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American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Contacts
DHS ARRA home | ARRA Investments in Oregon | DHS ARRA Contacts | Weekly report & other data
Oregon Medicaid
Increased federal investments through ARRA funding means that Oregon state dollars will make up a smaller portion of the spending for this important safety net.
Oregon contact: Jim Scherzinger, Department of Human Services E-mail: jim.scherzinger@state.or.us Telephone: 503-945-5865
Federal contact: Barbara Richards, associate regional administrator, CMS E-mail: SEARODMCH@cms.hhs.gov Telephone: 206-615-2326 Federal Web site: http://www.recovery.gov/
Family Health Insurance Assistance Program (FHIAP)
Approximately $4 million in ARRA funding will allow the Family Health Insurance Assistance Program to continue assisting thousands of Oregon families pay the monthly premium for high-quality, private health insurance plans.
Oregon contact: Kelly Harms, Office of Private Health Partnerships E-mail: kelly.r.harms@state.or.us Telephone: 503-378-2503 Oregon Web site: http://www.oregon.gov/OPHP/index.shtml
Federal contact: Barbara Richards, associate regional administrator, CMS E-mail: SEARODMCH@cms.hhs.gov Telephone: 206-615-2326 Federal Web site: http://www.recovery.gov/
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP - food stamps)
SNAP helps low income families access the nutritious food they need to maintain good health. In July 2009, 325,979 Oregon families received food stamp benefits.
Oregon Contact: Vic Todd, Department of Human Services E-mail: vic.todd@state.or.us Telephone: 503-945-5633 Oregon Web site: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/assistance/foodstamps/foodstamps.shtml#apply
Federal contact: Sandra Clark, USDA E-mail: sandra.clark@fns.usda.gov Telephone: 703-305-2495 Federal Web site: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/
Health insurance for unemployed Oregonians
Oregonians who lost their jobs between September 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009, and worked for businesses that offered health insurance became eligible for health insurance premium assistance beginning March 1, 2009. Like COBRA benefits, employees pay part of the insurance premium and employers pay the balance knowing they will be reimbursed by the federal government with refunds or credits against their payroll taxes.
Federal telephone: 866-444-EBSA (3272)
Aging Nutrition Services
DHS will receive approximately $1.1 million in ARRA funds to disperse to the 17 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). The monies will pay for congregate nutrition services (usually through nursing homes), home-delivered nutrition services such as Meals on Wheels, and nutrition services for Native Americans 60 years and older.
Oregon contact: Elaine Young, Department of Human Services E-mail: elaine.young@state.or.us Telephone: 503-373-1726
Federal contact: Terry Duffin E-mail: terry.duffin@aoa.gov Telephone: 206-615-2298 Federal Web site: http://www.recovery.gov/
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
The TANF program provides assistance to low-income families with children with employment, housing, child care and other factors affecting family stability while the family works to become self-sufficient. The number of families receiving TANF cash assistance benefits statewide has increased 22.7 percent since February 2008.
Oregon contact: Eric Moore, Department of Human Services E-mail: eric.l.moore@state.or.us Telephone: 503-945-5737 State Web site: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/assistance/cash/tanf.shtml
Federal contact: Frank Shields E-mail: frank.shields@acf.hhs.gov Telephone: 206-615-2569 Federal Web site: http://www.recovery.gov/
Child care
An ARRA increase in funding for the Child Care and Development Fund helps 12,000 families each month pay for suitable child care.
Oregon Contact: Eric Moore, Department of Human Services E-mail: eric.l.moore@state.or.us Telephone: 503-945-5737 State Web site: www.oregon.gov/DHS/children/childcare
Federal contact: Patricia Fisher, Senior Financial Management Specialist E-mail: patricia.fisher@acf.hhs.gov Telephone: 206-615-2565 Federal Web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/
Vocational rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation serves Oregonians who have barriers to acquiring or retaining employment. The Independent Living Program provides services to persons with disabilities through local programs called Centers for Independent Living so they can continue living independently.
Oregon Contact: Stephaine Taylor, Department of Human Services E-mail: stephaine.taylor@state.or.us Telephone: 503-945-6201 State Web site: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/vr/index.shtml
Federal contact: William Bethel, CFO E-mail: william.bethel@ed.gov Telephone: 202-245-6775 Federal Web site: http://www.ed.gov/index.jhtml
Health information technology (HIT) systems
Administrative and competitive grants will be used to expand the use of electronic health records and the exchange of health information among health care providers to support better quality of care.
Contact: Ree Sailors, Office of the Governor E-mail: ree.sailors@state.or.us Telephone: 503-378-6549
Federal contact: Karen M. Bell, MD, MMS, director, Office of Health IT Adoption, E-mail: Molly.Smith@cms.hhs.gov Federal Web site: http://www.recovery.gov/
Prevention and Wellness Fund
Competitive grants will continue to be awarded for evidence-based clinical and community-based prevention and wellness strategies.
Contact: Bill Coulombe, Department of Human Services E-mail: william.j.coulombe@state.or.us Telephone: 971-673-1290
Federal contact: Sheila Conley Telephone: 202-690-7084 Federal Web site: http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/2009/03/03/weekly/
Community service employment for older Americans
Oregon will receive $350,000 to serve low income persons age 55 or older who have poor employment prospects. The program provides useful community services and fosters individual economic self-sufficiency through training and job placement in unsubsidized jobs
Contact: Elaine Young, Department of Human Services E-mail: elaine.young@state.or.us Telephone: 503-373-1726
Federal contact: Judith Gilbert E-mail: gilbert.judith@dol.gov Telephone: 202-693-3938 Federal Web site: http://www.recovery.gov/
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