May 2005

Human Services Commissioner Munnell Dies Dr. Edward R. Munnell, 10- heart by-pass surgery and chest year commissioner with the Okla- drainage systems. homa Commission for Human Ser- As a result of his volunteer vices, died April 16. He was 84. work for the Council on The commissioner, known for Aging, Gov. appoint- his outspokenness and advocacy for ed Munnell to fill a vacancy on the OKDHS staff and aging programs, commission in 1995. received his medical degree from Munnell’s lasting contribu- the University of Chicago in 1946. tions to OKDHS will be his leader- He moved to in ship of the commission’s Policy 1956 with his wife, Phyllis, and two Committee, where he headed suc- children, Marcia and Mark. cessful efforts to streamline agency According to Munnell’s obitu- policies, procedures and instruc- ary, he was part of the team of tions to staff. He was also a leading Oklahoma City Clinic and Presby- force behind the Division of Child terian Hospital doctors who pio- Care’s Reaching for the Stars pro- neered open-heart surgery in Okla- gram and the expansion of OKDHS homa. Munnell also helped develop volunteer programs. Donation Made In Memory of Beloved Public Servant

By Dustin Pyeatt Bob McCaffree, who attended call her on the weekend and she Associate Editor Leadership Oklahoma with Mag- wouldn’t mind.” In 1979, Theodoll Magness ness. “When we heard about her “Her bark was worse than her came to the small OKDHS office in passing, we wanted to remember bite,” said Magness’s son, Johnny. downtown Okemah as an intern. her in some specific way. The class “She preferred to love you.” Divorced with four children, Mag- all pitched in to make this donation Magness’s sister, Clara Breaux, ness had gone back to college with in her name.” who retired from OKDHS as a child the goal of working in a profession Prior to coming to OKDHS, welfare supervisor in 2003 after 30 where she could help people. Magness worked at Oklahoma years of service, was touched by the Magness retired in June of State University and Langston Uni- donation in her sister’s name. last year and, sadly, passed away versity. She began her OKDHS “I’m grateful. This is really, only five months later. As a testa- career as a probationary eligibility really nice what they’ve done,” said ment to the lives she touched, her worker before going on to serve as Breaux. “It exemplifies the love she classmates from the 1991 Leader- a social worker I and II and then as gave and it’s coming back. That ship Oklahoma class donated a social services specialist II. speaks well of her.” $2,700 to the Lou Hartpence “She didn’t meet a stranger,” Also in attendance with Scholarship Fund in her name dur- said Carla McCarrell, Magness’s McCarrell and Johnny were Mag- ing a small ceremony on April 14 daughter and a social services spe- ness’s other children, Angela King, in Oklahoma City. cialist IV in Oklahoma County. Charles McCarrell, Jr., Elizabeth “She was a great influence on “She’d talk to a grasshopper if it Williamson and her grandson all of us and on OKDHS,” said Dr. would talk back. Clients would DeAngelo Crawford. 1st Lt. Scott Price, 45th Infantry Brigade, Oklahoma Army National Guard, present- ed Director Howard Hendrick with a Patri- ot Award. The Patriot Award recognizes employers for their support and "con- tributing to national security and protect- ing liberty and freedom." Price also serves as a social services specialist IV in Tillman County and is the brother of Paula Price, programs administrator, Commodities Distribution, Office Support Services Division.

Price and members of the Employee Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve thanked Hendrick for supporting OKDHS employees serving in the military and who have family mem- bers serving in the military. Fire Drill Readies Staff for Crisis Situations By George Earl Johnson, Jr. Risk, Safety and Emergency ees when an actual fire or other life- Mid-morning April 21, nearly Management Administrator John threatening event occurs. 700 OKDHS employees and visitors Coleman said the event was carried “Our employees must know that emptied out of the Sequoyah Memor- out in an orderly manner; however, emergency drills and exercises are ial State Office building in the Capi- there were areas identified for done so that we can learn what works tol Complex in less than seven min- improvements. Keeping employee and what does not work,” Coleman utes during an unannounced fire drill. lists current and knowing where staff said. “We debrief ourselves and team are who may need extra help in an leaders after exercises so that we can emergency or evacuation are critical make better plans to handle things to saving lives in any emergency sit- when a crisis or emergency happens. uation. These lists can be used to “The leadership in all OKDHS identify and locate missing employ- offices should make sure new and veteran employees alike know what the emergency procedures are in and around their offices,” Coleman said. “While many of our offices across the state are smaller than the Sequoyah Building, all would benefit from knowing what to do in an emergency. “Knowing where the primary and secondary exits are in the building is important. Know where safe rooms and storm shel- ters are located. Okla- homa’s storm and tornado season is here and knowing emergency plans before an emergency occurs could save lives.”

2 INSIDE OKDHS — May 2005 Recognition: Sharing It With Those Around Us By George Earl Johnson, Jr. ners who worked on five Quality recognition at an early age when our May is a time of putting our Best Award winning teams and 16 Quality parents put our first paintings and our Foot Forward through celebrations at Honorable Mention teams. They highest grades on the refrigerator for the Oklahoma Department of Human gathered in Oklahoma City to share all the family to see. Services. We have Foster Care their best practices and to receive But some of the best recognition Month, Older Americans Month and we receive is from family, friends the State Conference on Aging, and co-workers that are personal National Mental Health Month, kindnesses. It’s the handwritten note National Public Service Recognition of appreciation, the e-mail just to say Week and the Governor’s Quality hi, I’m thinking about you or the Team Day Awards at the Capitol. face-to-face personal smile, warm We recognized 118 employees hug or kind words just because. as the Best of the Best. Their peers well-earned recognition and awards We can all use special and simple selected them because they are the during the 2005 OKDHS Quality recognitions every day to make the ones who inspire us day in and day Awards and Best of the Best Employ- world around us a better place. Today, out to carry on with our Human Ser- ee Recognition ceremony. I’ll put my Best Foot Forward to offer vices mission. Being recognized for the work those around me more positive recog- On May 4, they joined more we do is fundamental to achieving nition and appreciation, great and than 350 co-workers and agency part- continuing success. We all learn about small. Will you join me? The Chaplain’s Corner: Discover A New Show Your Respect for Life Opportunity to By Kent Richie Touch and Noble County Chaplain Transform Lives R-E-S-P-E-C-T . . . We have all heard songs and clichés about how important respect is to each of us and that it is earned not given. Many things and people in our lives deserve respect. Electricity, if not respected, can severely injure people or damage property. Those in author- ity deserve our respect because of the position they hold. Life deserves our respect because of its fragility. We do not have the power to give or hold on to life. Each of us wants to experience quality of life. Quality of life takes nurturing, care, concern and love. When life is devalued, it becomes a privilege that can be taken away if OKDHS Chaplain Kent Richie someone deems it necessary or con- venient to do so. Too often when ward and show these persons love, people, young or old, cannot care for concern and nurturing to preserve the themselves, they become viewed as a highest quality of life possible. nuisance and are given little respect. “Respect for Life” is an attitude It is at these times we must step for- and an action.

INSIDE OKDHS — May 2005 3 News Briefs Reece Receives Award CPR, First Aid Classes Offered Liz Reece, founder of the Oklahoma Child Free cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Care Resource and Referral Association, received first aid training classes are available from 8 a.m. – 4 the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2005 p.m. June 14 and June 28 at the OKDHS Risk Man- Friends of Children award ceremony given by the agement Training Room, 2409 N. Kelley Ave., in Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy. Reece, Oklahoma City. Employees receive training credits along with six other Oklahomans, was honored at for the class, and those who take it will be certified a banquet April 26. in first aid for three years and in CPR for two years. Class space is limited. To register, contact Greg Lott CIO Published in the OKDHS Risk, Safety and Emergency Man- agement Unit by e-mail at [email protected] or by Marq Youngblood, chief information officer, telephone at (405) 522-6020. was published in the March 2005 issue of the Amer- ican Public Human Services Association magazine, Policy and Practice. Youngblood’s article, “The Risk and Safety Conference Set User is the Key,” explains the benefits of involving The 9th Annual Oklahoma Department of non-technical staff when information technology Human Services Risk, Safety and Emergency Man- departments plan projects. agement Conference is scheduled for June 16 at the Postal Training Center in Norman. All registered Kay County Has Heart conference participants will receive lunch. For more information, contact the OKDHS Risk, Safety and Emergency Management Unit at (405) 522-2094.

Governor Signs Memorial Bill Gov. signed House Bill 1001, which provides a $5 million permanent endowment for the Oklahoma City National Memorial. “The measure helps guarantee that this memorial remains a place for people to visit, reflect and learn.” More than 250 OKDHS employees were affected by the Murrah Building bombing.

55H Under Construction Kay County employees, family and friends from The Oklahoma County 55H office, located at the Ponca City and Newkirk offices participated in 10th and Rockwell, northwest Oklahoma City, has the first Kay County Heart Walk benefiting the begun construction. Completion date is scheduled American Heart Association on March 5. The for March 2006. OKDHS team raised more than $2,700 and won the top walker prize, as well as the top team award. Kay County’s goal for the inaugural event was $26,000, Commission Meets and more than $35,000 has been raised to date. The The next Oklahoma Commission for Human event was held at the Hutchins Trail in Ponca City Services meeting is May 24, 9:30 a.m., Room C-48, with a three-mile destination. Sequoyah Building.

4 INSIDE OKDHS — May 2005 May is Foster Care Month Girl Scouts Round Up Siblings for Reunion Weekend By Dustin Pyeatt Associate Editor Matthew, a 17-year-old with long hair, denim jacket and boots, looks as if he’d be more at home on the back of a motorcycle than at a camp for foster children. He leans his large frame over the table and delicately traces the hand of his lit- tle sister, Ashlinn, 8, while their brother, Luke, 14, holds some fabric in place. The three siblings were making a “Family Flag” during one of the arts and crafts sessions at the Sib- ling Roundup Weekend 2005. Building on the success of last year’s Sibling Reunion Weekend, Girl Scout Troop 798 again part- nered with OKDHS to host the camp where siblings who are sepa- rated in different foster homes can reunite for the weekend. The camp was held April 9–10 (L–R) OKDHS Human Services Commissioner Steve Beebe talks to Rose Perry, at E-Ko-Wah Girl Scout Camp just managing director of the Child Abuse Network in Tulsa, at the second foster care east of Marlow. The Old West theme sibling reunion weekend. "The touching part is that there are families getting back together that will always be families," said Beebe. "It enforces what's included roping, a mechanical bull, already there that these kids will have for a lifetime." stick-horse making, a reenactment of an Old West shootout and country Matt and his two siblings have been something on each other’s flags. line dancing. in foster care for five years, but Matt writes on Luke’s, “Whiz at “It went really well,” said Katie Luke and Ashlinn have been sepa- video games and very loving.” Schaeffer, 17, one of the Girl Scouts rated from their older brother for the Luke writes on Ashlinn’s flag, responsible for the event. “I wish last four years. “She’s little, but full of fun.” there’d been more kids, but it’s been “I like stuff like this,” said They spend the last minutes more relaxed with fewer kids. Plus Luke, “just spending time with retracing each other’s names with we learned a lot from last year.” each other.” markers, Matt watching over The members of Troop 798 They take their time with them with the patience and love raised nearly $1,300 for the event their project. While other sibling of a father. and one of the troops in Moore groups finish quickly, these three As the bell rings and they go made bags containing personal are relishing every moment of to their next activity, Ashlinn grooming items for each child. Vol- doing something together, of wears her flag on her head. Matt unteers from the Boy Scouts also being together. takes it off of her and hands it to pitched in on the event. As Luke traces Matt’s hand, Luke who folds their flags togeth- This camp means a lot to chil- they laugh. “I got fat hands,” er as they walk off into the wood, dren like Matt, Luke and Ashlinn. chuckles Matt. They each write a family forever.

INSIDE OKDHS — May 2005 5 Youth Belies Experience of Laura Dester Shelter Employees By Dustin Pyeatt More Than 6,500 Children Associate Editor Julianna, 4. She is also a kinship foster Thomas Vincent, a direct care spe- parent through OKDHS for her niece. Still Live in Foster Care cialist II at the Laura Dester Children’s “If someone wants to be a foster She’s only four when she takes are not borderline cases, the abuse Shelter in Tulsa, walked into the room parent they have to be prepared for some- her first ride in a police car. Her older and neglect are getting more severe.” wearing a ball cap, sunglasses and just one to be all up in your business, which is brothers sit next to her, their clothes The OKDHS emergency chil- the slightest hint of attitude. At 24, he’s good,” said McNeil “You have to have a and a few toys stuffed into grocery dren’s shelters in both Oklahoma City far younger than most OKDHS employ- heart for it and not do it for the check.” bags on their laps. and Tulsa have witnessed an increas- ees. But despite his youth, he has more As for the child welfare system They arrive at the shelter in ing population to the point that they depth of experience than most seasoned itself, both were affected in different the afternoon where they meet their both continually operate well above child welfare workers will ever hope to ways from their experiences, but both first child welfare worker. Because capacity. have, and are lucky they don’t. have come to appreciate what workers the shelter is overflowing with “We’re not sure what’s happen- Though he’s worked at the shelter deal with on a daily basis. children, the young girl and her ing, but we do know two things for for only four years, his knowledge of it is “The shelter helped me more than brothers are taken to the worker’s certain; we need more foster homes more intimate. At age 17, Vincent was foster homes,” said McNeil “The work- office where they sit silently in and people have to stop hurting chil- placed into the custody of OKDHS and ers and Marshall helped me.” metal chairs while the worker calls dren,” said Linnemann. “These became a resident of the shelter. He was “I was very independent before I foster home after foster home, try- numbers, these children we’re seeing placed in a foster home at age 18 for four (L – R) Laura Dester Children’s Shelter employees Thomas Vincent, Dionne came in here,” said Vincent. “That was ing to find a place they can stay now, are not only causing strain on months until he finished his GED. McNeil and Marshall Tyner the toughest part. I never hung around until their hearing. an already overburdened system, but Today, Vincent puts his experience to McNeil is currently attending selors. And everyone used to be in the kids; I always hung around adults. I Finally, at 10 p.m., after hours it doesn’t bode well for the future of work, helping mostly with teenage boys. Tulsa Community College and plans on same building, now the boys and girls went AWOL to go back home and get of sitting, eating fast food and taking our state.” “I liked the atmosphere here and it going to Northeastern State University are separate.” clothes. My worker wouldn’t help me naps on the floor, the worker wakes To become a foster parent you seemed like family,” said Vincent. in Tahlequah. Vincent plans on attend- “The number of kids is greater get them. I was here two weeks with them up and tells them to get their must be 21 years old and financially “And I wanted to help the kids that were ing Tulsa Welding School and eventu- now,” said Vincent. “It’s really high.” only the clothes on my back before I left. things. She drives the children to stable. You do not have to own your in my situation. I can relate to the stress ally wants to go to college to study McNeil added, “The abuse is But I’d probably never have gotten my the next county where a nice older own home and you can be married or they’re under. Sometimes you get lone- criminal justice. worse, too, a lot worse. Especially sexu- GED if it weren’t for coming to the shel- lady is waiting under the porch light single. There can be a maximum of ly and it’s hard to express to someone “I can talk to the older girls, I know al abuse, there’s just no reason.” ter. I’d probably have been out on the of a nice little house, nothing like five foster children in the home and when you think they don’t know what how they feel because I felt the same “I think the number one reason that streets and never recovered from it.” the one she came from. The worker six children total. Medical, dental you’re going through.” way,” said McNeil. “They say, ‘You kids are here is because of drugs,” Vin- “I had the worst foster parents. The explains to her that her brothers and mental health benefits will also Added Vincent, “The kids ask don’t know what it’s like,’ and I say, cent said. “That leads to the verbal and system is better now, but I feel that I can’t stay with her and that she will be provided to the foster child. Child questions about how it was back when I ‘Yes, I do,’ and they start liking me and physical assaults and neglect. Parents made a difference in my own life,” said see them very soon. And there she care assistance is available for foster was here. I don’t tell them why I was talking to me.” just need to take a time out, walk away McNeil. is, alone in a strange house. She parents who work 20 hours or more a here. That’s something I preach, don’t “They’re both doing a real good and come back. If they’re struggling “You do feel like you’re locked digs her favorite doll out of the gro- week. tell the other kids why you’re here. They job for us,” said Tyner. “Thomas was financially, there are programs out there up,” added Vincent. “I guess I didn’t cery bag and goes to sleep in a bed “We have a particular need for can be mean and if you tell the wrong kid older when he came here and everyone to help.” mind it too much because I got three that’s not her own, not knowing foster homes for siblings. Most of the they might tell everyone.” liked him. And Dionne’s done well for McNeil agrees, “As far as drugs go meals a day and air conditioning, which what tomorrow will bring. children that are placed in our custody Marshall Tyner, director of the herself. We’re really proud of both of … don’t start them. If you start you will I remember didn’t work very good.” This is an example of a sce- have brothers and sisters, as well,” Dester Shelter, realizes the unique expe- them.” become addicted. I don’t see what the “My problem now is the food,” nario that is played out over and said Linnemann. “We need people rience that Vincent brings to his job, Having been on both sides of the curiosity is. I also think we need more said McNeil “I’ve gained 30 pounds over across the state. On any given who are ready to make a positive dif- which is probably why he brought foster care system, McNeil and Vincent foster parents, and good ones, too. And since I’ve been working here.” day there are more than 6,500 chil- ference in the lives of children and in Dionne McNeil, a 28-year-old direct have seen many changes, both good the workers need to see the kids more.” Though both work with older chil- dren in foster care in Oklahoma. the stability of families.” care specialist on board, too. and bad. “I’d say more foster parents are dren, according to Tyner, the large influx That’s an eight-percent increase If you or someone you know Though McNeil has worked at the “The program has changed and needed, too,” said Vincent. “And better of infants and toddlers has caused every- from a year ago. would like to experience the rewards shelter for two years, she came into fos- there’s a lot more activities now,” said family counseling. Teaching parents one to pitch in. “Last year we saw a decline in of becoming a foster parent, or if you ter care as an infant and remained until Vincent. “Our outings were riding a what to do and how to react to a situation “I was having to hold a five week the number of children coming into would like to become a volunteer or she turned 18. bike around the block or going to the would go a long way in stopping abuse.” old the other day,” Vincent said. “It foster care and we were very opti- donate items to an OKDHS children’s “I did my internship here,” said park and walking around. And we did- Both Vincent and McNeil are par- takes a certain kind of person to do this mistic,” said Margaret Linnemann, shelter, please call 1-800-376-9729, McNeil. “I’m going to school to study n’t get Pop Tarts either, but the kids ents themselves now. Vincent has been job here.” Oklahoma Department of Human or click on www.okdhs.org. To report social work because my workers now do.” married since 2003 and has two boys, Added McNeil, “I don’t even Services Foster Care program man- suspected child abuse or neglect, call sucked and I want to be one so I could Added McNeil, “And the volun- Kobe, 5, and Kellen, 2. McNeil has two read the files anymore because it’s ager. “But during the last year we’ve 1-800-522-3511, or contact your local be a good one.” teers, we didn’t have them, or coun- children of her own, Antealia, 7, and too sad.” seen a dramatic increase. And these OKDHS human services center. 6 INSIDE OKDHS — May 2005 INSIDE OKDHS — May 2005 7 OKDHS at the Capitol By Stephanie M. Bond Editor The 2005 Legislative session adjourns sine die May 27. During the Legislature’s last few weeks, members of the Executive Team, as well as OKDHS staff, walked a steady path to the Capi- tol, supporting the governor’s health initiative and talking to legislators. At the end of March, the governor signed SB219, the supplemental appropriations bill allocating OKDHS $20 million to finish out the fiscal year ending June 30. Chief (L–R) Financial Officer Phil Motley said the money will be used Sharon to meet fiscal year 2005 work plan obligations. Neuwald, coordinator, Office of Legislative Relations and Special Projects; For fiscal year 2006, OKDHS seeks more than $500 Heidi Mitchell, finance administrator, Finance Division, million to continue the agency’s current work plan, which Budget Unit; and Director Howard Hendrick head for the includes mandated employee salary increases and program Capitol to discuss the fiscal year 2006 budget. rate adjustments. According to Motley, the Senate, House of Representatives and governor all presented early appro- Seniors Meet To Voice priation recommendations well below what OKDHS has requested for its maintenance budget. Legislative Concerns (L–R) Director Howard H. Hendrick said the Department First lady will “continue the planning processes for establishing Kim Henry checks Marilyn Moore, a grandmother from Chandler, Okla., the operational improvements desired for fiscal year the blood pressure of Mikki Gutierrez, remembers trying to raise her seven drug-abused grandchil- 2006.” These include: information technology initia- human resources management special- dren. She remembers the children crying all the time and ist IV, Human Resources Management tives; child support enforcement expansions; reducing acting out. She remembers the frustration of not knowing Division, as Julie Kirkpatrick, R.N., the Developmental Disabilities Services Division In how to take care of them and not knowing where to turn. Oklahoma Heart Hospital, offers Home Supports Waiver waiting list; strengthening the guidance. “I cried a lot and prayed day and night, night and day,” funding and workforce of child care, DDSD and Aging said Moore. Services providers; sustaining the adoption gains and Moore, along with six other seniors, Moore and her husband, Herman, eventually entered continuing to work on employee compensation. shared their thoughts, stories and hopes counseling and found needed legal help, though not without during Senior Day at the Capitol, April 4. The great struggles. Moore started a support group for grandpar- OKDHS Aging Services Division helped organ- ents raising grandchildren. ize the grassroots advocacy day for the Oklahoma “The main reason I started Grandparents and Kids (L–R) State Council on Aging and the Oklahoma Alliance on Sharon Connection Support Group was so I could share and try to Aging. Seniors from all over the state visited legislators Neuwald, coor- help someone,” said Moore. “I knew I could help someone to express their concerns. dinator, Office of Legislative struggling like me.” “Most senior citizens and those caring for them have Relations and Special Projects, discusses OKDHS issues with state Rep. Terry Harrison (D-McAlester). (L–R) Marilyn Moore, Chandler, Okla.; Barbara to face very complex, complicated problems unique to the Almon, Tulsa; Jon Trudgeon, Oklahoma City; elderly, while at the same time having to stay current in Indeed, sometimes, programs established to protect seniors Jewell Dietsche, Vinita, Okla.; Sandra areas that are rapidly and constantly changing,” said speak- seem to be yet another obstacle to maintaining a secure and Stafford, Tulsa; John Terneus, Yukon, Okla.; er Jon H. Trudgeon, Oklahoma City. “They are concerned desirable lifestyle.” H.L. Wright, Tulsa and Emma Willis Gofford, about many different issues: health care; affordable med- Jewell Dietsche, from Vinita, Okla., shared how she Ardmore, Okla. (not pictured), presented their thoughts and concerns during the 2005 ication; safe, comfortable housing; protection from fraud became the sole caregiver of her 92-year-old mother. She Senior Day at the Capitol. and physical attack; protecting their financial security. CAPITOL continued on page 10 INSIDE OKDHS — May 2005 INSIDE OKDHS — May 2005 9 8 Capitol continued from page 9 OKDHS Staff Steps Forward for Governor’s Health Initiative OKDHS staff took 100,000 steps to kick off the applied for the respite program at the Oklahoma Areawide under this pilot program,” said Henry. “Employ- William Johnson, programs field repre- Services Information System. The Older Americans Act governor’s state health initiative for a Strong and ees are more productive, have fewer sick sentative, Family Support Ser- National Family Caregiver Program provides funding for Healthy Oklahoma. days and are getting the job done.” vices Division, talks with the respite program, which the OKDHS Aging Services More than 30 staff members gathered April 6, To further support her Kathy Schwettmann, Division administers through the 11 area agencies on aging. strapped on pedometers, and walked around to the south husband’s initiative, first R.N., Oklahoma “I was notified about acceptance to the program after steps of the Capitol to participate in Gov. Brad Henry’s lady Kim Henry hosted Heart Hospital, my mother’s death,” said Dietsche. “The program is such a rally. The governor’s event coincided with National free cholesterol screen- while she worthwhile program. We certainly need it to have more Public Health Day, Oklahoma Wellness Week and Turn- ing and blood pressure takes his funding.” ing Point Partnership’s “Walk This Weigh” Oklahoma checks at the State blood pressure. Bill Anderson, chair of the Oklahoma State Council on health promotion. Capitol on April 7. Aging, said the event was the best opportunity for older “We walked our ‘weigh’ to good health, as well as “Heart disease Oklahomans to influence what is communicated by state represented OKDHS in response to Gov. Henry’s invita- remains one of the leaders who will attend the White House Conference on tion for all state employees to participate in the Strong most deadly threats to Aging later this year. and Healthy Oklahoma initiative,” said Tina Tate, the health of Americans,” “Attending this session gave older Oklahomans the OKDHS Wellness Coordinator. said the first lady. “Okla- opportunity to have their voices heard,” he said. During the rally, which featured state employees homa has made considerable Closing speaker H.L. Wright, a member of the State from various state agencies, Secretary of Health Terry progress in recent years with Council on Aging from Tulsa, touted OKDHS as the Cline said the governor’s initiative marks an important regard to public health, but much “granddaddy of all agencies.” He encouraged Senior Day step to building a strong and healthy Oklahoma. remains to be done.” participants to not only share their own stories and concerns “As the largest employer in the state with 35,000 with legislators, but also to encourage legislators to fund employees, state agencies and employees can have a Recovery Day Efforts Focused on Expanding Treatment Access huge impact on influencing Oklahoma’s health,” OKDHS programs. Oklahomans in recovery from substance abuse said Cline. “Our elderly people have made great contributions to addiction, as well as their family and friends, Gov. Henry said he developed the society,” said Dietsche. “They deserve gathered April 7 for Addiction Recovery initiative due to how poorly Okla- the very best care we can pro- and Treatment Day at the Capitol. The homa scores on health vide and to give this care message to legislators: expand access issues. with love and to treatment. “It’s time to do respect.” “OCARTA is holding this something to Recovery Day at the Capitol to change this,” show legislators that they need to said Henry. support access to treatment in “Healthy Oklahoma,” said Donna Woods- employees Bauer, executive director of Okla- are more homa Citizen Advocates for Recov- productive ery & Treatment. “It is time to let all employees.” Oklahomans know that we are not going The to take being left out of funding anymore.” governor Participants, including OKDHS staff, lis- spotlighted tened to speakers, visited booths and shared a OKDHS staff’s catered lunch. Milissia Burton, involvement in “We have employees in recovery and clients in recov- an intern with Okla- OK Health, the ery,” said Kyle McGraw, OKDHS director of substance homa Citizen Advocates for Recovery & Treatment, gives pilot program of the abuse services. “Recovery does work.” Misty Hamman, administrative assistant I, Family Support Employee Benefits Coun- OKDHS provides employees with an Employee Services Division, an “Another Voice for Recovery” pin. cil’s State Wellness Program. Assistance Program through the Corporate Assistance Pro- marriage and family counselors and certified drug and More than 400 OKDHS employees OKDHS staff met on the north steps gram (CAP) of Integris Behavioral Health Services. CAP alcohol counselors. They have special training in handling have participated in OK Health, a Web- of the Sequoyah Building before putting on is responsible for coverage throughout the state for all full- personal, family and career matters. Each representative is based health behavior change program tailored to each their pedometers and walking to the south steps of the time OKDHS employees and family members in their selected not only for expertise, but also for the special qual- participant’s needs. The program began two years ago. Capitol for the governor’s state health initiative for a immediate household. EAP counselors are made up of ities of understanding, sensitivity and compassion neces- “OKDHS has saved 30 percent in health care costs Strong and Healthy Oklahoma. psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed sary in managing personal difficulties. 10 INSIDE OKDHS — May 2005 INSIDE OKDHS — May 2005 11 Ann A.: A Profile of Success in Recovery Workplace Substance By Stephanie M. Bond Her office climate frequently included get-togethers for It’s the sense of deprivation, that there’s nothing you can do Editor a drink after work. But more than just the availability and for a release.” Abuse Awareness Ann A., a long-time employee of OKDHS and recover- sociability of alcohol, Ann drank to escape – to escape her At the end of the year, Ann found herself depressed and ing alcoholic, credits the Department, and particularly one of fears, her insecurities, her feelings of not being good feeling hopeless. She knew she couldn’t continue to live her Every supervisor’s job is to remain alert to changes in her supervisors, for saving her life and leading her to recov- enough, her secrets. The alcohol helped her deal with stress. life as she was. She allowed a friend to take her to another employee performance and to work with employees who ery, though not necessarily in ways you might think. “I used chemicals to adjust how I felt. I had very poor AA meeting. are having problems so that performance improves. Per- “I could not have come to work at a better place for coping skills. I would feel very justified in my drinking – “I found the people at this meeting were having fun. It formance and behavior problems are common to many someone so scared and insecure as I was. There is nothing that was the only way I knew how to cope.” was a bunch of little, blue-haired, old ladies talking and substance-abusing employees. Symptoms, however, do like being around a bunch of social workers to make you feel Ann’s turning point came when she went out for a few laughing about what they had done when drinking. And they not necessarily indicate that the employee has a sub- safe. I’ve had a lot of supervisors in this organization; some drinks with her supervisor and a few other staff members were happy as recovering alcoholics. They knew all the stance abuse problem: wonderful, some not so wonderful. I had some who enabled after work. Others had a drink or two; Ann had several things I had done, felt, been through because they’d done it, drinks and crossed the line between relaxing to gotten over it and moved on. I had this incredible sense of Performance my drinking because they wanted to be liked and be my # Inconsistent work quality drunk. belonging.” friend and others than knew ‘being my friend’ # Poor concentration “The next morning my boss called me As she went back again and again, her secrets came meant having high expectations of me and for # Lowered productivity into her office, sat me down and said, out. Just as Ann’s alcoholism affected every aspect of her me.” # Increased absenteeism ‘Don’t ever call in sick with a hangover, life, Ann said recovery has changed and shaped her life, Conventional wisdom states “like # Unexplained disappearances from the job site and you are no longer invited to after- including her job as a social worker, supervisor, leader, co- attracts like.” For an organization whose # Carelessness, mistakes work gatherings if you can’t keep from worker and friend. mission is to help people in need, logical- # Errors in judgment getting drunk.’ I tried to say that every- “I can’t afford to get emotionally out-of-whack; that ly, that same organization sometimes # Needless risk-taking one else was doing it, too. She looked might risk my sobriety. I’m a much calmer person and try to attracts people in need to work for it. # Disregard for safety me in the eye and said, ‘They don’t take life as it comes. Recovery has changed my perspective Social workers, nurses and others whose # Extended lunch periods and early departures mission is to help people can also be the work for me and you do.’ ” and shown me that the world doesn’t revolve around me. same people who need to be helped. That certainly didn’t “cure” Ann, but I’m not an egomaniac with an inferiority complex anymore. Behavior Ann, who entered the 12-step recovery it got her attention. I don’t have to control things as much.” # Frequent financial problems program Alcoholics Anonymous 16 years ago, “The most important aspect in my recov- From a public policy standpoint, Ann said she under- # Avoidance of friends and colleagues chooses to remain anonymous not out of embarrass- ery was to not want to drink. My boss made me not stands the lives of OKDHS clients who struggle with sub- # Blaming others for own problems and shortcomings ment or shame, but out of deference to AA’s Tradition 11. want to drink. She gave me the bottom line. She embar- stance abuse. # Complaints about problems at home The 12 Traditions give guidance for how AA should be run. rassed me. She didn’t enable; she didn’t tolerate; she expect- “I don’t have trouble believing the amount of sub- # Deterioration in personal appearance Tradition 11 states, “Our public relations policy is based on ed more of me. I will forever be indebted to her for that.” stance abuse in our clientele. I understand when parents # Complaints and excuses of vaguely defined illnesses attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain Ann entered counseling and tried “controlled drinking” who abuse drugs and alcohol and lose custody of their kids personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.” after her boss confronted her. She would consciously limit continue to use. Even the loss of custody doesn’t sober up a Intervention As an employee’s performance begins to deteriorate for “It’s not about protecting me,” said Ann. “I want to live the number of drinks she’d have, but she found it difficult. drunk. I’m very clear about how horribly neglected children whatever reason, the supervisor has the right and respon- my life in a way to have no secrets. It’s about protecting AA. During a holiday party with friends, Ann allowed herself to are when parents drink or use. I understand how easy it can sibility to intervene. The supervisor does not need to be If I become the public persona of AA and I slip, then people celebrate. All she remembers is accepting a beer and then happen, how easy it is to get hooked on drugs and alcohol an expert on alcohol and other drugs to intervene appro- will think AA doesn’t work. It does work, if I work it right.” waking up the next morning in her bedroom. She didn’t and how difficult it is to get off.” priately. Ann said she’s moved 29 times as an adult. She’s seen remember how she got home. She crept to the window and Ann not only supports policies for clients that are saw her car in the driveway. upfront, even confrontative, but also for OKDHS staff. relationships and friends come and go. Her family and her # Maintain control of the conversation job with OKDHS, however, have been her foundation. “That scared me. I experienced the most incredible fear “Turning your head, making light of the situation, # Stick to the facts as they affect work performance “The only thing that never changed was my employ- and anxiety and guilt you can imagine. I’d blacked out a lot, making excuses, covering up – these are all the worst things # Have all supporting documents and records available ment. Everything else was totally unstable except for my but losing control like that really scared me. I had no idea you can do if you really care about people. If you care, if # Do not discuss alcohol or drug use job. For alcoholics, the job is generally the last thing to go.” what I had done.” you want to make a difference, you’ve got to confront, # Be clear and firm Ann, who began with the Department as a social work- Over the next few days, Ann’s embarrassment, humili- you’ve got to do what my supervisor did for me.” # Explain agency policy concerning performance er and who has worked her way up to a leadership position, ation and shame increased. “I couldn’t trust myself to have Ann plans to retire soon. She doesn’t know where her # Explain substance abuse policy spent her first years with the Department unable to go home even one drink. I could kill somebody or kill myself.” path will lead, but she looks back on her years at OKDHS # Explain consequence if performance unless she knew there was a 12-pack in the fridge. Ann tried an AA meeting after that, but didn’t feel like with great fondness and gratitude. “Working here and get- expectations are not met # Be supportive “I was a happy drunk,” said Ann. “I was able to man- it was for her. Over the next year she “white knuckled it,” ting sober has given me a life second to none. I wouldn’t # Offer help in resolving performance problems age my behavior so that nobody could tell I had a problem. trying to make it through each day without drinking and change a thing. I have loved working for this agency and I I never drank at work; I didn’t take long lunches or slip out without any other coping skills. love the people here. I can’t think of any place that would www.okdhs.org/oksubstanceabuse/ to the parking lot. I didn’t have debilitating hangovers and I “I had two very good friends who would just pick up have been a better fit for me or a better place to have spent didn’t get sick.” the pieces day after day. It was the hardest year of my life. the majority of my working life.” 12 INSIDE OKDHS — May 2005 INSIDE OKDHS — May 2005 13 14 INSIDE OKDHS —May 2005 Lights, Camera, Action: Volunteers Receive Red Carpet Treatment

By Stephanie M. Bond Editor OKDHS rolled out the red carpets around the state and gave standing ova- tions to more than 270 Oklahomans and 148 organizations who have acted to help the Department. “We all have the same number of hours in a day; the difference is how we use them,” said Farilyn Ballard, OKDHS Chief Operating Officer, at the state volunteer ceremony held April 18. “These people that we’re honoring don’t just talk about helping other peo- ple, they don’t just think about it, they do it. That’s the theme of this program this year: Lights, Camera, Action. That’s what distinguishes these people, they’re action.” Each OKDHS area held its own ceremony honoring local volunteers and organizations and hosted a recep- tion afterward. At the state ceremony, Ron Mercer, vice chairman of the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services, read a proclamation by Gov. Brad Henry. The proclamation recog- nized volunteers for their “compassion, selflessness and generosity.” “Volunteers make a huge budget impact on this Agency,” said Karen Jacobs, coordinator, Office of Volun- teerism. Author Karen Bush Dye received the Donna Nigh Award for Public Ser- vice for her work promoting Newkirk, Okla. Ninety-four-year-old Gladys Booker received the 2005 Ed Birchall Award for Humanitarian Service. “We cannot do this work by our- selves,” said Ballard. “We’re very grateful for volunteers’ help.”

INSIDE OKDHS — May 2005 15 Inside OKDHS is published for employees and retirees of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services as a joint effort of the Office of Communications, the Publications Section and the Print Shop. Howard H. Hendrick, Director Department of Human Services George Earl Johnson Jr. Director of Communications Alice Carrillo Publications Section and Print Shop Supervisor

Editorial Team: Stephanie M. Bond, Editor Dustin Pyeatt, Associate Editor Douglas Doe, Associate Editor Carla Garrett, Office Manager Casey Harvey, Asst. Office Manager Jim Gumm, Photographer Jim Ward, Graphic Artist

OKDHS S05070 Issued 5/2005 Publication of Inside OKDHS is authorized by the Okla- homa Commission for Human Services in accordance with state and federal regulations and printed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services at a cost of $3,226.40 for 4,033 copies. Copies have been deposit- ed with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Publica- tions Clearinghouse. Contents are not copyrighted and may be freely quoted unless otherwise noted.

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