Article

A message from Secretary Dan Rusyniak, M.D.

Dear Team FSSA,

What you do matters. Secretary Sullivan has helped us all see that. We ensure a working mom receives SNAP and Medicaid benefits, so she and her children can reach their full potential. We sustain programs so individuals with disabilities can navigate their own life course. We are reforming how we care for aging Hoosiers so they have choice in how and where they spend their time. There are far too many programs and services you work on to list here. But please know that each and every one of them matters! Dr. Sullivan not only highlighted the importance of our work, but she changed how we work. We are data informed. We are champions of equity. We are person centric.

As your new secretary, I am committed to continuing the work Dr. Sullivan began. I am committed to our mission, our vision, and our values. I want you to know a little bit about me as we continue our important work together.

I believe in the value of collaboration. We are better when we work together. The best decisions come when we have diverse opinions, different experiences and areas of expertise, and a range of unique life perspectives. This requires an environment where people can engage in open and honest conversations–where we worry less about who owns an idea and more on how we collectively make it happen.

I believe in the importance of data. If science is a candle in the dark, then data is the flame. It is not enough for us to say, “I think this program, or this change will have a beneficial effect.” We must go the extra step and define success and measure the impact to Hoosier families and communities to be sure that the data tells our story. Whether it is how many pregnant women with substance use disorder are in sustained recovery or how many individuals who call Indiana 211 for help are connected to services, we need to measure our success. I believe data gives us the chance to make great programs even better.

I believe in simplicity. If a solution is too complex to understand then it is the wrong solution. How can we make our programs easier to access and easier to deliver? Simplicity, however, is not always simple. It requires us to ask questions; to work with others outside of our immediate area; to listen and engage providers and the individuals, families and communities we serve. Simplicity requires creativity. It requires us to challenge “the way we have always done it.”

And lastly, I believe in you. I came to FSSA three years ago. Prior this this I had worked for 20 years in academic medicine and prior to that in the pharmaceutical industry. I have worked alongside of a lot of hardworking people, but never have I worked with individuals who work as hard as you. I have worked with a lot of smart and innovative individuals, but never have I worked with individuals more creative than you. I have worked with a lot of passionate and mission-driven individuals, but never have I worked with people who so embody their organization’s mission as well as you do. My job is help you do your job. I am committed to finding ways to make our work better, more fun, and more supportive.

Because what you do matters.

Thank you for the support you have provided me during this transition. I am honored to work for you.

Sincerely,

Dan