Deborah Mitchell of Salem did not realize she was eligible for a Medicare Savings Program and was elated to learn from an eligibility counselor that all she needed to do was apply. In Oregon, 15% of all Medicare enrollees are also enrolled in Medicaid. Yet many more people with Medicare are eligible for Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program and are not enrolled. DHS, along with its partners recently used grant funds to outreach to low income Oregonians who may be eligible for extra help.

Becky Brewster was recently recognized with the Oregon Department of Public Safety and Training (DPSST) award as worker of the year by the McMinnville Police Department. She received the award on January 11, 2012. The recognition goes to workers who have "gone above and beyond their assigned duties in the area of Child Abuse Investigation/Response."

A major focus of the Office of Developmental Disabilities is incorporating technology to promote quality of life and independent living for people with cognitive disabilities. The Eugene Register Guard has given us permission to reprint a story they recently published on how the use of technology has opened up a whole new world of communications for George "Chip" Diehm that did not exist previously. DHS partner, Oregon Supported Living Program (OSLP) provides service to Chip and helped to make these new technologies available to him.

Approximately 2% of adults need help managing personal finances due to mental or physical impairments. Here in Oregon that means about 84,000 people who, without support are vulnerable to fraud and financial abuse. They are often isolated and living in fear of losing their independence.

The Oregon Money Management Program, coordinated statewide through a DHS partner, Easter Seals Oregon, supports people who need help with money management tasks.

One of Oregon's untapped labor pools consists of skilled, motivated men and women who happen to have disabilities. Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS), the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS) and the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) are working together to implement the Employment First initiative.

Susan Turpin of Hillsboro found herself in a situation last summer that she had never dreamed would happen. Both of her elderly parents suddenly became dependent upon her.