$1 Billion Health Center Capital Funding Opportunity Announced, Updated Site Visit Protocol, and More! HRSA PHC Digest

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

HRSA BPHC Primary Health Care Digest

April 27, 2021

ARP-Capital

HHS Announces $1 Billion from American Rescue Plan for Construction and Renovation Projects at Health Centers
Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, today HHS is announcing the availability of $1 billion for HRSA-Health Center Program funded health centers to support major construction and renovation projects across the country. The funding builds on President Biden’s commitment to ensuring equity in access to COVID-19 response efforts and high quality primary health care services.

Health centers that receive this funding will be able to use it for COVID-19 related capital needs and to construct new facilities, renovate and expand existing facilities, and purchase new equipment. Read the press release.

Applications are due in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) by 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 24. Visit the American Rescue Plan funding for Health Center Construction and Capital Improvements technical assistance (TA) webpage for award submission guidance, information about upcoming question and answer sessions, and other resources.

Join the general overview session for applicants:

Thursday, May 6
2:30-4:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
If you prefer to join by phone: 833-568-8864
When prompted, enter meeting/webinar ID: 160 936 3792


Site Visit Protocol

Updated Health Center Program Site Visit Protocol
HRSA uses the Health Center Program Site Visit Protocol (SVP) to assess compliance with Health Center Program requirements for all Operational Site Visits (OSVs) and Look-Alike (LAL) Initial Designation (ID) Site Visits.

After collecting feedback over the past year about the SVP and the site visit process from stakeholders, we are making updates to increase the SVP’s effectiveness, clarity, consistency, and transparency. See a summary of key changes. We are not changing the Health Center Program Compliance Manual.

The updated SVP will be effective for all OSVs and LAL ID visits that start after Friday, May 28. Federal representatives have contacted site visit teams and health centers with visits scheduled between Monday, May 31, and Friday, July 30, regarding the updated protocol. We will post the updated SVP and all related site visit tools online on Thursday, May 27. Please contact your Project Officer with specific questions.


First Lady

First Lady Visits Health Center
Last week, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham visited First Choice Community Healthcare, Inc. (Albuquerque, NM). At the conclusion of the visit, they handed out buttons and stickers to those who had received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose and thanked them for keeping the local community safe. “Let’s keep working together,” said Dr. Biden. First Choice Community Healthcare is a participant in the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program. Read more about the visit.


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Jump To:  COVID-19  |  Behavioral Health  |  HIV  |  Diabetes  |  Workforce  |  Additional Resources


What's New

EHBs Action Plan

Federal Tort Claims Act Site Visit Action Plan Module for Grantees
Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) staff will use the Action Plan module within the EHBs to monitor post-site visit activities. All health centers participating in FTCA (virtual) site visits will receive additional details during the pre-site visit call.

For questions on the Action Plan module, or for EHBs-related assistance, contact the HRSA Contact Center online or call 877-464-4772.  

For questions related to FTCA site visits, contact Health Center Program Support online or call 877-464-4772 (option 1).


American Rescue Plan Funding for Health Centers TA
Health centers have until Monday, May 31, to complete and submit American Rescue Plan Funding for Health Centers (H8F) award submissions in EHBs. The following resources are available to help you:

Join the second question and answer session TOMORROW (Wednesday, April 28):

2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
If you prefer to join by phone: 833-568-8864
When prompted, enter meeting/webinar ID: 160 386 9890


Today With Macrae

Today with Macrae Next Week
Join HRSA’s new Chief of Staff, Jordan Grossman, and Jim to hear about the HHS vision and priorities, funding, and more.

Tuesday, May 4
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
If you prefer to join by phone: 833-568-8864
When prompted, enter meeting/webinar ID: 160 975 3924


2021 UDS Manual

2021 Uniform Data System Manual
The 2021 Uniform Data System (UDS) Manual provides health centers with detailed instructions, data tables, and technical guidance to support calendar year 2021 UDS reports. Changes to 2021 UDS reporting requirements are detailed in the 2021 UDS Program Assistance Letter. Learn more:

Thursday, May 6
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Register here

Visit the UDS Resources webpage for other resources to support UDS reporting.


Reminder: FY 2019 Integrated Behavioral Health Services Staffing Impact Form
For health centers that reported less than 0.5 FTE in their January 2020 Integrated Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) progress report, HRSA extended the due date of the 0.5 FTE requirement by one year (to Friday, April 30, 2021). By then, IBHS recipients are to have added a total of 0.5 FTE in substance use disorder and/or mental health personnel.

Health centers are required to report this in an IBHS Staffing Impact Form. For health centers who have not yet reported their status on the staffing requirement, the form is available in EHBs for submission by Monday, May 3. Find more information on the IBHS TA webpage.


Capital Investment Trends and Health Center Needs
Capital Link’s new report captures their recent assessment of health centers, examining current and emerging capital plans and needs. It highlights historical capital investment trends, projected capital needs through 2025, and current priorities for planned projects. Capital Link is a HRSA-funded National Training and Technical Assistance Partner (NTTAP).


New Telehealth Information Available from CMS
In response to the increased use and expanded coverage of telehealth, From Coverage to Care (C2C) released new resources to support providers and patients in making the most of virtual care:


Health Insurance Marketplace Resources Available
Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, HHS announced an extension of the Special Enrollment Period for individuals and families to enroll in health insurance coverage through the Federally-Facilitated Marketplace through Sunday, August 15.

CMS recently released technical guidance for Marketplace stakeholders. These resources may also be useful for assisters:


COVID-19

FDA and CDC Lift Recommended Pause on Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine
Following a thorough safety review, including two meetings of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the FDA and CDC have determined that the recommended pause regarding the use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. should be lifted and use of the vaccine should resume.

The full media advisory recommends that providers, vaccine recipients, and vaccine caregivers review these revised resources:

TODAY: CDC’s Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Call will present the latest evidence on thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) after administration of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. Speakers will discuss information on TTS and updated vaccine recommendations.

2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the session

We expect the slides to be posted under “Call Materials” on the COCA Call webpage, and a recording to be posted on the page a few hours after the event ends.


Health Center COVID-19 FAQs
We continue to add new questions to our COVID-19 FAQs webpage, and we recently added a new FAQ webpage on the American Rescue Plan – Funding for Look-Alikes.

Other resources:


Addressing Financial and Legal Problems to Improve the Mental Health of Adults and Children during the Pandemic
The National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership (NCMLP), a HRSA-funded NTTAP, invites you to a webinar. Experts in social determinants of health (SDOH) and medical-legal partnership (MLP) interventions will discuss how financial strains are associated with suicide attempts and should be considered when assessing mental health interventions. Speakers will also address how legal services delivered alongside social, medical, and behavioral health services can help improve children’s overall health and well-being.

Tuesday, May 18
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here



Health Center and Look-Alike COVID-19 Survey

As a reminder: The survey you received on Friday, April 23, is due by 11:59 p.m. your local time today. For guidance on how to complete the survey, visit our Survey User Guide.

Reminder

ICYMI


These COVID-19 related items ran in previous issues of the Digest.

COVID-19 Vaccination Provider Trainings
HRSA and CDC collaborated on this new guide to trainings for COVID-19 vaccine providers. It includes trainings that cover vaccine administration, storage and handling, safety and monitoring, and more.


COVID-19 Resources from MHP Salud
MHP Salud, a HRSA-funded NTTAP, produced these resources. You must complete a free registration to access:


Behavioral Health

Management of Stimulant Use Disorder
The misuse of stimulants (methamphetamine, cocaine, and other amphetamines) is a growing public health crisis across the nation. The HRSA-funded National Clinician Consultation Center (NCCC) invites health center clinicians to hear about both well-studied and emerging practices in the management of stimulant use disorder.

Tuesday, April 27
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here


Implementing Depression Screening in a Primary Care Setting
The co-occurrence of depression with physical health conditions is well-documented and disproportionately impacts minority populations, yet many primary care settings do not routinely screen for depression or other behavioral health risk factors.

Speakers will introduce research documenting the positive outcomes integrated care can have for patients and health centers. They will also introduce evidence-based screening tools and discuss workflow considerations and factors for implementing a sustainable screening process into your care setting.

Participants can earn 1 CE credit for attending.

Wednesday, May 5
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here


National Prevention Week

National Prevention Week is May 9-15
National Prevention Week is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, mental health and/or substance use disorders. Find ideas, tools, and other resources for participating.


HIV

Coordinating Hepatitis C and HIV Treatment in Primary Care
Join the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium and the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center to explore the link between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV, and particular considerations for community-based primary care providers. Both organizations are HRSA-funded NTTAPs.

Monday, May 3
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here


Diabetes

Affirming Diabetes Prevention for LGBTQIA+ People
This learning collaborative will help health centers improve their capacity to provide culturally affirming diabetes prevention programs for LGBTQIA+ patients, including considerations for the experiences of individuals with body dysmorphia or body dysphoria. Participants will share effective models and tools, including strategies for increasing patients’ body positivity, and plans for implementation. Learn more or register.


Workforce

National Health Service Corps

DEADLINE EXTENDED: National Health Service Corps Receives $800 Million
Last month, HRSA’s National Health Service Corps (NHSC) opened its application for all three loan repayment programs. Visit HRSA’s website for information on eligibility, site types, and service commitment. The application deadline is extended to 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 27.


Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program provides financial support to students enrolled in nursing degree programs in exchange for a commitment to serve in high-need areas across the country. Scholarship support includes tuition, fees, other reasonable educational costs, and a monthly living stipend. Apply by Thursday, May 6.


NHSC New Site Application Open, Inactive Sites May Apply
The 2021 NHSC new site application cycle is open for eligible health care sites that have never been approved as NHSC sites. This year’s application is also open to formerly approved NHSC sites that have become inactive. Applications are due at 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 25.


Several HRSA-funded NTTAPs present learning collaboratives:

  • Every Person Counts: Leveraging SDOH and SOGI Data for LGBTQIA+ Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-Serving Health Centers
    Gain in-depth knowledge about SDOH and sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) documentation for LGBTQIA+ Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Community members, health center staff, and facilitators from the two host organizations (Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations and National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center) will provide context, promising practices, and data utility from a national perspective. Learn more or apply now.

  • Screening and Documenting the Legal Needs of Agricultural Workers and LGBTQIA+ People
    Health center staff can improve their capacity to respond to patients’ legal needs. This is a combined effort of The National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center, NCMLP, and Farmworker Justice. Learn more or apply now. Participants will:
    • Develop strategies for screening and documenting legal issues related to SDOH, particularly for agricultural workers and LGBTQIA+ people.
    • Increase their capacity to use screening tools that incorporate SOGI data collection and identify the patients’ legal SDOH needs.
    • Collaborate with peers and expert facilitators to implement best practices.

  • Advancing Medical-Legal Partnership in Health Centers: Connecting with Peers to Better Address the Legal Needs of Special Populations
    Health centers and civil legal services staff will connect with peers at different levels of MLP implementation for support with addressing the health-harming legal needs of special populations. Subject matter experts will facilitate discussions and share resources with participants to help them advance their MLP practice. Presented by NCMLP. Register here.

  • Affirming Diabetes Prevention for LGBTQIA+ People
    See the announcement above.

Additional Resources

Engaging Families of Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth
Participants will learn strategies for engaging families and caregivers in supporting transgender and gender diverse (TGD) children and youth. Explore best and promising practices for implementing interventions in order to decrease family rejection, improve physical and mental health outcomes, and ensure safe and stable housing for TGD youth. Co-hosted by The National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC), both HRSA-funded NTTAPs.

Thursday, April 29
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here


Going Viral for Hepatitis: Getting Back to the Basics
Join HRSA and CDC to hear about updated HCV testing guidelines and recommendations, and why changes were needed (epidemiological and treatment). Speakers will also share how others are implementing the updated HCV testing recommendations.

Tuesday, May 11
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here


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Training & Technical Assistance

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

Through May 4

Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine and Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS): Update for Clinicians
Hosted by CDC
Tuesday, April 27
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the session

Management of Stimulant Use Disorder
Co-hosted with the HRSA-funded NCCC
Tuesday, April 27
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

COVID-19 and Farmworkers: Policy Update and Outreach Materials
Hosted by Farmworker Justice, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, April 27
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Elevating an Equitable Health Care System
Hosted by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, April 27
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Ask Us Anything: Learning Lessons from COVID-19 and Preparing for Future Emergencies
Tuesday, April 27
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here

FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Informational Live Webstream
Tuesday, April 27
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Join the session

Picking Up the Pieces after COVID and Using Robust Process Improvement (RPI) to Help Move Forward
Hosted by The Joint Commission
Wednesday, April 28
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
Register for the Joint Commission’s Health Center Educational Series (for the “Key” field, enter: TJCEd)

The Health Information Technology, Evaluation, and Quality (HITEQ) Center Highlights: Introducing the Health App Analyzer
Hosted by the HITEQ Center, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Wednesday, April 28
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Business Continuity Institute
Hosted by NACHC, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Register for the series

Introduction to Business Continuity Planning
Wednesday, April 28
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET

Creating a Business Continuity Plan
Wednesday, May 12
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET

Ensuring a Human Resource Strategy
Wednesday, May 26
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET

American Rescue Plan Funding Q&A
Wednesday, April 28
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
If you prefer to join by phone: 833-568-8864
When prompted, enter meeting/webinar ID: 160 386 9890

Trust or Trustworthiness: Which Comes First?
Hosted by NHCHC, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Wednesday, April 28
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Dental Providers Administering the COVID-19 Vaccine: Strategies from Early Adopter Health Centers
Hosted by National Network for Oral Health Access, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, April 29
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here
**1.0 CDE available**

Increasing Access to COVID-19 Vaccines among Homeless Populations: Successful Partnerships Series
Hosted by NHCHC, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, April 29
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Promoting Mental and Behavioral Health Resources to Help Children and Teens Enroll in Coverage and Access Care
Hosted by SAMHSA
Thursday, April 29
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here

SDOH Academy 2021 Breakthrough Series: Addressing SDOH Issues for Essential Workers in Emergency Management
Hosted by the SDOH Academy, which was founded by NCMLP, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, April 29
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here
Note that this is followed by a 30-minute office hour

Engaging Families of Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth
Co-hosted by the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center and NHCHC, both HRSA-funded NTTAPs
Thursday, April 29
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here

HIV and Diabetes
Hosted by the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Friday, April 30
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Assessing Your Community Using the UDS Mapper
Monday, May 3
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Coordinating HCV and HIV Treatment in Primary Care
Co-hosted by the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium and the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center, both HRSA-funded NTTAPs
Monday, May 3
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Addressing Barriers to Diabetes Prevention for Older Residents of Public Housing
Hosted by the National Center for Equitable Care for Elders, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, May 4
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Implementing High-Quality Primary Care: Rebuilding the Foundation of Health Care
Hosted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Tuesday, May 4
1:00-2:15 p.m. ET
Register here

Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates
Tuesday, May 4
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
If you prefer to join by phone: 833-568-8864
When prompted, enter meeting/webinar ID: 160 975 3924

Mental Health Amongst Agricultural Workers
Hosted by the National Center for Farmworker Health, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, May 4
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here


Upcoming

Weitzman ECHO Series on COVID-19
Hosted by the Weitzman Institute (part of Community Health Center, Inc., which is a HRSA-funded NTTAP)
Wednesday, May 5, and
Wednesday, May 19
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
Register for the series

Implementing Depression Screening in a Primary Care Setting
Wednesday, May 5
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here
**1.0 CE available**

2021 Uniform Data System Reporting Changes
Thursday, May 6
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Register here

Diabetes 101
Hosted by the National Center for Farmworker Health, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, May 6
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

American Rescue Plan Capital Funding Overview
Thursday, May 6
2:30-4:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
If you prefer to join by phone: 833-568-8864
When prompted, enter meeting/webinar ID: 160 936 3792

Patient-Centered Medical Home Office Hours: Behavioral Health
Hosted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance
Thursday, May 6
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Special Populations Roundtable – Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program
Hosted by several HRSA-funded NTTAPs
Friday, May 7, and
Friday, May 21
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Understanding Housing and Substance Use System Partnerships
Hosted by the Corporation for Supportive Housing, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Friday, May 7
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Register here

Going Viral for Hepatitis: Getting Back to the Basics
Co-hosted with CDC
Tuesday, May 11
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Women’s Health Twitter Chat
Wednesday, May 12
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
To participate, email HRSA's Office of Communications your organization name, Twitter handle, and contact person.

Heart Healthy Women: Supporting Women’s Unique Cardiovascular Health Needs
Wednesday, May 12
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Buying Home Blood Pressure Monitors to Support SMBP: How to Get Started
Hosted by NACHC, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, May 13
12:30-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Addressing Financial and Legal Problems to Improve the Mental Health of Adults and Children During the Pandemic
Hosted by NCMLP, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, May 18
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Cut the Cameras: Utilizing Media to Talk about Unhealthy Relationships with Young People
Hosted by School-Based Health Alliance, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, May 20
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

The Importance of Recognizing and Responding to Toxic Stress in Primary Care Settings
Hosted by the National Center for Farmworker Health, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, May 25
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Virtual 2021 Biennial Workforce Summit
Co-hosted by NACHC, the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved’s STAR2 Center, and Community Health Center, Inc./Weitzman Institute
Wednesday, May 26, and
Thursday, May 27
Noon-5:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates
Thursday, May 27
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Access details coming soon

National FQHC Telehealth Training and TA Partners Roundtable
Hosted by the HRSA-funded National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers and NACHC, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Friday, May 28
1:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

AgWorker Health 102: Supporting Agricultural Worker Health
Hosted by Farmworker Justice, MHP Salud, Migrant Clinicians Network, Health Outreach Partners, and National Center for Farmworker Health, all HRSA-funded NTTAPs
Thursday, June 3
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Webinars are hosted by HRSA unless otherwise noted.