detectors wherever fuel is used indoors 

In your home:

• Install a CO detector outside of every sleeping area and on every level of your home and test monthly. CO detectors are available as battery operated units or as units that plug into a standard outlet
• Have oil and gas furnaces and hot water heaters inspected and serviced every year 
• Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows
• Do not burn charcoal or use portable camp stoves indoors
• Do not use your stove or oven to heat your home
• Never run your car or truck inside a garage that is attached to a house, even with the garage door open. Watch out for accidentally pressing a remote start button for your car or truck while it is in the garage.

When recreating:

• Have engine and exhaust system maintenance inspections of your boat, car, or truck every year
• Do not use fuel burning equipment such as charcoal grills, camping stoves, camping heaters, or lanterns inside tents, campers, RVs, or other enclosed shelter
• Do not use a gas range or oven for heating – only for cooking
• Keep a safe space between RVs so CO from one RV’s generator can’t get into another RV through an open vent, air conditioner, or window
• Install a CO detector in your camper, motorhome, RV, or boat cabin and test it before each time you use the vehicle

When using small gas-powered engines:

• Do not use inside a building or partially enclosed areas unless the gasoline engine can be located outside away from the air intakes
• Place the pump and power unit of high-pressure washers outdoors – run only the high-pressure wash line inside.
• Use a personal carbon monoxide monitor with an audible alarm if working where potential sources of CO exist

Resources

Get to know carbon monoxide alarms:  https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/GetToKnow.pdf 

What to know about generators and carbon monoxide: https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/carbon-monoxide/what-know-generators-and-co 

Carbon monoxide hazards from small gasoline powered engines: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/co/default.html

Brigitta Gruenberg is the Environmental Health Program manager in the Division of Public Health.  

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

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 lives of many Idahoans, and often in very meaningful ways.

Tragedy unfolded in Boise last Wednesday, Jan. 31, when an under-construction airport hangar collapsed, killing three men and critically injuring five others. The Idaho State EMS Communications Center (StateComm) was a critical part of the response that followed.

StateComm is a 24/7 emergency communications center in Meridian, and it’s a component of the Bureau of EMS and Preparedness in DHW’s Division of Public Health. 

Emergency Communications Officers Ashley Collins and Rebecca Brockman have been partners on the same shift at StateComm since November 2022, and during this time have been directly involved in multiple, highly critical incidents, including the hangar collapse. 

At the request of first responders at the incident, Collins and Brockman initiated a call with regional hospitals to determine how many patients each facility could accept, stayed in close contact with first responders on the scene, and initiated contact with search and rescue teams. 

People who were either involved in the call with hospitals or at the scene commended Collins and Brockman for their professional and calm demeanor on the radio and phone throughout the incident. 

In briefing me about the incident response, StateComm managers stressed the importance of teamwork when dealing with what they call “low frequency, high intensity situations.” Managers told me that Collins and Brockman have proved time and again they are a team that can handle the toughest calls at any moment and highlighted a half-dozen incidents during which they made a vital difference for Idahoans.

Here are a couple more:

Highway 55 school bus crash

Collins and Brockman were working Aug. 4 last summer when a school bus crashed on Highway 55 and caused 30 students between the ages of 13 and 18 to be sent to regional hospitals. 

Due to poor radio communications and no cell phone service, StateComm became the most important link to informing hospitals when ambulances were on the way and to ensure the hospitals were able to treat the needs of specific patients. 

It was a large response involving 10 EMS units, and StateComm was a difference maker in its ability to coordinate communications for such a complex scene. 

U.S. 95 propane truck crash

In February 2023 a propane truck crashed on U.S. Highway 95 and was venting propane. Collins and Brockman coordinated deployment of Hazmat teams from Boise and Caldwell, and the highway was closed for three days while teams vented the balance of the propane.

DHW is here to serve you. Have a great 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.