DHS Employee Resources – What’s New This Week (August 20, 2021)

A weekly digest of news, information, and resources from the DHS Employee and Family Readiness Blog.

A weekly digest of news, information, and resources from the DHS Employee and Family Readiness Blog.  Message from Deputy Secretary John Tien on the Current Situation in Afghanistan August 19, 2021 The sobering images coming from Afghanistan and the impact they have on those who have so bravely and honorably served the United States in uniform or as part of combat missions cannot be understated. As a veteran who served in Iraq and spent time on the ground in Afghanistan, I deeply understand the mixed reactions one may feel. Many of those servicemembers and civilians are now our DHS colleagues; we lean on their deep commitment to safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and our values every day. Former servicemembers and civilians who worked on or in Afghanistan may experience many different, and even conflicting, emotions at this time. You are not alone. I want each of you to know that we stand with you today and every day. DHS has been a part of the mission in Afghanistan for many years, including having security and customs officers working side by side with Afghan counterparts to assist securing commerce and travel. The dedication and service each of you have brought to the mission does not and will never go unnoticed. There are resources available for you – or anyone you know – both within DHS and in the broader Veterans community. Read more Veterans Support Resources from the VA August 18, 2021 Veterans Crisis Line - If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then press 1 or visit www.veteranscrisisline.net. For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care. Vet Centers - Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you. VA Mental Health Services Guide - This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services. Read more Message from Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on Issuance of a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin August 13, 2021 After consulting with the Intelligence Community and our law enforcement partners, I have issued a new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin that provides an overview of the heightened threat environment across the United States. ​Our homeland continues to face a diverse and challenging threat environment leading up to and following the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, as well as religious holidays that could serve as a catalyst for acts of targeted violence. These threats include those posed by domestic terrorists, individuals and groups engaged in grievance-based violence, and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences. These actors are increasingly exploiting online forums to influence and spread violent extremist narratives and promote violent activity. Such threats are also exacerbated by impacts of the ongoing global pandemic, including grievances over public health safety measures and perceived government restrictions. Read more Long Term Care Insurance August 20, 2021 Long term care (LTC) insurance is a type of insurance developed specifically to cover the costs of long-term care services and support, including personal and custodial care in a variety of settings such as your home, a community organization, or other facility. Most LTC services are not covered by traditional health insurance or Medicare. LTC insurance policies reimburse policyholders a daily amount (up to a preselected limit) for services to assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating. You can select a range of care options and benefits that allow you to get the services you need, where you need them. Read more Back to School: Stay Informed in an Ongoing Pandemic August 17, 2021 As summer comes to an end, many families are returning from vacation and getting their children ready to go back to school. This year, the usual feelings of anticipation and excitement might be mixed with anxiety and concern over the unknown. Will your child be able to return to school in person? Or will it be another year of distance learning? The pandemic continues to influence everyday life, and the changing landscape of rules and regulations makes it challenging to stay aware of updated guidance and protocols for you and your family. Read more To learn more, visit the DHS Employee Resources website or contact worklife@hq.dhs.gov.

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