Accolades for Health Centers at NACHC P&I Forum, Vaccine Program in the Spotlight, and More! HRSA PHC Digest

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

HRSA BPHC Primary Health Care Digest

February 22, 2022

Administration Officials Laud the Work of Health Centers at NACHC Conference
“When the story of this pandemic is written,” President Joe Biden told attendees at the NACHC Policy & Issues Forum last week, “you’re going to stand out among its heroes.”

Biden noted that the personal touch many patients experience at health centers had been a great help in getting Americans vaccinated against the coronavirus.

“That person by person, patient by patient, community by community commitment has added up to nearly 20 million shots in arms in thousands of community health centers all across America,” the President said.

NACHC Screenshot - Biden and Becerra

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra delivered opening remarks at the gathering. He thanked participants for their work, and said he’s looking forward to the approval of vaccines for children ages 6 months to 5 years. He noted that health centers already are providing vaccines for older children and teens.

Becerra said he believed that maternal morbidity and mortality rates are still much too high in some communities, and health centers can play an important role in improving the situation. A few states are now offering a year of post-partum care through their Medicaid programs, and the Administration will encourage more states to do so.

NACHC Screenshot - Carole, Jim, Luis.jpg

HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson noted the one-year anniversary of the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program and said health center staff are trusted messengers who have helped to counter vaccine misinformation. While battling the coronavirus will continue to be a priority, HRSA will also focus on areas such as expanding behavioral health services and workforce recruitment and retention.


Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program

Focusing on the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program
The Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program, a collaboration between HRSA and CDC that provides a direct allocation of COVID-19 vaccines to HRSA-supported health centers, figures prominently in these recent publications:

  • A new video from the National Association for Community Health Centers (NACHC) features HRSA Associate Administrator Jim Macrae discussing how the program spotlighted the critical role that health centers play across the nation. NACHC is a HRSA-funded National Training and Technical Assistance Partner (NTTAP).

  • The Government Accountability Office published COVID-19: Federal Efforts to Provide Vaccines to Racial and Ethnic Groups (GAO-22-105079), which describes actions taken by HRSA, CDC, and FEMA to provide COVID-19 vaccines to underserved and historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups.

  • Our new Health Center Stories webpage provides examples of health centers’ creative and inspiring efforts to boost vaccine confidence and connect with their communities.

Building on the success of the vaccine program, we’ve recently added programs that ensure equitable access to tools that can mitigate the spread and impact of COVID-19:

Going forward, you may hear or see us talk about the “COVID-19 Response Programs.” This refers to all of these programs, including the vaccine program.


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Jump To:  COVID-19  |  American Heart Month  |  Behavioral Health  |  Workforce  |  Oral Health


What's New

BPHC Contact Form Reimagined for Health Centers
We’ve updated the BPHC Contact Form to better meet your needs. These improvements are based on your feedback and are the result of a months-long collaboration across our bureau. The more intuitive design will allow you to request support and communicate with us on topics from funding opportunities, to program requirements, to HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHBs), and everything in between. The new form provides an easier way for health centers to connect with our specialists.

The BPHC Contact Form is an addition to the Health Center Program Support phone line, which remains available at 877-464-4772 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday (except federal holidays). We continue to make the health center experience a priority using new and innovative ways to provide accurate information quickly.


Deadline Reminders: Service Area Competition Applications
The following applications are due in EHBs by 5:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 9.

  • Service Area Competition (SAC) HRSA-22-008 applications.
  • SAC-Additional Areas (Lexington, KY and Worcester, MA) HRSA-22-125 applications.

Technical assistance (TA) materials are available on the SAC TA webpage.


Fiscal Year 2021 American Rescue Plan - Health Center Construction and Capital Improvements (ARP – Capital, C8E) Office Hour
Our Capital Specialist team will host an office hour to answer questions and provide additional assistance to C8E health center awardees. Feel free to come with questions and/or listen and learn from others.

Thursday, February 24
4:00-5:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Visit the ARP-Capital TA page for award recipient information, Frequently Asked Questions, and additional resources.


Enhancing Health Center Data Interoperability with FHIR®
Andrew Hamilton, RN, Chief Informatics Officer of AllianceChicago, a HRSA-funded Health Center Controlled Network, will present a case study on leveraging Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR®) for COVID-19 electronic case reporting. He will illustrate how health centers have used FHIR® standards to respond to public health emergencies as well as other common FHIR® use cases and the factors needed for health centers to implement FHIR® standards successfully.

In addition, HRSA staff will outline the Uniform Data System (UDS) Modernization Initiative goals. They will discuss implications of aligning with new Health Level 7 International (HL7®) FHIR® standards, and they will share plans to enable UDS Patient Level Submission (UDS+) reporting via HL7® FHIR® technology.

Thursday, March 10
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here


340B Recertification Takes Place January 31-February 28
Covered entities that do not recertify by the deadline of Monday, February 28, will be terminated from the HRSA 340B Program starting on Tuesday, March 1. They will require a new registration and will not be eligible to participate in the 340B Program until the next quarter starting July 1.

To recertify, Authorizing Officials and Primary Contacts must first set up user accounts by visiting the HRSA 340B Office of Pharmacy Affairs Information System (340B OPAIS) and choosing “I am a participant.” It is the covered entity’s responsibility to ensure they have created their accounts before recertification to allow successful completion of the process. For questions or assistance, email the 340B call center or call 888-340-2787 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET).


The Health Center Board’s Role in Evaluating and Implementing Corporate Consolidation Strategies
This resource from NACHC outlines the role of a health center board in evaluating and implementing corporate consolidation strategies such as merger, asset acquisition, and parent-subsidiary model.


FDA Recall of Some Powdered Infant Formulas
Health centers may want to share this information with patients: Last week, Abbott Nutrition initiated a voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare. FDA issued an advisory to alert consumers to avoid purchasing or using recalled powdered infant formula produced in the Sturgis, MI facility.

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating four consumer complaints of infant illness related to products from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility received from September 20, 2021, to January 11, 2022. All of the cases are reported to have consumed powdered infant formula produced from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. These complaints include three reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one report of Salmonella Newport infection in infants. All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalized, and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case.


HHS Needs Input on Vaccine Uptake Messaging
To address vaccine disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, HHS has developed promotional materials on shingles and pneumonia vaccines, with a specific goal of reaching African Americans age 50 and older. This anonymous survey invites feedback on these materials. It should take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

This is part of the department’s National Strategic Plan for Vaccines 2021-2025, which highlights the need to “reduce disparities and inequities, increase access to and use of routinely recommended vaccines across the lifespan.” Contact Corstella Johnson if you have questions about this project. Contact CHWsurveyhelp@mayatech.com for technical difficulties with the survey.


COVID-19

Order COVID-19 Point-of-Care Testing Supplies and N95 Masks
HRSA invites all HRSA-supported health centers (including look-alikes) to order point-of-care testing supplies and N95 masks in the Health Partner Order Portal (HPoP) system. Please visit HPoP or the Health Center COVID-19 Online Community for details, including organizational ordering caps, deadlines, and information about expected delivery dates. Learn more in our bulletin from last week.


HRSA COVID-19 N95 Masks and Testing Supply Program Office Hours for Health Centers
For COVID-19 program participation tips and an opportunity to ask questions live, join our next office hours. This session is open to all health centers and is geared towards program participants.

Thursday, February 24
1:00-2:00 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: 160 336 7994


Encouraging Partnerships between Health Centers and ACL Networks
We invite you to read a joint letter from HRSA and the Administration for Community Living (ACL), encouraging ACL-supported aging and disability networks to partner with HRSA’s network of community providers on efforts to increase access to COVID-19 tests and masks. Read more in our recent bulletin.


Closing the COVID-19 Test to Treatment Gap
Understanding and knowing one’s COVID-19 status is critical to receiving timely treatment. The HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) oversees the fair and equitable allocation and distribution of COVID-19 therapeutics under Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. The window for treatment eligibility for these products is less than 10 days from symptom onset. Join us for a webinar to discuss the current COVID-19 therapeutics landscape and the best practices for helping close the test to treatment gap.

Thursday, February 24
2:30-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here


Union Community Care

Getting COVID-19 Tests to People Experiencing Homelessness and Residents of Public Housing
Union Community Care (Lancaster, PA) received 16,200 COVID-19 at-home self-tests through the HRSA COVID-19 Testing Supply Program. They shared these tests with community partners, including Water Street Mission, which reaches thousands of residents in Lancaster County and provides shelter to those experiencing homelessness.

Read more in the first story in the COVID-19 Response Efforts section of our Health Center Stories webpage.


Share Your Story
Interested in sharing your health center’s story? Email HRSA Health Center Stories to submit your story for possible promotion in HRSA communications.

For health centers participating in the HRSA COVID-19 Testing Supply Program and/or in the HRSA COVID-19 N95 Mask Program, we’re eager to hear how your health center is distributing tests and/or N95 masks. We’d like to know how your participation has positively impacted patients and recipients.

If sharing a photo, please include a high-resolution image and a HRSA Photo Release Form for each person featured.


American Heart Month

American Heart Month

Million Hearts® 2027
In addition to being American Heart Month, February marks the launch of Million Hearts® 2027, the national initiative co-led by the CDC and CMS to prevent 1 million heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events over the next five years.

To meet this aim, the initiative is targeting three priority areas:

  • Building Healthy Communities by making changes to the environments in which people live, learn, work, and play, to make it easier for people to make healthy choices.

  • Optimizing Care so that those with and at risk for cardiovascular disease receive the services and acquire the skills needed to reduce the likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke; and

  • Focusing on Health Equity for populations who suffer worse outcomes of cardiovascular disease and where there is evidence and the opportunity to make a significant impact.

Visit the Million Hearts® website to learn more about the initiative’s goals and leading strategies, to access the latest suite of communication materials, and to explore new opportunities for engagement.


Upcoming Heart Health Events
It’s the last week of American Heart Month, but there are several heart health-related events to look forward to in March. Stay tuned for details on a new Heart Health Office Hour.

In the meantime, consider joining NACHC and the American Medical Association’s next Million Hearts® Learning Lab:

Million Hearts Learning Lab

Optimizing Care for High-Risk Patients with LDL >=190 mg/dL: Messaging and Management
This bi-monthly learning series focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention and management topics for health center clinicians and staff. The next session is:

Wednesday, March 16
3:00-3:45 p.m. ET
Register here

NACHC (through a cooperative agreement with Million Hearts®) and the American Medical Association co-host this series. CDC and CMS fund Million Hearts®.

**Clinicians may earn 1.0 CME credit per session and up to 5.0 credits for attending the full series through the American Medical Association's EdHub.**


Behavioral Health

Comment Now: CDC’s Draft Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids  
CDC is updating the 2016 CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain. The draft updated guideline is available for public comment in the Federal Register by Monday, April 11. See CDC’s website for information about the update process.


Integrating Psychiatry into Primary Care Treatment of Patients with Substance Use Disorder
Speakers will present care models for referral and care coordination between psychiatry and primary care providers and discuss experiences with collaborative care planning, using screening tools to identify patients appropriately, implementing successful referral and handoff transitions, and using medication management to improve patient participation and efficacy in their treatment.

Tuesday, March 1
2:30-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here
**1.0 CE available**


Workforce

HRSA-funded NTTAPs present learning collaboratives:

  • Community Food Mapping to Promote Diabetes Prevention
    For people experiencing homelessness at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, finding healthy food options can be a challenge. This opportunity is for health centers of all funding types serving people experiencing housing insecurity. Participants will develop food maps that document resources to resolve food insecurity. The National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) invites case managers, community health workers, peer educators, care coordinators, social workers, and all health center staff who assist clients in navigating community food resources to join this examination of food insecurity. Apply by Friday, March 4.

  • Using Legal Services as Part of a Community Health Strategy to Improve Maternal and Child Health
    The National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership (NCMLP) invites health centers to better understand and address the social and legal determinants of maternal and child health. Participants will develop strategies and plans for integrating civil legal services into their health center’s maternal and child health priorities. Register here.

Oral Health

Oral Health and Primary Care Integration: Optimizing Care Coordination to Improve Oral Health Access
The National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA) and the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium (NNCC) invite you to learn promising practices for oral health integration to support health education and treatment. Speakers will focus on care coordination and the unique needs of special populations like residents of public housing. You’ll learn how two organizations implemented sustainable integration programs and engaged medical team members and health center leadership. Both organizations are HRSA-funded NTTAPs.

Wednesday, March 16
2:00-3:00 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 March 1

Lessons Learned from Project Catalyst: State/Territory-Wide Transformation on Health, Intimate Partner Violence, and Human Trafficking
Hosted by Futures without Violence (Project Catalyst received HHS funding, including from HRSA)
Tuesday, February 22
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET 
Register here

Focus Group for Consumers*: Healthy Cooking and Diabetes
Hosted by NHCHC, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
*We encourage health centers to recruit consumers for this session.

Wednesday February 23
5:00-6:00 p.m. ET
Register here

HRSA COVID-19 N95 Masks and Testing Supply Program Office Hours for Health Centers
Thursday, February 24
1:00-2:00 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: 160 336 7994

Social Determinants of Health Screening Tools 101 for Health Center Staff Serving Public Housing Residents
Hosted by the National Center for Health in Public Housing, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, February 24
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Community Health Workers and Peers’ Role in Diabetes Management
Hosted by MHP Salud and the Corporation for Supportive Housing, both HRSA-funded NTTAPs
Thursday, February 24
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here

Closing the COVID-19 Test to Treatment Gap
Hosted by ASPR
Thursday, February 24
2:30-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here

Orientation to Agricultural Worker Health (in Spanish)
Hosted by the National Center for Farmworker Health, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, February 24
2:30-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here

Fiscal Year 2021 American Rescue Plan - Health Center Construction and Capital Improvements (ARP – Capital, C8E) Office Hours
Thursday, February 24
4:00-5:00 p.m. ET
Register here

UDS Mapper Advanced Topic: Using the UDS Mapper for Research
Monday, February 28
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

HRSA Telehealth Learning Series: A Session on Innovative Rural Health Programs
Monday, February 28
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Workforce Grand Rounds Webinar Series: Health Care Workforce Diversity & Health Equity
Tuesday, March 1
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session

Integrating Psychiatry into Primary Care Treatment of Patients with Substance Use Disorder
Tuesday, March 1
2:30-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here
**1.0 CE available**


Upcoming

Improving Mental Health Outcomes for Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth through Gender-Affirming Care
Hosted by the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Wednesday, March 2
4:00-5:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Best Practices in Screening and Data Collection for Medical-Legal Partnerships Serving Immigrant Populations: Session 2 in the Medical-Legal Partnership in Health Centers Toolkit Webinar Series
Hosted by NCMLP, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, March 3
4:00-5:00 p.m. ET
Register here (visit to see series information)

Better Assess Your Community Using the UDS Mapper
Monday, March 7
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

How to be Supportive during a Crisis
Hosted by Migrant Clinicians Network, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, March 8
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates
Tuesday, March 8
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: 160 614 5887

Expanding the Role of Dental Assistants
Hosted by the NNOHA, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, March 8
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here
**1.0 CDE available**

Achieving Health Equity for LGBTQIA+ Patients (in Spanish)
Hosted by the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Wednesday, March 9
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Enhancing Health Center Data Interoperability with FHIR®
Thursday, March 10
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Million Hearts® SMBP Forum Quarterly Meetings
Co-hosted by CDC and NACHC (with CDC funding)
Thursday, March 10
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Building Resiliency: Mini Skill-Building Drop-In Series
Hosted by NNCC, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, March 10
3:00-3:45 p.m. ET
Register here (visit to see series information)

The Importance of Public Transportation for Patients, and Why We Must Protect It
Hosted by Health Outreach Partners, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, March 15
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Oral Health and Primary Care Integration: Optimizing Care Coordination to Improve Oral Health Access
Hosted by NNCC and NNOHA, both HRSA-funded NTTAPs
Wednesday, March 16
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Homeless in the Emergency Department: Partnerships to Improve Care for People without Homes in Emergency Departments Webinar Series
Hosted by NHCHC, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Wednesday, March 16
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here (visit to see all dates and times)

Million Hearts® Learning Lab: Optimizing Care for High-Risk Patients with LDL >=190 mg/dL: Messaging and Management
Co-hosted by NACHC (through a cooperative agreement with CDC) and the American Medical Association
Wednesday, March 16
3:00-3:45 p.m. ET
Register here
**1.0 CME available**

Climate Change and Health: The Risks to Community Health and Health Care Utilization
Co-hosted with CDC
Thursday, March 17
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Patient Safety Awareness Week Event: Harnessing Individual Power to Effect Positive Change
Hosted by HRSA in partnership with other HHS agencies
Thursday, March 17
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here

Leading with Optimism in Challenging Times
Hosted by NACHC, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, March 24
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Register here

Specialty Care Access in Health Centers: What is the Potential of eConsults?
Hosted by the Health Information Technology, Evaluation, and Quality Center, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, March 24
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Special and Vulnerable Populations COVID-19 Forum
Hosted by several HRSA-funded NTTAPs
Friday, March 25
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here (visit to see all dates and times)

Webinars are hosted by HRSA unless otherwise noted.