National Health Center Week, New UDS Data, National Immunization Awareness Month, and More! HRSA PHC Digest

A Newsletter from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)

HRSA BPHC Primary Health Care Digest

August 11, 2020

HCW Broad Impacts

Happy National Health Center Week!
For 55 years, health centers have delivered affordable, accessible, and value-based primary health care to millions of people. This year more than ever, HRSA recognizes the nearly 1,400 health centers and more than 252,000 providers and staff who dedicated their lives to protect and promote the health of every one in 11 people in the U.S.

Health centers have played an important role in combating the opioid epidemic, implementing Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative to promote HIV testing and prevent new infections, and, most recently, in providing testing and care for those affected by COVID-19. Health centers have administered nearly 3 million COVID-19 tests to date. Health centers have accomplished all of this while continuing to provide quality primary health care services to nearly 30 million people across nearly 13,000 delivery sites.

Look out for news and events throughout the week on HRSA’s social media channels. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


News

2019 Uniform Data System Reports Now Available
2019 Uniform Data System (UDS) data are now available. This includes national, state/territory, and health center-level data, summary comparison data, and special population program data. Join a webinar about the data:

TODAY
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

This year, we’ve moved UDS data to the HRSA Data Warehouse, modernizing how it appears and improving the user experience. 2019 UDS data displays across fewer webpages, with filters and dropdown menus to guide navigation.


Vaccination

August is National Immunization Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month is an annual observance to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. COVID-19 has led to steep declines in routine immunization, making the need to improve childhood immunization especially urgent. Health centers play a critical role! Research shows the strongest predictor of whether a patient gets vaccinated is a recommendation from their health care professional.

To encourage patients and stakeholders to keep up with immunizations, the CDC has produced toolkits and resources to help health care professionals communicate with their patients about immunization. Find the following resources in the toolkit:

  • Key messages to help ensure patients stay up to date on their vaccines.
  • Sample social media to communicate the benefits of immunization during National Immunization Awareness Month.
  • Graphics for social media platforms and use on websites, newsletters, and other materials.
  • Educational resources.

CDC’s recent “Interim Guidance for Immunization Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic” can also help your health center plan for safe vaccine administration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We encourage health centers to join a related webinar from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, a HRSA-funded National Training and Technical Assistance Partner (NTTAP):

Hepatitis A Vaccination for People Experiencing Homelessness
Thursday, August 20
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Experts from the CDC will join to discuss new CDC-developed resources and strategies to vaccinate this at-risk population.


Hand

Jump To:  COVID-19  |  Substance Use Disorder & Mental Health  |  HIV  |  Diabetes  |  Workforce  | 
                Oral Health
  |  Additional Resources


What's New

Fiscal Year 2020 Health Center Program Look-Alikes: Expanding Capacity for Coronavirus Testing Question and Answer Session
HRSA’s Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) and Office of Federal Assistance Management (OFAM) will host a question and answer session for recipients of Look-Alikes: Expanding Capacity for Coronavirus Testing (LAL ECT) funding. This session will provide an opportunity for LALs to receive clarification on key fiscal and grants management requirements, with strategies to ensure compliance and properly manage the LAL ECT award.

Wednesday, August 12
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the webcast the day of the session
Call-in: 888-972-9343
Passcode: 2324051

If you have questions to submit ahead of time, send them to OFAMFTA@hrsa.gov. We also encourage you to watch the BPHC/OFAM Fiscal and Grants Management Orientation webinar held last month.


Healthy People 2030

Healthy People 2030 Launch
Next week, HHS will unveil the latest edition of Healthy People.

Tuesday, August 18
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session

Healthy People 2030 is a set of science-based, 10-year national objectives for improving health and well-being in the U.S. Speakers will highlight the new Healthy People 2030 goals and objectives and provide an overview of the development process. Speakers will also discuss Healthy People 2030 data, social determinants of health (SDOH), health equity, and more.


Health Center Facility Loan Guarantee Program Overview
This pre-recorded webinar provides interested health centers and lenders with an overview of the HRSA Health Center Facility Loan Guarantee Program, the application process, and available resources.


Deadline Reminder: Service Area Competition Applications for March 1 Starts
Service Area Competition (SAC) HRSA-21-004 applications are due in:

  • Grants.gov: Monday, August 24, by 11:59 p.m. ET.
  • HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks: Thursday, September 24, by 5:00 p.m. ET.

TA materials are available on the SAC TA webpage.


Megaphone

Health Center Requests for Carryover of Unobligated Balances
In recognition of the impact of COVID-19, HRSA will consider approving carryover of unobligated balances for any Health Center Program (H80) funding originating from more than one prior budget or project period—for example, unobligated balances from fiscal year (FY) 2018 that have already been carried over into FY 2019, and which your health center now needs for FY 2020 in-scope activities.

Note that any carryover funds, regardless of amount, must be used for the original approved purpose(s) of the award. In accordance with 45 CFR Part 75.403-405, you must use federal award funds only for allowable costs that are:

  • Consistent with the terms and conditions of the federal award and the Federal Cost Principles (45 CFR Part 75 Subpart E), including any supplemental award requirements (e.g., patient targets, FTE hiring and timelines);
  • Allocable to the purposes of the Health Center Program project; and
  • Reasonable.

See the Health Center Program Carryover of Unobligated Balances Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for additional information. For specific questions about appropriate use of carryover funds, contact your Grants Management Specialist.


Diabetes Performance Improvement Virtual Technical Assistance
HRSA is offering virtual technical assistance (TA) site visits to assist health centers in developing and/or maximizing diabetes resources, systems, and capacity in order to improve diabetes prevention, monitoring, and treatment. The one-day virtual TA visit must occur in August or September. If you are interested, please contact Debra Bergen.


Today With Macrae

Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates
We post the recordings, slides, and transcripts on our COVID-19 Information for Health Centers and Partners webpage as soon as we’re able.

Save the date for these upcoming Today with Macrae sessions (all at 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET):

Thursday, August 20
Tuesday, September 15 – New date added!
Thursday, October 1 – New date!
Thursday, October 29


FY 2020 Primary Care HIV Prevention Tri Annual Progress Reporting: Crosswalk to UDS
To support Primary Care HIV Prevention (PCHP)-funded health centers, the Health Information Technology, Evaluation, and Quality (HITEQ) Center, a HRSA-funded NTTAP, prepared a crosswalk mapping PCHP tri-annual reporting metrics to UDS measures and/or fields. This tool will assist health centers in leveraging UDS reporting functionality in their electronic health records to inform completion of the tri-annual progress reports to HRSA. The PCHP metrics listed in the first column crosswalk to specific data definitions in the calendar year 2020 UDS, which are specified in the second column, and then further detail is provided in the third column.


Guidance: Sliding Coinsurance for CMS/Medicare Care Management Services
The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), a HRSA-funded NTTAP, shares this publication. It guides health centers on managing CMS/Medicare care management services commensurate with sliding fee policies.


COVID-19

Financial Support for Millions of Health Care Providers Nationwide
Many health care providers are experiencing significant financial hardships in the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress provided $175 billion in relief funds to the HHS to deliver financial relief to health care organizations, like health centers. The latest phase of funding is now available through Friday, August 28. Those who bill Medicare, Medicaid, Medicaid Managed Care, CHIP, or a dental provider are eligible to apply as long as they haven’t already received 2% of their patient revenue from the fund. Visit HHS' Provider Relief website for more information. We also encourage you to attend a webcast to learn more:

Thursday, August 13
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here


Survey Dashboard

Health Center COVID-19 Testing
A new dashboard compiles the data you provide in weekly surveys to deliver a high-level view of total COVID-19 tests conducted and the distribution of positive COVID-19 tests. See a breakdown by race and ethnicity as well.


COVID-19 Workforce Virtual Toolkit: New Health Equity Page
HRSA staff contributed to the HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response’s COVID-19 Workforce Virtual Toolkit. This now includes a Health Equity page that compiles resources on the topic of health equity/health disparities associated with COVID-19.


Rural Health Care Surge Readiness

Rural Health Care Surge Readiness Clearinghouse
Rural health care facilities face unique challenges in the fight against COVID-19. Developed by the Rural Surge Readiness Team, COVID-19 Healthcare Resilience Working Group, the Rural Health Surge Readiness web portal provides essential resources, tools, and trainings for rural health care systems preparing for and responding to a COVID-19 surge. The material spans a wide range of health care settings appropriate for executives, managers, and providers, and covers topics including behavioral health, operations, and telehealth.


FAQs
We continually update our COVID-19 FAQs webpage. Other resources:


Today

COVID-19 Survey Deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET TODAY
The survey you received on Friday, August 7, is due by 11:59 p.m. ET today. Questions on how to complete the survey? Check out our User Guide.

As always, we’re grateful to all of the health centers and look-alikes that complete these weekly surveys! The input is invaluable—it allows us to better understand training and TA, funding, and other health center resource needs. Using it, we can track COVID-19’s impact on health center operations, staff, and patients.


COVID-19: Community Health Center Finance Toolkit
NACHC has compiled guidance in critical areas in order for community health center leaders to guide their teams through difficult times and prepare them to come out stronger on the other side. Topics include cash flow planning, CARES Act guidance, and remote work best practices. This article on CARES Act funding may also be of interest.


Substance Use Disorder & Mental Health

Call for Applications: Integrating Behavioral Health and Oral Health Learning Collaborative
The National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA), a HRSA-funded NTTAP, seeks interested health centers to participate in a virtual learning collaborative on integrating behavioral health and oral health. The goal is to improve the overall health of health center patients by using the “User’s Guide for Implementation of Interprofessional Oral Health Core Clinical Competencies” as a framework for implementing behavioral health screenings in the dental clinic. Apply by 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, August 14.


HIV

New Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Chapter
CDC’s Prevention Research Synthesis (PRS) project identifies evidence-based interventions and best practices for HIV prevention. They recently added a new chapter on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the PRS Compendium, which includes best practices for improving PrEP use and persistence. For additional information, contact PRS.


Diabetes

Diabetes Performance Improvement Virtual TA
See announcement above.


NACHC Diabetes Scan Results
A year ago, NACHC’s Quality Center conducted an environmental scan of diabetes efforts among Primary Care Associations (PCA) and Health Center Controlled Networks (HCCN) nationally. Read the results.


Workforce

Feedback

Your Input Needed!
HRSA recently published two Requests for Information (RFI). We will collect feedback on the areas of consideration outlined in the RFIs, as well as more general feedback or suggestions, through Friday, September 18.

  • Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Scoring Criteria RFI:
    HRSA seeks public input and feedback to inform policy considerations related to changes to HPSA scoring criteria and on possible additions or alternative approaches to HPSA scoring, as well as to solicit additional ideas and suggestions.

  • Maternity Care Health Professional Target Area Criteria RFI:
    HRSA seeks public input and feedback to inform policy considerations related to the establishment of criteria for Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas and to solicit additional ideas and suggestions related to the RFI’s topic areas.

Health Leadership Webinar Series
NACHC presents a four-part webinar series that provides the essential skills and tools needed to be an effective leader and not just “the boss.” Learn how to motivate employees and how to manage relationships. Learn the keys to effective communication, become a listening leader, and how to develop a culture ripe for curiosity and innovation. Find out dates and times or learn how to register.


Oral Health

Dental Leadership Burnout After Five Months of COVID-19: A Safe Space to Share and Support
As health center dental programs re-open, dental leadership faces a new set of stressors, including increased financial pressure from administration, provider and staff concerns about safety, patient concerns about returning to dental care, as well as family and community expectations. This webinar by NNOHA will be a combined listening session incorporating a behavioral health specialist to provide support to health center providers and leaders. 1.0 continuing dental education credit will be provided.

Monday, August 24
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here


Call for Applications: Integrating Behavioral Health and Oral Health Learning Collaborative
See announcement above.


Additional Resources

Sam Cykert

Adopting a Population Health Strategy to Reduce Heart Disease Risk
Join HRSA for an interactive presentation and discussion with Sam Cykert, M.D., of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chief of the Program on Health and Clinical Informatics and Director of the AHRQ-funded Heart Health NOW initiative of North Carolina. Dr. Cykert will share how to reduce cardiovascular disease risk morbidity and mortality by:

  • Stratifying patients by risk.
  • Setting up rapid engagement and re-engagement systems to address treatment and lifestyle.
  • Adopting a system of dissemination and implementation, where small practices can thrive in our value-based environment.
  • Advancing the promise of primary care and quantitatively proving its value.

He will also share data and information about COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease.

Wednesday, August 12
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here


Social Determinants and Health Status: A Data for Decision-Making Speaker Series Webinar
Join HRSA for a webinar focused on better understanding SDOH and their impact on the health status of patients served by health centers. Many existing SDOH models are anchored around place-based constructs. Learn how we’re incorporating a population-based model and assessing the social determinants contributing most to patient health.

Tuesday, August 25
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here


Webinar Recording: Introduction to Hepatitis B: Testing and Best Practices
Missed our recent webinar? Watch the recording. Learn about the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV), including perinatal HBV and the natural history of HBV. Experts discussed the recommended screenings for HBV infection and interpretation of testing results to support early intervention and improved patient outcomes.


Magnifying Glass

Undiagnosed Hypertension
Are there patients in your health center with undiagnosed hypertension, hiding in plain sight? Hypertension lacks visible symptoms, so patients may not know that they have it.

  • Of the 75 million Americans who have hypertension, almost half do not have the condition under control.
  • About 11 million of them don’t know their blood pressure is too high and are not receiving treatment to control it.

CDC’s Million Hearts® initiative recommends four steps to help your health center identify these patients. Watch a video and see the steps.


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Technical Assistance & Training

Mouse

Visit the training calendar to learn details about or register for events.

Through August 18

2019 UDS Data Trends
Tuesday, August 11
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

FY 2020 Health Center Program Look-Alikes: Expanding Capacity for Coronavirus Testing (LAL ECT) Question and Answer Session
Wednesday, August 12
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the webcast the day of the session
Call-in: 888-972-9343
Passcode: 2324051

Adopting a Population Health Strategy to Reduce Heart Disease Risk
Wednesday, August 12
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here

Provider Relief Webcast
Thursday, August 13
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Healthy People 2030 Launch
Hosted by HHS
Tuesday, August 18
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session


Upcoming

Billing and Reimbursement: How to Do it Properly and Ensure Compliance
Part of the HHS Telemedicine Hack Learning Community
Wednesday, August 19
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
Learn more or register

Hepatitis A Vaccination for People Experiencing Homelessness
Hosted by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, August 20
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates
Thursday, August 20
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Access details coming soon

Dental Leadership Burnout After Five Months of COVID-19: A Safe Space to Share and Support
Hosted by NNOHA, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Monday, August 24
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here
**1.0 CDE available**

Social Determinants and Health Status: A Data for Decision-Making Speaker Series Webinar
Tuesday, August 25
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Addressing Stigma, Health Disparities, and COVID-19’s Role in Affecting Workforce Retention
Hosted by the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved’s STAR2 Center (The Association of Clinicians for the Underserved is a HRSA-funded NTTAP)
Wednesday, August 26
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

HITEQ Highlights: Preparing for Value-Based Care Through Sustainable Telehealth Workflows
Hosted by the HITEQ Center, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, August 27
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Clinical Best Practices and the Art of the Tele-Physical Exam
Part of the HHS Telemedicine Hack Learning Community
Wednesday, September 2
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
Learn more or register

Introduction to the UDS Mapper
Wednesday, September 2
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Excelling in Your Role as a Health Center Leader: Being a Leader vs. Being a Boss
Hosted by NACHC, part of its Health Center Leadership Series
Thursday, September 10
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here

Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates
Tuesday, September 15
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Access details coming soon

The New Normal: Tips to Make Telemedicine Part of Your Permanent Practice
Part of the HHS Telemedicine Hack Learning Community
Wednesday, September 16
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
Learn more or register

UDS Mapper Advanced Topic Webinar: New Features in the UDS Mapper
Thursday, September 17
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Excelling in Your Role as a Health Center Leader: Communicate Like a Leader
Hosted by NACHC, part of its Health Center Leadership Series
Thursday, September 17
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here

UDS Mapper Special Topic Webinar: Food Insecurity and Opportunities for Health Centers
Wednesday, September 23
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Excelling in Your Role as a Health Center Leader: Leading Curiosity, Creativity and Innovation
Hosted by NACHC, part of its Health Center Leadership Series
Thursday, September 24
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here

**NEW DATE** Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates
Thursday, October 1
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Access details coming soon

Excelling in Your Role as a Health Center Leader: Applying Workplace Emotional Intelligence Tools
Hosted by NACHC, part of its Health Center Leadership Series
Thursday, October 1
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here

Webinars are hosted by HRSA unless otherwise noted.