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The Epi work plan for BP5 has been released along with the supplemental guidance. The work plan for BP5 has been updated to account for the information in the Epi Work Plan guidance document. You will find the updated version (1.3) in the document library of the MIHAN at the following path: Documents -> Local Health -> EPC General -> PHEP FY 2023-2024 BP5. If you have any questions, reach out to your regional point of contact or Jim Koval.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), announced an investment of $600 million across 12 domestic COVID-19 test manufacturers and the reopening of COVIDTests.gov to deliver COVID-19 tests for free to households across the country. These critical investments in U.S. manufacturing will improve preparedness for COVID-19 and other pandemic threats of the future, strengthen the nation’s capacity to manufacture tests, and secure approximately 200 million new over the counter COVID-19 tests for future federal government use. There are numerous other options to get tested for free, including free community-based testing sites, including pharmacies, across the country.
ASPR is also distributing free at-home tests to schools, nursing homes, community health centers, rural health clinics, food banks, and other community locations to ensure communities have widespread access to tests. To learn more, people are encouraged to contact a HRSA health center, Test to Treat site, or ICATT location near them to learn how to access low- or no cost COVID-19 tests provided by the federal government.
HHS announced the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s addition of nationwide American Sign Language (ASL) services for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, as part of ongoing efforts to expand accessibility to behavioral health care for underserved communities. Since the July 2022 launch, the 988 Lifeline has received more than 5.5 million calls, texts, and chats, following a nearly $1 billion investment by the Biden-Harris Administration, and will now be available to the millions of Americans who use ASL. Learn more on SAMSHA.gov.
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