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‘Just like our own’—the challenges and joys of foster parenting
When Jamie told Tyler early in their relationship that she wanted to foster children someday, she meant it. “If he didn’t want that, it wasn’t even an option,” she said. Years later, the couple has fostered more than 20 children—short-term, long-term, and everything in between—and their journey together as foster parents has been filled with challenges and joy. (Follow this link to view a video version of their story.)They are a family that thrives outdoors—camping, biking, road-tripping, and
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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
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
A home test-to-treat option for COVID-19 and influenza is available to Idahoans through a National Institutes of Health (NIH) program.
The Home Test to Treat
During my five years with the Department of Health and Welfare the state’s three psychiatric hospitals have made incredible strides to improve their level of service for Idahoans. The Southwest Idaho Treatment Center, a center that serves people with developmental disabilities,
During the past year the Department of Health and Welfare has worked to make sure that those eligible for health insurance through Medicaid remain enrolled. One of our chief concerns through that process has been to keep eligible children covered—a concern shared by our federal
The Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) tackles numerous challenges in its day-to-day service of Idahoans, and one of the biggest the department undertook during my tenure was mandated by Idaho voters
In response to the pressing need for suitable housing for foster children, a new placement is set to open in Payette in the coming months and offer a lifeline to kids who were previously placed in short-term rental accommodations
Working at the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) has been the highest honor of my career, and it’s also been the most challenging job I’ve ever had. That’s in part due to the dynamic range of daily tasks that come up. With eight divisions and 3,000 staff, we maintain
Last month the Great American Smokeout served as a reminder for people who smoke to make a plan to quit for a healthier future. But quitting smoking is possible any time, and it’s one of the best choices a person can make to improve their health and protect their loved ones from
For the rest of 2023 I plan to use my weekly blog to reflect upon some of the Department of Health and Welfare’s (DHW’s) accomplishments during my five-year tenure as director.
To be sure, these accomplishments are not my own, but have been planned, deliberated, an
The Division of Behavioral Health at the Department of Health and Welfare recently refreshed its media campaign to reach Idahoans facing substance use disorders. The Lose Focus campaign uses evocative, out-of-focus images and reflections in mirrors, and aims to stir emotions