American Rescue Plan Funding
DUE THURSDAY: Funding Opportunity for Health Center Construction and Capital Improvements
Health centers have until this Thursday, June 24, to submit their American Rescue Plan – Health Center Construction and Capital Improvements (C8E) application in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHBs). Visit the C8E technical assistance (TA) webpage for award submission guidance, recordings of the question and answer sessions, and other resources. Also, view the C8E FAQs webpage, which we recently updated.
DUE MONDAY: Funding for Training and TA
Primary Care Associations (PCAs) (U5F), NTTAPs (U3F), and Health Center Controlled Networks (HQC) have until next Monday, June 28, to submit information about their American Rescue Plan activities and costs. Visit the TA pages for submission requirements, question and answer session recordings, and other resources. Also, view the U5F, U3F, and HQC FAQs.
Funding for Native Hawaiian Health Care
Current Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act award recipients have until Friday, July 2, at 11:59 p.m. ET/5:59 p.m. HT to submit their fiscal year 2021 American Rescue Plan—Funding for Native Hawaiian Health Care (ARP-NH) application in Grants.gov.
Review the FAQs for applicants, which we will continue to update. Visit the ARP-NH TA webpage for application instructions, a recording of the questions and answer session, and other resources.
What's New
Today with Macrae Wrap-Up
Here are the slides for last week's session. The recording will be posted on the COVID-19 Information for Health Centers and Partners webpage as soon as it’s available.
Highlights included:
- We expect 2020 Uniform Data System (UDS) data to publish sometime in August.
- BPHC senior leaders shared updates related to BPHC REACH and how we're transforming the way we work, focusing on key shifts.
- Office of Quality Improvement Director Suma Nair explained that one of the shifts is away from the Quality Improvement Awards to a Quality Improvement Fund. As an example, the Optimizing Virtual Care funding opportunity is how we’re using our Quality Improvement Fund this year.
We will continue to recognize and celebrate quality improvement in ways other than monetary awards. You can expect to hear more about it later this summer. One example is that we will continue to post badges for Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition and various clinical quality achievements on health center data pages. We will also consider PCMH recognition status for funding opportunities such as Service Area Competition and Quality Improvement Fund projects. That’s why it’s important to verify your health center’s PCMH status by Friday, July 9.
-
Learn more in the Federal Register Notice published earlier this year.
- If you missed it, we also talked about BPHC REACH and the changes for our Health Services Offices in last week’s Digest.
NEW TIME: As a reminder, the time for these upcoming Today with Macrae sessions is 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET:
Thursday, July 29 | Thursday, August 19 | Thursday, September 9
|
Please take some time to watch a Today with Macrae+ Special Report on an important topic—emergency preparedness. Health centers and PCAs play a critical role in providing services and resources to their communities before, during, and after emergency events.
This special report features guests from HRSA’s Office of Regional Operations, the Michigan Primary Care Association, Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc., and Alcona Citizens for Health, Inc., who highlight the great work that’s happening in Region 5 and share success stories from the state of Michigan.
|
DUE FRIDAY: Calendar Year 2022 Federal Tort Claims Act Deeming Applications Instructions and Tool Kit
Applications for medical malpractice coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) are due by Friday, June 25.
The HRSA guidance for both new applications (deeming) and renewal of existing coverage (redeeming) for health center staff is available in Program Assistance Letter (PAL) 2021-01. Details about coverage for health center volunteer health professionals are available in PAL 2021-02.
Our website includes information to help you with the application process including:
- Four pre-recorded TA webinars.
- A tool kit that includes FTCA-approved templates you can use as application submissions and attachments to demonstrate compliance in the risk management and credentialing sections of the application.
|
Staffing Transformation Following PCMH Recognition among HRSA-Funded Health Centers
Join HRSA for a webinar exploring how PCMH recognition at health centers has affected staffing capacity to deliver team-based integrated care. PCMH recognition aims to improve patient outcomes, and has been promoted through the Health Center Program with training, TA, and funding support. We’ll feature findings from a recent analysis of data from the UDS and HRSA accreditation and PCMH recognition initiatives to identify changes in health center staffing infrastructure.
Wednesday, July 14
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in response to Executive Order 13937
On Wednesday, June 16, HHS published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to rescind Implementation of Executive Order 13937, “Executive Order on Access to Affordable Life-saving Medications.” It is available for viewing in the Federal Register. The NPRM will be available for public comment through Friday, July 16. Interested parties can submit comments electronically to the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Comments must be identified by HHS Docket No. HRSA-2021-0003.
Quarterly 340B Program Registration
Quarterly 340B Program site registration is open from July 1 to 15. Health centers will be able to register a site that has been verified as implemented and with a site status reflected as “active” in EHBs Form 5B through Friday, August 27. After that date, the system will close to prepare for the October 1 start.
Email the 340B Prime Vendor Program or call 888-340-2787 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET) to register a new site or ask questions. You will need to provide the following information when calling:
- Health center name.
- Site/clinic name.
- Site IDs for all sites.
- HRSA/BPHC grant number.
- Contact name and email address.
- Authorizing official name and email address.
The authorizing official will receive an email message that the account is unlocked and a registration may be submitted.
COVID-19
Managing in the Time of COVID-19 and Beyond
Register now for a webinar series hosted by the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved’s (ACU) STAR2 Center. This series focuses on managers at health centers and the skills they need to have a positive impact on their workforce. Speakers will cover increasing employee engagement, policies and procedures, the logistics of changing care teams, and incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion work into management. The ACU is a HRSA-funded NTTAP.
Monday, June 28
Noon-12:45 p.m. ET
Tuesday, June 29
1:00-1:45 p.m. ET
Wednesday, June 30
Noon-12:45 p.m. ET
CDC Guidance for “Long COVID”
CDC released much anticipated guidance for physicians treating patients struggling with lingering and complicated problems after COVID-19 (long COVID). This includes patients who are experiencing illness at least four weeks after an acute infection. In many cases, these conditions can be treated by primary care providers. Health care providers and patients should work together to set goals for patients that focus on their specific symptoms and to establish comprehensive management plans.
Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine Expiration Date Update
FDA recently authorized an extension of the shelf life for the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine from 3 to 4.5 months (an additional six weeks). The decision is based on data from ongoing stability assessment studies, which have demonstrated that the vaccine is stable at 4.5 months when refrigerated at temperatures of 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit (2-8 degrees Celsius).
COVID-19 vaccines authorized under an Emergency Use Authorization do not have fixed expiration dates, and their expiration dates can be extended as more stability data emerges. Always be sure to check the manufacturer’s website to obtain the most up-to-date expiration dates for COVID-19 vaccines you have on hand.
Visit the Janssen Expiry Checker to confirm the latest expiration dates. The FDA extension applies to refrigerated vials of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine that have been held in accordance with the manufacturer’s storage conditions.
NEW: Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program Data View Added to Dashboard
The Health Center COVID-19 Vaccinations among Racial and Ethnic Minority Patients Dashboard now includes a separate view of cumulative data on vaccinations administered specifically through the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program (federal allocations only). This is in addition to the existing view of total vaccinations (all sources). Both views display data nationally and by state or territory, and among patients who identify as racial and/or ethnic minorities. View dashboards on COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and operations on the HRSA Data Warehouse.
Customizable COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Toolkit for Rural Communities
This toolkit from the HRSA-supported National Rural Health Resource Center helps rural community- and faith-based organizations, businesses, public health, schools, and health care organizations with internal and external COVID-19 vaccine communication materials. It provides easy access to customizable communication templates that include print ads, posters, brochures, social media posts, and an online resource guide.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy among Direct Service Workers
Vaccine uptake among direct service workers is particularly important, but this group experiences many barriers to vaccination, including culturally competent and accessible information, paid sick leave and/or time off, and transportation. Experts will discuss the demographics of the direct service workforce, barriers to vaccination, strategies to increase vaccine confidence and uptake, and promising practices. Hosted by the HHS Administration for Community Living and CMS.
Thursday, July 1
3:00-4:30 p.m. ET
Register here
Health Centered on COVID-19
How is your health center helping your community address COVID-19? Send your story to our Health Center Stories inbox. We are especially interested in hearing about efforts to promote equity in vaccine distribution and boost vaccine confidence. We may share your story in future issues of the Digest, on Today with Macrae webcasts, or via HRSA social media.
If sharing a photo, please include a high-resolution image along with the names of everyone in the picture, and make sure each person has signed a HRSA Photo Release Form.
EDITOR’S NOTE: In last week’s issue, we made an error in the location of Herald Christian Health Center. The correct location is Los Angeles County, CA.
|
 |
|
These COVID-19 related items ran in previous issues of the Digest.
|
School-Based Vaccines and Immunizations
Looking to start or enhance your school-based immunization efforts, including the COVID-19 vaccine? Visit the School-Based Health Alliance's School-Based Vaccines and Immunizations resource for strategies and guidance from federal, state, and school-based health center partners. The School-Based Health Alliance is a HRSA-funded NTTAP.
Vaccine Hesitancy Map
HHS recently developed an interactive map of state, county, and sub-state level predictions of hesitancy rates using the most recently available federal survey data, the Household Pulse Survey from April 14-26.
Updated CDC Guidance for People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness
Updated last week, CDC’s interim guidance includes considerations for developing a long-term strategy related to COVID-19 prevention among people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
CDC also updated the guidance specific to children and teens experiencing homelessness—both vaccinated and unvaccinated.
Health Center COVID-19 Weekly Survey
The current survey is due TODAY at 11:59 p.m. your local time. Need guidance on how to answer the questions? Check out our Survey User Guide.
Health Center COVID-19 FAQs
We continue to update our COVID-19 FAQs webpage. Other resources:
Behavioral Health
Intersection of Substance Use, HIV, and HCV: What Behavioral Health Providers Need to Know
Patients co-diagnosed with HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and substance use disorder (SUD) face unique challenges—and their care challenges providers. Access to medical treatment, substantially disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has further complicated the unique needs of patients with multiple diagnoses.
In this webinar series, experts from the UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs and the Pacific Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center will discuss emerging and important SUD, HIV, and viral HCV topics.
Sessions take place from 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET:
Part 1: Alcohol, HIV, and HCV – Wednesday, July 7
Part 2: Opioids, HIV, and HCV – Wednesday, September 8
Part 3: Stimulants, HIV, and HCV – Wednesday, October 13
Harm Reduction for Healthcare in Health Center Setting
This three-part video series from Corporation for Supportive Housing provides an overview of what harm reduction is and why it is important in working with those with SUD in the health care setting. Targeted to health center boards and leadership, the videos highlight what harm reduction is, how it can be applied in the health center setting, and strategies to incorporate into training, policies, and workflows. Together, the three videos are about 20 minutes long. The Corporation for Supportive Housing is a HRSA-funded NTTAP.
Mental Health among Parents of Children and Unpaid Caregivers of Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic
CDC’s new report shows parents, unpaid caregivers of adults, and parents-caregivers (persons in both roles) had significantly worse mental health than adults not in these roles, including five times the odds of any adverse mental health symptoms for parents-caregivers.
New SAMHSA Resources
New Loan Repayment Program Expands Eligible SUD Disciplines, Facility Types
HRSA’s new SUD Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program expands access to SUD treatment by adding several new disciplines. Eligible health professionals can receive up to $250,000 in exchange for a six-year, full-time service commitment at a variety of added SUD facility types. Apply by 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 22. Eligible sites may also apply to become approved for the program.
|
Oral Health and Behavioral Health in Patients Experiencing Homelessness
The National Network for Oral Health Access and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council developed a publication to bring awareness to the intersection of oral health and behavioral health concerns or cognitive impairment in people experiencing homelessness. It highlights the impact of behavioral health illness on oral health and how behavioral health and dental providers can work together to address this intersection in their practices. Both organizations are HRSA-funded NTTAPs.
HIV
National HIV Testing Day
Sunday, June 27, is National HIV Testing Day. This year's theme is “My Test, My Way." This is a chance to emphasize for your patients the importance of knowing their HIV status. If a patient is positive, it is an opportunity to link them to care and discuss treatments that can lower their viral load. Remind them that undetectable = untransmittable. These are major steps for Ending the HIV Epidemic.
Get #HIVTestingDay resources to spread the word on CDC’s National HIV Testing Day page and HIV.gov’s National HIV Testing Day webpage.
|
Hypertension
Introduction to Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring
Here’s the recording from the first of our two-part webinar series on self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring. Speakers from HRSA, CDC’s Million Hearts® initiative, and NACHC highlighted key resources for health centers to use and reference as they prepare to implement SMBP.
In Part 2, HRSA-funded health centers will share their experiences planning for and implementing SMBP, including challenges and best practices learned along the way.
SMBP 102: Challenges and Lessons Learned Implementing SMBP (Stories from the Field)
Thursday, June 24
12:30-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here
Workforce
Staffing Transformation Following PCMH Recognition among HRSA-Funded Health Centers
See announcement above.
Managing in the Time of COVID-19 and Beyond
See the announcement above.
New Loan Repayment Program Expands Eligible Substance Use Disorder Disciplines, Facility Types
See the announcement above.
Physician Assistant Study
Have any of your clinicians completed an onboarding program in primary care in the last four years? The Duke Physician Assistant Research Group is currently seeking participants (physician assistants and nurse practitioners) for a study. Get more information. This is a HRSA-funded health workforce research center study.
New Site Application Extended
Apply now to be a new National Health Service Corps (NHSC) site. This year, previously approved sites that have become inactive may also apply to recertify their approved status during the open cycle. Your site may be eligible if you provide outpatient, ambulatory, and primary health care services (medical, dental, and behavioral health) to populations residing in high-need urban or rural areas. Additional eligible site types include facilities providing general SUD treatment, a medication-assisted treatment program, or an opioid treatment program. Applications are due Thursday, July 1, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
|
In case you missed it:
Visit the Primary Health Care Digest archive.
Do you forward the Digest to others?
Encourage them to subscribe.
|
Sign up for eNews
Connect with HRSA
