What's New
ECV Reporting Requirement
Health centers using Expanding COVID-19 Vaccination (ECV) funds are required to complete the monthly Health Center COVID-19 Survey. The survey for September data went out last Friday (October 6) and is due by 11:59 p.m. your local time on Thursday, October 12.
Our Health Center COVID-19 Survey webpage links to tools that can help you complete the survey: a preview and a user guide for survey respondents who have questions. If you still have questions about the survey, use the BPHC Contact Form (COVID-19 > COVID-19 Surveys).
National Advisory Council on Migrant Health Meeting
The National Advisory Council on Migrant Health (NACMH) will hold an in-person meeting at HRSA headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. The meeting will take place on November 1-2. The event is open to the public. Visit the NACMH webpage to view the agenda or to register to attend virtually.
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.
Disaster Recovery Resources for Health Centers: Obtaining FEMA Funding for Damaged or Destroyed Facilities
Access to federal aid is critical when a health centers needs to rebuild or repair facilities lost or damaged due to hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, or other natural disasters.
Review Capital Link’s new publication for guidance on seeking FEMA aid in these situations.
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HRSA September Roundup
Last month, HRSA celebrated the President’s Oval Office signing of legislation to modernize the organ procurement and transplant system; joined the First Lady in announcing new Cancer Moonshot efforts to improve care for underserved communities; joined Secretary Becerra as we announced new HRSA investments to support maternal health; announced new HRSA support for youth mental health; and visited the Pine Ridge Reservation to discuss HRSA programs serving tribal communities. Read more.
NIH’s Build UP Trust Challenge
NIH’s Build UP Trust Challenge will award up to $1.25 million to improve engagement with minority health populations and populations with health disparities. They seek solutions that increase research participation and the adoption of existing and new tools and approaches to detect, treat, and monitor diseases, conditions, and disorders. The website includes a Readiness Tool to help you determine eligibility and ensure your solution is a strong fit.
CMS Requests Public Input on Coverage of Over-the-Counter Preventive Services, Including Contraception, Tobacco Cessation, and Breastfeeding Supplies
HHS and the Departments of Labor and the Treasury seek public input on how best to ensure coverage and access to over-the-counter (OTC) preventive services, including the benefits of requiring most health insurance plans to cover these services at no cost and without a prescription by a health care provider. This Request for Information solicits comments on access to a range of OTC items recommended by experts for preventive care that can be purchased without a prescription, including contraceptives, tobacco smoking cessation products, folic acid during pregnancy, and breastfeeding supplies. The press release links to the Federal Register Notice.
HIV
Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S Initiative 2023 CDC and HRSA Virtual Community Listening Session – Region 9
CDC and HRSA’s HIV/AIDS Bureau are hosting joint regional virtual community listening sessions. The next is for HHS Region 9:
Wednesday, October 18 4:00-5:30 p.m. ET Registration page
These sessions provide a venue for discussion and collaboration focused on barriers to and opportunities for improving HIV diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and outbreak response.
Workforce
2024 Workforce Symposium – Inclusive Innovation: Putting People First
Are you looking for a space to convene with peers, develop your skills, and focus on workforce? Save the dates for two opportunities from the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved’s (ACU) STAR² Center:
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2024 Workforce Symposium – Inclusive Innovation: Putting People First
April 29-30, 2024
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Retention & Recruitment Workshop
May 1-2, 2024
These events will take place in Nashville, Tennessee. Stay tuned for details and registration information.
Empowering Comprehensive Care: Recruiting & Retaining the Integrated Care Team Webinar Series
Health centers are vital in offering holistic care to patients, including and beyond medical treatment, to encompass a diverse range of services. This two-part webinar series, hosted by ACU’s STAR² Center, will feature presenters from two NTTAPs: the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnerships (NCMLP) and the National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA). The series will provide a unique opportunity for health center professionals to explore innovative ways of building and maintaining transdisciplinary health care teams.
Tuesday, October 24, and Tuesday, October 31 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET Registration page
NTTAP Learning Collaboratives
Visit the registration pages for dates, times, and more information:
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Introduction to Improving Patient Safety
Renaye James Healthcare Advisors (RJHA) invites health centers to learn about safe patient care. Participants will learn how the Board of Directors promotes a culture that prioritizes safety and includes safety metrics in its strategic oversight. They will identify a hypothetical patient safety event that could occur at their health center and be asked to draft a plan for investigation and response. Registration page.
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Access to Comprehensive Care and Health Coverage for Farmworkers
Farmworker Justice invites health center staff to learn about the landscape of health access for farmworkers and barriers to obtaining comprehensive health coverage. Participants will have the opportunity to problem-solve around these barriers, share best practices and strategies with peers, and access educational resources to improve outreach and access to health insurance in their communities ahead of this year’s Open Enrollment period. Registration page.
Health Professional Students’ Loan Repayment Application Open
Apply by 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 7, for the 2024 National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program. Final-year nursing, medical, and dental students can apply for up to $120,000 in exchange for a three-year commitment providing primary care services at NHSC-approved sites in high-need areas.
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Additional Resources
Acting on Climate Change for a Healthier Future: The Role of Health Centers
The National Nurse-Led Care Consortium (NNCC) and the National Center for Health in Public Housing (NCHPH) invite you to a two-session web series examining health hazard exposures and their impacts on the health of vulnerable populations. Speakers will highlight adaptation strategies to counteract the effects of climate change on high-risk populations and provide health center examples of climate adaptation.
Wednesday, October 18, and Wednesday, October 25 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET Registration page
The Joint Commission’s 2023 Ambulatory Accreditation Essentials and 2023 Environment of Care
The Joint Commission's 2023 Ambulatory Accreditation Essentials and the 2023 EC/LSC for Ambulatory Care Conference on-demand programs are available to all HRSA partners online and offer Continuing Education credit:
- The 2023 Ambulatory Care Accreditation Essentials (ANCC: 13.5; ACHE: 13.5)
- The 2023 EC/LSC for Ambulatory Care Conference (ACHE: 12.5)
Enroll by visiting this website and entering subscribe key “HRSA” within the registration form.
Talking Postpartum Depression
HHS’ Office on Women’s Health recently launched a national campaign around postpartum depression (PPD). The Talking Postpartum Depression campaign aims to increase awareness of PPD symptoms, visibility of reliable resources, and understanding of the many ways to access care. Their website includes campaign materials health centers can use.
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