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 Health is conducting a needs assessment survey to help answer questions about services that Idaho’s behavioral health professionals offer. Feedback will help the division understand the state of Idaho’s care continuum, identify service gaps and areas for improvement, direct and inform clients, and tailor policy.

The survey only takes about five minutes and will be open until Feb. 16. Each behavioral health service location should complete the survey once. Large organizations should have each branch complete the survey.

The Division of Behavioral Health emailed this survey information to providers in January. If your organization did not receive the survey by email, and you’d like to be added to the distribution list for future surveys and communications, please send an email to bhcommunications@dhw.idaho.gov. 

Survey link: https://app.keysurvey.com/f/41695091/1365/

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

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. This give parents or guardians time to regroup during crisis situation.

The four centers help young people who are experiencing mental health or substance use challenges that greatly disrupt their lives and negatively impact their families.

The centers provide supports and services during the early stages of a mental health crisis before more intensive, costly, and restrictive interventions are required.

Services for youth are 100% voluntary and free of charge. Walk-kins are welcome. No referral is needed. Youth can stabilize for up to 23 hours and 59 minutes. Doors are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Idaho’s Youth Crisis Centers

Pathways Youth Community Support Center of Southwest Idaho

9196 E. Emerald, STE 100 Boise, ID 83704 

1-866-527-4747

Visit: http://pathwaysofidaho.com

Rise Up Teen and Child Crisis Center of East Idaho

1140 Science Center Dr. Idaho Falls, ID 83403

208-826-0994

Visit: riseupyouthcrisiscenter.com

ProActive Youth and Family Support Center

264 Main Ave. South, Twin Falls ID 83301

208-969-9841

Visit youthidaho.com

Western Idaho Youth Support Center

204 10th Ave. S. Nampa, ID

208-899-4727

Visit: westernidahoyouthsupportcenter.org

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

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 group to think about the ways we’re making a difference for Idahoans.

This week and periodically on this blog, I want to highlight three good things that DHW has done for Idahoans. 

Ten children adopted in my first weeks

As interim director at DHW it’s my job to sign legal adoption papers for children being adopted from foster care into new families. My authorization is needed for the court to grant that adoption. So far it is one of my favorite parts of my responsibility as director. 

Each adoption is a story of hope, and in my first four weeks I’ve signed adoptions for ten children. Today I signed one for two brothers to be adopted by the same parents. As I read the situation of these children and the backgrounds of the prospective parents, I experience a rollercoaster of emotions. My heart aches from the situations these children come from, and my heart swells with gratitude for the families and parents who open their homes. These children are of all ages, and some have physical and emotional challenges. 

This meaningful and important part of my job, is made possible by the work of hundreds of DHW staff who help care for children that come into state care, work to reunite them with their families, and sometimes place them in new families. In my mind there is no greater way of making a difference than to help children moving from unsafe situations to safe, nurturing, and loving adoptive families.

My admiration and gratitude goes out to the parents and all who work to help our children thrive and feel loved. 

Assigned to my responsibility are 1,554 foster children. Of those 1,531 are currently placed in foster care or residential treatment placements. We have 23 children in need of foster parents right now. We also have new children coming into foster care every day. Foster parents and adoptive parents are always needed, so I encourage Idahoans to learn more and consider helping a child:

• About adoption through foster care
• About foster care for prospective families

EMS leaders strive for sustainability 

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) leaders from throughout the state gathered at the Capitol on Monday to continue a conversation with lawmakers about challenges facing Idaho’s EMS system.

EMS in Idaho is provided within a framework of different organizations that vary in patient transport and clinical abilities, and the current system risks longer response times due to the dated model, personnel challenges, and Idaho’s rural nature.

EMS services are so critical to our citizens as they recreate and travel. Often those remote areas are the least able to sustain appropriate and needed services. Because of that a sustainability task force was created. 

The EMS Sustainability Task Force is a comprehensive group of EMS experts working together to find solutions to the challenges facing those who provide emergency medical response throughout Idaho. Please learn more about their work. 

I want to express appreciation to the task force members for their work and efforts. I want to also thank the legislators who have been working diligently on this issue. We stand ready to assist you in your efforts. 

Alzheimer’s and related dementias report finalized

In 2021 the Idaho Legislature provided funding to form the Idaho Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) Program as a public health approach to dementia in Idaho. The ADRD Program’s mission is to expand brain health and ADRD awareness, educational opportunities, supports, and services in Idaho.

The ADRD Program presented its 2023 annual report to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday. The report identifies policy gaps for Alzheimer’s disease and dementias in Idaho and highlights the prevalence of dementia, but focuses on Idahoans who have dementia and are in crisis.

Key issues include the need for protective placements; improved protections for assisted living residents; enhanced training for direct care workers, law enforcement, and emergency responders; public education; empowering primary care providers to provide early diagnoses; and supporting the family caregiver across the lifespan. 

As a son who lost our mother to Alzheimer’s I know firsthand the challenges to families. I am grateful to the team that dedicated time and effort to this report and look forward to next steps and working with legislators to address gaps. 

The report is available at DHW’s website, and I encourage Idahoans to read it.

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. 

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, is a good reminder that giving blood is crucial to save people’s lives and to make sure blood is available when it’s needed. Donors, especially those who donate regularly, keep the nation’s blood supply stable.

Idahoans can make a big difference by making blood or plasma donations a regular habit. 

There are some requirements blood donors must meet to ensure the health and safety of patients and donors, including feeling well and being in good health, being at least 16 years old, and weighing at least 110 pounds. See a more detailed list of requirements from the American Red Cross.

Donating is safe and simple, and the donation process can take as little as 45 minutes. Help spread the word this month by using the hashtag #GivingEqualsLiving and encourage your friends, family, and co-workers to donate blood. Your generous donation can make a difference.

Resources:

• Health and Human Services: Find a donation location near you.
• Health and Human Services: Why give?
• America’s Blood Centers: National Blood Donor Month information

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

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-being of Idaho families.

Fact: Every home should be tested for radon

Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas, that seeps into homes through foundation gaps or cracks. Whether it’s a new build, an existing home, with or without a basement, all homes can have high levels of radon.

Regular testing, recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) every two years or after remodeling, is the only way to confirm your home’s radon levels. Order a free test kit from www.radonidaho.org or call the Idaho Careline at 2-1-1 or 1-800-445-8647.

Fiction: Radon is not an issue where I live

Two out of every five homes tested in Idaho have radon levels higher than recommended, and high radon levels have been found in homes in every county in Idaho. For detailed radon test results and recommended actions, visit www.radonidaho.org. You can also view Idaho radon test results by zip code on an interactive map and order a free short-term test kit.

Fiction: Radon is not harmful to my health

Long-term exposure to radon gas is known to cause lung cancer and is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Learn more about the health effects of radon by visiting the EPA’s Health Risk of Radon website at www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon.

Fact: Winter is the best time to test a home for radon

Radon levels fluctuate with seasons and weather. Radon levels in the winter are often highest because homes have less fresh air circulating. To learn more about radon testing and addressing radon problems, visit www.radonidaho.org.

Fact: A radon problem can be fixed

Effective radon mitigation systems exist to reduce radon levels in homes. The Idaho Radon Program recommends hiring a nationally certified radon professional. Locate a radon professional at www.radonidaho.org.

Radon mitigation certification course

Radon mitigation systems can reduce the levels of radon in a home. The Idaho Radon Program offers in-person radon mitigation certification courses. There’s an upcoming mitigation course Feb. 5-7 in Boise. Register at www.radonidaho.org or https://radoncourses.com/Entry-level/In-person.

Registration fee is $600, providing three days of in-person training. A radon measurement course is highly recommended before attending a radon mitigation course.

Radon poster contest entries encouraged through Feb. 28

Kids across the Northwest are encouraged to use their creativity to raise awareness about the dangers of radon gas by participating in the 2024 Northwest Radon Poster Contest. Poster designs will help educate about radon and encourage people to test for radon in their homes.

Kids ages 9 to 14 living in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington can participate in the poster contest. Students enrolled in a public, private, territorial, tribal, Department of Defense, or home school, or kids who are members of a sponsoring club, such as a scouting, art, computer, science, or 4-H club are eligible to participate. All participants will learn about radon and how to reduce exposure.

Only one entry per person is allowed and posters must be submitted by Feb. 28, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be notified by March 28, 2024. Find contest submission forms, lesson plans, and rules at the Northwest Radon Poster Contest website.

The contest is sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Nez Perce Tribe, Oregon Health Authority, Spokane Tribe of Indians, and Washington State Department of Health in collaboration with the Northwest Radon Coalition and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10.

For inquiries or more information, contact the Idaho Radon Program at 1-800-445-8647 or radon@dhw.idaho.gov.

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. 

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 Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) will present budgets for its eight divisions, which provide services to more than 451,000 Idahoans with the purpose of helping those less fortunate, protecting our children and challenged adults, and promoting resiliency. We’re grateful to policy makers for recognizing and supporting those efforts.

As someone who’s spent 25 years working in the Idaho Senate and 10 years as director of the Idaho Department of Insurance, I want to take a few minutes to share what I’ve learned about the legislative process over the years.

First, the men and women who serve Idaho at the state Capitol have my utmost respect. Being called to serve is a profound experience and draws people who have dedicated themselves to a cause greater than personal aspirations. I believe this calling comes from a deep-seated desire to contribute to the well-being of others and to make a positive impact on society. 

From the outside looking in, it’s easy for people to say the Legislature should just do what’s right. The problem is, what’s right for one person or community might not be right for another, and we have to respect those differences while acknowledging that our lawmakers are doing what they understand to be right for the majority of Idahoans. 

I was 30 when I was first appointed to the Legislature in 1991. At the time the Senate was equally divided between the two major parties, and no bill got out of committee unless you could work across the aisle. I learned from the very beginning the importance of collaboration to find solutions that worked for everyone.

The process isn’t always pretty. I’ve heard it compared with sausage making and have found it can sometimes take years to put together a recipe that works. Yet my time in the Legislature reinforced my fundamental belief that by working together we can find solutions.

Like the Legislature, I believe that all branches of Idaho government, including DHW, are filled with good, hard-working, well-intentioned people who do their best for the interests of the state. And as public servants, we all share a common goal: to serve honestly and in the public’s interest.

I look forward to working with lawmakers, DHW staff, and other agencies this winter as we collaborate to improve the services DHW provides Idahoans.

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. 

The oldest groom in Idaho in 2022 was 92. The oldest bride was 87. The shortest marriage was 34 days. The longest marriage ending in divorce was 59 years.

These and many more statistics about marriage and divorce in Idaho are available in the 2022 Marriage and Divorce Report, which was published by the Department of Health and Welfare’s Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics in December.

The bureau is responsible for managing Idaho’s vital records program and for providing health statistics and analysis, and is responsible for inspecting, processing, and storing records. Data in the report is for marriages and divorces occurring in Idaho only. There is no reporting agreement among states to exchange information about divorces. 

The number of marriages occurring in Idaho increased 2 percent from 14,030 in 2021 to 14,304 in 2022. At the same time, the marriage rate decreased from 7.6 marriages per 1,000 people to 7.4 marriages per 1,000 people. 

Marriages occur at a higher frequency in Idaho than in the U.S. as a whole. The 2021 U.S. provisional marriage rate was 6.0 per 1,000 people according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Much of the difference between Idaho and U.S. rates can be accounted for by the high number of nonresidents who marry in northern Idaho.

The number of divorces in Idaho increased less than 1% from 6,392 in 2021 to 6,419 in 2022. In the past 10 years the divorce rate declined 27% from 4.8 divorces per 1,000 people in 2012 to 3.5 in 2021. Like marriages, divorces occur more frequently in Idaho than in the remainder of the nation. IN 2021 the provisional divorce rate for the U.S. as a whole was 2.5 per 1,000 people, according to the CDC.

On Oct. 15, 2014, same-sex marriage became legal in Idaho, and a question for each person’s title (groom, bride, or partner) was added to the Idaho Marriage License. Marriage licenses vary by county. Some include a question for sex, and some do not. 

Of the 14,304 marriages in Idaho in 2022, a total of 13,967 were between a bride and groom, and 328 were same-sex or between a partner and a partner.

Of the 6,419 divorces in Idaho in 2022, 6,200 (96.6%) were opposite-sex divorces, 81 were same-sex divorces among females, 18 were same-sex divorces among males, and 120 did not report one or both sexes.

More females (4,206 or 65.5%) petitioned for divorce than males (2,183 or 34.0%).

For more information:

• Read the 2022 Marriage and Divorce Report
• Read prior years’ reports
• Visit the Idaho Vital Events Divorce Dashboard

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

When Gov. Brad Little reached out to me in November to discuss the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), I thought he wanted help finding the next director. I was first surprised, and then humbled and honored, that he asked me to serve as interim director following Director Dave Jeppesen’s retirement. My appointment became effective this week.

Since the governor’s announcement, I’ve been meeting regularly with DHW’s senior leaders to get to know them, as well as to learn more about current department programs and issues. After these first months of getting acquainted, I’m happy to say that the department has capable, talented, and passionate leadership. The department also has opportunities for growth, and I’m excited to roll up my sleeves with DHW’s talented staff to help make that happen in the weeks and months ahead.

I’m no stranger to Idaho government. I concurrently serve as director of the Idaho Department of Insurance, a post I’ve held since 2015 when I was appointed by former Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter.

I’m a third-generation insurance agent who’s worked in Idaho for 32 years. I have three decades experience serving in state government, with 25 years in the Idaho State Senate. My wife, Linda, and I have three children and seven grandchildren.

Earlier this week, I answered a few questions to help DHW’s 3,000 employees get to know me better, and I want to share some of my answers in this blog so that more Idahoans have the opportunity to get to know me as well.

Thanks for reading, and thanks as well for the opportunity to serve.

Question: Tell us a little about yourself.

Director Cameron: I have a wonderful supportive wife and family, three children with three incredible spouses and seven fantastic grandchildren. I was raised throughout southern Idaho, mostly in Rupert and Burley. I graduated from Meridian High School in 1979, when there was only one high school in the Ada west area. I majored in political science and graduated from Ricks College in 1984. I went into the insurance business with my father. I am a third-generation agent.

I was appointed to the Idaho State Senate in 1991 and ran for re-election in 1992 and every two years through 2015. I served as chair of the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee from 1993 through 1999. I was on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) from 1993 through 2015, serving as chair from 2001 through 2015. I was appointed Director of the Idaho Department of Insurance in June 2015. I served as national President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2022.

Question: What was your first thought when Gov. Little asked you to be interim director?

Director Cameron: I was shocked! I knew Director Jeppesen was retiring, but I thought Governor Little was going to ask me to help find his replacement. I had a similar conversation about this job years ago and helped find and recommend Director Jeppesen for the job.

Question: What are you most excited about at DHW?

Director Cameron: I am most excited about making a difference in people’s lives. I love helping people. I love making a difference.

Question: What are you most proud of in your professional career?

Director Cameron: There are so many accomplishments that I have been able to collaborate with others to achieve: helping kids get coverage for hearing aids, kids with autism receiving appropriate treatment, the creation of the nation’s most successful state based health insurance exchange, and the best high risk reinsurance pool. The list is very long, but I did not do anything by myself.

Question: What is one thing you want Idahoans to know about you?

Director Cameron: I care about the incredible services DHW provides and the citizens DHW serves. I also have tremendous respect for legislative process and for those who give of their time, talent, and resources to serve the people of Idaho.

Question: Why do you think the department’s work is important?

Director Cameron: I have a strong core belief that society, and we as individuals, have a responsibility to help those who are less fortunate. Our role is critical to deliver those services. I also strongly believe we have a responsibility to protect society, especially our children. Every child deserves an opportunity to thrive and feel loved. That responsibility includes the well-being and safety of our children, as well as the health of our community, care for our elderly, and stewardship of our physically and mentally challenged.

Question: You’ve served in Idaho state government for 32 years. Why is public service important to you?

Director Cameron: As a young child, I learned the importance of service. I remember spending the days with Grandma Brown, who was not my grandmother or relative. She was simply unable to care for her very large garden. The pay was the liverwurst sandwich and the feeling I got after helping her. I’m not a fan of liverwurst, but I am a fan of that feeling. I am dedicated to improving the situation, to lifting another, to carrying another’s burden and comforting those in need of comfort.

Question: Is there anything else you’d like to tell Idahoans about yourself?

Director Cameron: First, I am not Director Jeppesen, who is a tireless public servant. He is a good man who has given so much to our state and this agency. I wear a different set of glasses and have different experiences and perspectives.

Second, change is not easy but at times is needed for progress and growth. DHW has the opportunity to deal with several challenging issues. I see them as opportunities, and look forward to working through them with DHW’s staff, lawmakers, the governor, and partner agencies. 

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

Winter in Idaho poses significant challenges for many households, as they contend with high heating bills and various other difficulties throughout the year. The Department of Health and Welfare’s Division Self-Reliance offers a variety of programs to ease the burdens faced by individuals and families in Idaho. 

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) plays a crucial role in helping households with their heating costs during winter months and in times of crisis. The program provides support to a diverse range of energy sources including electric, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and wood. 

In the last program year (October 2022-September 2023), LIHEAP successfully processed applications for 30,915 households for regular heating assistance, and 11,637 households for crisis benefits, bringing the total number of benefits issued to 42,552. The average benefit amount for regular heating assistance was $370.28, while households facing immediate heating emergencies received an average crisis benefit of $641.39. Each recipient receives this benefit as a one-time payment per program year.

• Learn more about LIHEAP
• Apply for heating assistance

Weatherization Assistance Program 

Weatherization, a program with more than 40 years of operation, stands as the nation's largest “whole-house” energy efficiency initiative. Its purpose is to enhance the energy efficiency of homes occupied by low-income individuals. This is achieved by reducing overall energy expenses and enhancing health and safety conditions, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly, disabled, and children.

In the last program year (April 2022–March 2023), Idaho successfully weatherized a total of 270 homes using dedicated weatherization funding and additional available resources. The comprehensive weatherization services included repairing or replacing primary heating sources, upgrading water heaters, adding insulation to walls, floors, and attics, as well as weather-stripping and caulking doors and windows.

• Learn more about Weatherization Assistance Program
• Apply for weatherization assistance

The Division of Self-Reliance at DHW offers vital assistance to Idaho households. These programs reduce heating costs, address crises, and enhance energy efficiency. To find out more information or apply, visit https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/financial-assistance/home-heatingutility-assistance.

As I reflect on my five years at DHW, I’m filled with gratitude. Most of all, I’m grateful to DHW’s 3,000 competent, compassionate employees who are selfless, passionate, and dedicated in their service to Idahoans.

I frequently say that my job at DHW is to support staff so they can do their best work, and it's been my honor to help make that happen. Day to day, it's not always easy to see that the work we do has impact but reflecting month to month or year to year easily shows that small efforts add up to significant accomplishments.

As I reflect on the past five years, I feel a sense of pride to have seen DHW’s employees do so much, and I’ve written about some of their accomplishments in my blogs the last few weeks. We’ve worked to transform behavioral healthcare, implement Medicaid expansion, respond to crises, raise the bar at our state hospitals, and much more.

The breadth and depth of the programs and services at DHW is far more than I expected. Before coming to DHW, I had no idea that the department dispatches Idaho Transportation Department snowplows, ensures compliance with the law requiring businesses to sell tobacco only to those over 21, or that I would be the guardian for around 400 children in foster care while they wait for their adoptions.

These and other countless other amazing services couldn’t happen without DHW’s staff. Their expertise and knowledge are critical to the department’s success, and they impress and inspire me every day with how they blend expertise and knowledge with compassion, creativity, and practicality to find solutions for Idahoans.

My first day on the job, I received some sage advice from former DHW Director Russ Barron, who said: “There will be tough days ahead and wonderful days, and your team will be there to support you in every way possible.”

Truer words were never spoken. The wonderful days were heartwarming and inspiring. The tough days were made better by knowing DHW’s staff does its best every day, and by having each other to lean on.

This is, by far, the best job I’ve ever had. Thanks to DHW’s staff, other government agencies, and community partners for all you have taught me and for your support as we work to fulfill DHW’s mission: to strengthen the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans.

This is my final blog as director at DHW, but you’ll hear regularly from Interim Director Dean Cameron in the new year as he takes the reigns and guides DHW into 2024.

Thanks to DHW’s employees for the honor of serving alongside you and thank-you to the people of Idaho for entrusting me with this important job. I cannot imagine a better or more fulfilling capstone to my career.

I hope you have a safe and healthy start to the new year! 

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