welcome director pakseresht! · o empathy is a powerful display of listening. respond to the...
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Supporting APD/AAA field structure by providing efficient, timely, and accurate information through superior customer service.
September 2017
In the LoopAPD Field Services
Welcome Director Pakseresht!On September 1, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) welcomed Fariborz Pakseresht as its Director; he replaces the retiring Clyde Saiki..
Fariborz comes to us from the Oregon Youth Authority where he oversaw the state’s juvenile corrections system for over five years. He is a familiar face to many at DHS, returning to the agency where he spent nearly eight years in a variety of leadership roles. Fariborz also spent over 11 years at the Department of Administrative Services where he helped lead the integration of publishing, processing and distribution services across Oregon state agencies.
He holds an undergraduate degree in political science from Willamette University and a certificate in public management from Willamette’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management.
Knowing his personal side is as important as knowing his professional credentials, and so a brief video is included in this message to begin acquainting us with our new Director’s perspectives on our work, leadership and life. Watch now: 5 minute video featuring the new DHS Director at
Please join us in welcoming Fariborz back to DHS! You can share your congratulations by contacting him at [email protected].
In this edition: Extended Waiver Eligibility Program 8Welcome Director Pakseresht! 1 EAU and funeral plans 9Don’t forget - Online payment option 2 Manual Letter #77 9October changes causing confusion? 2 In the weeds - Marijuana industry and 10North Bend Wellness Committee 2 ABAWDThe Dalles goes Portland to Coast 2 Kudos - Monthly service assessments 11Talking tips: October changes 3 APD 450 updates 12Oregon deaf and hard of hearing services 4 XIX CA/PS assessments expired - Trends 12Assessment changes to ADLS 5 Call for proposals 13Direct and indirect case manager honor roll 5 Voter registration & EBT replacement line 13October calendar of events 5 October is Resident’s Rights Month 13Equifax data breach: What you need to know 6 Coos Bay 2017 Veterans Stand Down 14A letter from Lean Academy 7 Clyde Saiki retires 14
October changes causing confusion?
We are here to help.
You may either email Janet Brattin at [email protected] for Medicaid related questions or [email protected] for OPI/Non-Medicaid related questions. Or you may participate in the weekly conferences call. Dates and times of these conferences calls are listed on transmittal APD-AR-17-051.
September 2017 Page 2
The Dalles goes Portland to CoastThe Portland to Coast is the longest walk relay in the world starting in Portland and ending 130 miles later is Seaside.
The race raises funds for the Providence Cancer Center. In 2017, 400 teams of walkers participated including some all-starts from The Dalles.
Congratulations to The Sweet Soles team - great job!
Don’t forget! Please remind individuals with a pay-in or participant fee they can use the online payment option on the DHS/OHA Electronic Payment System: https://apps.oregon.gov/ECommerce/DHSOHA/EPS/. Payments are easy to make and are confirmed immediately.
Front row, L-R: : Yulanda Owen, Kaleen Cheney, Wendy Acevedo, Maritza Mondragon, Kelsey Sanchez-SorensenBack row, L-R: Lisa Viles, Jennifer Weiss, Darcy Sigl, Carlos Salazar, Sandra Salazar, Norberto Maahs
North Bend Wellness Committee
North Bend APD Wellness Committee challenged our office to eat healthy and exercise in the month of August in exchange for the chance to win fabulous prizes like gift certificates to the health food store and a one month gym membership.
Ten determined employees decided to take the challenge and spent the month earning points for their healthy efforts.
Wellness Committee members who were not competing in the challenge would verify points for the challengers each day through selfies of gym trips,
recorded steps on FitBits, and viewing sandwich baggies of fruits or veggies.
Our Grand Prize Winner, with 305 points, was Allyse Lee! Second place went to Annie Comfort and third prize was taken by Sarah Kilby. It was a great month of competitive fun! Kelli McClellan, North Bend
L - R: Amber Carlson, Sarah Kilby, Sierra Schroeder, Allyse Lee, and Annie Comfort
Talking tips: October changesChange is difficult and APD is making four significant changes in October 2017. As communications to providers and consumers are sent out, and as the changes are implemented, staff will likely become a primary point of contact for providers and consumers with questions about the changes.
Here are some tips on how to navigate conversations about the October changes when talking to consumers or their representatives:
Explain the Why. It can be easy to focus on the basics of the change itself. However, in order to help people through a change, the reasoning behind the change needs to be explained; o Use simple language. While the assessment changes to ADLs are occurring to ensure
the program is in alignment with legislative priorities, a simpler way to explain this is to say We are doing this because the budget requires us to do so;
o Focus on positive impacts whenever possible. For example, the changes to a two-week pay period will let HCWs be paid on routine pay dates and allows consumers to develop consistent work schedules for their homecare workers.
Listen and empathize. Change can be frustrating. Listening to those frustrations and validating the feelings of the consumer or representative serves to de-escalate a conversation while at the same time maintaining a sense of trust in the agency/consumer relationship; o Listen without judgment. A consumer/representative may be fearful,
curious, angry, or apathetic about the upcoming changes. Whatever their response, listening without preconceptions validates how they are feeling;
o Empathy is a powerful display of listening. Respond to the individual in a way that shows you understand their concerns and frustrations. You can say, “I share your frustrations” or “I agree, it doesn’t feel fair”.
Focus on things within their and your control. Large programmatic changes are not something over which consumers or field staff have much control, however identifying achievable tasks and developing a plan of action can assist individuals in overcoming feelings of fear and futileness; o Step outside of the box. Consumers and representatives may not have control over an
hour reduction but they do have control over how the authorized hours are utilized. For example, just because a consumer previously had a Mon-Sat 10 am to 3 pm schedule doesn’t mean it cannot change to make optimal use of the hours authorized. Are there choices they can make regarding their schedule that allow flexibility?
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September 2017 Page 3
Gustav - Karen Kaino, Central Office
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o Wraparound services. Utilize other resources as much as possible to provide a safety net for consumers. Coordinating service plan hours with additional services such as Home Delivered Meals, LTCCN referrals, or Adult Day Services can provide increased plan stability and better sense of security to consumers/representatives.
HCWs who have questions or concerns should be encouraged to contact the APD Hotline that has been set up to support this change. It will be available September 15, 2017 through November 30, 2017. HCWs can call the hotline at 844-369-4164 during business hours. Providers can also be referred to the SEIU Member Resource Center at 1-844-503-SEIU (7348). APD Medicaid Long-term Care Policy Unit
September 2017 Page 4
Oregon deaf and hard of hearing servicesAre you hosting a conference and want it captioned? We can accommodate that! Meeting with a consumer one-on-one and need a sign language interpreter? We can accommodate that!
Having an all-staff meeting? Training session? Town-hall?
The Aging and People with Disabilities Advocacy and Development Unit has many responsibilities, one of which is assisting in administering services for deaf or hard of hearing consumers and employees. The primary service we support is the scheduling of effective communication accommodations; this can include sign language interpreters, communication access real-time (CART, live captioning), and FM amplification systems. We can coordinate accommodations for all local and state governmental entities across Oregon. Currently, we contract with American Sign Language interpreters throughout the state and work with captioning providers that can supply their service remotely, expanding our ability to provide accommodation to all of Oregon’s communities, big or small.
Our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Operations and Policy Analyst can help you figure out what type of accommodation is best for you and get it scheduled. We are also a resource to employees who would like to better understand best-practices when working with culturally Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers.
Does your deaf or hard of hearing consumer need advocacy or resources? We can help with that too!Contact Kelsey Gleeson ([email protected]) or fill out the online Communication Service Request to get your accommodation coordinated.APD Advocacy and Development
Ziggy Von Schnauzer - Cindy Pryor,
Central Office
Past issues of In the Loop and On Target and indices for both are on the APD Field Services web page: www.dhs.state.or.us/spd/tools/field/index.htm.
Assessment changes to ADLsService Priority OAR 411-015 is changing October 1, 2017. The rules will be available for reference after October 1st. As case managers begin to assess consumers under the updated rules, please be sure to directly reference the rule for clarification on its correct application.
APD LTC Policy held ADL Changes webinars on 9/13 and 9/27. The material and recorded audio can be found on the Case Management Staff Tools webpage under APD Program October 2017 Changes.
Be sure not to assess based on these new rules until on or after October 1st. APD Medicaid Long-term Care Policy Unit
Direct and indirect case manager contact honor roll
The following branches completed between 98% -100% of their assigned contacts for July 2017. Great job everyone!!
Branch Completion rate
0111 100%0310 99.5%0311 98.9%0314 99.7%0411 100%0511 99.3%0811 98.2%0913 99.1%1017 99.9%1211 100%1311 100%1418 99.4%1513 99.5%1517 99.8%1811 99%1911 100%2011 98.1%2019 100%2211 98.8%2311 99.6%2411 99.5%2711 98.5%2911 100%3013 99.4%3111 99.5%3112 98.8%3211 98.7%3311 98.6%3617 99.6%5510 100%
APD Medicaid Long-term Care Policy Unit
September 2017 Page 5
October 2017Disability employment awareness month
Long term care planning monthMedicine abuse awareness month
Positive attitude monthOct. 2 - 6: Customer service week
Oct. 10 - 17: Take your medicine weekOct. 16 - 22: Save for retirement weekOct. 24 - 31: Rx errors education week
Oct. 1: International day of the older personOct. 4: Improve your office day
Oct. 10: Face your fears dayOct. 14: Be bald and free day
Oct. 17: Wear something gaudy dayOct. 23: Lung health day
Oct. 26: National day of the deployedOct. 27: Black cat day
Oct. 30: Create a great funeral day
Pepper - Allyse Lee, North Bend
September 2017 Page 6
Equifax data breach: What you need to knowOne of the three major credit reporting companies - Equifax - revealed the personal data of 143 million U.S. consumers in its care - nearly half the country - has been compromised. This huge hack of personal data occurred over the period May through July, 2017, but was not publicly reported by Equifax until September 7.
During the period of the breach, the hackers accessed people’s names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some instances, driver’s license numbers. They also stole credit card numbers and credit card dispute documents with personal identifying information.
“This is a monster data breach!” exclaimed Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum. “All of the personal information accessed by the hackers can be used fraudulently to validate the claimed identity of someone trying to open a bank or credit account. I urge Oregonians to assume your personal information has been hacked and take extra precautions to help ensure its safety. Here are some suggested actions to take.”1. Do NOT visit Equifax’s website to find out if your information was exposed or to
enroll in Equifax’s credit monitoring service. The website’s terms of service potentially restricts your legal rights. Buried in the terms of service is language that bars those who enroll in the Equifax checker program from participating in any class-action lawsuits that may arise from the incident. And because the hackers gained access to the information through Equifax’s U.S. website, it is unclear whether the information you enter to determine if your information has been compromised (your last name and the last six digits of your Social Security number) will be protected from future breaches.
2. Check your credit report for inaccuracies. You can request your credit report for free from each of three reporting bureaus every year by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
3. Place a credit freeze. A credit freeze will halt any application for a new line of credit and remain in effect until you request that it be lifted. Keep in mind that a credit freeze won’t prevent a thief from making charges to your existing accounts. For more information on how to place a freeze, visit the Department of Justice Consumer Protection webpage.
4. Place a fraud alert. A fraud alert is a statement in your credit file that notifies anyone requesting a copy of your credit report that you may be a victim of ID theft. There are three different types of fraud alerts: an initial alert, an extended alert and an active duty alert. For more information on how to place a freeze, visit the Department of Justice Consumer Protection webpage.
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Omar - Kevin Everidge,
Central Office
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5. File your taxes as early as possible. As soon as you have the tax information you need, file your taxes before a scammer does. Tax identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number to get a tax refund or a job. Respond right away to letters from the IRS.
6. Visit www.identitytheft.gov to learn more about protecting yourself after a data breach.
Under Oregon law, businesses with Oregon customers are required to inform customers and the Attorney General’s Office about security breaches that have placed personal information in jeopardy. For more information on the law and to view a copy of the Equifax breach notice, please visit https://justice.oregon.gov/consumer/databreach/.
In short - Do not rely on Equifax to help you deal with this data breach. Consider taking these suggested actions to protect your information going forward. Check your credit report every four months or so. Thieves can use your information anytime and anywhere!Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum
September 2017 Page 7
A letter from Lean AcademyCohort 4
It has been about six months since their last class session and Cohort 4 of the Lean Academy has been in the field, practicing what they’ve been taught. As they wind through each month, the fourth Cohort is finding just how each project differs in the 7-Step process. With every problem comes new challenges and opportunities for improvement. It is in each one of these moments that they find learning possibilities and with the guidance of their mentor, they grow.
Look for Cohort 4’s graduation to be announced in the first months of the New Year and come celebrate their success in each of their projects!
Cohort 5
It was the first class session for the latest Lean Academy Cohort in September and they were immersed in the first steps of 7-Step Methodology. Additionally Cohort 5 received an opportunity to practice facilitation, problem solving, mapping, and working with each other! They now venture into their first attempt in the field with their mentors. If you know of a Cohort 5 member, track their progress with their projects and watch how they develop themselves and those around them as they continuously improve the work we do.
Contact us
Questions about Lean Academy? Contact us on our Lean Academy – specific e-mail address: [email protected]. Or check us out on our intranet site!
Abbie and Roy - Carrie Rohlik,
Warrenton
September 2017 Page 8Extended Waiver Eligibility Program
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved a request from Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) to implement Extended Waiver Eligibility as a part of Medicaid long term care (LTC) services. This will assist individuals at high risk for homelessness, hospitalization, or at significant risk for abuse or exploitation as a result of being determined at Service Priority Level (SPL) 14-17; we currently serve SPL 1-13. This will allow them to continue receiving uninterrupted LTC services in their home or community based care setting until a safe transition plan can be implemented.
Why is this being implemented now?
APD is implementing changes to our yearly assessment process for each individual that is receiving LTC services. APD is estimating approximately 4% of our currently served individuals will be impacted by this change. However, APD wants to ensure individuals impacted by this change have a “safe landing” if they are assessed at SPL 14-17 and do not have other resources to assist them.
How is this being implemented?
If an individual is determined at an SPL 14-17, the case manager will work with the individual to determine what kind of options are available to them. For example, they may discuss housing options, other state or community based assistance programs, assistance from family and friends, etc. After this discussion, if it appears the individual will be at high risk as described above within 30 days of not receiving LTC services, the individual will be considered under the Extended Waiver Eligibility criteria.
What criteria is being used to determine eligibility?The individual must be currently receiving LTC services and has been assessed at SPL
14-17;The individual will be most likely hospitalized or without safe/adequate housing within
30 days of losing LTC services;The individual does not have other options to meet their needs;The program is not intended for individuals who received LTC services solely due to
short term acute care needs and have since recovered.
What services can the individual receive?
The individual’s access to services under extended waiver eligibility are the same as any other individual receiving LTC services.
If the individual is currently living in a community based care setting such as an assisted living facility, adult foster home, or residential care facility, they may continue living
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Pebbles - Amber Rawson, Oregon
City
September 2017 Page 9Continued from the previous page
there. However, the monthly Medicaid payment to the setting may change.
If the individual is currently living in their own home and is receiving care from a homecare worker and/or in-home care agency, they may continue receiving this service. However, the amount of hours authorized may change.
How long does extended waiver eligibility last?
An individual will continue to receive LTC services for up to six months. During this time, it is important for the case manager to work with the individual to develop a safe transition plan. After six months, if the individual has not been able to transition to a safe plan, the individual’s eligibility for LTC services will be re-evaluated at that point (which may include an additional six months of LTC services under extended waiver eligibility criteria).
If you have additional questions, please contact Ben Sherman or Mat Rapoza. Ben: [email protected]; Mat: [email protected].
Manual Letter #77Due to the large number of rule changes taking effect October 1, 2017, we are releasing Manual Letter #77 early this quarter and have updated the worker guides. Please review carefully for updated rules and procedures.
For a complete list of changes (including SNAP and REF(M)), see SS-PT-17-011 and SS-PT-17-012. Watch your inbox for upcoming APD transmittals, which will provide more information about some of the 10/1/17 policy changes.
IMPORTANT: Please note the October 1, 2017 versions of the affected OARs have not yet been posted online. Therefore, refer to SS-PT-17-011 for specific information about the rule changes.
As always, if you find errors, omissions, or confusing information, please e-mail Heather Williams, [email protected] or 503, 508-1847 directly.
EAU and funeral plansDid the client have a pre-paid funeral plan? That’s one of the first questions an estate administrator will ask when reviewing a case. Unfortunately, in many instances, the answer is no and there are limited to no funds available to pay for even a simple cremation. Family members may seek access to the decedent’s bank accounts to pay for these expenses.
DHS has a burial rule (ORS 461-135-0833) that can affect the use of these funds. Information about this topic can be found in our Estates Administration Unit (EAU) brochure; please narrate in Oregon ACCESS if a copy has been provided.
You may also contact EAU with questions or refer the family directly to us. We can be reached by phone at 503-378-2884, toll free in Oregon at 800-826-5675, or by email at [email protected]. Kathleen Rossi, Estates Administration Unit
Umpqua - Cissy Wolford, Roseburg
September 2017 Page 10
In the weeds – Marijuana industry and ABAWDExcerpted from the August 2017 On Target
The legalization of marijuana in 2014 has generated revenue, economic growth, and jobs for Oregonians, including for the families that we serve. In a 2017 study commissioned by the Oregon legislature is was estimated the industry paid out $315 million in wages to the approximate 5,776 employees working in the industry. That is a lot of employment opportunities for our participants! It also creates some unique situations to consider when processing changes when the participant reports they have gained employment in the marijuana industry.
Oregon is among many other states to legalize recreational and medical marijuana. On the Federal level marijuana remains illegal. Our programs can depend on funding from the Federal government, state government, or a combination of both. Since the Federal government doesn’t recognize this industry as legal our participants may not be eligible for additional benefits due to their employment in this industry.
The SNAP program is federally funded and ABAWD already rolled out three counties. This means when we are considering ABAWD hours both volunteer and paid work we need to be aware of how we are going determine ABAWD eligibility when the participant is working in the marijuana industry. Let’s look at some different scenarios that may come up:
Question? If a participant is bartering for marijuana in exchange for work can they be allowed credit for their hours?Answer: No, ABAWD is a federal program and marijuana is illegal at the Federal level (regardless of State legalization).
Question? The participant is working in a dispensary as an unpaid volunteer. Both the employer and the participant state this position could result in full time employment. Can we give them BF credit for these hours? Answer: No, we cannot consider these hours as acceptable participation hours for the same reason as the above.
Question? What if the participant is a paid employee of the marijuana shop but they are not working enough hours or earning enough money to be exempt? Would the hours count towards a BF step?Answer: Yes, the hours of paid employment can count towards participation. Enter the hours in the BF step.Quality Assurance
“Like” Aging and people with Disabilities on Facebook to to see messages from our Director; meeting notices, job opportunities, celebrations, events, and much more!
Duke - Citlalli Rome,
Hermiston
September 2017 Page 11Kudos – Monthly service assessments
With all the work that needs to be done on a daily basis, you all are doing a great job in keeping up with the monthly service reassessments. One of the most important things you do is ensure consumers’ continued eligibility & that we are serving individuals who continue to need our assistance. Since the last report period (June 2017), the percentage of timely reassessments has increased Statewide, we are close to 100% for timely service reassessments! Nice job everyone!
Report period: June 2017
Branch All valid Assessments
*Monthly reassessed
*Monthly not assessed
% past due
% completed
Statewide 33,571 2,268 49 2.1% 97.9%*Reporting population –Assessments with a review by date within the month
Honor roll - 100% timely service reassessments
Branch Valid assessments
Monthly reassessed
Monthly not assessed
% past due
0111 104 3 0 0.00%0313 922 63 0 0.00%0314 306 21 0 0.00%0411 334 17 0 0.00%0511 358 22 0 0.00%0913 118 15 0 0.00%1211 58 3 0 0.00%1311 57 2 0 0.00%1517 654 36 0 0.00%1612 139 8 0 0.00%2311 298 23 0 0.00%2518 691 50 0 0.00%2711 840 48 0 0.00%2911 202 10 0 0.00%3011 367 17 0 0.00%3111 224 17 0 0.00%3112 83 8 0 0.00%3211 190 12 0 0.00%3311 466 24 0 0.00%3415 666 54 0 0.00%3516 1,238 79 0 0.00%3617 958 52 0 0.00%
APD Medicaid Long-term Care Policy Unit
Ramsey - Terry Sutton, North Bend
September 2017 Page 12
XIX CAPS assessments expired - TrendsReport period: August 2016 - July 2017
This report provides statistics and a list of CA/PS assessments that expired in the reporting month. Expiring is defined as an assessment which has passed its Review Date, or does not have an administrative extension with an active service plan, or is without a more recent assessment (XIX or otherwise) in a status of completed or pending.
Review month
Total valid assessments
Assessments due 7/2017 –
7/2018
Monthly assessed
Monthly re-
assessed
Monthly not re-
assessed
Rate not re-
assessed7/1/17 33,571 29,208 2,046 2,268 49 2.11%6/1/17 33,552 28,870 2,204 2,403 75 3.03%5/1/17 33,482 28,722 2,356 2,311 93 3.87%4/1/17 33,502 28,850 2,057 2,515 80 3.08%3/1/17 33,539 28,343 2,536 2,588 72 2.71%2/1/17 33,471 28,843 2,244 2,323 61 2.56%1/1/17 33,409 29,123 2,001 2,213 72 3.15%12/1/16 33,418 29,332 1,979 2,042 65 3.08%11/1/16 33,621 29,428 2,195 1,943 55 2.75%10/1/16 33784 29,105 2,285 2,305 89 3.72%9/1/16 33,855 29,443 2,180 2,189 43 1.93%8/1/16 33,806 29,212 2,316 2,222 56 2.46%
APD Medicaid Long-term Care Policy Unit
APD 450 updatesAPD 450, Liability Worksheet for Long Term Care or Home and Community-Based Care, is updated effective October 1. 2017 with the new FUA amount of $460. Additionally, Step 3 and the LDS amounts will auto-fill.
Please delete all copies of the prior versions from your desktop and archives and use only the current version going forward. All current forms are available on the DHS Forms Server.
Bella - Cindy Pryor - Central
Office
September 2017 Page 13
October is Residents’ Rights MonthAcross the state and country, residents of long-term care facilities along with family members, ombudsmen, citizen advocates, facility staff, and others will honor the individual rights of long-term care residents by celebrating Residents’ Rights Month.
Residents’ Rights Month is an annual event held in October to celebrate and focus on awareness of dignity, respect and the value of long-term care residents.
This year’s national theme for Residents’ Rights Month 2017 is, It’s All About Me: My Life, My Care, My Choices with the goal of emphasizing the respect and dignity of every resident. Residents’ rights include, but are not limited to:
Right to be fully informed; Right to participate in one’s own care;Right to complain; Right to privacy and confidentiality;Rights during involuntary
transfer;Right to dignity, respect and
freedom;Right to visits; Right to make independent choices.
If you wish to know more about resident rights events, contact Oregon’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s Office at (800)522-2602, or access their website. The National Consumer Voice also has several resources and information regarding resident rights. Ana Potter, Safety, Oversight and Quality Unit
Call for proposalsThe 2017 OAAPI conference Stronger Together 3: Creating Connections – Transforming Lives is inviting proposals for the conference; proposals are due by October 15, 2017.
Topic proposals that focus on abuse investigations and protective services are welcome. If you have experience to share, or know someone who does, please consider a proposal! Please email:
Title of presentation;Presentation description;Presentation type (lecture, panel
discussion, case study discussion, etc);Learning objectives;Presentation outline;Name and organization of each presenter;Brief bio for each presenter.
Voter registration and EBT replacement line
We have a recent clarification on the role of EBT replacement line staff and voter registration:The EBT unit is not mandated to ask
a person if they would like to register to vote when a change of address is reported to that unit.
When a change of address is reported by the EBT replacement staff, the branch has the responsibility to act on the change for voter registration. This information will be added to the next update of the FSAM, VIII Voter Registration.
If the office is not calling the consumer about the change of address, send the SEL 503 with the declination removed and marked Yes; narrate Voter Reg: Yes.
Cleo - Brandi Truitt, Hillsboro
September 2017 Page 14Coos Bay 2017 Veterans Stand Down
This year, the APD and SSP offices in Coos Bay/North Bend teamed up to bring a shared services table together for the 8th Annual VA Stand Down that happened on August 18th, 2017.
This year the event served over 350 local veterans in Coos County. Providers offered resources such as food, supplies, social services, employment opportunities, haircuts, and animal services to local veterans and their families. Our volunteers answered questions and provided community resources to consumers throughout the event.
Thank you to SSP workers, Jerry Bingham (pictured), Gloria Clark and Amber Williams. Thank you to APD workers, Allyse Lee (pictured), Tammy Northcutt, and Erika Woods. Collaborated services are such an asset for the community we serve and it’s great to see the agencies working side by side all the way down to the local level.Katrina Turner, North Bend APD
Clyde Saiki retiresAfter more than three decades of dedicated public service, most recently as director of DHS, Clyde Saiki retired.
We all wish him well in the next amazing chapter of his life!