Important Announcement, NACHC CHI Wrap-up, and More! HRSA PHC Digest

A newsletter from the Bureau of Primary Health Care

September 6, 2022

News

Important Announcement from BPHC
As recently shared by CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, there is a strategic imperative to modernize CDC so that it consistently delivers public health information and guidance to Americans in real time – a mission recognized by the talented people who work there and by public health experts around the globe. Throughout her tenure as director, and over the last few months in particular, Dr. Walensky has evaluated CDC operations; she listened – to voices from within CDC, to its partners and other interested parties, and to external reviewers. In response, the director recently announced a series of changes that will prioritize public health action to help equitably protect and promote the health of the American people. To move the agency forward, Dr. Walensky is convening an implementation team that will lead these efforts, headed by former HHS Deputy Secretary Dr. Mary Wakefield.

Dr. Walensky and Dr. Wakefield have asked BPHC Associate Administrator Jim Macrae to join this team for the next few months beginning Thursday, September 1. During Jim’s detail, BPHC Deputy Associate Administrator Tonya Bowers will serve as Acting Associate Administrator.

We congratulate Jim on this opportunity to share his experience and expertise, and we look forward to welcoming him back upon his return.


Jim Macrae

Praise for Rebounding Health Centers at NACHC Community Health Institute
Speaking to the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Community Health Institute & EXPO conference, HRSA Associate Administrator Jim Macrae applauded health centers for their dramatic recovery from COVID-19 setbacks.

“We have had some remarkable success. We saw a huge recovery in the number of patients [served] and the number of visits,” he said, noting that the number of patients served rose to more than 30 million for the first time ever in 2021. Patient visits had declined in 2020 as many people delayed routine visits due to the pandemic, but health centers rallied via a variety of outreach efforts.

However, some areas of the national health care picture remain worrisome. Jim shared data related to persistent disparities in well-being for racial and ethnic minorities, especially in measures such as low birth weight, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

But there are successes as well. For example, the expansion of telehealth services. Jim stated that about 20% of visits in 2021 were telehealth, including more than half of mental health visits. Additionally, in-person cancer screening increased.


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What's New

UDS Logo

Upcoming 2022 UDS Reporting Technical Assistance
Beginning this month, HRSA is hosting a series of 90-minute technical assistance (TA) webinars to support 2022 UDS reporting. September sessions will cover:

  • UDS Basics: Orientation to Terms and Resources
  • The Foundation of the UDS: Counting Visits and Patients
  • UDS Clinical Tables Part 1: Screening and Preventive Care Measures

We encourage health center staff responsible for preparing UDS data report submissions to attend. You will gain information and resources that support complete, accurate, and timely submission of your UDS reports.

This flyer includes all the session details – descriptions, dates, times, and registration links. Sessions are also posted on our TA calendar.


Today With Macrae

NEXT WEEK: Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates
Join Tonya and guests from CMS and two Primary Care Associations, plus hear about COVID-19 vaccines.

Wednesday, September 14
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
If you prefer to join by phone: 833-568-8864
Webinar ID: 161 521 7560


Federal Tort Claims Act Program Updates

  • Health Center Volunteer Health Professionals (VHP) Program to Sunset
    The VHP Program will sunset on Saturday, October 1. HRSA is monitoring updates. If Congress decides to continue the program, we will issue guidance on how to apply for coverage. If the program is not extended, ensure that you make alternate medical malpractice coverage plans for anyone volunteering after Friday, September 30.

  • Determination of Coverage for Prescribing and Distributing Naloxone by Health Center Providers
    HRSA issued a particularized determination, in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 233(g)(1)(B) and (C), and under regulations set forth in 42 C.F.R. § 6.6. It allows health centers that have been deemed as Public Health Service employees for purposes of liability protections and any officer, governing board member, employee, qualified contractor, or VHP of such an entity (“eligible individuals"), to have liability protections under section 224 of the Public Health Service Act for the provision of health services within the health center's scope of project to individuals who are not patients of the health center for prescribing and dispensing naloxone at a health center service site or at offsite locations within the community served by the health center and where the health center is providing care.

If you have any questions, use the BPHC Contact Form or call us at 877-464-4772, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday (except federal holidays).


Evara Health

Celebrating Six Months of the Optimizing Virtual Care Initiative
The Optimizing Virtual Care grant supports 29 health centers to systematically design, implement, and evaluate ways to optimize the use of innovative technologies and virtual care models. In just six months, award recipients have already enhanced their care delivery models using various innovative strategies.

We are excited to share new Health Center Stories that highlight these efforts.

  • South Central Family Health Center in Los Angeles (CA) implemented an evidence-based Continuous Glucose Monitoring Intervention Program. It provides real-time biofeedback for diabetes care and management, digital health literacy, and behavior change through remote patient monitoring. They’re already seeing improvements in participants' blood glucose levels and are also receiving a lot of positive feedback and excitement about the program.

  • Evara Health in Clearwater (FL) launched the new Medical Home at Home Program to increase equitable access to primary care and wraparound services for patients with limited accessibility and multiple chronic conditions. The program has already begun to see improvements in patients' statin compliance and HIV screening rates.

FINAL WEEK: Be Included in the Health Center Workforce Well-being Survey!
HRSA’s Health Center Workforce Well-being Survey will collect data from HRSA-supported health centers. We hope that all HRSA-supported health centers will contribute their perspective.

ACT NOW to be included in this national measure of health center workforce well-being. Health center leaders must commit to participate, including uploading a list of staff emails, by 8:00 p.m. ET on Monday, September 12. This critical step ensures that all staff can participate; responses are anonymous. It will allow JSI, Inc. (HRSA’s contractor) to set up a unique link for each potential respondent. Email JSI to express your interest. They will send instructions and help you if you need it.


HRSA and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Launch USCDI+ Initiative to Support UDS Modernization
HRSA is working with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) to align the UDS with interoperability standards and transition to patient-level reporting requirements with U.S. Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) and other quality reporting efforts. This new ONC and HRSA partnership is an example of how HHS agencies are working together to advance interoperability and each other's missions.

Read a blog post to learn more.


HRSA’s August Roundup
Last month, HRSA took action to strengthen the health care workforce and advance health equity through better data. We also celebrated National Health Center Week by highlighting the achievements of health centers across the country. Read more August highlights.


Monkeypox Updates
Last week, The White House released a fact sheet announcing new actions the Biden-Harris Administration is taking to combat the outbreak and protect individuals most at risk.


Fostering Workplace Wellness through the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
HRSA presents a webinar to share practical strategies for addressing burnout and promoting employee wellness and resilience. The webinar will feature the director of the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center and a panel discussion with health center staff from across the country describing specific strategies they use to foster workplace wellness.

Wednesday, September 14
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Registration page


NEW Resources Available for Supplemental Funding Awardees
HRSA posted new resources for health centers that have received supplemental funding awards.

“OHCIO” refers to BPHC’s Office of Health Center Investment Oversight.


COVID-19

Bivalent Boosters for COVID-19
If you missed it, see our bulletin from last week about the bivalent COVID-19 boosters.


TODAY: COVID-19 Response Program Office Hours
We’ll discuss the new bivalent boosters and also have presentations from three health centers that support patients living in rural locations and participate in the HRSA Health Center COVID-19 Therapeutics Program. They’ll discuss how they’re using Test-to-Treat and any barriers or success they have had prescribing oral antiviral medications.

Sessions are 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET every other Tuesday. Register one time and you’ll have access to all Office Hour sessions from now until February 2023. Though some information may be geared toward COVID-19 Response Program participants, these sessions are open to all HRSA-supported health centers.


2022-2023 Influenza Vaccination Recommendations and Guidance on Coadministration with COVID-19 Vaccines
CDC’s next Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) call will provide updates on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for the 2022-2023 influenza vaccination season, including information on a new preferential vaccine recommendation for adults ages 65 and older. Speakers will also outline guidance for the coadministration of the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.

Thursday, September 8
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session

The slides and recording will be posted on the call webpage. **CDC offers continuing education (CE) credit for this activity.**


COVID-19 At-Home Self-Tests Still Available Through Our Testing Supply Program
Last week, the federal government suspended ordering of at-home self-tests through COVID.gov due to a lack of funding. This means that Americans can’t directly order these self-tests. However, the HRSA COVID-19 Testing Supply Program remains available for HRSA-supported health centers and Medicare-certified Rural Health Clinics. Through this program, health centers can continue to order free, FDA-approved COVID-19 at-home self-tests for distribution to their communities.

Your health center can still opt in now and begin ordering these tests. To do so, your health center’s points of contact should complete the Conditions of Participation and Site Selection (COPSS) information available in the Health Center Program Community. This online community is not where you will order test kits. See our December 15 bulletin for detailed instructions.


Provider Relief Fund Reporting Portal Open
The Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Portal is open for Reporting Period 3. Providers who received one or more PRF payment exceeding $10,000, in the aggregate, during the third Payment Received Period must report on their use of funds no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, September 30. More information and resources can be found on HRSA’s PRF Reporting webpage.


Webinar

Special and Vulnerable Populations COVID-19 Forum
HRSA-funded National Training and Technical Assistance Partners (NTTAPs) have extended this ongoing series. However, please note that previous registrations will not carry over.

Join to hear discussion of how COVID-19 has impacted health centers and the special populations they serve. Suma Nair, PhD, Director of BPHC's Office of Quality Improvement, will provide up-to-date information about assistance for health centers.

Friday, September 23
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here (visit to see all dates and times)


Hypertension

Million Hearts Learning Lab for Health Centers
The Million Hearts Learning Lab is a bi-monthly learning series focused on cardiovascular disease prevention and management topics. The series is open to clinicians, staff focused on quality improvement, and other interested staff, but with a focus on health centers. See session details on the registration page.

**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.**

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


Workforce

Human Resources Issue Brief: Employee Freedoms in the Health Center Workplace
This issue brief by NACHC examines employee freedoms in the health center workplace and summarizes legal issues that must be considered when establishing policies. NACHC is a HRSA-funded NTTAP.


Several HRSA-funded NTTAPs present learning collaboratives:

  • Community Food Mapping
    The National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) invites health centers to focus on how to identify and map local food resources. Participants will be required to engage clients in food mapping. Facilitators will share promising practices for client engagement and provide personalized TA. NHCHC encourages participation from health center staff who assist clients in navigating community food resources. Visit the registration page for details and apply by Friday, September 23.

  • Centering Staff Wellness While Supporting Patients Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence
    Health Partners on IPV + Exploitation and the National Nursing-Led Care Consortium are collaborating on this opportunity. Participants will explore wellness strategies to bolster the capacity of health center staff working with people impacted by intimate partner violence, trauma, exploitation, human trafficking, and sexual assault. They will also explore the landscape of supportive community programs and tools to help formalize partnerships and coordinate care. Visit the registration page for more information and apply by Friday, September 23.

  • Emergency Preparedness
    The National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH) invites health center staff to explore population-specific emergency preparedness. Participants will develop policies and procedures to streamline their organization’s response to emergency situations. This opportunity will build confidence and strategies around customizing health center communications, especially to migratory and seasonal agricultural workers, that minimize interruptions to service delivery during national emergencies. Visit the registration page for more details.

  • Health Center Remote Patient Monitoring and Digital Health
    The Health Information Technology, Evaluation, and Quality (HITEQ) Center offers health centers support in the strategic implementation of remote patient monitoring (RPM). Through four structured sessions, participants will identify how RPM can help them and consider the best solution for their needs. They’ll discuss how to set up technology and processes, then evaluate and scale (sustainably) these operations. Visit the information page on HITEQ's website.

  • Clinical Workforce Development Learning Collaboratives
    Community Health Center, Inc. has upcoming opportunities on comprehensive and team-based care, postgraduate nurse practitioner residency and fellowship programs, health professions student training, and HIV prevention. For each, the goal is to help health centers effectively move from planning to implementation of replicable models. Visit the registration page for details and apply by Friday, September 30.

Oral Health

Oral Health Resources for Health Centers
We've updated our Oral Health and Primary Care Integration webpage. It now presents 2021 UDS data and new resources. Check out TA Resources for a continuing education opportunity on infection prevention and safety.


Additional Resources

Diabetes in Special and Vulnerable Populations: Compendium of Resources
The Special and Vulnerable Populations Diabetes Task Force (14 NTTAPs) held a learning collaborative last winter on the diabetes continuum of care. A new webpage presents key resources, lessons learned, and effective strategies from the sessions.


Serving Veterans in Health Centers
NACHC developed a two-page fact sheet and comprehensive toolkit to orient health center administrators to the enrollment requirements and program benefits of the VA’s Community Care Network.

They also compiled 10 success stories from health centers supporting the unique needs of military veterans. Topics include oral health care, care coordination, housing, and VA outreach. These stories capture the ingenuity, advocacy, and passion of local health centers giving back to veterans.


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Training & Technical Assistance

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

Through September 13

COVID-19 Response Programs Office Hours
Tuesday, September 6
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page for all sessions

Better Assess Your Community Using the UDS Mapper
Tuesday, September 6
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and COVID-19
Hosted by the National Center for Health in Public Housing (NCHPH), a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Wednesday, September 7
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Demystifying the Sterilization Process
Hosted by The Joint Commission
Wednesday, September 7
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page
Subscribe key: TJCEd

UDS Basics: Orientation to Terms and Resources
Wednesday, September 7
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

Creating Calm: Effective Engagement with People Who Are Distressed Webinar Series
Hosted by the SAMHSA-funded Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network
Registration page for the series
11:00-a.m.-noon ET on:

Thursday, September 8
Wednesday, September 14

Million Hearts Self-Measured Blood Pressure Forum Quarterly Meetings
Co-hosted by CDC and NACHC (with CDC funding)
Thursday, September 8
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Health Network: A Care Coordination Program for Patients Who Move During Treatment
Hosted by Migrant Clinicians Network, Inc., a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, September 8
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

2022-2023 Influenza Vaccination Recommendations and Guidance on Coadministration with COVID-19 Vaccines
Hosted by CDC Thursday, September 8
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
Slides and recording will be posted on the call webpage
**CDC offers CE credit for this activity**

Patient-Centered Medical Home Office Hours – Health Center Coaching Pilot
Hosted by the National Center for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
Thursday, September 8
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Communicating Across Generations: A Discussion on the Multigenerational Workplace, Conflict, and Communication
Hosted by the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved’s (ACU) STAR2 Center; ACU is a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, September 8
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

HITEQ Highlights: Cybersecurity Ask Me Anything
Hosted by the HITEQ Center, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, September 8
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Rebuilding Resiliency with Health Center Leaders and Staff: Discussing Staffing Shortages, Recruitment, and Retention
Hosted by NCQA
Monday, September 12
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page


Upcoming

Care Mapping: A Valuable Tool for Working with Older Adults and Family Caregivers
Hosted by the National Center for Equitable Care for Elders, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Wednesday, September 14
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Fostering Workplace Wellness through the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
Wednesday, September 14
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

The Foundation of the UDS: Counting Visits and Patients
Wednesday, September 14
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

FY 2023 NTTAP Funding Opportunity Applicant Q&A Session
Wednesday, September 14
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
If you prefer to join by phone: 833-568-8864
Webinar ID: 160 042 1437

Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates
Wednesday, September 14
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
If you prefer to join by phone: 833-568-8864
Webinar ID: 161 521 7560

HRSA Virtual Job Fair
Wednesday, September 14
6:00-9:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

BPHC National Program Performance Analysis Contract Findings
Thursday, September 15
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Caring for Women with Opioid Use Disorder: A Toolkit for Organization Leaders and Providers
Thursday, September 15
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Chronic Kidney Disease Toolkit Review
Hosted by NCQA and CMS
Monday, September 19
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

MLP in Health Centers Series, Part 1: Understanding the Current Needs of Health Center Patients
Hosted by The National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership (NCMLP), a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, September 20
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

The World of Motivational Interviewing within Diabetes Self-Management and Prevention (in Spanish with live interpretation in English)
Hosted by NCFH, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, September 20
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

Preventing Smoking Relapse in the COVID Era
Hosted by NCHPH, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Wednesday, September 21
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

UDS Clinical Tables Part 1: Screening and Preventive Care Measures
Wednesday, September 21
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

Retention & Recruitment of Specific Populations Webinar Series
Hosted by ACU’s STAR2 Center; ACU is a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Registration page for the series
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET on:

Thursday, September 22
Thursday, September 29

Special and Vulnerable Populations COVID-19 Forum
Hosted by several HRSA-funded NTTAPs
Friday, September 23
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page (visit to see all dates and times)

Environmental Determinants of Health: Fostering Environmental Health Programs in Public Housing Primary Care
Hosted by NCHPH, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, September 27
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

SDOH and Cultural Humility
Wednesday, September 28
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

Treating Patients with Hypertension: What's the Rx?
Co-hosted by NACHC (through a cooperative agreement with CDC) and the American Medical Association
Wednesday, September 28
3:00-3:45 p.m. ET
Registration page
**1.0 CME available**

Health Center Medical-Legal Partnership Environmental Scan Kickoff
Hosted by NCMLP, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, September 29
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

Clinical Leaders Forum: Dental Therapists’ Impact Discussion
Friday, September 30
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

UDS Clinical Tables Part 2: Maternal Care and Children's Health
Wednesday, October 5
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

UDS Clinical Tables Part 3: Chronic Disease Management
Thursday, October 13
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

Reporting UDS Financial and Operational Tables
Thursday, October 20
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

Successful Submission Strategies
Thursday, November 3
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

Webinars are hosted by HRSA unless otherwise noted.