August 15, 2012 - In response to tragedies involving abandoned infants over the last several years, DHS and the state Legislature strengthened Minnesota’s Safe Place for Newborns law, giving parents more time and alternatives to leave newborns in safety.

August 09, 2012 - DHS announced Aug. 9 it received federal approval to implement changes to the way it pays health care providers under the state’s Medicaid program. The changes emphasize improving quality of care and reducing health care costs.

August 08, 2012 - DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson will meet Friday, Aug. 10, in Worthington with representatives of Southern Prairie Community Care, a collaboration of 12 counties planning a rural community care system.

August 03, 2012 - Minnesota Department of Human Services hospitals in St. Peter and Rochester are celebrating milestones. Now in their sixth year of providing mental health care to area residents, the two Community Behavioral Health Hospitals also have a new leader.

August 01, 2012 - DHS recently awarded grants totaling $2.3 million to 14 projects around the state aimed at keeping older Minnesotans in their homes as they age.

August 01, 2012 - Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed August as Child Support Awareness Month. The month provides a chance to recognize a child’s right to financial support from both parents, including basic support, medical support and child care support.

August 01, 2012 - The Governor’s Health Care Reform Task Force will meet Monday, Aug. 6, in St. Cloud. The task force includes Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson, Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, legislators and private sector representatives.

July 25, 2012 - One year after launching a simple way for Minnesotans to track progress toward key agency goals, the Minnesota Department of Human Services is continuing its accountability efforts with updates to the DHS Dashboard.

July 24, 2012 - Starting this month, DHS is implementing a shorter renewal form for some seniors and people with disabilities to renew benefits for multiple programs.

July 18, 2012 - Commissioner Lucinda Jesson and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division Director Kevin Evenson were among several speakers at a recent hearing called by former Congressmen Jim Ramstad and Patrick Kennedy to promote the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.