What's New
Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates As a reminder, we post the slides and recordings for recent Today with Macrae sessions on the COVID-19 Information for Health Centers and Partners webpage.
Here are some of the resources mentioned during the webcast:
Save the date for the remaining sessions for this year, 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET on:
October 21 | November 9 | December 1
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Ending the HIV Epidemic: Primary Care HIV Prevention Funding Awarded HHS awarded over $48 million to 271 HRSA-supported health centers to expand HIV prevention and treatment, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) related services, outreach, and care coordination.
For more information, read our recent bulletin and visit the Ending the HIV Epidemic: Primary Care HIV Prevention (PCHP) TA webpage.
Join the question and answer session for PCHP award recipients:
Thursday, September 30 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: 160 682 2895
Deadline Reminder: Service Area Competition Applications for April 1 Starts Service Area Competition (SAC) HRSA-22-005 applications are due in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) on Thursday, October 7, by 5:00 p.m. ET. TA materials are available on the SAC TA webpage.
Supplemental Award Quarterly Progress Reports Due Thursday, October 14 The next quarterly progress report for FY 2021 American Rescue Plan supplemental awards and FY 2020 COVID-19 awards with an extended project period opens in EHBs on Friday, October 1. Award recipients will have until Thursday, October 14, to complete and submit their progress report, which covers the reporting period beginning July 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021. If you have questions about the quarterly progress report, please contact your Project Officer.
Closing a Temporary Site? If your health center needs to close a temporary service site, please contact your Project Officer to request that the site be removed from your Form 5B. There is no need to submit a change in scope request.
A change in scope request is required should you decide to make the temporary site a permanent site. For more information, see HRSA's Scope of Project webpage.
Updated Unmet Need Score Resources Now Available The updated Unmet Need Score (UNS) and Service Area Status (SAS) Resource Guide and the UNS Frequently Asked Questions are now available on our Strategic Initiatives webpage. These new resources are the result of an extensive process HRSA undertook to update the original UNS and develop the new SAS based on stakeholder feedback and the changing health care landscape. HRSA will share additional information on the use of these resources in the future.
Upcoming 2021 UDS Reporting Webinars Our 2021 UDS reporting webinar series continues this week with the second of three sessions on the clinical tables. View the full 2021 UDS reporting webinar schedule. Individual sessions are also listed (with dates, times, and registration links) in the sidebar of this newsletter.
Another upcoming session focuses on submission strategies:
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Successful UDS Submission Strategies: Review practices for successful UDS data collection and reporting, with a specific focus on assessing data for accuracy. The session will cover how to use EHBs reports and tools (e.g., health center trend report, comparison tool), how to use EHBs for reviews, and best practices for working with your reviewer for a successful submission.
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HRSA’s Loan Guarantee Program: An Overview Join Capital Link to learn more about the Health Center Loan Guarantee Program (LGP), including benefits, eligibility, and the application process. The LGP offers loan guarantees to eligible health centers for the construction, renovation, and modernization of facilities. It can enhance a health center's credit profile and cover up to 80% of the principal amount of loans made by non-federal lenders. The LGP also reduces lender risk and allows a lender to provide a loan under more favorable terms than otherwise possible. Capital Link is a HRSA-funded National Training and Technical Assistance Partner (NTTAP).
Wednesday, October 6 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET Register here
National Advisory Council on Migrant Health to Meet in November The National Advisory Council on Migrant Health (NACMH) will hold a four-day virtual meeting Tuesday, November 2, through Friday, November 5. The event is open to the public. Visit the NACMH webpage to register, and view the agenda.
NACMH advises and makes recommendations to the HHS Secretary on policy, program development, and other topics related to migrant health centers and other organizations that serve migratory and seasonal agricultural workers and their families.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Webinar The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) makes funding available to states, territories, local governments, and tribes to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The HHS Administration for Community Living (ACL), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, will host a webinar on Thursday, September 30 to provide tools and information to help people learn more about and apply for ERAP resources.
Note: Due to high demand, registration has reached the maximum capacity. To be added to a mailing list to receive a notice when the recording is available, please send a note to HSRC@acl.hhs.gov with “Sept. 30 webinar“ in the subject line.
How Climate Affects Community Health CMS-required emergency preparedness plans should comprise four core elements: risk assessment; policies and procedures; a communications plan; and training and testing. As your health center prepares its plan, we encourage you to consider the potential impacts of climate change on community health. CDC’s Office on Climate and Health produced this video explaining how the effects of climate change (extreme heat, unhealthy air quality, and disease outbreaks) can impact community health.
COVID-19
HUD and National Center for Health in Public Housing COVID-19 Update HUD and the National Center for Health in Public Housing (NCHPH), a HRSA-funded NTTAP, will discuss the latest about COVID-19 booster shots, COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and Influenza vaccinations for those health centers in or immediately accessible to public housing.
Wednesday, September 29 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET Register here
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The following COVID-19 related item ran in previous communications from the Bureau of Primary Health Care.
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Unique Partnerships and Strategies for COVID-19 Vaccines and Migratory and Seasonal Agricultural Workers: National Farmworker Vaccination Assessment Results The Farmworker Health Network (FHN) has conducted a National Farmworker Vaccination Assessment for Migrant Health Centers to share successful strategies and partnerships on ensuring that migratory and seasonal agricultural workers (MSAWs) receive COVID-19 vaccines. To fully document these practices, FHN will present the assessment findings and showcase Migrant Health Centers through a panel discussion with successful efforts on getting MSAWs vaccinated to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Wednesday, September 29 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET Register here
FHN includes several HRSA-funded NTTAPs: Farmworker Justice, Migrant Clinicians Network, Health Outreach Partners, MHP Salud, the National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH), and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC).
Behavioral Health
Recruitment Boot Camp: Mental Health Staff Edition Learning Collaborative The Association of Clinicians for the Underserved’s (ACU) STAR2 Center presents a four-part learning collaborative that will explore special considerations needed to recruit a diverse, mission-driven, and patient-centered mental health workforce. Applications are due by Friday, October 8. Learn more and apply. ACU is a HRSA-funded NTTAP.
Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals Serving Public Housing Residents NCHPH presents a five-part learning collaborative to assist Public Housing Primary Care Health Center awardees in increasing their capacity to provide quality behavioral health services to patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. This opportunity will help behavioral health professionals increase cultural and linguistic competency. Apply here. NCHPH is a HRSA-funded NTTAP.
Addressing Tobacco Dependency to Reduce COVID-19 Risks and Complications Early evidence has found that compared with non-smokers, smokers are more likely to develop serious COVID-19 disease. NCHPH presents a webinar series where speakers will provide examples of cessation plans, best practices, and patient resources to encourage cessation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sessions take place from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET on:
Tuesday, October 12 | Tuesday, November 2 Register here
Hypertension
New HHS Partnership Program to Help Women Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure The HHS Office on Women's Health recently announced the Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) Partnership Program. This new program will create a network of public and private organizations focused on heart health, with an emphasis on blood pressure control through SMBP. The collaborations will increase knowledge about hypertension and cardiovascular disease, expand access to SMBP resources, and encourage organizations to address heart health disparities, prevent hypertension, promote healthy blood pressures, and improve health equity on a community level.
Health Centers may apply to be a SMBP Program partner by submitting a letter of interest to OWHBPPartner@hhs.gov. Letters of interest will be accepted starting Friday, October 1, and will be reviewed periodically. The selected partners may be recognized for their commitment and their work toward achieving the goals of the program.
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New NACHC Reimbursement Tip Resource for SMBP NACHC has released Payment Reimbursement Tips: Community Health Center Requirements for Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM) & Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP). This tool can be found alongside other Payment Reimbursement Tips on NACHC's Value Transformation Framework webpage.
Workforce
Topics in Retention & Recruitment Planning and Implementation: Regional Two-Day In-Person Workshop ACU’s STAR2 Center is hosting a two-day in-person workshop in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, November 3, and Thursday, November 4, to help health centers jump start creation or work on revamping their retention and recruitment plans. Register here.
Addressing Tobacco Dependency to Reduce COVID-19 Risks and Complications See the announcement above.
Diabetes in Special & Vulnerable Populations: National Learning Webinar Series To facilitate a national conversation around diabetes and health centers, 14 NTTAPs are presenting a four-part national learning series to engage health centers, Primary Care Associations, and Health Center Controlled Networks. Participants will increase foundational knowledge of effective strategies to prevent, treat, and manage diabetes among special and vulnerable populations. The series will explore diabetes management in relation to the evolving roles of enabling services staff, developing patient-centered resources, improving diabetes care and health equity in a changing health care landscape, and addressing diabetes management during a disaster. Learn more and register for the series.
National Center for Farmworker Health Learning Collaboratives
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Increase Access to Care Plus
The Increase Access to Care Plus learning collaborative will address social determinants of health (SDOH), with a specific focus on language access and culture, designed to increase the number of health centers that receive training and TA on screening and documenting patients whose language is other than English or Spanish. Register here.
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Emergency Preparedness
NCFH will discuss emergency preparedness and how health centers can address the challenges involved in vaccine implementation when serving vulnerable populations including farmworkers. The first session will be Wednesday, October 20, followed by alternating Wednesdays through December 1, at 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET. Register here.
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Additional opportunities from NCFH are also available for health center staff to explore board governance, screening for SDOH, SDOH community partnerships, and increasing access to care. Each NCFH learning collaborative addresses how the topic impacts agricultural worker communities.
Several other HRSA-funded NTTAPs present learning collaboratives:
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Building Value and Return on Investment in Housing and Health Partnerships
NCHPH and the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium (NNCC) will guide health center staff through practical steps to help build value and return on investment in their current health center and housing authority partnerships. The modules will discuss how to optimize the health center workforce and resources, evaluate existing and developing partnerships, and measure and improve their impact. Register here.
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Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals Serving Public Housing Residents
See the announcement above.
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Optimizing Health Center Care Teams for Diabetes Prevention & Management ECHO
NNCC will highlight best practices and programming to form and optimize interdisciplinary care teams for practice transformation in support of diabetes prevention. Participants will discuss clinical best practices for diabetes prevention and management, whole-patient care and shared decision-making, SDOH, and the process of building an interdisciplinary care team in the health center setting. Register here.
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Recruitment Boot Camp: Mental Health Staff Edition
See the announcement above.
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DEADLINE EXTENDED: Childhood Diabetes Prevention
Hosted by Farmworker Justice, Health Outreach Partners, and School-Based Health Alliance (SBHA), this opportunity is for community health center primary care and behavioral health providers and outreach staff. The sessions will teach strategies and best practices for identifying and addressing diabetes risks and share experiences with health center peers and experts. Learn more and apply by Wednesday, October 6.
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Motivating Healthy Habits in Older Adults
Healthy lifestyle habits related to diet and exercise play an important role in preventing and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, but older adults may face unique barriers to adopting or modifying these habits. The National Center for Equitable Care for Elders (NCECE) and NCHPH will highlight the importance of identifying age-appropriate motivations for behavior change and setting realistic goals. The application deadline is Monday, October 25. Learn more and apply.
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Screening and Addressing SDOH
The National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) will discuss the impact of SDOH on unhoused communities, including racial equity and SDOH, workforce and SDOH, enabling services and SDOH, and risk stratification. The application deadline is Monday, November 22. Register here.
Telehealth
NACHC Monthly Telehealth Office Hours: Scheduling Strategies for Hybrid Care Hear from the Telehealth Resource Centers and discuss new trends in telehealth optimization, funding, and reimbursement. Presenters will review the current federal landscape as it relates to telehealth, in addition to highlighting recent trends including hybrid care models. Note: This event is on Zoom, and participants will need to register ahead of time.
Thursday, October 14 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET Register here
Additional Resources
TODAY: Innovations and Collaborations to Impact SDOH NACHC presents a discussion with national leaders focused on the continued impact of SDOH on communities and the strategies and partnerships health centers are developing and cultivating to address them head-on.
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET Register here
New Learning Module: Social Risk Coding and Documentation Presented by SBHA, a HRSA-funded NTTAP, this online module discusses the importance of social risk coding and documentation, with a focus on the new Evaluation and Management (E/M) coding guidelines. Participants will learn to identify social risk and advance equity using the E/M coding guidelines and to identify ways in which social risk coding can help improve the care of patients and increase access to revenue. Learn more.
Recorded Health Center 2021 TA Series The Joint Commission presents TA education sessions for health centers on topics pertaining to accreditation standards and the survey process, common trends, and strategies to address quality/risk related challenges. Recordings are available immediately after registering at the links below.
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Accreditation Essentials and Ambulatory Briefings
Register here Subscribe key: ABAE2021
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Infection Control Basics
Register here Subscribe key: ICB2021
The following resources are published by the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center, a HRSA-funded NTTAP:
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Housing, Health, and LGBTQIA+ Older Adults
Provides health centers with promising practices for supporting LGBTQIA+ older adults with their housing and related health care needs, including screening for homelessness and housing, supporting aging in place, providing affirming referrals for housing and supportive services, and offering inclusive health care environments.
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Engaging the Families of Transgender and Gender Diverse Children
Engages pediatric primary care providers, mental health providers, health center administrators, and support staff in learning how to actively engage families in the support of their transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) children, with the aim of improving the health outcomes for TGD youth. Learn best practices for serving the families of TGD youth, and strategies for successfully providing resources and referrals in response to a variety of family and patient needs and priorities.
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