While Kristi Noem is certainly skilled at promoting herself, she doesn't have the courage required for this role.

President-elect Trump has chosen South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security. This is what to know about her background.

The purpose of the SAFETY Act is to ensure that the threat of liability does not deter potential manufacturers or sellers of effective anti-terrorism technologies from developing and commercializing technologies that could save lives.

Washington – The Department of Homeland Security should develop a strategy that addresses physical, emotional and mental health to help workers within the department better deal with job-related stress, concludes a report from the Institute of Medicine.

Emily I. Awopeju, DHSc, is honored for her expertise in clinical trial operations and quality assurance

Chevo expands long-term partnership with DHS ICE with the award of the this 5-year, $10M Task Order

Voicebrain's real-time voice analytics will help the airline industry capture and generate actionable insights from two-way radio communications.

What is the financial management strategy of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security? How is DHS modernizing its financial management system? What’s next in its financial modernization journey? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores these questions and more with Stacy Marcott, Acting Chief Financial Officer at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The post Modernizing financial management in the DHS: A conversation with Stacy Marcott first appeared on Federal News Network.

DHS improved in the 2023 Best Places to Work rankings. In a sit-down interview, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas tells Federal News Network how it happened.

The post Mayorkas details DHS workforce gains, future plans first appeared on Federal News Network.

DHS Secretary Mayorkas activated the federal employee volunteer force “due to the anticipated frequency and severity of extreme weather this season."

The post DHS activates Surge Capacity Force as Helene batters southeast US first appeared on Federal News Network.

Federal technology leaders from DISA, Army PEO-EIS and CMS are heading for new jobs in the private and public sectors.

The post Education, DHS among agencies seeking new IT leaders first appeared on Federal News Network.

DHS's new Supply Chain Resilience Center will aim to marshal stakeholders to help avoid the type of shortages and bottlenecks that roiled the country during COVID-19.

The post New DHS supply chain center aims to head off future crises first appeared on Federal News Network.

Alexandria Phounsavath, director of DHS S&T’s Data Analytics Technology Center, is exploring new approaches to solving some of the biggest challenges in data.

The post DHS S&T working on data solutions for cybersecurity, privacy, AI first appeared on Federal News Network.

A newly formed Disinformation Governance Board remains shrouded in secrecy a week after the Biden administration’s announcement of the new effort was met with widespread criticism

The post DHS disinformation board’s work, plans remain a mystery first appeared on Federal News Network.

Starting Dec. 15, all requests for a homebound vaccination or booster will be filtered through a toll-free number – 1-888-491-4988 – to be assessed and scheduled. Live operators will staff the toll-free line from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays.

La agencia también lanza una campaña de marketing para animar a las personas con discapacidades y a las personas mayores a vacunarse WILMINGTON (14 de Diciembre de 2021) – El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales (DHSS) lanzó hoy un número gratuito para que los habitantes de Delaware soliciten vacunas de COVID-19 para personas mayores […]

Delaware state agencies today officially moved to connect the Donovan Smith community in Lewes to municipal water and sewer, which is the pilot project of the Clean Water Initiative for Underserved Communities established by Gov. John Carney.

NEW CASTLE (March 3, 2022) – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) is hosting free monthly Naloxone Access Training for all members of the community. All trainings can be found here: http://delaware-dsamh.eventbrite.com Naloxone, known commonly by the brand-name Narcan, is a medication that is effective […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) on Tuesday announced almost $17 million in financial support for Delawareans impacted by the COVID-19 emergency, as well as health care professionals at DHSS’ 24/7 facilities. The new support, which also will expand COVID vaccinations and testing, and […]

NEW CASTLE (April 7, 2022) – The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has launched a new website called CostAware to help Delawareans understand how their health care dollars are spent by comparing the variation of average costs for different episodes of care and medical services based on actual medical claims in Delaware. Hospital […]

NEW CASTLE (May 4, 2022) – The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has launched a state-sponsored Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program (HCPLRP). Under the new loan repayment program, eligible clinicians may receive up to $50,000 per year in loan repayment for a maximum of four years of employment in Delaware. Governor John […]

NEW CASTLE (May 5, 2022) – Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik presented the State’s second annual Benchmark Trend Report at today’s Delaware Health Care Commission (DHCC) meeting. This report displays trends in Delaware’s health care spending and quality, comparing new 2020 data against a set benchmark, as well as baseline […]

At the announcement Thursday morning at Rose Hill Community Center near New Castle (from left): Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County CEO Kevin L. Lewis, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) Chief Administrator Cynthia Mercer, DSAAPD Director Melissa Smith, state Representative Franklin Cooke, state Senator Darius Brown, DSAAPD Deputy […]

NEW CASTLE (Julio 12, 2022) – El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales (DHSS) anunció hoy que ha seleccionado tres compañias para operar su Programa de Atención Administrada de Medicaid. La División de Medicaid y Asistencia Médica (DMMA) del DHSS continuará su asociación de MCO con Highmark Health Options Blue Cross Blue Shield, que empezó […]

NEW CASTLE (July 12, 2022) – The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced today that it has selected three companies to operate its Medicaid Managed Care Program. DHSS’ Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) will continue its MCO partnership with Highmark Health Options Blue Cross Blue Shield, which began in 2015, and […]

Goal is to Connect At-Risk Community Members to Substance Use Disorder Services WILMINGTON (Sept. 19, 2022) – As a way to directly connect community members struggling with opioid use disorder and other behavioral health issues to treatment, recovery and prevention services, the Community Well-Being Initiative (CWBI), which began in 2021 in high-risk areas of New […]

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 10, 2022) – As part of its strategic plan to make access to services easier for Delawareans across the state, the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) will begin a critical community engagement phase in which the public can weigh in on the kinds of changes they want to see. For […]

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 10, 2022) – Como parte de su plan estratégico para facilitar el acceso a los servicios para los residentes de Delaware a través del estado, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales (DHSS) comenzará una fase crítica de participación comunitaria en la que el público puede opinar sobre los tipos de cambios […]

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 4, 2022) – The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, in collaboration with the Lt. Governor’s Office and the Delaware Art Museum, is seeking personal stories and photos from Delaware families who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses. The submissions will be used to create an emotional and educational exhibition […]

The greenhouse is operated by Bright Spot Urban Farm, a program operated by West End Neighborhood House in Wilmington. The Department of Health and Social Services has an agreement with West End to operate the greenhouse and gardens on the Herman Holloway Campus. Proceeds from the sale of the nearly 3,000 poinsettias grown this season will help support youth programs at West End.

NEWARK (Nov. 14, 2022) – The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) is using the findings from a report based on caregiver focus groups held late last year across the state to enhance its current supports and develop a new approach to caregiver services. This includes the formation of the […]

CostAware Compares Health Care Costs Based on Delaware Medical Claims NEW CASTLE (March 3, 2023) – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced today the launch of a new version of its CostAware website, designed to help Delawareans understand how their health care dollars are spent by comparing the variation of average […]

NEW CASTLE (April 6, 2023) – Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik presented the State’s third annual Benchmark Trend Report at today’s Delaware Health Care Commission (DHCC) meeting. This report displays trends in Delaware’s health care spending and quality, comparing new 2021 data against a set benchmark, as well as baseline […]

NEW CASTLE (July 12, 2023) – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced today enhancements to the CostAware website, designed to help Delawareans understand how their health care dollars are spent by comparing the variation of average costs for different episodes of care and medical services based on actual medical claims in Delaware. […]

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was in Delaware on August 31, 2023, to review the innovative substance use disorder prevention work that the Department of Health and Human Services is conducting in Sussex County, Delaware. The Division of Forensic Science reported that 537 people died of a […]

NEW CASTLE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced today enhancements to the CostAware website, designed to help Delawareans understand how their health care dollars are spent by comparing the variation of average costs for different episodes of care and medical services based on actual medical and pharmacy claims in Delaware. […]

NEW CASTLE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), in a coordinated effort with fellow government agencies, community partners, and Delaware residents, today announced the launch of the new, redesigned, and revamped HelpIsHereDE.com, available in English and Spanish. Designed after months of listening sessions and focus groups, the new HelpIsHereDE.com is the state’s comprehensive […]

NEW CASTLE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) announces significant advancement in capabilities for the Delaware Treatment and Referral Network (DTRN) with the launch of DTRN360, a Behavioral Health Coordination platform. DTRN360 is designed to bridge the gaps experienced by providers in caring for […]

NEW CASTLE (February 12, 2024) – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and the Delaware Health Care Commission have launched the Benchmark Trend Report Dashboard to further support the State’s efforts to improve health care quality for all residents, while simultaneously working to monitor and reduce the economic burden of health care spending. […]

NEWARK – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) will seek public comment on its proposed State Plan on Aging for the period of October 2024 through September 2028. The State Plan has been developed to meet requirements under Title III and Title […]

NEW CASTLE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Health Fund Advisory Committee (HFAC) announced applications are now available for Fiscal Year 2026 and are due July 15. This is a change from previous years when Delaware Health Fund applications went live in June and closed in August. The application went live on […]

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 4, 2022) – The Department of Health and Social Services’ (DHSS) Division of Substance Use and Mental Health (DSAMH) has surpassed a milestone of 100,000 referrals through its Delaware Treatment and Referral Network (DTRN), a system for Delawareans seeking substance use and mental health services. Delaware is the first state to make […]

NEW CASTLE (May 7, 2024) – Per capita health care spending in Delaware increased 6.3% in 2022 to $9,657, outpacing a 3% growth rate benchmark, according to the State of Delaware’s fourth annual Benchmark Trend Report presented Thursday May 2 to the Delaware Health Care Commission (DHCC) by Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) […]

DOVER – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and a coalition of partners will elevate awareness about Delaware 988 — the state’s suicide and crisis lifeline — and foster a supportive community environment for mental health during September, National Suicide Prevention Month. DHSS has organized a Week of Action as part of […]

The K Street Group has announced that is it prepared to assist its house of worship clients with a phased in re-opening of their facilities, once the COVid pandemic restrictions are relaxed.

Derek take a closer look at a 70's classic.

Right now, there are so many things that are hard to believe. It’s hard to believe we’re in the midst of a global pandemic. It’s hard to believe how much things have changed how incredibly quickly. It’s hard to believe I’ve only been the Iowa Department of Human Services director for six months. What is not hard to believe is how our team at DHS has stepped up during this public health emergency. In my short time in the great state of Iowa, I have seen our team do incredible things. In honor of Public Service Recognition Week, I want to take a moment to talk about #TeamDHS and their unwavering dedication to those we serve.

The DHS mission is to help Iowans achieve healthy, safe, stable, and self-sufficient lives through the programs and services we provide. To accomplish this mission in typical times, our team wakes up every day to do difficult work. Our front-line staff often work holidays, evenings and weekends, sacrificing time with their own families to serve others. Our team members hear difficult stories, make tough decisions and assist families when they are at their most vulnerable. Their jobs are tough under normal circumstances — navigating a global pandemic has challenged everything we do, but the work has not stopped, because the work cannot stop. Iowans need us now more than ever.

COVID-19 impacts the way social workers support families. It impacts the way facilities support and protect the individuals we serve. It impacts the mental health of countless Iowans. It impacts the needs of Medicaid members and Iowans receiving other assistance.

As an agency impacted from top to bottom, I’m proud to share our collective response effort. The Medicaid and Adult, Children and Family Services (ACFS) teams kicked into high gear and set forth waivers that will truly help those most in need; ensuring access to medical care, food and economic assistance. Our income maintenance workers stand ready to assist those families who have questions or find themselves now in need of supports.

DHS went from an agency with no telecommute policy, to deploying more than 2,000 people to work from home. Our IT team stepped in to help disassemble and lift computers for those team members who couldn’t. Our fiscal team shifted paper approval processes to electronic streamlined processes to assist our new telecommute capabilities and continues to source supplies to meet our entire system’s personal protective equipment (PPE) need. We’ve even been able to help some of our partners out in the community obtain PPE. And many, many team members have stepped into new roles when asked because there was a need.

If this isn’t teamwork, I don’t know what is.

Many of our staff continue their work on the front line every day, despite these uncertain and unprecedented times. I know for many of them it is challenging, and our work and our lives are changing in ways we would never have imagined just weeks ago. We know there is more to come, and our response effort must pivot on a dime. So, to my team, thank you for stepping up and leaning in. And to my fellow Iowans, I ask you join me in thanking them, and all of our public servants and essential workforce during Public Service Recognition Week.

Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) is May 3-9, celebrated the first week of May since 1985 (beginning on the first Sunday of the month) to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees.

We’re asking individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by one of our team members, to reach out to them directly with an email or video message to thank them. Whether it’s a case worker, social worker, income maintenance worker or direct care staff, now more than ever they deserve to hear how they’re improving the lives of Iowans.

We’re hoping we can count on you to get the word out and support our public servants. Notes directly to DHS team members are a really impactful way to personally show gratitude. This week we’ll also be encouraging people to thank those in public service using the hashtags #PSRW and #TeamDHS. Stay tuned to our social media to see how you can help celebrate our public servants.

The bravery, grace, and sacrifice our team shows every day is what true public service looks like. From one very proud DHS team member to her more than 4,100 colleagues — thank you. Public service is indeed a noble calling.

Kelly Garcia is the director of the Iowa Department of Human Services.