February 2018
In this month's edition:

  • CYF Eastern Regional Office, Intake Office, and Training Division have moved
  • Ride-hailing pilot offers innovative solution for some MATP users
  • DHS implements SMS surveys
  • LMS offerings continue to grow
  • Kudos: Jill Brant
  • Research and Reports

 News articles are uploaded to the DHS website as soon as they become available. For the most up-to-date news, visit  DHS News online . 
CYF Eastern Regional Office, Intake Office, and Training Division have moved

The Eastern Regional Office (ERO) of the Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF), as well as the Intake Office and Training Division, have relocated. The new address is in Penn Hills at 10700 Frankstown Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235.

Parking is available in the lot to the immediate left upon turning from Frankstown. If traveling by bus, the 77S, 77L, and P78 service this location.

All caseworker, supervisor and main phone numbers will remain the same.
Ride-hailing pilot offers innovative solution for some MATP users

For the last few months, DHS has been working with Travelers Aid on a pilot program that tests a new transportation option for some Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) participants .
DHS implements SMS surveys

Gathering feedback from important DHS audiences has gotten much easier, thanks to SMS – or text message – surveys .
LMS offerings continue to grow

Since implementing the Cornerstone On Demand Learning Management System (LMS) last year, DHS educators have continued to expand learning opportunities .
Kudos: Jill Brant
DHS was asked to design a children’s rocking chair for Family Resources’ upcoming event, Rock Away Child Abuse, a fundraising auction that is also honoring CYF Deputy Director Walter Smith, Ph.D.

Several staff members submitted design ideas that showcased different aspects of support for children, including a functioning time out chair with a timer, a chair with inspirational quotes from children’s books, and a chair that used symbolic colors to represent issues around child welfare. From the pool of submissions, Jill Brant’s design was selected for her elegant and simple depiction of a dove holding a child abuse awareness ribbon.

Jill’s chair will be displayed and auctioned at the Rock Away Child Abuse event on April 28.
Research and Reports

The following report and accompanying tools are featured on the DHS Research and Reports website,  www.alleghenycountyanalytics.us :

Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths: Allegheny County is experiencing opioid-related overdose rates higher than in the state and in the U.S. In 2016, 93 percent of overdose deaths in the County were opioid-related, and 2016 represented the third consecutive year in which the number of fatal overdoses was higher than in any prior year. An increase in the presence of the synthetic opioid fentanyl has contributed to this trend, but there are a multitude of other factors contributing to the increase, as well .

We welcome your story ideas, employee news and comments. If you’ve got news you’d like to see in DHS News, please contact Mark Bertolet at mark.bertolet@alleghenycounty.us or 412-350-3439.