Suehs named new HHSC executive commissioner
“Whether managing the monumental reorganization of Texas’ health and human services system beginning in 2003, or helping to coordinate the sheltering of special needs evacuees from hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike, Texas has successfully taken on these enormous challenges, thanks to the outstanding leadership of Albert Hawkins as commissioner of Health and Human Services, and I thank him for his years of service to the state,” Gov. Perry said. [Suehs] HHSC says goodbye to Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins Gov. Rick Perry, hundreds of agency employees and a who’s who of Texas leaders helped honor the retirement of Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins during two ceremonies last week. [Hawkins] Training at full-throttle for new eligibility staff In a small classroom in Austin, 15 future HHSC eligibility workers try to digest a heaping helping of SNAP food benefit policy. They have the Texas Works Online Handbook on their computers and thick binders of training materials and job aids on their laps while trainer Tammy Lampkin drills them on the day’s topic. [Training] HHSC takes steps to handle increase in SNAP applications HHSC is taking steps to process applications for assistance more quickly as Texans apply for and receive SNAP food benefits in record numbers. [SNAP] New TIERS Data Center has power, high tech flash — and big value to system When your husband describes some large, high-powered piece of cutting-edge computer or entertainment technology as a crucial family investment, you’re wise to be skeptical. [TIERS] Additional Medicaid initiatives approved for funding The Governor’s Office and the Legislative Budget Board have approved funding for three new strategic initiatives designed to improve Medicaid services for Texas children. Loan repayment program brings new expertise to Medicaid Dr. Alisa Gotte was strongly motivated to be a Children’s Medicaid provider, even before the state agreed to cover the tab for much of her student loan debt. But getting picked as one of the first 300 doctors and dentists in the state’s new medical and dental school loan repayment program definitely helped seal the deal. The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services has awarded Texas a $1 million four-year grant to help identify children in the juvenile justice system who have undiagnosed brain injuries and arrange services for those children. |
When: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Where: Brown-Heatly Building Agenda | Overview | Contact | Handouts Statewide access available for HHSC Stakeholder Forum Regardless of where you’re located, if you have access to a phone you have access to the September HHSC Desktop Stakeholder Forum. The forum will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16. All you need to participate is a telephone and e-mail. Those who sign up for the Sept. 16 desktop forum will receive an e-mail with instructions showing how to access the forum conference call and handouts of the forum PowerPoint presentations. To sign up, e-mail hhscexternalrelations@ Questions & Answers Use the web-based form to submit questions related to the stakeholder forum agenda and HHSC programs. Many questions will be answered during the upcoming forum. Responses to questions with the broadest interest also will be featured in the next issue of In Touch. Quick Links
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Gov. Rick Perry has selected Thomas Suehs of Austin to be the next Texas health and human services executive commissioner. The appointment is effective Sept. 1. 
