Recently back from Uganda, DHW employee Aimee Shipman discusses her work on HIV

On June 1, 2015June 1, 2015 By idhwmediaIn Public HealthLeave a comment

The level of expertise and knowledge among Health and Welfare staff is extremely high, and a blog post for the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) takes notice of that expertise in one DHW program manager.

Aimee Shipman, her son, Nathan, and their dog, Ancho, take a break from a hike in Castle Rock Reserve in Boise's east end. — Aimee Shipman, her son, Nathan, and their dog, Ancho, take a break from a hike in Castle Rock Reserve in Boise’s east end.

The post highlights Aimee Shipman and her work on HIV for NASTAD, and how that influences her work in Idaho as the program manager for the department’s HIV, STD and Hepatitis programs. She also serves on NASTAD’s executive committee and is currently its secretary. Continue reading “Recently back from Uganda, DHW employee Aimee Shipman discusses her work on HIV” →

Treasure Valley ground squirrel tests positive for plague

On May 22, 2015June 2, 2015 By idhwmediaIn Public Health1 Comment

A ground squirrel (whistle pig) found south of Boise has tested positive for plague. Idaho public health officials and Idaho Fish and Game are asking people to take precautions as outdoor summer activities shift into high gear over the long Memorial Day weekend.

Continue reading “Treasure Valley ground squirrel tests positive for plague” →

Are you ready for summer? Prepare for a safe and fun holiday weekend

On May 21, 2015May 27, 2015 By idhwmediaIn Public HealthLeave a comment

Memorial Day weekend, which starts Friday for many lucky folks, kicks-off the summer and lots of outdoor activities. As everyone prepares for summer travel, outdoor recreation and other summer adventures, a few health tips can help make your activities fun and rewarding. Continue reading “Are you ready for summer? Prepare for a safe and fun holiday weekend “ →

State Hospital South to honor patients buried in cemetery at memorial on Friday

On May 20, 2015May 20, 2015 By idhwmediaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

State Hospital South in Blackfoot is hosting a memorial program at 10 a.m. Friday, May 22^nd, to honor patients who have been buried in the hospital’s cemetery, some as long ago as the 1890s. The hospital has been placing headstones on each grave as it has raised the money to do so.

Continue reading “State Hospital South to honor patients buried in cemetery at memorial on Friday” →

HB1 headed to Governor’s desk

On May 18, 2015May 27, 2015 By idhwmediaIn Welfare / Self RelianceLeave a comment

UPDATE: Gov. Otter signed House Bill 1 into law at 3:24 p.m. Tuesday.

The Idaho Legislature has passed HB1 after a day-long special session. The legislation now awaits the signature of Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter to become law. Continue reading “HB1 headed to Governor’s desk” →

Houses passes HB1, 49-21, and sends it to the Senate

On May 18, 2015May 27, 2015 By idhwmediaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Idaho House has passed HB1 after a tense day of debate and public testimony on the bill that updates the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act laws, which Idaho has been successfully using to enforce interstate child support orders since the late 1990s. Continue reading “Houses passes HB1, 49-21, and sends it to the Senate” →

House Bill 1 is headed for the joint committee; use the resources below to follow along

On May 18, 2015May 18, 2015 By idhwmediaIn Uncategorized1 Comment

House Bill 1 will be introduced shortly in the joint House Judiciary, Rules & Administration Committee and the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee in the Lincoln Auditorium. Department of Health and Welfare Director Richard Armstrong will introduce the legislation and then the joint committees will hear public testimony.

DHW has provided a packet of information that includes: Continue reading “House Bill 1 is headed for the joint committee; use the resources below to follow along” →

Here’s the schedule for Monday’s special session of the Idaho Legislature

On May 15, 2015May 15, 2015 By idhwmediaIn Uncategorized1 Comment

The Idaho Legislature will convene in special session on Monday, May 18, to consider RS23967, a bill that adopts uniform language to align Idaho with all other states and approved foreign countries for the collection of child support.

The resolution will be introduced for a print hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee at about 9 a.m. in room C310 of the Idaho Capitol. If the committee votes to print the bill, Department of Health and Welfare Director Richard Armstrong will provide a formal presentation explaining the legislation at about 9:30 a.m. in a joint meeting of the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee and the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee. Continue reading “Here’s the schedule for Monday’s special session of the Idaho Legislature” →

DHW Director: Child support bill is about personal responsibility and accountability

On May 13, 2015May 13, 2015 By idhwmediaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Idaho’s special legislative session to address child support is Monday. For all of us, it is critical that we uphold the values that make Idaho great. At the top of that list is personal responsibility.

Plain and simple, personal responsibility is what the Idaho Legislature will address next week — parents should be personally responsible and held accountable for the safety, well-being and health of their children. Continue reading “DHW Director: Child support bill is about personal responsibility and accountability” →

See what’s new or different in the draft child support legislation

On May 11, 2015May 11, 2015 By idhwmediaIn Uncategorized1 Comment

In a week, the Idaho Legislature will meet in special session to consider a new bill about the enforcement of child support orders in Idaho and throughout the world. The new bill is 37 pages long, but we’ve developed this analysis so you can quickly see what’s new or changed. Continue reading “See what’s new or different in the draft child support legislation” →