Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
I continue to be inspired and proud of you, our IDHS team.
This is perhaps the most significant crisis in our lifetimes; and as IDHS employees, we are on the front lines to help alleviate, comfort, and serve.
I know that you're feeling stressed, maybe fearful, and tired. You are not alone. Our leadership team and I have - at times - similar feelings.
I want you to know that we are working tirelessly for you, with you. We have been working around the clock, every day since the crisis hit to identify resources for our staff, for our community providers, and for those we serve.
We have two goals: (1) protecting staff and (2) serving customers, patients, and residents. During this pandemic, it is extraordinarily challenging, because our service often requires human engagement.
That is why we are working to run down every lead on PPE and other critical supplies that you need and are working with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Innovation and Technology, Central Management Services and the Department of Public Health for all the necessary resources.
Our Governor continues to fight every day for you, for our community members, and for all Illinois residents - for our safety.
I know that we can get through this together.
Thank you,
Grace
Grace B. Hou
Secretary
Illinois Department of Human Services
