Get the Latest News from the
Mississippi Department of Human Services
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Unable to view video? Download transcript here.
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Helping to Feed Those in Need |
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The Mississippi Food Network helps 150,000 Mississippians each month. They served 29.7 million pounds of food in 2019 and are on track for 35 million pounds in 2020. We are only the 2nd group to volunteer since the pandemic began.
This month, the Division of Economic Assistance Eligibility and the Office of the Inspector General went to the Mississippi Food Network to pack backpack meal kits and commodity supplemental food boxes for seniors. They packaged over 2,000 pounds of food during their volunteer hours!
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Recognizing World Alzheimer's Day |
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State Office and Leake County employees wore purple
in recognition of World Alzheimer's Day.
World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21st of each year, is a day on which Alzheimer’s organizations worldwide concentrate their efforts on raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, which impairs mental functioning.
Every 65 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease. At current rates, experts believe the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s will quadruple to as many as 16 million by the year 2050.
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Eligibility Worker Training |
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Since the start of the pandemic, we had to put eligibility worker training on hold. But we're back at it again! This month we held two training classes for those who were hired or promoted since February. Training includes four days of intense instruction to prepare every Eligibility Worker in the best way possible. |
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Sharon Butler Promoted to Director of Economic Assistance Eligibility |
On September 30, Mr. Mark Williamson will officially hand over the Director of Economic Assistance Eligibility title to Ms. Sharon Butler.
Sharon has a vast amount of knowledge and expertise to bring as EAE's new director. She began with the Department of Human Services in 1990 as an eligibility worker, and she has since held many positions. Such as therapist, Executive Director of Community Youth Services at a non-profit that she founded, Contract Analyst, Marketing Director, Director of the Medicaid Waiver program, County Director for Lowndes County, and Regional Director of Region V.
We look forward to seeing what she does with EAE.
Ms. Butler was featured in June 2020 for her loyalty to MDHS. To read her entire story, click here.
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EAE Presented Longevity Certificates
in Harrison County
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Kim Pham receives her ten-year certificate with Rebecca Schroeder, County Director (pictured left), and Ava Bibbs, Special Assistant to EAE director.
Kim Pham and her family came to America by boat as refugees from Vietnam. On their journey, they were received by the US Marines and spent three days without food or water.
Since then, she and her family have lived in several different states and experienced many tremendous things while living in America.
Her earlier experiences of being without have led her to help others that are in need:
"I always make sure to serve my clients ASAP to update and approve their cases, so they do not run out of food. It's a hard job, but I enjoy working at MDHS. I love America and MDHS."
Ms. Pham's co-workers describe her as a delight to work with; Ms. Pham is funny, kind-hearted, and honest. In addition to her everyday responsibilities, she has also assisted the State Office with the Vietnamese policy and notices.
In Kim's spare time, she is very creative! She enjoys making her clothing, crocheting blankets, and creating infant booties for babies
born to the staff.
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Rebecca Schroeder, County Director, receives her ten-year certificate with
Ava Bibbs, Special Assistant to
EAE Director.
Rebecca started her career with DHS as an Eligibility Worker in Harrison County. She has since worked as an Eligibility Worker II, Case Manager, Supervisor, and Regional Program Manager. Her promotion to Regional Program Manager opened the door to being a Training Coordinator for newly hired or promoted staff with the Economic Assistance Division. She became County Director in October of 2019.
"I have learned so much and met so many of our dedicated employees. It makes me so
proud to be able to serve with this
hardworking group of people."
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Office of Inspector General
Division of Investigations Promotion Ceremony
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On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, the Office of Inspector General,
Division of Investigations held its monthly meeting.
During this meeting, they had six employees that received promotions within the division:
Josh Koegel- Chief Investigator
Aaron Rushing- Southern Region Supervisor
Brett Estes- Northern Region Supervisor
Ashleigh Quinn Beasley- OIG Senior Attorney
Stephanie Goodman- Lead Analyst
Marci Rushing- Projects Manager for the Division of Investigations
"Despite the challenges that 2020 has brought everyone, I am enthusiastic about the direction the OIG Division of Investigations is going and look forward to great things to come. We are continuing to build an amazing team, and I am proud of every member of our investigative division".
Eric P. Johnson, Director of Investigations
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Health Care Heroes: Medicare University
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) - Understanding insurance programs can be a challenge at any age. For seniors, who rely on Medicare, knowing what plan works best for them is especially crucial. so a dedicated volunteer created something called "Medicare...
Read more
www.wjtv.com
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