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February 8, 2024
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What's New
Updated multi-pagers and slides available
In advance of the National Association of Community Health Centers Policy & Issues (P&I) forum, we’ve updated some of the multi-pagers. These documents provide useful summaries and updates on many important topics related to the Health Center Program.
The updated documents, as well as other titles that remain current from last summer, are available on the BIR. The complete set can also be downloaded in a ZIP file.
In addition, here are slide decks for several of the presentations by senior leaders at P&I.
The slides for Jim's presentation at the 2/10 Primary Care Association/Health Center Controlled Network General Session will be shared as soon as they're available.
We hope these resources prove useful for staff attending P&I — and for everyone else in the bureau — to answer questions from health centers and other stakeholders.
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New “BPHC Health Center Program Policy Basics” training
Are you new to BPHC? Need to brush up on your Health Center Program policy basics? Short on time? OPPD’s Policy Division created a quick, on-demand training in the LMS for you: BPHC Health Center Program Policy Basics.
This 13-minute video follows three characters as they explore and find connections between the Health Center Program statute, the regulations, the Health Center Program Compliance Manual, the Progressive Action Conditions Library, and the Site Visit Protocol. You can also refer to an accompanying resource guide and a transcript.
Questions? Submit them through the Policy Portal on the BPHC Contact Form.
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Newsletter deadline change next week
We’ve adjusted the newsletter deadline ahead of the holiday for Washington’s Birthday (Monday, February 19), shifting it to COB, Thursday, February 15. We’ll hold late submissions for subsequent issues. Questions? Email the Digest or Insider mailbox.
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Reminder: New Health Center Program GeoCare Navigator
In case you missed it, BPHC launched its Health Center Program GeoCare Navigator last week! This new mapping tool is tailored to Health Center Program needs. Users can evaluate the geographic reach, penetration, and growth of the Health Center Program and its relationship to other federally linked health resources.
This tool replaces the Uniform Data System (UDS) Mapper, which will sunset in March 2024.
To find out how this affects you, see last week’s Insider. Learn more in the introductory video and download the User Guide (PDF).
Submit questions via the BPHC Contact Form (Health Center Data and Research> HCP GeoCare Navigator).
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Reminder: UDS Clinical Quality Measure Dashboard now available on SharePoint
You can now use the UDS CQM Dashboard to summarize and visualize data on Clinical Quality Measure (CQM) trends at national, state, and health center levels between 2018 and 2022, and for select health center characteristics.
Learn more about this tool on the UDS SharePoint site. Submit questions via the BPHC Contact Form (Uniform Data System > UDS Data Request > UDS Data Access or UDS Data Interpretation/Validation).
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BPHC staff tour Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care
DWM hosted the second in its series of tours to health centers since relaunching the program last year. On Friday, January 26, a group of 16 BPHC employees visited Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Center started in 1988 as a small clinic serving 200 patients in a basement, with an initial budget of $250,000. At that point they focused on providing maternal care for patients in Washington, D.C. Now they provide an array of different services and have more than 60,000 patients across seven locations in the district and Maryland with an annual budget of $76 million.
We spoke with one of the participants, Tara Failey, MPH, Public Health Analyst, about her experience.
How was your overall Health Center Tour experience?
I was inspired to meet the staff at Mary’s Center and to hear about their passion for serving their patients. I found the experience to be deeply meaningful and impactful.
What were some of the highlights from the Health Center Tour you attended?
I was fascinated to see the Social Change Model at Mary’s Center in action. This model integrates medical, dental, and behavioral health services, along with social services and family literacy services — all under one roof. It’s a one-stop shop for meeting patients’ most fundamental needs, which created a feeling of being at home within Mary’s Center.
How does your work at BPHC connect to the day-to-day work of the health center?
The funding we provide through BPHC can have a direct impact on their day-to-day work. Their staff specifically mentioned that HRSA support affects the capital improvements they can complete to expand and improve their facilities, which, in turn, affects the number of patients they can serve.
Do you have any thoughts you would like to share with future Health Center Tour participants?
I highly recommend participating in a health center tour! The health center really values BPHC’s partnership, and they expressed enthusiasm in having us come out to see the work they do.
Missed the last wrap-up article about the Health Center Program tour? Read about D.C.’s Unity Health Center in the November 16, 2023, Insider. If you are interested in participating in a tour, let your supervisor know.
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Sixteen BPHC employees visited Mary’s Center for Maternal & Child Care on January 26. The tour was led by the Center’s executive management team.
Celebrate Lunar New Year!
Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean communities. In 2024, Lunar New Year begins on Saturday, February 10, and is celebrated over several days. Read more about Lunar New Year history and traditions in the Congressional Research Service’s Lunar New Year: Fact Sheet (PDF).
Each year in the lunar calendar is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals. The year 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, which last came up in 2012. The dragon is the Chinese zodiac sign for people born in 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, or 1928. Learn about dragon’s personality traits.
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon in your area! If you live in the Washington metro area, attend the Chinese New Year DC parade on Sunday, February 11, at 2:00 p.m. ET starting at 6th and I Streets NW.
And stop by one of the Lunar New Year celebrations at the Smithsonian museums:
Getting to know Dylan Podson
Editor’s note: Interested in participating in a “Getting to know” column for the first or second time? Take a look at the questions to see what’s involved and check out our Getting to Know BPHC Staff page.
Meet Dylan Podson, Public Health Analyst, Data and Evaluations, OQI:
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Before working at BPHC, what was the most unusual or interesting job you ever had?
For two years I was a Global Health Monitoring & Evaluation Fellow for the CDC, which allowed me to live in both Zambia and China. During that time, I traveled to over 25 countries working to meet targeted goals of the HIV/AIDS PEPFAR Program.
What is your dream vacation?
Return to Japan to see more of the countryside and hike more of snowy Mt. Fuji. Then hit up Tokyo for lots of video games, professional wrestling matches, and late-night karaoke!
What actor, celebrity, or historical figure do people say you resemble in either physical appearance or personality?
I get Jack Black a lot, which is quite the compliment since he’s brought laughter and joy to so many through his comedic efforts.
What is the most outrageous thing you ever ate?
Traveling for the CDC so much led to many interesting meals, each with their own highs and lows. A few examples: stuffed pigeon in Egypt, fish eyeballs in China, and fried scorpions in Thailand.
Learn more about Dylan. Email BPHC Insider to submit your name for a future Getting to Know.
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HRSA & HHS Happenings
Black History Month at HRSA — African Americans and the Arts
Follow along this month to celebrate Black History Month in BPHC! This year, Black Leaders Advancing Quality, Unity, and Equity's (BLAQUE's) theme for Black History Month is “African Americans and the Arts.”
We’ll be bringing you weekly content through the BPHC Insider to keep you up to date with HRSA events and provide you resources to learn more about the impact of Black history on public health, the arts, and beyond.
To learn more, see these resources:
Staffing Updates
Departure
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Helen Yu-Lefler, Statistician, departing from OQI and transferring to the Bureau of Health Workforce, effective Sunday, February 11.
BPHC job announcement
For other jobs at HRSA, visit USAJOBS.
For other detail opportunities, go to the Detail and Deployment Opportunities SharePoint page.
In Case You Missed It
A round-up of previously announced items
- Look up your Communications Division liaison on the list of liaisons for help with all your communication needs.
- If you are a Contracting Officer’s Representative, go to the OAMP SharePoint site for resources on writing Statements of Work.
- See HHS Kids’ Earth Day Poster Contest Procedures for details about entering the contest, which is open to any child in grades K-12 whose parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, guardian, or other family member is an employee or contractor of HHS. Deadline is Tuesday, February 20.
- Learn about the Follow Me Print service for the Konica Minolta copiers at 5600 Fishers Lane in the instructions (PDF) and the Scan to Email Print Guide (PDF).
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Free flu shots are available in the 5600 Fishers Lane Health Center for staff. Call 301-443-1238 to make an appointment. Shots are given 9:00-11:00 a.m. or 1:00-2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- See the HRSA Office of Human Resource’s COVID-19 Vaccination Leave guidance.
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DWM Important Updates and Reminders
Performance awards
With PMAP closeouts complete, be on the lookout later this month for a link to the Performance Award Preference form from your supervisor. If you are eligible to receive an award, you will be able to select cash, time-off, or a combination of both.
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Review HRSA workplace space policy
In last week’s staff bulletin, DWM provided information regarding the HRSA workplace space policy implementation for bargaining unit employees. If you are required to vacate your assigned workspace by Friday, February 16, begin using HRSA Workspace Manager to reserve a hoteling workspace for the days you are on-site. Remember to only reserve space within BPHC’s footprint: 16N, 16W, or 17N.
If you are moving out of your space and need boxes, go to the 16NW printer hub. If you need a cart to transport boxes to your car, email DWM at BPHCFacilities@hrsa.gov.
Review the policy and contact BPHCFacilities@hrsa.gov if you have any questions or concerns. The DWM Facilities and Logistics Team is on-site to assist with any issues that may arise.
DEIA Challenge item: Read a book by an author of color
Start off your month by diving into the works of Black authors! While this challenge item can include any authors of color, here are some ideas:
Remember to track your progress by downloading the 2024 DEIA Challenge (PDF)! If you have any questions, email Mackenzie (mgalloway@hrsa.gov).
Brush up on human resources news
Take a moment to view the February 2024 issue of HRSA’s HR Connection (PDF). It’s a great way to stay connected and “in the know” on HRSA-level human resources updates, reminders, and available trainings.
Reminder: Check your Leave and Earnings Statements
As various payroll changes take effect, such as benefits, tax changes, pay increases, and more, you are encouraged to regularly check your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) to verify accuracy.
If you have questions regarding your LES, SF-50, or benefits, the HR Clinic is a great resource to ask any questions. Join the next virtual HR Clinic:
Tuesday, February 20
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
Call-in: 240-800-7959
Webinar ID: 414 322 171#
Register by tomorrow: Training for OGE Form 450 Confidential Financial Disclosure filers
For employees who file OGE Form 450 confidential financial disclosure reports, annual reports are due on Thursday, February 15.
To learn about what to include in each part of the report and how to correctly report each item, attend a 90-minute training session on Tuesday, February 13, 10:30 a.m.-noon ET. This will be an excellent training for newer filers and for those whose assets and interests have changed recently, and a great refresher for all filers.
To attend, complete the registration form by Friday, February 9. You will receive the training materials and WebEx connection information the day before.
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Training & Staff Development
Sign up for “BPHC Boosting Resilience”
Learn how to increase your adaptability to change in this workshop. Come prepared to reflect, discuss, and plan for how you can build your resiliency in an everchanging world.
Monday, March 4
10:00-11:30 a.m. ET
Register in the LMS
Systems Corner
Get ready to say goodbye to the old SharePoint
OIT recently announced that SharePoint 2019 won’t be accessible after next Friday, February 16. It’s more urgent than ever that you update your SharePoint bookmarks!
Last July, BPHC’s SharePoint site collection and all the content and pages within it moved from SharePoint 2019 to SharePoint Online. Have you ever seen a message with a button asking you to navigate to the new SP site when you try to access a SharePoint page? (See the example below.) That means you are accessing an outdated page on SharePoint 2019. You need to update your bookmark with the version of that page on SharePoint Online.
As of next Friday, February 16, you won’t be able to access the old pages and get those reroute messages. OIT’s helpful SharePoint page includes icons that can help you identify which bookmarks you need to update.
ACT NOW! Update all your SharePoint bookmarks and, if you haven’t yet, bookmark the main page for the BPHC Information and Resources (BIR) site.
BHCMIS training
Health & Wellness
Heart and brain health: Wellness days
Join your OQI colleagues on a journey of wellness. To commemorate American Heart Month, they’re hosting events for HRSA staff in the 5th floor atrium of 5600 Fishers Lane:
Thursday, February 15, and Tuesday, February 20
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. ET
Stop by to get information on heart and brain health and stress management techniques — and even healthy recipes. You can also participate in activities:
- Self-measured blood pressure checks.
- A giveaway to win a blood pressure monitor.
- “5 minutes of motion” with our very own 5600 fitness trainer, Tony.
Let’s make this American Heart Month a celebration of comprehensive health! See you there!
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