Newly updated DPH site makes it easy to celebrate YOU!
The Recognition and Gratitude page of the DPH Workforce Development site showcases the incredible efforts of our staff and fosters a culture where everyone feels valued and seen.
The newly updated Recognition and Gratitude page of the DPH Workforce Development SharePoint site makes it easy for you to practice recognition and gratitude throughout the Division of Public Health in two different ways:
1. Director’s Award of Excellence – You can now link directly to the nomination form for the DHW Director’s Award of Excellence from the WFD Recognition Page. The Director's Award of Excellence is a departmental award given out monthly to employees who go above and beyond and represent what true excellence in their contributions to the mission of DHW can look like. Everyone can be nominated, and everyone can submit nominations.
This award represents the highest achievements in our work that help fulfill the Department of Health and Welfare’s mission. There is no limit to how many people can be nominated, but only one person is chosen from each division each month to receive this exclusive recognition.
*Note: You must be signed into AnyConnect to access the nomination form.
2. The DPH Kudos Board is a more casual space – exclusive to Public Health staff - for expressing gratitude, calling out a helpful colleague, or shouting out a job well done. No kudo is too big or too small! This is a simple and fun way to call out good work, give thanks, or just let someone know how awesome they are. Use this space to let everyone know about the great people you work with and remember to @mention them so they are sure to see it!
We hope these tools are a simple and meaningful way for you to highlight great work and connect with your DPH team.
Important resources for the 2025 session of the Idaho Legislature
The 2025 session of the Idaho Legislature began on Monday. Here is a list of resources to help you keep track of what’s happening:
DPH Legislative Affairs has useful links guidance for communications with legislators, bill analyses, and more.
Idaho Legislature’s official website, includes calendars, committee memberships, meeting schedules, agendas, and more: https://legislature.idaho.gov/
Idaho in Session, where you can listen and watch committee hearings and floor debates: https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/Legislature/
Key committees are the House Health and Welfare, Senate Health and Welfare, and the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, commonly called JFAC.
The budget process and schedules: https://legislature.idaho.gov/lso/bpa/process/
When bills are introduced and start the process to become law, you can track them at the 2025 Legislation site: https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/
In case you need a refresher, here’s a good explainer about how a bill becomes a law in Idaho: Spelling it out: How a bill becomes a law
DPH Open House and Holiday Potluck — all in one!
The DPH December Open House and Holiday Potluck were combined into one hybrid event for the first time in five years. Staff had the opportunity to attend in person or join virtually. The video recording and slides from the Open House are available on the DPH SharePoint site. The DPH January Open House is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15. See you there!
Well done!
Director and Division awards
Deputy Director Miren Unsworth (left) and DPH Administrator Elke Shaw-Tulloch present Jeremy Peterson and Andy Donndelinger a Director’s Award of Excellence at the DPH December Open House. Jeremy and Andy accepted the award on behalf of the entire team, which also included Pam McCrary and Dan Irwin. Director’s Award of Excellence Recipient: Jeremy Peterson and team – Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
Pam McCrary, Dan Irwin, and Andy Donndelinger
Division Award Recipient: Geoff Pard
Division Award Recipient: Daly Hull
Division Award Recipient: Lori Smith
Division Award Recipient: Sherry Deiter
Division Award Recipient: Tiffany Robb
State Communications Manager Chris Loffer and Emergency Communications Officer Silvestre Pineda (center left and center right in the dark blue shirts) were honored in the official POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Graduation ceremony on Dec. 20 in Meridian for completing the 80-hour training required for emergency communications officers. EMS and Preparedness Bureau Chief Wayne Denny, left; EMS Communications Supervisor Jeremy Elliott, second from left; Deputy Administrator Sarah Poe, second from right; and Administrator Elke Shaw-Tulloch, right presented their diplomas (certificate?)
DPH Immunization Program Manager Sarah Leeds earned the AIM Impact Award, which recognizes immunization program managers across the nation who dedicate significant time and expertise to advance AIM’s goals. Sarah, second from left below, was one of two recipients in the nation. Read more about the award.
Out and about
Supporting Idaho foster families and DHW WIG | Nicole Peters, DPH administrative assistant, helped pack Christmas food baskets at her church. Fourteen of the baskets were delivered to Idaho foster families; seven to families through DHW, and seven to families with Family Advocates.
Monty Prow and Julie Sevcik put Nicole in contact with Kristen Nate and Tawna Quinatoa of Division of Youth Safety & Permanency, who identified families. Nicole delivered the baskets to Tawna, and she arranged for families to receive the baskets. Each basket contained a full Christmas breakfast and dinner, including a gallon of milk, a pumpkin pie, fresh fruit, and knitted hats.
Katie Lamansky and Karla Nelson, Office of Accreditation and Planning, held two virtual Statewide Health Improvement Plan meetings for partners who were unable to attend the in-person gathering on November 22. A total of 28 partners participated in the meetings, representing diverse organizations from across the state. An overview of the Statewide Health Assessment and improvement planning process was shared along with data surrounding the leading health priorities. Participants were invited to share health improvement strategy ideas and offered suggestions for the overall approach. Input centered on the importance of collaboration, upstream strategies, and ensuring a deep understanding of the needs.
Brigitta Gruenberg and Kelly Berg, Bureau of Environmental Health and Communicable Disease, hosted an exhibitor table at the Idaho Immunization Coalition 2024 Summit, where they engaged with over 100 attendees, including medical providers, nurses, public health staff, and others. They discussed blood lead level testing and environmental health topics like radon and private water. The team distributed over 60 children's books, 200+ lead-related resources, 10 radon test kits, and private water resources. The event facilitated new partnerships with medical providers, clinics, and public health districts, focusing on lead awareness, lead testing, and XRF screening for lead in products.
Samantha Kirkendall, Bureau of Environmental Health and Communicable Disease, presented at the Idaho Vector and Mosquito Control annual conference on December 11, 2024, addressing an audience of 35 people. She shared data on the current and historic arboviral season(s), discussed future funding opportunities, and highlighted recent staffing changes.
Staff changes
New role! Ashley Rundle is the new Accreditation and Strategy Manager, effective Dec. 23, 2024. She had been the strategy and innovation manager in the division since July 1, 2024.
Ashley Rundle is a dedicated public health professional with more than 12 years of experience in public health, healthcare, and nonprofit management. She has spent more than seven years working in state government, where she developed strong skills in federal grant writing, managing contracts and subgrants, overseeing grant deliverables, and building and fostering relationships with partners and stakeholders.
Ashley has served as executive director for Diabetes Alliance of Idaho, where she guided the organization with a clear vision, made key business decisions, worked with an interdisciplinary team of professionals, and ensured compliance with relevant policies, laws, and regulations. She also led the creation and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan. Throughout her career, Ashley has gained extensive experience in project management, creating communication and educational materials, and building strong partnerships. Her broad skill set, and leadership experience speaks to her solid leadership in impacting positive change.
Ashley graduated from Boise State University with a degree in Health Education and Promotion and is a Certified Health Education Specialist. When Ashley is not working, she is enjoying the outdoors with her husband, Josh, and son, Harrison.
The Chronic Disease Prevention Section in the Bureau of Prevention and Community Health welcomes three new health program managers and one new health program specialist.
New role! Daly Hull, Women’s Health Check Program Manager, moving from Project Filter.
Daly is a sixth generation Idahoan and has always loved the beauty our state has to offer. She is a proud graduate of the University of Idaho where she served as the Colleges Against Cancer President and Latah County Relay for Life Chair in honor of her cousin Cody, who she lost to a six-year battle with Leukemia in 2012. After graduating, Daly was an educator for seven years, teaching in both Mississippi and Idaho, and eventually coaching and designing programming for early career teachers. In 2020, she graduated with a Master of Education Policy and Leadership from American University and then pivoted to a career in public health in 2023 to better serve the communities she deeply loves.
Outside of work, Daly loves spending time with her family, which includes her five-year-old black lab, Evy. Daly is excited to take on this new role and does so in honor of her grandmother, Martha, who helped raise her and is a breast cancer survivor.
Welcome! Brooke Ambrose, Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Program Manager
Brooke Ambrose is proud to call Idaho home and is inspired by the state’s communities and natural beauty. She holds a master’s degree in Public Health from Boise State University and has spent her career improving public health systems and supporting community wellness. Brooke’s experience includes supporting programs in prevention and wellness. Her work is grounded in her passion for creating healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.
Outside of work, Brooke enjoys hiking, exploring Idaho’s outdoors, and spending time with her fiancé and their dog. She is excited to step into her role as the ADRD manager, bringing the Fit and Fall Proof® program along with her. Brooke looks forward to making a meaningful impact on the lives of Idahoans affected by Alzheimer’s, related dementias, and other areas of brain health.
New role! Alyssa Romero, Health Program Specialist for the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Program, moving from Drug Overdose Prevention
Alyssa Romero is a dedicated public health professional and proud lifelong Idahoan from Coeur d’Alene. After graduating from Coeur d’Alene High School, she moved to Boise to earn a bachelor’s degree in Health Studies and a master’s degree in Public Health from Boise State University. Her graduate studies emphasized systems change and public administration, preparing her with a strong foundation for addressing complex health challenges.
Alyssa brings a wealth of experience in public policy, including three years of internships in various lobbying roles and work as a graduate research assistant for Communities for Youth. Most recently, she served as a health program specialist for the Drug Overdose Prevention Program, which prepared her for this role. She is passionate about serving Idahoans and collaborating with others who share her commitment to improving the state’s health and well-being.
Outside of her career, Alyssa is an avid reader and loves to travel. She cherishes time with her friends, family, and her two beloved cats, Malibu and Bubba.
Promotion! Jackie Amende Lewis, Diabetes Program Manager, from health program specialist supporting the Chronic Disease Section
Jackie Amende Lewis is an Idaho native, growing up in Post Falls. She is a University of Idaho graduate and holds a master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Saint Louis University. Jackie is a registered dietitian and felt like she belonged more in community and public health, with focus on preventative nutrition and health efforts. She worked for University of Idaho Extension for five years, implementing local community nutrition and health programming and serving Canyon County. It was a very rewarding role!
To shift to a more statewide approach, Jackie joined the Division of Public Health in January 2022 as a health program specialist supporting the Chronic Disease Section in the Bureau of Community Health. She is excited to step into her new role and continue to support Idaho communities with diabetes prevention and management efforts.
Outside of work, Jackie enjoys spending time with her family and trying to keep up with her 2-year-old daughter, Evie.
DHW Transparency reports for Medicaid and Self-Reliance
Medicaid and Self-Reliance (which includes numbers from DPH’s WIC) transparency reports are now available for November 2024 at https://publicdocuments.dhw.idaho.gov/WebLink/Browse.aspx?dbid=0&id=30519&repo=PUBLIC-DOCUMENTS.
One Department Q&A: Public events and grants
Q: If a program offers the same training to the public and/or other agencies a few times a year or on an ongoing basis. Can one request be submitted or does a new request have to be submitted for each training?
A: If the presentation will be the same, one request is sufficient. In the request, be sure to include the purpose of the training, what the training will cover, who the audience is and dates (if known).
Q: The grant application request form asks for the total financial impact. Is this the total amount received since the start of the funding?
A: This references the total amount of funding for the grant application period. If the award you are applying for is $100,000 for five years, the total financial impact would be $500,000. Even if the program has had the grant for 20 years, the total financial impact you are looking for approval for is $500,000, not the $2 million over the life of the grant.
Send your One Department questions to Niki Forbing-Orr to be included in a future newsletter. Read a full FAQ.
In support of the WIG: A home visiting success story
Central District Health submitted this success story for its Parents and Teachers program, which is one of the programs offered through the DPH Idaho Home Visiting Program.
A mom enrolled in March 2023 with her daughter. Since starting PAT (Parents as Teachers), mom successfully enrolled her daughter with Infant Toddler Program and the little girl is making progress in her motor and language skills.
The home visitor supported mom in applying for financial aid, looking for work, and enrolling in school. Mom has started working and enrolled for community college starting this summer!! The family has successfully signed up for ICCP (Idaho Child Care Program, which helps pay for childcare) so mom can go to school and work while her daughter is in daycare. Mom also signed up for food stamps for extra support.
Mom has goals to go to school while working part-time and being a single parent. She is very excited about her future and staying motivated to go to school and eventually move into her own place. The home visitor is looking with mom for low-income housing and mom has already applied. She’s a go-getter!
Learning and growth opportunities
☑️ Internal / ✅ External / ⭐ Idaho
☑️ ⭐Facts, Figures, and Trends 2024-2025: This reference book published annually about the Department of Health and Welfare is now available online. It’s an excellent reference about all the divisions and programs in the department. Check it out!
✅ ⭐ Idaho BRFSS data were included in the Preventing Chronic Disease journal article, "Social Determinants of Health and Health-Related Social Needs Among Adults with Chronic Diseases in the United States, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2022" (https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2024/24_0362.htm). The authors include Karen Hacker, director of the CDC National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP); Craig Thomas, director of the NCCDPHP Division of Population Health; and Machell Town, chief of the division's Population Health Surveillance Branch which oversees CDC BRFSS.
☑️ ⭐ Need help with a communications or marketing project? | Start by visiting the DPH Communication Team page on SharePoint, which has step by step instructions for how to get started with Riester, and how to get started using internal resources.
☑️ ⭐ New resources and training for DHW computer platforms | Resources include SharePoint, Laserfiche, Gov Delivery, Microsoft, and MS365. Check it out!
☑️ DHW Director’s Bulletins | DHW Director Alex Adams regularly publishes bulletins that lead work and priorities throughout DHW. The latest bulletin was published on Nov. 22 and established a new Division of State Care Facilities. All Director’s Bulletins are published on the Director’s Office SharePoint site.
✒️ DHW Voice blog | Articles written by DHW staff are available on the department’s website.
📰 DHW Connection | The department’s newsletter is published on Inside DHW each payday. Read the latest issue!
📰 DHW news releases | News releases are posted on the DHW website. Read the latest.
Send your ideas for newsletter stories, staff news, events, successes and other DPH Newsletter content to Niki.Forbing-Orr@dhw.idaho.gov. The next issue will come out the week of Jan. 22.