Maternal Health Funding, UDS Reporting TA Schedule, and More! HRSA PHC Digest

A newsletter from the Bureau of Primary Health Care

October 11, 2022

pregnant mother with child

HRSA Makes $25 Million Available to Reduce Health Disparities in Maternal Health Care
HRSA recently made up to $25 million available for HRSA-funded health centers to increase equitable access to maternal health care in underserved communities. Read more in our bulletin from last week.

Applications are due in Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, December 5, and in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) by 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, January 13, 2023. Visit HRSA’s fiscal year (FY) 2023 Quality Improvement Fund-Maternal Health (QIF-Maternal Health) webpage for the notice of funding opportunity, technical assistance (TA) information, and other resources.

Join the QIF-Maternal Health applicant TA session:

Tuesday, November 1
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: 160 401 5570


uniform data system

Uniform Data System Reporting: State-Based Training Schedule for Health Center Staff
HRSA is hosting virtual and in-person Uniform Data System (UDS) TA trainings with Primary Care Associations beginning later this month through the end of the year. See the 2022 UDS Training Schedule (PDF) for dates, times, or to register.

Health center staff responsible for preparing UDS data report submissions are encouraged to attend to access information and resources that support complete, accurate, and timely submission of 2022 UDS reports. Trainings include:

  • In-depth review of the 2022 UDS reporting tables.
  • Detailed descriptions of changes that have been made from the previous year’s UDS reporting.
  • Review of key terms and definitions necessary to complete the report.
  • Updates on UDS Modernization, including on the UDS patient-level submission (UDS+) implementation timeline.
  • Opportunities to ask expert UDS trainers questions about reporting requirements and how state or territorial policies may impact reporting.

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HEAL Initiative: Research Studies to Develop and Implement Interventions to Prevent Opioid Misuse in Community Health Centers
This NIH funding opportunity, part of the Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative, is specifically for health centers. Award recipients may use funds to:

  • Develop and test new or adapted interventions to prevent opioid misuse; and/or
  • Develop and test implementation strategies for screening and referral to preventive interventions for misuse of opioids and other substances.

Use passcode R3?2LCj+ to access a TA webinar recording. Applications are due by Tuesday, November 8.


editor's note


In last week’s Digest, we included the Proposed Uniform Data System (UDS) Changes for Calendar Year 2023 (PDF) in the “Did You Miss It?” section. The link we published was to an outdated version of the Program Assistance Letter (PAL). This note includes the correct link.


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Jump To:  COVID-19  |  Behavioral Health  |  HIV  |  Hypertension  |  Workforce  | 
                Oral Health  |  Additional Resources


What's New

Federal Tort Claims Act Health Center Volunteer Health Professionals Program Permanently Extended
Congress has permanently extended the Health Center Volunteer Health Professionals (VHP) Program that was due to sunset at the end of FY 2022.

EHBs is open to allow sponsoring health centers to submit supplemental applications for continued coverage (through calendar year 2023) for currently deemed VHPs. Submit your supplemental applications by Friday, December 2. Failure to apply will result in the termination of coverage after Saturday, December 31.

Health centers can also sponsor new VHPs who do not currently have coverage. For more information, visit our Federal Tort Claims Act webpage.


FY 2021 Primary Care HIV Prevention Awardees – Program Update
HRSA will host a short briefing for health centers that received a FY 2021 Primary Care HIV Prevention (PCHP) award (HRSA-21-092). Topics will include minor updates in PCHP reporting requirements and performance period length. You’ll also be able to ask questions.

Wednesday, October 12
2:30-3:30 p.m. ET
Registration page


hurricane symbol

Hurricanes Fiona and Ian
If you missed it, see our September 30 bulletin with guidance for health centers in areas impacted by these recent natural disasters. In addition:


Seeking Nominations for Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines Members
HRSA seeks nominations for members to serve on the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines (ACCV). The HHS Secretary appoints nine voting members: three health professionals, three attorneys, and three members of the public. Read the Federal Register Notice and ACCV Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) for more information and instructions to submit a nomination. Contact Pita Gomez, Principal Staff Liaison, with any questions.


Ghandour and Manning from MCHB  discuss National Survey of Children’s Health on National Child's Health Day

National Survey of Children’s Health Dataset Released
HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) released the latest National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) data on Child Health Day (Monday, October 3). Dr. Reem Ghandour, who leads the bureau’s survey initiative, spoke with LCDR Leticia Manning of MCHB’s Division of Services for Children with Special Health Needs about this critical dataset, what’s new this year, and how the dataset can be used to advance health equity work. View the message, data, and data brief (with key findings) on the NSCH webpage.


Monkeypox Updates


CMS Asks You to Make Your Voice Heard
CMS seeks public input on access to health care and related challenges, understanding provider experiences, advancing health equity, and assessing the impact of waivers and flexibilities provided in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. CMS will use the comments received to identify opportunities for improvement and efficiencies across policies, programs, and practices. Comments are due by Friday, November 4.


Sliding Fee Discount Program: Fundamentals and Evaluation
The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) created resources to help health center board members and leaders understand the Sliding Fee Discount Program required by the Health Center Program.

NACHC is a HRSA-funded National Training and Technical Assistance Partner (NTTAP).


COVID-19

Initiative to Help Uninsured and Underinsured Access COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment
HHS recently launched a bebtelovimab product replacement initiative to help those who are uninsured and underinsured access this COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment. Through this initiative, HHS may replace, for free, doses of bebtelovimab that are used to treat an uninsured or underinsured patient. Learn more on the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response’s Bebtelovimab FAQ page. Note: Bebtelovimab is not available to order through HRSA; health centers may order this product through their state/local jurisdiction.


Recording Available: Partnerships through the Pandemic: Strategies for Promoting COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Uptake
Last week, HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson, other HRSA speakers, and experts from other federal agencies led a town hall discussion of ways to promote partnerships as a key strategy to stop the spread of COVID-19. If you missed it, register to watch the recording or view the slides (PDF).


COVID-19 Program Update button in Health Center Program Community

COVID-19 Response Programs – Program Updates
Health centers in our HRSA Health Center COVID-19 Response Programs should log into the Health Center Program Community to view the latest Program Updates (look for the button to the right once you have logged in).
The updates include news related to ordering vaccines, therapeutics, and testing supplies through these programs.


COVID-19 Response Programs Office Hours
The October 18 session will cover bivalent ordering caps, pediatric bivalent booster updates, and the recent COVID-19 survey changes.

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We reduced the frequency of office hours to once a month for November and December. If you registered previously, please remove the November 1, November 29, and December 27 sessions from your calendar. We’ll only hold office hours on Tuesday, November 15, and Tuesday, December 13.

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


Behavioral Health

National AIDS Education and Training Center Program Resources for Clinicians Providing Care to People with Substance Use Disorders
The National HIV/AIDS Strategy Federal Implementation Plan (2022-2025) acknowledges people who inject drugs as one of several priority populations which continue to experience disparities across various HIV-related outcomes. Substance use and HIV care integration is one approach to provide comprehensive, person-centered medical services – yet clinics encounter differing challenges and opportunities when trying to implement an integrated model of care.

Speakers from HRSA and the AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC) National Clinician Consultation Center, in partnership with the AETC National Coordinating Resource Center, will share resources and opportunities.

Wednesday, October 26
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
Registration page


Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals
Session leaders for this learning collaborative will present cultural competency as a data-driven method to improve patient care and health center performance in multiple domains through responsible application of scientifically validated tools and processes. Participants will take a detailed look at key concepts regarding culture as a social determinant of health (SDOH). Sessions begin on Tuesday, October 18. View the registration page for details. Hosted by the National Center for Health in Public Housing (NCHPH), a HRSA-funded NTTAP.


Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults Living in Public Housing
Speakers will review the continued impact of social isolation and loneliness on the health and well-being of an aging population, particularly for those living in public housing. Participants will be able to understand disparities in social and mental health concerns experienced by older public housing residents; identify best practices for screening and documenting risk factors related to social isolation and loneliness; and implement strategies to increase social connectedness for older public housing residents.

Thursday, November 3
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Hosted by NCHPH and the National Center for Equitable Care for Elders (NCECE), both HRSA-funded NTTAPs.


Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Education’s program provides competitive grants to support and demonstrate innovative partnerships to train school-based mental health service providers for employment in schools and local educational agencies. School-based service sites may especially be interested. Learn more.


HIV

National AETC Program Resources for Clinicians Providing Care to People with Substance Use Disorders
See the announcement above.


Hypertension

Improving Blood Pressure Control for African Americans Roadmap
The Improving Blood Pressure Control for African Americans Roadmap (PDF) can help health centers achieve ≥80% blood pressure control for their African American – and all – patients with hypertension. It organizes groups of interventions and activities to help organizations develop a deliberate strategy or approach to their hypertension management efforts. NACHC developed this resource with CDC funding.


Workforce

What Health Centers Can Do to Advance the Vital Role for Community Health Workers and Peers in SDOH Screening for Positive Outcomes
MHP Salud, the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) will highlight the value of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Peer Specialists in health centers through SDOH community connections. Featured resources will focus on strategies identified through the voice of lived expertise and education partners.

Wednesday, November 2
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

The three host organizations are all HRSA-funded NTTAPs.


Workplace Well-being Self-Paced Modules
This four-part series from NACHC explores how to foster mind, body, and sense of purpose in individuals, teams, and organizations for a more resilient workforce and improved well-being in the workplace.


Several HRSA-funded NTTAPs present learning collaboratives:

  • Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals
    See the announcement above.

  • National Diabetes Prevention Program: Family Engagement in Public Housing Communities
    Hosted by the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium (NNCC), sessions will showcase health centers implementing comprehensive and culturally competent strategies in diabetes prevention programming. Participants will explore best practices for increased patient, family, and community engagement and discuss SDOH and cultural competency in programmatic design and implementation. Content is tailored to health centers serving residents of public housing. View the registration page for more details or to apply by Friday, November 4.

  • Improving Health Center Cybersecurity: Risk Assessment, Breach Defense, Mitigation, and Response
    The Health Information Technology, Evaluation, and Quality (HITEQ) Center invites health centers to consider their cybersecurity strategy. Participants will engage with subject matter experts and colleagues on topics including breach mitigation tactics, operationalizing cybersecurity to better mitigate risks, telehealth risk management strategies, and incident response planning from a cybersecurity perspective. View the registration page for details and apply by TOMORROW (Wednesday, October 12).

  • Advancing Health Equity: Promoting Quality of Care for IPV and Exploitation Survivors
    Health Partners on IPV + Exploitation invites health center staff to focus on advancing health equity for survivors of IPV and human trafficking/exploitation. Health centers and their community-based partners can decrease barriers to care by increasing health enrollment and safety support. You’ll learn about developing partnerships, creating clinical workflows that use an evidence-based “CUES” intervention (Confidentiality, Universal Education and Empowerment, and Support), and optimizing health IT tools and UDS data collection measures. Visit the registration page to apply by Wednesday, October 19.

Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program
See the announcement above.


Oral Health

Improving Oral Health Experiences for the LGBTQIA+ Community
This webinar, hosted by the National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA) in partnership with the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center and the American Institute of Dental Public Health, will provide guidance on how dental team members can improve dental care experiences for the LGBTQIA+ community in health centers. Presenters will highlight oral health disparities and challenges and how dental programs can create oral health care that is more accessible and inclusive.

Thursday, October 20
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page
**1.0 CDE available**

NNOHA and the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center are both HRSA-funded NTTAPs.


Additional Resources

Screening for SDOH: Overview of Tools and Resources
Join the Farmworker Health Network (FHN) to learn about SDOH factors that impact medically underserved populations (including migratory and seasonal agricultural workers) and how to better identify and screen for these factors. Speakers will highlight information gained from the FHN's “Screening for SDOH" learning collaborative activities. They’ll share screening tools and additional resources.

Wednesday, October 26
4:00-5:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

FHN is a six-member network of HRSA-funded NTTAPs: Farmworker Justice, Migrant Clinicians Network, Health Outreach Partners, MHP Salud, and the National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH).


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Training & Technical Assistance

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

Through October 18

Health Center and Justice System Collaboration to Improve Mental Health
Hosted by the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnerships (NCMLP), a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, October 11
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

FY 2021 PCHP Awardees – Program Update
Wednesday, October 12
2:30-3:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

Intimate Partner Violence, Homelessness, and Behavioral Health: A Toolkit for Health Center and Community Partners
Hosted by Health Partners on IPV + Exploitation and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, both HRSA-funded NTTAPs
Wednesday, October 12
3:00-4:00 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

How to Build a Grassroots Coalition to Effectively Address Farmworkers’ Needs (in Spanish with live interpretation in English)
Hosted by NCFH, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, October 13
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Registration page

Developing Screening, Referral, & Service Delivery Workflows for Medical-Legal Partnerships
Hosted by NCMLP, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, October 18
1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
Registration page


Upcoming

Harm Reduction is Health Care Webinar Series
Hosted by CSH, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Registration page for the series
3:00-4:30 p.m. on:

Wednesday, October 19
Friday, October 21

Improving Oral Health Experiences for the LGBTQIA+ Community
Hosted by NNOHA in partnership with the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center (both are HRSA-funded NTTAPs) and the American Institute of Dental Public Health
Thursday, October 20
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page
**1.0 CDE available**

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

Climate Change and its Impacts on Farmworker Health
Hosted by Farmworker Justice, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Friday, October 21
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Beyond the Basics: Medications for Smoking Cessation
Hosted by NCHPH, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Tuesday, October 25
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

National AETC Program Resources for Clinicians Providing Care to People with Substance Use Disorders
Co-hosted with the AETC National Clinician Consultation Center, in partnership with the AETC National Coordinating Resource Center
Wednesday, October 26
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Screening for SDOH: Overview of Tools and Resources
Hosted by FHN, a network of several HRSA-funded NTTAPs
Wednesday, October 26
4:00-5:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Diabetes 101 for Behavioral Health Specialists: Understanding the Basics of Diabetes Prevention and Management
Hosted by NCHPH, a HRSA-funded NTTAP
Thursday, October 27
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

FY 2023 Quality Improvement Fund-Maternal Health TA
Tuesday, November 1
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: 160 401 5570

What’s the Deal with Menthols?
Part 1 of a two-part tobacco cessation webinar series
Wednesday, November 2
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

What Health Centers Can Do to Advance the Vital Role for CHWs and Peers in SDOH Screening for Positive Outcomes
Hosted by MHP Salud, CSH, and NHCHC, all HRSA-funded NTTAPs
Wednesday, November 2
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults Living in Public Housing
Hosted by NCHPH and NCECE, both HRSA-funded NTTAPs
Thursday, November 3
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

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

Quitting Menthol Cigarettes: Do We Know What Works?
Part 2 of a two-part tobacco cessation webinar series
Wednesday, November 9
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Concurrent Treatment of Smoking Cessation and Substance Use Disorder in Primary Care
Hosted by NCHPH and NNCC, both HRSA-funded NTTAPs
Wednesday, November 9
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Webinars are hosted by HRSA unless otherwise noted.