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Director's Message October 21, 2005
To: DHS employees From: Bryan Johnston, Interim DHS Director
Items to be covered in this week's message:
What a week! We are at an awkward stage. On the one hand, there is a press of urgent business that must be handled. On the other hand, I don't want to put my mark on too many items that Bruce will inherit and may want to handle another way. He and I are in touch on most of these matters, but we should all be confident there will be changes when he takes over.
Meanwhile, I do want to thank those of you who have said nice things about my time here. I also want to thank those of you who have another opinion but have been kind enough to say nothing. To folks who have asked, I tell them that I have tremendously enjoyed my time here. It has been enlightening, challenging and rewarding. Chief among the rewards has been the opportunity to meet and work with so many good people.
Which leads me to the exploration of our final DHS Core Value -- Professionalism. Even in this era of fancy titles, there remains a distinction between occupation and profession. If your neighbor were to tell you that they were having their home professionally painted, that distinction would mean something to you. Some of you are saying, "Yeah, it would mean that they paid quite a bit for the job." But upon reflection you would expect to see evidence of that professionalism in the quality of the job. You might even look for details -- even color, clean lines -- that confirmed the quality.
Professionalism indicates something above ordinary. This brand of professionalism isn't limited to "the educated positions" of law, the healing arts, etc. It's limited only by the attitude and skill of the person doing the work. We can have a professional dog groomer or auto mechanic, and at DHS we can have a professional receptionist, caseworker, file clerk and director. We'll know if they are professional by the dedication, skill and talent they bring to their tasks. We'll witness it in their phone conversations, their attire and their interaction with others. You'll recognize professionalism None of this means you can't have fun at work. But it does mean that you'll know how far that "fun" can and should go. The holiday at the end of this month is a good example. Some people will want to be in costume. The good taste of the costume and the appropriateness of the costume to the task will speak volumes about the professionalism of the individual.
This Value has more Guidelines in our Core Values document than any other. The committee tried hard to draft a document that would provide guidance. My advice is to talk these guidelines over with the supervisor. Professionalism is, in part, one of the rewards for working in a great place.
To view all of the department's values, go to: www.dhs.state.or.us/training/corevalues.pdf
Charitable Fund Drive: Your opportunity to sign up to contribute as part of the state drive is coming to a close. I very much hope you've taken advantage of it. It doesn't take a lot of money to make a difference; it takes a lot of people. Here in my home area, two dollars a month from all of the state workers would make a HUGE difference. If you haven't considered donating a small portion of your monthly check, please do. Given all of the deductions that already happen with our checks, you'll have a hard time missing it. If you don't have a favorite charity, please give to your local United Way. They will know how to use the money wisely.
Domestic Violence Awareness: One Oregon women in eight was a victim of domestic violence during the past 12 months. She may be your daughter or mother, the woman behind you in line at the grocery store, or a co-worker. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to increase our knowledge and understanding about this serious and complex problem.
Recently, we had two situations where staff who were victims of domestic violence hesitated to come forward to their local domestic violence service providers and managers because they were ashamed to admit they were victims. If you are a victim of domestic violence, you are not alone, you are not to blame, and you do not deserve to be treated this way. Help is available.
Contact your local domestic violence provider or contact any of the following:
TANF job placements recognized: Oregon is among 41 states and the District of Columbia that will be receiving a bonus because of increases the state has made in transitioning welfare recipients to work and meeting other goals of welfare reform.
Last week, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced High Performance Bonuses from the TANF program. Oregon will receive $1,116,332 for increased performance in the area of job entry. The 1996 TANF law authorized bonuses to states for annual achievements aimed at strengthening families through work and reforming the welfare system.
The department expects to apply the bonus to unfunded caseloads and other unmet needs in the Children, Adults and Families cluster for the 2005-07 biennium.
Oregon State Hospital Benefit: Today, Oregon embraces the recovery model for people with mental illness. The Oregon State Hospital strives to help patients regain self-reliance and independence. Many patients return to their families and communities and lead successful, productive lives.
But the entire concept of institutions is changing. With support from Governor Kulongoski and the Legislature, we're reviewing how we construct the state mental health system and redefining the role of the hospital and our providers as we continue to work toward integrated community-based care.
We welcome those changes. That's why I'm inviting you to attend "The Oregon State Hospital: Building for the Future" -- a benefit for OSH and its patients on November 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Elsinore Theatre in Salem.
Hosted by the nonprofit Oregon State Hospital Foundation, the benefit coincides with the 30th anniversary of the release of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" filmed at the state hospital. All proceeds will go toward purchase of treatment-related patient services and a memorial for the cremains of patients who have passed away.
A highlight of the evening will be showing of the documentary that describes the making of the film. It's an intriguing behind-the-scenes look straight from the folks who brought Ken Kesey's novel to life. Since Cuckoo's Nest was filmed in the 1970s, the concept of psychiatric care has changed dramatically. Gone are the horrors depicted in the movie and the book and, fortunately, there's no longer a role for controlling and patronizing Nurse Ratcheds at the hospital or in the community.
The Oregon State Hospital Foundation has created an event that allows us to celebrate how far we've come and look ahead to where we are going. For more information about attending the benefit call (503) 945-2892 or download this flyer: www.oregon.gov/DHS/news/oshflyer.pdf
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