Continuing to Recognize YOU!
Although Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) 2022 has ended, we continue to shine a light on your extraordinary efforts. Here are some of the BPHC nominations for HHS’ Virtual Star Cards:

Alek Sripipatana, Hank Hoang, and staff within OQI Data and Evaluation
Nominated by Larry Horlamus
“For continuous level-headedness in addressing so many data requests which support staff and leadership level program recommendations and decisions!”

Ulka Ghanta, Rael Ammon, Gabriella Bellegarde, Sarah Krom, and Christie Onoda
Nominated by Kevin Hsu
“To the Policy Rapid Response Team, for your incredible work turning around reviews of legislative TA requests on quick deadlines, but always with a keen eye, careful consideration, and reliable thoroughness.”

Visit the HHS PSRW 2022 Nominee website to see the 100 Virtual Star Cards for HRSA employees.

You can also visit the HRSA Recognition Board to see or submit a recognition anytime this month – anyone you recognize will be notified by email.

BPHC All-Hands Next Thursday
Join Deputy Associate Administrator Tonya Bowers for updates on return to the workplace, health center customer experience, and more!

Thursday, May 19
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: 161 677 7687.

National Women’s Health Week
As part of National Women’s Health Week, HHS’ Office on Women’s Health is sharing tips and tools to help you or a loved one achieve better health, such as:

• Scheduling your annual physical and other health appointments.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Finding healthy ways to manage stress and practice self-care.

Upcoming HHS Blood Drives in the National Capital Region
HHS has two upcoming blood drives in partnership with the American Red Cross:

Friday, May 20
Great Hall in Hubert H. Humphrey Building
Washington, DC
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. ET
Schedule an appointment in advance
(use sponsor code DHHS DC, not zip code)

Wednesday, June 22*
Tower Oaks Building, HHS Conference
and Training Center, Lower Level
Rockville, MD
11:00 a.m.-4:30 pm ET
Schedule an appointment in advance
*This blood drive is co-hosted by
Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC

With advance supervisory approval, you can be granted up to four hours of Excused Absence leave on the day of donation. Learn more about eligibility and the steps involved in donating blood on HHS.gov.

Getting to Know: Valerie Wampler
Meet Valerie Wampler, Deputy Director, Systems, OSBO:

One thing my coworkers would be surprised to learn about me: I am a beekeeper.

Before working at BPHC, the most interesting job I ever had: Internship with the Hartford Symphony in Connecticut.

My proudest accomplishment: Establishing NIH’s single sign-on architecture environment and moving it into production (recognized for Technology Award Leaders in Technology Magazine and Government Information Technology Executive Council).

Learn more about Valerie, and email BPHC Insider to submit your name for a future Getting to Know.

COVID-19 Workplace Safety Scenarios
HRSA recently added additional COVID-19 Workplace Safety Scenarios to help you understand what to do if someone at work is exposed to, shows symptoms of, or tests positive for COVID-19. These scenarios illustrate how to apply guidance detailed in the HHS COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan.

If you take cleaning supplies to your desks, please return them to their designated location(s) after use. Have questions or need refills? Contact PSC Building Management at 301-443-6340.

Disinfectant wipes are also located in the printer/copy rooms and north wing printer areas on all floors. They are dispensed from a large container that looks like a silver trashcan (see the picture at right). If you need refills in these locations, contact the Division of Logistics and Support main line at 301-443-0201 or submit an OAM Logistics Service Request.

In Case You Missed It

A Round-Up of Previously Announced Items

• Congratulations to BPHC staff who received 2022 HHS Departmental Awards last week! Missed the ceremony? Watch the recording.
  
  
• Suma Nair is a finalist for a 2022 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal! You can vote online (daily!) for her to win the People’s Choice Award for her work leading the team that built the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program.
  
  
• The BPHC TA Calendar has been renamed the BPHC Invitation Calendar (BPHC IC). Submit your requests for Outlook invites for your event to go out to all BPHC staff to the BPHC IC Team.
  
  
• BPHC launched a new Section 508 Remediation Process. Learn more by reading this Staff Bulletin.
  
  
• Federal employees may receive up to four hours of administrative leave for voting on the established election day or for early voting.

Making a Great Retirement Plan Even Better
Whether it’s around the corner or down the road, planning for retirement is important to all of us.

Managing your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account is a key part of that, and the TSP is making it even easier for you to plan for retirement. They’ll soon launch new features. In order to do so, there will be a freeze on transactions later this month. Learn more about exciting TSP changes on the horizon.

OIT Alert: Internet Explorer Retiring in June
The Internet Explorer (IE) browser will retire on Wednesday, June 15. The new Edge browser is the official replacement. The Google Chrome browser will also remain available on HRSA workstations.

You can make this transition easier by transferring your IE favorites to Edge and Chrome. Guides are available for both Edge and Chrome to assist you in this process. For instructions on how to change your default browser, read this OIT announcement.