DHS Employee Resources – What’s New This Week (September 3, 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.  CHCO's Blog Angela Bailey Chief Human Capital Officer The Power of Creation September 2, 2021 Neil Gaiman once said, "The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before."  Everything that has ever been created in the universe began with a thought, an idea, a dream, and a belief that it was possible to create something that would help to change and improve not only our lives, but those around us.  When we create with our minds, we draw on our experiences, our lessons learned and our past.  When we create with our heart, we expand our opportunities into serving the greater good and set ourselves on an even grander journey.  While our mind is quite capable of planting a garden and enjoying the fruits of our labor, our heart, when employed in this endeavor, sees an opportunity to feed those in need.   Read more The Department of Homeland Security's Best Places Scores: The Story Behind the Numbers September 3, 2021 At the Department of Homeland Security, our Best Places to Work in the Federal Government® scores are an excellent example of why it is so important to get an understanding of the story behind the ranking. Equally as important is making sure the story we are telling captures more than what is wrong, especially when we are telling that story ourselves. DHS is a living, breathing organization made up of over 250,000 people — not just "employees." They worry about the same things all Americans worry about, take pride in the work they do and make sacrifices in order to honor the DHS mission to protect our nation. The resilience of the DHS workforce is unmatched: more than 80% of DHS's employees worked unpaid during recent government shutdowns, while 65% held the frontlines during the COVID pandemic. Every day, DHS employees perform some of the most difficult, dangerous—and at times thankless—work in the nation. This is an important part of the DHS story. Read more Message from Secretary Mayorkas on Hurricane Ida Response Efforts August 30, 2021 Hurricane Ida is causing tremendous damage in the states along the Gulf Coast of our country. Severe wind, rain, and flooding are leaving large and small communities without power, and already one fatality has been reported. Our personnel in FEMA and the Coast Guard are providing much-needed assistance and executing search and rescue operations. Their heroic work is emblematic of everything all of you throughout this Department do every day. President Biden visited FEMA's National Response Coordination Center yesterday to thank the 22 federal agencies that are working incredibly hard in their response to Hurricane Ida.  We stand ready to assist every affected community. If you are able to help with this response or with other DHS response efforts, please consider joining the Surge Capacity Force.  Read more Message from Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on Operation to Resettle Afghans August 27, 2021 Yesterday's bombing near the Kabul airport was a devastating reminder of the dangerous conditions under which our military personnel serve to protect our Nation and its missions around the world. We mourn the loss of these heroes and the many other lives lost. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones. We honor our heroes through the work we do for the homeland they have made possible. Over 100,000 people have been safely evacuated from Kabul, including U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, third-country nationals, and vulnerable Afghans. Some are foreign nationals who will return to their home countries. Some will resettle overseas. And some we will welcome to the United States. Through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, we will ensure that those Afghans arriving in the United States are screened, vetted, tested for COVID-19, and welcomed in their new home. Read more September is National Suicide Prevention Month September 2, 2021 Suicide is a problem that touches the lives of many Americans. Many of us may know someone, such as a friend, family member, or coworker who has attempted or died by suicide. Over the past two decades, suicide rates have steadily risen in the United States. Suicide is currently ranked 10th for cause of death among all ages. It's important for you to know that suicide is preventable. With commitment and engagement in our communities, workplaces, and homes, together we can help reduce the number of suicides. What are the warning signs that somone is at risk for suicide? What should Ido if I suspect someone is experienceing a crisis or is huring? What resources are available for someone who is in need of help? What other resources are there for employees who may not be in a suicideal crisis, but need support? Read more Protecting Your Brain Health August 31, 2021 The brain is our most complex organ. It's also one of the most important. Striving to keep it healthy by participating in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, playing games, acquiring new skills, and attending social engagements, is vital at all ages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that healthy behaviors, which have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, may also reduce risk for cognitive decline. Here are seven CDC resources and steps you can take to help protect your brain health: Prevent and Manage High Blood Pressure Quit Smoking  Prevent and Manage High Cholesterol  Get Enough Sleep  Be Physically Active Manage Blood Sugar  If You Drink, Do So in Moderation  Read more To learn more, visit the DHS Employee Resources website or contact worklife@hq.dhs.gov.

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