January 2021
In this edition:

  • Photo: MLK Day of Service
  • Bridging the digital divide
  • Holiday Project brings seasonal joy to local youth
  • Kudos: Alex Herisko
  • Five questions with Christopher H. Powell 

News articles are uploaded to the DHS website as soon as they become available. For the most up-to-date news, visit DHS News online. 
MLK Day of Service
The pandemic did not stop KEYS AmeriCorps members from participating in this year's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Members spent the "day on, not a day off" in a virtual event with Health Corps making handmade cards for frontline workers. The 500+ cards made will be delivered to staff at Mercy Behavioral Health and UPMC Mercy Hospital.
Bridging the digital divide
From telehealth visits to online schooling, the last few months have made internet-enabled devices and internet access an even more essential part of everyday life. Yet, the 2018 American Community Survey shows that more than 50,000 Allegheny County households didn’t have an internet-enabled device such as a computer, tablet or smartphone, and nearly 70,000 households didn’t have access to internet. 
Holiday Project brings seasonal joy to local youth
The DHS Holiday Project had another successful year, delivering more than 3,400 gifts to children and youth.
Kudos: Alex Herisko
“Jane” (a pseudonym) is a staff member at UPMC Mercy who recently sent an email recognizing Alex Herisko, field service coordinator in the Office of Community Services (OCS). 
Five questions with Christopher H. Powell
Christopher is Jail Collaborative monitor/contract lead in the Analytics, Technology and Planning’s (ATP) Planning and Innovation (P and I) team.
We welcome your story ideas, employee news and comments. If you’ve got news you’d like to see in DHS News, please contact Mark Bertolet at [email protected] or 412-350-3439.