What's New

TODAY: BPHC All-Hands Join Jim for a friendly Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) face-off, updates on DEIA, customer experience, and more. 3:00-4:15 p.m. ET Join the session Join by phone: 833-568-8863 Webinar ID: 161 977 0501

TODAY: Newsletter deadline change Newsletter announcements must be approved in SharePoint by COB TODAY because of the Juneteenth holiday. We’ll hold submissions received after today for the following issue. Questions or concerns? Email the Digest or Insider mailbox.

TUESDAY: Early dismissal Per a message from HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson (PDF), employees in a duty status, including telework, will be excused two hours early Tuesday, June 18, ahead of the Juneteenth holiday on Wednesday. If you are on leave for the entire day (or on AWS), you are not eligible for excused absence leave. Talk to your timekeeper if you have questions.

NEXT THURSDAY: HRSA All-Hands Celebrate Pride Month! Administrator Johnson and other speakers will highlight exciting work being done across the agency to serve LGBTQIA+ populations. There are two options to participate: virtually via Zoom or in person at 5600 Fishers Lane. Thursday, June 20 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET 5th floor Pavilion rooms Join the day of the session Join by phone: 833-568-8864 Webinar ID: 160 267 3603 Submit questions in advance to askquestions@HRSA.gov.

DEADLINE TOMORROW: RSVP for the BPHC Customer Experience Summit As announced in last week’s staff bulletin, all BPHC staff are invited to the BPHC Customer Experience (CX) Summit at 5600 Fishers Lane on Wednesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 17. This will be a chance to innovate, strengthen, and deepen the bureau’s engagement with CX, and we strongly encourage staff to participate in person. To assist with planning, please complete the two-minute initial RSVP by TOMORROW, June 14.

DEADLINE TOMORROW: Public comment period ending for draft JI-R Individuals PIN As a reminder, HRSA released the DRAFT Health Center Program Policy Guidance Regarding Services to Support Transitions in Care for Justice-Involved Individuals Reentering the Community (PDF) for public comment until TOMORROW, June 14. This draft Policy Information Notice (PIN) is focused on services to support transitions in care for justice-involved individuals reentering the community (JI-R individuals). If you have questions or feedback related to the draft PIN, submit them through the BPHC Contact Form (Policy > Policy Portal). If you receive comments on the draft PIN from health centers or other stakeholders, direct them to submit (by tomorrow’s deadline) via the BPHC Contact Form (Policy > Comment on Draft Policy > Submit Draft JI-R Individuals Policy Feedback).  If you receive any change in scope requests or scope adjustments that involve JI-R-related services or locations, use the Policy Portal to contact your Policy Liaison. Resources: Press release and BPHC bulletin announcing the related Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Internal Draft JI-R Individuals PIN Lunch & Learn recorded session and accompanying slide deck.

HRSA Grantee Satisfaction Survey extended to June 24 The HRSA Grantee Satisfaction Survey (GSS) has been extended through Monday, June 24. Remind grantees that the survey only takes a few minutes to complete and will help HRSA do better: the higher the response rate, the better we can pinpoint crucial areas for action. Each HRSA Project Director has received an invitation to take the GSS. They should look out for an email from noreply@qemailserver.com.

NEW: School-based Service Sites informational video OPPD-Policy staff developed a "School-based Service Sites" informational video to help you better understand how to determine whether a school-based site is compliant with the service site definition. This  video version of the Review Tool for BPHC Program Specialists: School-Based Service Sites (SBSS) (PDF) clarifies points of compliance. In addition, it highlights helpful resources for you to revisit when reviewing school-based service site changes in scope. If you have any questions, contact your Policy Liaison by logging into the BPHC Contact Form and submitting a request to the Policy Portal. (Policy > Policy Portal).

Registration open for “Quality Improvement Fund Optimizing Virtual Care Innovation Forum” BPHC’s first-ever Quality Improvement Fund (QIF) forum will feature the first QIF cohort: Optimizing Virtual Care (OVC) awardees (visit our website to learn about OVC) and guest speakers. Event session topics will focus on community-driven approaches to innovation, health center innovations to increase access and improve quality, and the launch of new resources to support health center technology adoption. OQI strongly encourages anyone interested in learning about virtual care to register — you’ll receive updates about the forum, and the presentations and recording afterward. Tuesday, June 25 12:30-5:00 p.m. ET Registration page Questions? Submit them via the BPHC Contact Form (General/Other HRSA > QIF-Primary Care Innovation Forum).

Help us pull ahead of the pack…take the FEVS today!  There are only three weeks left to share your feedback and take the FEVS! BPHC leadership wants to hear from all of you regarding areas in which our organization is doing well and suggested areas of improvement. BPHC has accepted a friendly FEVS response rate competition with the Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW). The winner gets bragging rights for the whole year. As of now, the score stands at BPHC: 34.7%, BHW: 42.7%. To raise the stakes, OAA leadership will host an Ice Cream Social for BPHC employees in September if BPHC reaches our 80% response rate goal OR if BPHC finishes with a higher response rate than BHW — more details to come at today’s BPHC All-Hands.

Continue to keep an eye out for Bucky the springbuck, BPHC’s 2024 FEVS mascot. He is roaming the 16th floor at 5600 Fishers Lane, waiting to be discovered. If you spot him, snap a selfie and send it to BPHCFEVS@hrsa.gov. The first person to submit a photo each week wins a small prize. Employees on board by November 2023 are eligible to complete the survey. Find your email invitation by searching: By sender: Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey-HE evhe@opm.gov By subject line: [EXTERNAL] 2024 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey If you cannot locate the message in Outlook, request your link by emailing evhe@opm.gov. To learn more about the FEVS, including frequently asked questions, prior year survey results, and a list of FEVS Program Managers, visit the HHS FEVS intranet page. HRSA and bureau-specific information is also available on the HRSA FEVS SharePoint page. Let’s bound to success this year! Track BPHC’s FEVS response rate progress.

BPHC staff tour Baltimore Medical System

DWM hosted the third in its series of tours to health centers since relaunching the program last year. On Friday, May 31, 15 BPHC employees visited Baltimore Medical System in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore Medical System was founded in 1984 and is currently the largest FQHC in Maryland, providing high-quality preventative and primary health care to over 60,000 patients in greater Baltimore. It operates 16 sites (half are school based) and five pharmacies.

15 BPHC staff joined by Baltimore Medical System’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ursula McClymont (second from right) and Vice President of Pharmacy, Dr. Dawn Jacobs (third from right)

We received feedback from a few BPHC participants about their experience:

“There’s no replacement for hearing the successes, challenges, and aspirations for communities from the health center staff themselves. Attending the tour not only strengthened the charge to support health centers, but it put a face to the many different health center staff (and patients).”

“The tour provided a valuable and insightful experience related to BPHC's work and the use of HRSA funding. I feel the tour allowed for a hands-on experience and solidified my understanding of HRSA’s and BPHC's work, achievements, and future direction related to health center performance and support.”

Missed the last few wrap-up articles about the Health Center Program tour? Read BPHC Staff Tour to Unity Health Center (November 2023) and BPHC Staff Tour to Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care (February 2024). If you are interested in participating in a tour, let your supervisor know.

Getting to know Patrick Patterson 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 Patrick Patterson, EHBs/BHCMIS Team Lead, Systems, OSBO:

When did you join the Bureau of Primary Health Care? How does your current role contribute to the Health Center Program? I joined BPHC in March 2016, one month after retiring from the Air Force. My current role as EHBs/BHCMIS Team Lead affords me the opportunity to lead a high-performing team in upgrading and maintaining BPHC-specific Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) modules referred to as BPHC Health Care Management Information Systems (BHCMIS). BPHC relies on BHCMIS to assist in managing HRSA program administration needs, reporting the performance of HRSA-funded programs, and improving business workflows. Our work helps facilitate the selection of appropriate grantees, monitor ongoing progress, and the dissemination of program results, contributing to meeting the agency's strategic goals and objectives. What is your proudest accomplishment? Successfully raising four beautiful, independent, and caring children. When I was a kid, I wanted to be: In the military! Goal accomplished — 30 years retired United States Air Force Chief Master Sergeant! What is your favorite kind of pie? Pecan pie, hands down. Learn more about Patrick. Email BPHC Insider to submit your name for a future Getting to Know.

HRSA & HHS Happenings

TODAY: HRSA Virtual Behavioral Health Townhall Join the HRSA Office of Special Health Initiatives for its quarterly Virtual Behavior Health Townhall series. Today’s session focuses on equitable access to care. 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET Registration page

AANHPI Employee Resource Group releases recordings of two events

Last month, the HRSA Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Employee Resource Group (ERG) held a roundtable discussion on AANHPI identity and what it means to its members, both on a domestic and a global scale. The event featured presentations from two AANHPI ERG members about their experiences and observations in the Peace Corps. Watch the recording of the May 22 Embracing AANHPI Identity at Home and Abroad: A Roundtable Discussion. Hear OSBO-Communications Division’s Devina Fan discuss her experience serving in Peru beginning at the 17:20-minute mark.

Devina Fan (OSBO-Communications) on left with her host sister, Magaly, in Otuzco, Cajamarca, Perú in 2005 during Devina's Peace Corps assignment.

The ERG also collaborated with the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs in highlighting HRSA-supported health centers serving the AANHPI communities in Texas and Arkansas. Leaders from the HOPE Clinic in Texas presented their success in serving the many different AAPI communities in the Houston area and Community Clinic NWA in Arkansas presented their success serving the Marshallese community in the Springdale area. Watch the recording of the May 28 Celebrating HRSA-Supported Health Centers Serving Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities.

Staffing Updates

BPHC job announcements

• Health Communications Specialist, GS-1001-12/13, Rockville only, government-wide, extended through TOMORROW, June 14.
• Supervisory Program Manager — Customer Experience Strategist, GS-340-15, Rockville only, closes TOMORROW, June 14.

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 All employees must complete "ITAS Training for Telework Employees" by Sunday, June 30. Access the training through the HRSA Learning Management System (LMS). Note: There is a known delay in receiving the certificate upon completion. After you complete the training, exit the LMS and reenter to check for your certificate. If the certificate is still not visible, email BPHCTraining@hrsa.gov. Read Getting to know Clinical Performance Improvement, the 15th in our series of Getting to Know Functional Areas/Divisions. Most users have already updated to the new Microsoft Teams. If you haven’t, you will be switched to it on Monday, July 1. For information or trainings, visit OIT’s Microsoft Teams SharePoint page For group exercise classes offered at the 5600 Fitness Center, see the June virtual group exercise class schedule (PDF). Read the June Fitness Center newsletter (PDF).

DWM Important Updates and Reminders

Final nominations for bargaining unit staff awards due Wednesday, June 26

It’s time once again to recognize staff for their hard work and contributions! Per the June 6 HRSA Broadcast email (PDF), this is the second and final call for staff (including self-nominations), peers, and supervisors to submit award nominations for bargaining unit (BUE) staff.

You may recognize outstanding achievements that occur any time in fiscal year 2024. Nominations must be submitted to BUEIncentiveAwards@hrsa.gov with the following subject title: Your Bureau/Office, Last Name, First Name. The deadline is Wednesday, June 26.

Forms:

• HRSA/NTEU Incentive Awards nomination form (PDF)
• Group Award Checklist (Excel)

Resources:

• 2024 HRSA/NTEU (BUE) Awards Guidance
• BUE Incentive Awards Nominations FAQ

Update your information in the global address list

Keep your information up to date in the global address list by following these steps:

1. Log in to https://adm.nih.gov/ with “hrsa/first initial last name” using Google Chrome (will not work in Microsoft Edge).

2. Enter your network password.

3. Click on HRSA Self Service.

4. Click on User Profile Editor.

5. After making all the necessary changes, click Save.

6. Click Exit.

NOTE: It takes 48 hours before the changes will take effect or replicate. Make sure you are connected to the HRSA network or VPN for your changes to take effect.

Mid-year performance reviews

The mid-year phase is now open in ePMAP! Progress reviews for your PMAP (Performance Management Appraisal Program) must be completed and signed by Wednesday, July 31. This is an excellent opportunity for supervisors and employees to collaborate on adjusting performance plans, reviewing telework agreements, work schedules, and leave plans.

Resources:

• HRSA PMAP SharePoint Site
• ePMAP training videos can be found on the OIT Training SharePoint site or you may refer to the ePMAP User Guide (PDF).
• HHS Performance Management Month intranet page to find learning opportunities and resources, including live and on-demand trainings.

If you have any questions, reach out to BPHCPMAP@hrsa.gov.

Training & Staff Development

TOMORROW: Deadline to apply to HRSA Inspiring Leaders Program

HRSA’s Inspiring Leaders Program (ILP) is now accepting applications through Friday, June 14. This is a leadership development program for GS 9-12 staff (or Commissioned Corps equivalent). For more information and details on the programs, visit the ILP SharePoint site.

BPHC Influencer Community of Practice: “DEIA Food for Thought”

Join us for the next Influencer Community of Practice session hosted by Mackenzie Galloway of DWM’s Organizational Development and Engagement Division. In this session, we will learn about and discuss implicit/unconscious bias and the levels of influence we have in mitigating our own biases. All BPHC staff are welcome to register!

Wednesday, June 26
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register in the LMS

OPM Workforce of the Future Playbook webinars

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Workforce of the Future Playbook (PDF) provides concrete actions that agencies can take to build and equip the workforce of the future, incorporating new strategies and sharing leading practices across government. Learn more at these OPM webinars:

TODAY: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Learning Community — Early Career Talent

Early career programs are a critical entry point into federal service, whether someone is entering the workforce for the first time or changing professions. At this learning community, you will discover leading practices and resources for recruiting and retaining early career talent; expand the understanding of how DEIA contributes to an inclusive work environment; and learn how to build an inclusive outreach strategy.

2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

DEIA Office Hours — The Workforce of the Future Playbook

OPM's Office of DEIA hosts its monthly office hours on the Workforce of the Future Playbook. This open format session will give you the opportunity to ask questions, share practices, and discuss how the Playbook plays a vital role in building our inclusive culture.

Thursday, June 27
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

BPHC BOOK Updates

Learn about the most recent updates to BPHC BOOK

BPHC BOOK is THE source of information for reaching the right people for a business need. It’s a living resource that reflects BPHC’s current state.

Reminder: The URL for BPHC BOOK changed in May! Make sure to update your bookmark to access this valuable resource (the old link no longer works). 

Point of contact additions

• Christie Onoda for Justice-Involved Populations Cases and Policy.
• Mark Pascu for Look-Alike Initial Designation (LAL-ID) Pre-award.
• Marc Clark for Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act (NHHCIA) Pre-award.
• Itege Bailey for How to Become a Health Center Pre-award.
• Kimberly Sharpe-Scott for Look-Alike Annual Certification (LAL-AC) Pre-designation and Look-Alike Renewal Designation (LAL-RD) Pre-designation.
• Ashley Foster for Technical Assistance/Site Visit Contracts.
• Nicole Holland for the COVID-19 Testing Supply Program.
• Vanessa Fuentes for the COVID-19 Therapeutics Program.
• Sophia Adamantiades for the Quality Improvement Fund (QIF) — Post-award.

Topics added or updated

• Technical Assistance/Site Visit Contracts
• OHCPM Health Center Administrative/Communication
• OHCPM Health Center Data
• OHCPM Tip Sheets
• Strategic Partnerships Data Analysis

In May, 148 staff used BPHC BOOK.

Help keep BPHC BOOK accurate: Send errors/omissions to your office BOOK Club member (listed on the Help page). Don’t forget to share your feedback in this two-question survey.

Health & Wellness

Upcoming wellness webinars

WorkLife4You is a 24/7 personalized assistance program that provides guidance on health and wellness. To access resources, log in to WorkLife4You with username hrsa and password hrsa. You may also call 800-222-0364; TTY: 888-262-7848. See upcoming webinar featured below.

For additional resources, see HRSA’s WorkLife Programs page.

Eating Right on the Run and On a Budget

Review strategies for quick, inexpensive meals that are good choices. Learn the basics of eating healthy within your financial means.

Tuesday, June 18
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
Registration page

Quick Links

• BPHC Information and Resources (BIR)
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• BPHC Graphics
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