Evacuation Exercise Scheduled for Government Center July 21
The board approved closing of the Hennepin County Government Center for a two-hour emergency evacuation drill Wednesday, July 21. Safety officials believe the exercise will help the county identify further improvements that may be necessary to ensure preparedness and responsiveness to major emergencies, including a potential terrorist threat.
On any given day, there are 2,000+ employees and 2,000-3,000 visitors and clients in the Government Center.
Property Services updated emergency procedures and expanded the training program for emergency floor monitors - employees specifically trained to assist in emergency and evacuation procedures. As a result, more than 300 floor monitors have been trained in 14 county facilities. In addition, emergency procedures and facility emergency floor plans have been updated for each county building. The Minneapolis Fire Department will provide assistance for the evacuation drill.
In the event of rain July 21, the evacuation exercise will be held the following Wednesday, July 28. Other than the two-hour drill, the Government Center will be open for business as usual.
Disability Linkage Line Launched
This new, free statewide information, referral and assistance service provides in-depth information an assistance services for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses and their representatives. The Disability Linkage Line can be reached by calling toll-free, 1-866-333-2466, during regular business hours, or via the internet at www.Minnesotahelp.info. The Disability Linkage Line is provided by The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) and the Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living (SEMCIL). For more information on Disability Linkage Line contact Lesli Kerkhoff at 651-634-2281 or by e-mail at Lesli.Kerkhoff@state.mn.us
In a Visual World, What is It Like to Be Blind?
Minnesota State Services for the Blind has been selected by Cargill, Inc., as one of the 12 organizations to guide employees through an unfamiliar cultural or societal experience. Through Cargill's "Valuing Differences Change Agent" program, two employees will participate in the State Services for the Blind's 12-hour immersion experience.
For more information contact the State Services for the Blind at 651-642-0885.
Community Partner Host Sites Needed
The AmeriCorps Promise Fellows Statewide Initiative is now seeking Community Partner host sites for its 2004-2005 program year. The AmeriCorps program enrolls people interested in performing a year of service with schools and non-profit organizations to meet current unmet needs in our communities using a strength-based approach to positive youth development.
Community Partner Host Sites are selected primarily on the basis of their ability to effectively utilize a member in priority areas of closing the school achievement gap, literacy, mentoring, tutoring, and civic engagement. Host Sites are expected to provide supervision to the member, be part of the evaluation process, and contribute a cash match toward the cost of supporting the member.
Non-profit organizations, including schools and government agencies can request an application or more information regarding the AmeriCorps Promise Fellows Statewide Initiative by going to www.mnyouth.org or calling 1-888-666-6427.
Book Documents Steps Taken in Treating Cerebral Palsy
James R. Gage, M.D., medical director emeritus at Gillette Children's Speciality Healthcare , has compiled the findings of his and his colleagues' work in The Treatment of Gait Problems in Cerebral Palsy. The book examines topics including clinical background, patient assessment, gait pathology in cerebral palsy treatment and assessment of outcomes. With 21 medical experts adding their insight, the book provides a comprehensive view of gait and its role in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy.
Vacancies Available on Hennepin County Advisory Boards
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners is seeking applicants from the community to fill positions on the following boards:
Hennepin County Adult Mental Health Advisory Council. The 32-member council advises the board on adult mental health issues within Hennepin County and monitors, studies and comments on mental health issues at federal, state, and local levels. Members serve three-year terms and meet monthly on the third Thursday of the month from 2:00 to 4:30 pm at the Plymouth Congregational Church at 19th and Nicollet Avenue S. in Minneapolis.
Children's Mental Health Advisory Council
The council reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations to the County Board regarding the local children's mental health system. Members must be Hennepin County residents and have an interest in children's mental health. There are currently 12 vacancies in the categories of:
Children's mental health professional; Former client of children's mental health system/consumer; Parent of a child or adolescent with severe emotional disturbance; Representative of diverse ethnic and cultural groups/minority population; Representative of children's mental health local coordinating council. Members serve three-year terms and meet monthly from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Ridgedale Library in Minnetonka.
For more information or to receive an application or information booklet, on either advisory board, please contact Judy Chumley by phone at 612-348-3257; or by mail at A2400 Government Center, Minneapolis, MN 55487. You may also ge an application via the Internet at www.hennepin.us under "Your county government/Commissioners/Advisory Boards."
The 2004 Paul G. Hearne/AAPD Leadership Awards
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). Up to three people with disabilities who are emerging as leaders in their respective fields will each receive $10,000 to help them continue their progress as leader. They will also have the opportunity to attend the AAPD Leadership Gala in Washington, DC in early 2005. U.S. residents with any type of disability are eligible to apply. For more information visit the AAPD website at www.aapd-dc.org/awards
Partners in Policymaking
Is looking for new students. Partners in Policymaking is a nine-month program that trains individuals to become leaders on public policy issues affecting people with developmental disabilities, and to develop positive relationships with elected officials. Those who are accepted into the program do not have to pay any fee for this training, and they can receive financial support for respite/child care and travel expenses. Applications are now being taken for the next training which will begin in September. For information or to register, go to http://www.mngts.org/partnersinpolicymaking. Deadline to apply is July 30, 2004.
Volunteer Opportunities
Resource Manager. Assist Ramsey County Community Human Services staff to collect and maintain community resource information. Contact Ramsey County Community Human Services-Volunteer Services at 651-266-4090 for additional information or e-mail to volunteerservices@co.ramsey.mn.us
Volunteer Naturally. Minnesota DNR\\
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has many volunteer opportunities throughout the state. They are also looking for volunteers to work at the 2004 Minnesota State Fair from August 26 - September 6. For more information contact 651-297-1449, toll free at 1-888-646-6367, TTY 651-296-5484 or TTY toll free 1-800-657-3929 or visit their website at www.dnr.state.mn.us.
